Winter Build Off 2026 - 5 String Fenderbacker

[mapleglo]

So I started going at it with the sanding block but that's too much work. I'll have to level both sides with the router.

The good news is I finally got the stitches out!

 

[Lo-E]

Ol’ Zipper Thumb is back in action!

 

[Matt Liebenau]

Ol’ Zipper Thumb is back in action!

Ol’ Zipper Thumb needs to go on the headstock.

 

[the baint]

I’m late to the updates here, so I’m happy to see your hand healed in about 20 seconds, from injury to stitches removal.

 

[the baint]

But in all seriousness, I’m relieved to see it didn’t take you out of commission! Your builds are fun to follow.

 

[mapleglo]

I was unable to see well enough to level out the surfaces with the router so I just used the electric belt sander. It's not as precise, but it also won't do as much damage if not set up incorrectly I think.

It came out OK I think. Next step is to rout out the cavities, starting with the neck cavity. I have a gig tomorrow, so I'll start on that on Saturday I think, assuming I survive. It is Friday the 13th tomorrow...

 

[mapleglo]

That is the headstock, with Hipshot Ultralite tuners installed. This is another example of the headstock area at the B string tuner being too thin for the tuner to be properly tightened down. I've noticed this in at least one previous 5 string Fender neck. So I've learned 2 things today. The washer from a black "Y" type 1/2" Hipshot tuner does not fit on these cloverleaf style tuners, and with enough persistence, one can make a washer that fits these tuners so that the "B" tuner can be made to fit. It just takes a little time, a couple of drill bits, a big reamer, and a big drill press.

It also looks like I may need to buy some kind of string tree.

 

[mapleglo]

OK, I wanted to play around with ideas for the control panel, and I like the idea of a tear drop shaped pick guard. I'm undecided between larger or smaller sized.

Opinions?

 

[Matt Liebenau]

OK, I wanted to play around with ideas for the control panel, and I like the idea of a tear drop shaped pick guard. I'm undecided between larger or smaller sized.

View attachment 7432410

View attachment 7432411

Opinions?

Of the two I’d probably pick the smaller one as long as you can fit all the controls you want on it. The larger one looks more 4005ish. However, as always, it’s your bass and go with your preference.

 

[gooseontheloose]

I love the smaller teardrop! Not only do I think it looks nice at that size, but I think the grain of that poplar is gorgeous and you can’t hide too much of it

In any case, the more pointed cover is really cool. I think the only Ric I’ve seen with the teardrop is Al Cisneros’ - and as much as I love Sleep, I think it looks a little funny with the rounded bottom. Yours is perfect!

 

[postalflunkie]

Smaller one, but maybe position it closer to the centerline

 

[mapleglo]

Thanks for the replies. Interesting, I thought I would like the smaller one as well, but when I made the images, I ended up liking the larger one. Maybe I'll try moving the smaller one around a little to see if I like it better toward the pickups.

 

[Slidlow]

Thanks for the replies. Interesting, I thought I would like the smaller one as well, but when I made the images, I ended up liking the larger one. Maybe I'll try moving the smaller one around a little to see if I like it better toward the pickups.

I’m with you on the larger one

 

[mapleglo]

I kind of like the last one best I think.

There will be three things on the pick guard, two controls, volume and blend, and an output jack.

 

[mapleglo]

Though the middle one is speaking to me as well.

 

[Reedt2000]

View attachment 7432558

View attachment 7432559

View attachment 7432560

I kind of like the last one best I think.

There will be three things on the pick guard, two controls, volume and blend, and an output jack.

I'd like to see the middle one, with the pickguard a little closer to the edge so the space between the pickups and pickguard was the same as the space between the pickguard and the edge of the body.

 

[mapleglo]

I'd like to see the middle one, with the pickguard a little closer to the edge so the space between the pickups and pickguard was the same as the space between the pickguard and the edge of the body.

Like this?

 

[Matt Liebenau]

Like this?

View attachment 7432562

That looks good if you’re going with the smaller one.

 

[mapleglo]

Slightly smaller big one:

I'm actually tending toward this slightly smaller bigger one.

 

[Reedt2000]

Like this?

View attachment 7432562

Off all the small one examples I like this placement best. The big one you just posted has the most Ric feel to it, and as such maybe suits this bass best.