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Winter Build Off 2019 - EB Bass VI for gNat

2groggy

2groggy

Jan 17, 2015
1,434
5,208
62
Toronto, Canada
#1
Natalie plays a cheap knock off strat with a Bass VI conversion neck, so she and I are going to build her something with a more interesting shape but still a bass VI.
  • Tobias shape
  • Walnut
  • reclaimed Bass VI conversion neck from the guit in my profile picture... neck originally purchased from a guy on ebay (PM me if you want an introduction)
  • Electronics currently hidden under some tree
Mashup POW for gNat.jpg
 
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#2
The template was drawn and cut based on a picture sent bu @ctmullins (thanks again).

Now I am looking for advice on how best to cut and join the bodies for this and my other build. Both bodies are about 1.5 inches wider than the plank, so I can't just make single slab bodies. I see three options:

Option 1 - join small pieces only at the widest spots
JoinsAtWidestBouts

JoinsAtWidestBouts

Option 1 for cutting body blanks - Join on small extensions to the wings only at the widest bouts

Option 2 - cut half bodies and put the joins along the centre lines (won't be book matched)
JoinAlongCentreLine

JoinAlongCentreLine

Option 2 for body blanks - cut half bodies and join

Option 3 - Re-saw the walnut to 1/4 thick bookmatched sheets and make the bodies' cores out of something cheap but stable. no picture.

I'm open to any options except burning the walnut or sending it to someone who can promise it a better home.
 
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#4
Agree, option 2 would be my choice. But I've done option 1 successfully as well. If the grain matches it can be nearly invisible.
 
#9
2groggy said:
The template was drawn and cut based on a picture sent bu @ctmullins (thanks again).

Now I am looking for advice on how best to cut and join the bodies for this and my other build. Both bodies are about 1.5 inches wider than the plank, so I can't just make single slab bodies. I see three options:

Option 1 - join small pieces only at the widest spots
JoinsAtWidestBouts

JoinsAtWidestBouts

Option 1 for cutting body blanks - Join on small extensions to the wings only at the widest bouts

Option 2 - cut half bodies and put the joins along the centre lines (won't be book matched)
JoinAlongCentreLine

JoinAlongCentreLine

Option 2 for body blanks - cut half bodies and join

Option 3 - Re-saw the walnut to 1/4 thick bookmatched sheets and make the bodies' cores out of something cheap but stable. no picture.

I'm open to any options except burning the walnut or sending it to someone who can promise it a better home.
Click to expand...

Option 3 if you have mad resawing skilz. Otherwise, option 2.
 
#12
Actually, I did post that I am open to other options. :cool:

gNat chose @Jon Clegg 's option 4. I just got started on planing down the three pieces for the body before Mrs. Groggy assigned me a task which will burn the entire weekend. I'll have to catch up next week.

The three pieces are seeming heavy, so I may try to chamber them in between the neck pocket and bridge before I glue them up.
 
#14
So here is what needs to be chambered. I don't have any way to resaw it, so I'm planing to drill in from the sides of the joints before gluing. I'll avoid the neck pocket and bridge. Better ideas are always appreciated.
Toby Bsss VI Body Lumber

Toby Bsss VI Body Lumber


Here's a draft layout of the string-through bridge, black soap-bars and control panel fashioned from a prized Stranglers 45 (JJ is my favourite bassist and gNat will be indoctrinated accordingly). The track is Strange Little Girl and that seems to suit her.
GNat Toby Bass VI Layout

GNat Toby Bass VI Layout

 
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#16
2groggy said:
So here is what needs to be chambered. I don't have any way to resaw it, so I'm planing to drill in from the sides of the joints before gluing. I'll avoid the neck pocket and bridge. Better ideas are always appreciated.
Toby Bsss VI Body Lumber

Toby Bsss VI Body Lumber


Here's a draft layout of the string-through bridge, black soap-bars and control panel fashioned from a prized Stranglers 45 (JJ is my favourite bassist and gNat will be indoctrinated accordingly). The track is Strange Little Girl and that seems to suit her.
GNat Toby Bass VI Layout

GNat Toby Bass VI Layout

Click to expand...
That's such a cool idea.

Are you going to machine a recess so that the 45 sits flush? Or will it sit proud?
 
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#17
5tring said:
That's such a cool idea.

Are you going to machine a recess so that the 45 sits flush? Or will it sit proud?
Click to expand...
I've used 45s before. The one in my avatar is "Secret Agent Man" by Johnny Rivers. They are very brittle, so sometimes I fibreglass the underside before cutting the necessary holes.

I had planned to cut out a rectangle around the bridge and leave the control plate proud. Now that you ask, the thought occurs that the 45 could be recessed and mounted permanently, with back access to the control cavity.
 
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