Winter Build Off 2019 - EB Bass VI for gNat

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

 

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 by 2groggy posted Dec 26, 2018 at 3:00 PM

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

JoinAlongCentreLine by 2groggy posted Dec 26, 2018 at 3:01 PM

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.

 

Thanks for the advice, all. @Jon Clegg , I'm liking the sounds of option 4.

 

Actually, I did post that I am open to other options.

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.

 

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 by 2groggy posted Jan 5, 2019 at 2:49 PM

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 by 2groggy posted Jan 5, 2019 at 2:49 PM

 

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.

 

The body got chambered and glued up last night. I'll take pictures when I get a moment.

 

I un-clamped the and rough cut the shape with a 4" Miwaulkee band saw mounted to my table saw. Routing will follow in a day or two.
(crud - I forgot to upload the photo, gimme a sec)
edit - add photo

TobyBodyBlankCut by 2groggy posted Jan 9, 2019 at 10:33 PM