Winter 2017 build off- carbon headless bass

[Gilmourisgod]

You could probably sell the "reject" pivot plate on eBay, the originals are unobtanium.

 

[MPU]

You could probably sell the "reject" pivot plate on eBay, the originals are unobtanium.

If I could have an original for loan I could make a mold out of it. Then those plates would be easy to obtain.

 

[Beej]

I'm practically speechless. It's absolutely stunning - so well done.

Thank you so much for sharing your process...

 

[MPU]

New pivot plate clearcoated.

I've played this bass every night. The more I play the more I like it. Ergonomics with pivot plate is great and I really, really like the playability and sound of this bass.
Making cf instrument differs from wooden bass in one significant way. If you don't like the neck thickness or profile you can't reshape. The neck is what it is. I remember copying the profile from a wenge necked headless I liked a lot. Maybe that's why this bass feels so familiar right away.
Hoping to have the new pivot plate finished on Sunday.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

The neck on my Steinberger XP-2 is my favorite of any bass I own by far, its 1-1/2" width at the nut, like a Jazz bass, but very round in profile, like a fat "C", that I find very comfortable. It has much less taper then most basses running up the board, so it feels very fast overall. Friends who have played it find it too thin, but it fits my hands like a glove. The most striking aspect of headless CF basses to me is how well they stay in tune. Ordinary changes in temperature and humidity don't have any perceptible effect on the action, and the in-line micrometer tuners just do not slip. Once the strings are done stretching, and witness points established, mine will stay in tune for weeks or months at a time. I bought my XP-2 in 1986 as an affordable alternative to an XL model, even then they were over $1000 if IIRC, which was boutique range in 86'. I love having what amounts to a "solid state" instrument that feels exactly the same every time I pick it up. Hope you enjoy many years playing this bass!

 

[Ruckus_Instrmts]

Just went through this whole thread and just...WOW! Fantastic work. Makes me want to build one now.

 

[PDX Rich]

So very cool man. Well done!

 

[MPU]

First rehearsals played with the bass. I love the ergonomics and playability. Perfect balance on the strap and the new pivot plate brings the bass to the right reach. I really like the clear and articulate sound of the bass, it sits great in the mix. I play straight to the mixer and in ear monitors.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

I found the lack of an elbow rest encouraged a more "floating thumb" technique instead of anchoring on the pickup, which I think was good for me long term. They feel very different than a standard bass to me, mostly for the better, which makes you realize how un-ergonomic many instruments are.

 

[MPU]

So far I have missed nothing compared to "normal" basses. No need for hand rest or support from the body in any way. The pivot plate anchors the bass at correct position and from there on it's just like any bass.

 

[MPU]

And completely finished with decal on. Decal is not level with the top clearcoat but this will do. Next time I'm spraying clear I may spray the top with few coats.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Unbelievable build. Next?

 

[MPU]

Back to wood. Six-string 30" scale for a friend.

 

[Finnigan's wake]

 

[Joshua]

 

[Phil Mastro]

I assume it's been asked already, but how much does it weigh?

I never occurred to me that it would be possible to get that level of quality for a composite build in a hobby setting. Very impressive.

 

[MPU]

It's around 3,5kg. I played it this morning and I'm getting more and more pleased with this bass. I like the sound especially. Even with slightly played strings where the clear ringing has dulled a bit the bass sounds so articulate and defined. Uncle Leo was sure into something I like a lot when he designed the Stingray preamp. It beats EMG preamp hands down without any question.
Thanks for everyone who has commented and liked my build. I don't think this is so special as you make it look like but I'm biased for sure.

 

[Jon Clegg]

And completely finished with decal on. Decal is not level with the top clearcoat but this will do. Next time I'm spraying clear I may spray the top with few coats.View attachment 1069932 View attachment 1069933

Your bass is ready, Lord Vader.

 

[PDX Rich]

I am with Toki Wartooth on this one.

Truly excellent work, sir!

 

[MPU]

This is my submission for the Winter-2017 Build off

This build off asked the builder to challenge themselves with things they've never done before. This is my list

-using aluminium tape as mold surface (pivot plate)
-heat curing carbon fiber parts
-using Luminlay side dots
-using Steinberger DB bridge
-CNC-machining parts (headpiece)
-using water based colours under 2-pack clearcoat
-making custom potentiometer that really works

Specs of this build:
Neck and body: Carbon fiber/epoxy vacuum laminated heat cured composite
Fingerboard: Richlite composite
Fingerboard radius: 10 degrees
Scale Length: 34 inches
Tuners/Bridge: Steinberger licenced DB headless, MPU custom headpiece
Pickups: MPU custom P-style
Electronics:MPU Stingray 2-band with custom bass/treble stacked potentiometer
Finish: 2-pack acrylic
Strings: Status double ball end roundwounds

Soundclip at Maihinnousu - Lataa - MPU - Headless carbon fiber bass

Thanks for watching this build!