WBO 25?

[Alex Xander]

G’day Luthiers Corner,

With @Beej taking some time out, I thought I would make a post to gauge interest in a winter build off (summer if you’re in the southern hemisphere).

I think they’re a great thing and that they encourage us to push each other. I would be happy to take the role of maintaining the main thread and sorting out the voting threads.

What are people’s thoughts? If there’s some interest, perhaps we can start throwing around some ideas for themes.

Cheerio,

Alex

 

[postalflunkie]

I'm in! New shop, hardware for two builds lumber for one (but that can be fixed), got a few templates made up already...
Can't wait to see what the theme turnes out to be

 

[Slidlow]

Yes if the selected theme fits what I have on hand or planned (always flexible).

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Love watching these WBO's as an interested specatator, though I am far too slow a builder to make any of the deadlines. Hope the Tradition continues.

 

[Reedt2000]

Im not in a position to participate this year, but I still really enjoy the build off so would love to spectate.

Maybe a "local pride" theme? Build something that connects to your area of the world. Could be materials, could be a genre of music, could be local style, colors of a flag, whatever. I know there's a ton of geographic diversity round here. Could be cool to showcase it. Also allows for design flexibility.

 

[Beej]

Thanks @Alex Xander ! This thread is a good chance to discuss the present and future.

Although I'm fairly recovered from my medically-related 'fun' this past spring, things are still a bit hit and miss, and I worry about my ability to steer it through from start to finish. I don't want to let anyone down again.

I'm happy to provide my tracking sheet and project plan. I'm also happy to stay involved in the WBO, but I just probably should not be the key person this time around.

 

[Why Nautilus‽]

Thanks @Alex Xander ! This thread is a good chance to discuss the present and future.

Although I'm fairly recovered from my medically-related 'fun' this past spring, things are still a bit hit and miss, and I worry about my ability to steer it through from start to finish. I don't want to let anyone down again.

I'm happy to provide my tracking sheet and project plan. I'm also happy to stay involved in the WBO, but I just probably should not be the key person this time around.

I’m glad to hear you’re doing better!

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Now if somebody could just start the "Glacial Build Progress Club", I'd be IN! Like watching grass grow, but slower, and less scintillating. The lazy-man's thread, you only have to check in every couple months to see the startlingly incremental achievements. Sigh. At this rate, my lifetime output will be something like six basses.

 

[Beej]

I’m glad to hear you’re doing better!

Yeah, its been a bit up and down. I wish there was a moral to the story, but sometimes it's just all about happening.

 

[Matt Liebenau]

Thanks @Alex Xander ! This thread is a good chance to discuss the present and future.

Although I'm fairly recovered from my medically-related 'fun' this past spring, things are still a bit hit and miss, and I worry about my ability to steer it through from start to finish. I don't want to let anyone down again.

I'm happy to provide my tracking sheet and project plan. I'm also happy to stay involved in the WBO, but I just probably should not be the key person this time around.

Yeah, I’m glad you’re recovering as well. Taking care of yourself should be your priority. Spectate the build off and help as you’re able. Better to have you around the LC long term.

 

[ctmullins]

Now if somebody could just start the "Glacial Build Progress Club", I'd be IN! Like watching grass grow, but slower, and less scintillating. The lazy-man's thread, you only have to check in every couple months to see the startlingly incremental achievements. Sigh. At this rate, my lifetime output will be something like six basses.

Maybe we could have a "Winter 2025/26/27/28" build-off....

hahahaha

I crack myself up

Anyway, I haven't been building much lately, simply because I now have a crap-ton of instruments, and I've actually been playing them and recording them. What a concept! But I still have a few builds kicking around in my brain, so - if the theme appeals, I'm in!

 

[gormsby]

I have one project too far underway to count, and no others in mind, so I'd be out this time around.

 

[NedRyerson]

My goal for 2026 is to finally build a bass for myself. I don't think I'd be able to fit it into the timeline of a build-off given the opportunities to get to our country house in this part of the year and my new job (well, "new" as of April '25), but I do definitely enjoy watching others' projects and processes to get inspiration and guidance for my own.

 

[Crawforde]

I’ve moved recently and should have a shed up to do woodwork in by mid December. I’m not sure how much time I Will have, but I should have all the materials I need and a vague plan to make a lot of shavings and splinters.

 

[Alex Xander]

So it seems there is no shortage of people wanting to participate, but timing is as issue.

I’ll float the idea of a 2026 build off. Builds must start on 2026 and be finished by December 1 2026. 11 months. That would leave lots of room for planning and us all juggling the other commitments we have.

@Beej I’m sorry I haven’t gotten around to replying to you PM. It’s been a crazy week.

 

[JFlo]

I like the idea of a year-long build off. Nothing stopping folks from multiple builds if they want.

 

[rickwrench]

I'd be in this year, but only for the traditional 90 day build-off competition. I have an idea I'm sure I could rationalize into any potential category.

Stretching it out to a full year... no, absolutely not in favor...
The build-off would no longer be a rule and time constrained "friendly competition" with that looming deadline pressure keeping things moving.
I'd lose interest PDQ. And it would be months between build update posts.
The project instruments would become just another low (or zero) priority project, parked in the corner. My guess is that you'd have just as many (probably more), missed deadlines in a yearlong contest than you would in the 90 day contest. Procrastinators gonna procrastinate.
A year-long build-off timeframe would just eliminate all motivation.

If going that route, you might as well just trash the build-off rules and pick a "bass of the year". Any bass -finished- that calendar year would be eligible.

 

[Crawforde]

If going that route, you might as well just trash the build-off rules and pick a "bass of the year". Any bass -finished- that calendar year would be eligible.

Maybe it doesn’t have to be an either/or proposition.
Some of us are raring to go, with space, a plan and maybe some materials, others not so much.
I really like the normal build off challenge and all it entails, but the bass of the year sounds fun for those of us who aren’t up to speed this year.

 

[Alex Xander]

Maybe it doesn’t have to be an either/or proposition.
Some of us are raring to go, with space, a plan and maybe some materials, others not so much.
I really like the normal build off challenge and all it entails, but the bass of the year sounds fun for those of us who aren’t up to speed this year.

So here’s an idea -
Winter and summer build offs, per what Beej has run, and we finish the year with a “Bass of the Year” poll for any bass finished in 2026 that has (as a minimum) a partially documented build on Talkbass.

 

[ddm0502]

I like the idea of the year long build off. In my garage shop, the coldest parts of winter and hottest parts of summer are unworkable. I'll try to participate in a traditional winter build off, weather permitting, but can't promise it.

As to my build, I've been wanting to repurpose the hardware from my first ever build into something I'll actually play. My first build was very rough so I haven't touched it in quite some time. I also have quite a bit of scrap and offcuts taking up space in my shop that I need to use. Regardless of the theme, I'll find a way to make this plan work with it.