Winter Build-off 2022 - The Phoenixbacker

[StereoPlayer]

IMO, the best part of every build off! Subbed!

 

[mapleglo]

Dont keep us in suspense! Standard 4003 body shape with your beautiful headstock, or are you bending the mold a little?

That's the current plan.

 

[Slidlow]

Guess it depends on the string. These Rotosounds fit in just about perfect on this one and De Addario Chromes fit well on this other fiver.

 

[ctmullins]

Are those also 32” scale, @Slidlow ?

 

[Slidlow]

Are those also 32” scale, @Slidlow ?

I was trying to reply to post #20 re 34" scale not fitting well. Long scale strings won't fit well on 32" so medium scale is what you need.

 

[mapleglo]

I'm not sure what the confusion is all about regarding strings. I've built a few basses in my time, and have bought strings to fit without any issues. I've used 3x2, 4x1, 2x3, and 5 in a row tuner configurations using 30", 32" 33.25", and 34" scale lengths all with success. So I believe all your fears are unwarranted.

But, you know, thanks for the tips.

 

[ctmullins]

Served!!

 

[Jeff Siddall]

Sub'd!

 

[RichterScale]

My only concern is the amount of participants and level of skill in this build-off. If I'm gonna have a chance, I'll have to resort to sabotage and character assassination.

 

[mapleglo]

I'd like to apologize in advance (or maybe in retrospect) about my demeanor. I'm having some issues with my band and that is just coupled with getting old (I know, it sucks but everyone is doing it) and I am unusually crotchety these days. So sorry, but I'm also too old to change. I feel the worst for my Husband, as he has to live with me.

Anyway, the current plan is to do this bass as a 32" scale length, with a 3x2 tuner configuration. However, I might also go with 2x3 depending on how I fly that particular day. And I'll likely use those DR Hi-beams I used on the Hello Kitty bass. They sound and fit pretty darn good.

 

[Slidlow]

No apologies needed or expected! Haven't seen any reason for one yet. So short scale is 30-32" I believe. You can physically check the string with the chosen bridge to see where the end falls. I had to do that on my ebony 5 as I used a non standard 880mm scale which is very close to 34 5/8". My latest ebony 6 will have the same length as well. I've got another odd scale project coming up and I'll have more fun with string lengths on it.

 

[ThudThudThud]

Nobody shows their hair in these builds anymore...!

Looking forward to seeing the build.

 

[slowburnaz]

Sub'd

 

[Flamingo21]

I'm in.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Im building a 32" scale myself right now, there does seem to be some confusion if 32" is Short or Medium scale. Ive gotten burned on that before with my sons Jay Turser violin bass, about the only strings I could find that would fit right were Labella DTF's, the "speaking length" of various brands can vary by enough to matter. I like D'addario strings, figured I'll just call them and tell them what the length is from bridge to posts, and let them recommend the right strings. I.actually started a thread on this issue, and got ten different answers, so the Confusion isnt just in my brain. Im hoping the 32" scale will be a little easier on my increasingly arthritic hands.

 

[postalflunkie]

I've been favoring 32 inch scale lately, I use GHS medium scale strings.

 

[mapleglo]

Nobody shows their hair in these builds anymore...!

Looking forward to seeing the build.

Hair shot from practice today.

 

[pedrodelawasp]

View attachment 4513408

So yeah, another Ric style build. 5 piece neck - maple/walnut, I have 2 sets of tops, so I'm planning to use them both for front and back with a walnut core, and I threw a few of the hardware pieces in the picture, though I think I posted a pic of those in the main thread. I also show the tube of fretwire, stainless, and the two truss rods.

The whole renewal/rebirth theme actually fits well for this build. As some of you may know, I was pretty sick there for a while back in 2019, and actually couldn't finish my Hello Kitty bass build in time for the 2019 build-off - in fact, it was only about 2 years later that I was able to finally finish it. So this will really be my first scratch build since my recovery. In a real sense, a renewal or rebirth of my bass building.

Anyway, this will be entered in the scratch build category. I'm looking at a medium scale 32", maple and walnut, neck through, with figured maple front and back, 5 strings B to G, Schaller bridge, Hipshot tuners, Lace Alumitone pickup(s) (still haven't decided if I'll use one or two), all black hardware.

I think that covers all the rules - let me know if I missed anything. I'm told "Chemo-brain" lasts years in some people and I sometimes even have trouble remembering my name...

Sorry to hear you had health problems but also glad to see you’re ready to get building again!

Wishing you all the best with the build and with the most important stuff too!

 

[Rôckhewer]

Subbed!

Great to see you back at it my friend!!

Remember... if you ever need to use a big ol laser again...or anything else really...(my shop is pretty equipped these days )
Come visit me in Chandler.!!
Cheers to feeling better!

 

[mapleglo]

OK, finally started on this build. First sawdust!

Neck glued up. I probably should have cleaned off my workbench before I started, but I didn't want to disturb the 2 year old grime. It's vintage!

Anyway, I'll probably let that cure for two days as it's pretty chilly in the shop. Out here in Phoenix, that means below 65 degrees...