Winter Build Off 2026 - 5 String Fenderbacker

[Lo-E]

It’s only a matter of time before the “Which masking tape brand sounds the most vintage” thread.

I’m a 3M guy from way back, personally.

 

[mapleglo]

It’s only a matter of time before the “Which masking tape brand sounds the most vintage” thread.

I’m a 3M guy from way back, personally.

Or, "What's the best masking tape for metal?"

 

[mapleglo]

A few pics. The last 2 are thumbnails, full size. Click to embiggen. I still haven't decided whether or not to add 2 additional screws on the pickguard. It really needs them, but I hate to do it. I also should add a thumb rest, but for now, I'm just using the neck pickup.

 

[TerribleTim68]

I know the back looks good, but to me this is the show-stopper right here -

That area is just beautiful. I absolutely love that burl-y bit with the weird twisted grain flowing into it.
There's more of it on the lower half, but most of that is covered up by the pickguard. I don't care what anyone says, that was the best pieces for the top. I'll die on this hill.

 

[mapleglo]

I know the back looks good, but to me this is the show-stopper right here -

View attachment 7464573

That area is just beautiful. I absolutely love that burl-y bit with the weird twisted grain flowing into it.
There's more of it on the lower half, but most of that is covered up by the pickguard. I don't care what anyone says, that was the best pieces for the top. I'll die on this hill.

Thanks. If I could do it all over again, I'd have gone with one pickup, wired straight to a side-mounted output jack, with no controls or pickguard. Meh, bygones.

 

[Lo-E]

I know the back looks good, but to me this is the show-stopper right here

I know a stripper who’s been saying that for years.

 

[woodyng2]

Well, i just went backward through all of this thread at once, from your link on the Rick thread.
Turned out a Beautiful bass. I had a question(s) about the bridge design.
What was the purpose of the aluminum base and/or why didn’t you mount the individual bridge peices directly to the wood?
That was a huge cavity excavated for that plate.
Bear in mind I have absolutely zero knowledge/skills about building anything……

 

[mapleglo]

Well, i just went backward through all of this thread at once, from your link on the Rick thread.
Turned out a Beautiful bass. I had a question(s) about the bridge design.
What was the purpose of the aluminum base and/or why didn’t you mount the individual bridge peices directly to the wood?
That was a huge cavity excavated for that plate.
Bear in mind I have absolutely zero knowledge/skills about building anything……

Two reasons. First, mounting the individual bridge pieces directly to wood presents a problem with grounding. I'd have to either ground one bridge piece and use a metal nut or ground each bridge piece individually. I didn't want to do either. And secondly, I felt that using an aluminum bridge plate would be a much stronger bond between the strings and body.

 

[mapleglo]

Gigged with the bass yesterday. The band really loved it, said it sounded great. I should have some sound clips as soon as I get some time to go though them.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Nothing beats a good looking woman with a good looking bass! You look like you are having fun, great build. Looking forward to sound clips. I'm envying your shorts-ready weather, still getting temps in the upper 30-40 degree range in Ye Olde New England. Winter hangs on until ....bam! It's spring.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Hey, are those “compression “ gloves? I have some thumb joint arthritis in my picking (right) hand, my son gave me a pair for Easter. Haven’t decided if they help with the thumb joint yet. I’ve had to switch to nearly 100% pick, finger plucking just hurts. Hoping these may keep the joint aligned.

 

[mapleglo]

Hey, are those “compression “ gloves? I have some thumb joint arthritis in my picking (right) hand, my son gave me a pair for Easter. Haven’t decided if they help with the thumb joint yet. I’ve had to switch to nearly 100% pick, finger plucking just hurts. Hoping these may keep the joint aligned.

Yes, compression gloves. Helps with my tendonitis.

 

[JIO]

Though I'll play my new bass a bit today also.

View attachment 7443455

Nice - is it a late '60s Tele?

And can you tell if the aluminum bridge block makes a difference in sound?

 

[mapleglo]

Nice - is it a late '60s Tele?

And can you tell if the aluminum bridge block makes a difference in sound?

Yes, 1969 Telecaster bass. NBD thread here.

Hard to tell if the aluminum block makes a difference since I have nothing to compare it to, other than basses without the aluminum block, which I don't know if it's a fair comparison, since so many other differences exist. Sorry for the run-on sentence. I like to think it makes a difference. Bruce Johnson seems to think it makes a difference and I respect his opinion.

 

[mapleglo]

Video from Tuesday's gig. Sorry about the contrast issue, it's a known problem. Also, sorry about the vocal mix. The bass should be loud enough, at least with headphones.

 

[Lo-E]

Hey, that sounds like a bass!

 

[mapleglo]

Here's my submission for the WBO26 Partial Build category

Specifications
Neck: Purchased, Fender Precision American Deluxe 2002 Five string
Body: Multi-layered, figured maple, laminate walnut, laminate oak, 4/4 walnut, laminate oak, laminate walnut, figured maple sandwich wings. Center beam Poplar with walnut laminates.
Scale Length: 34 inch
Tuners: Hipshot Ultralites Cloverleaf
Bridge: Babicz SoloRails mounted to a 1/2" aluminum plate
Pickups: Lace Aluma Stealth Bass Soap Bar 5 Pickups
Electronics: Passive volume and blend controls, 250K
Finish: Watco Danish Oil, Howard Feed-N-Wax
Strings: D'Addario EXL220-5 Nickle Wound Super Light Gauge
Weight: 9 pounds
Strap Locks: Schaller
String Retainer: Hipshot

(Pardon the backing tracks)

*edited to fix a typo

 

[AK4570]

Love the Fender/Ric mashup, Nexy!

Nice work!

 

[postalflunkie]

Beautiful bass Nexy.
Always a delight to see what you bring to the WBO

 

[daveman50]

So what do you think about those pickups? I happen to love them, but I'm interested to hear from you.