Winter Build Off 2026 - 5 String Fenderbacker

[Lo-E]

Slightly smaller big one:

View attachment 7432563

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

+1

 

[Slidlow]

Slightly smaller big one:

View attachment 7432563

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

Yes

 

[mapleglo]

Took a little time to do some positioning for the neck. I don't think I'll do any routing today, but I did some preliminary work.

I also ordered some plexiglass for the pickguard/control panel. That should arrive tomorrow. I'll wait until the neck pocket, pickup, and bridge routs are done before I cut the the plexiglass.

 

[postalflunkie]

Like this?

View attachment 7432562

Like that!

 

[Flying B]

Although on the whole I'm anti-pickguard when nice wood is involved, in this case the larger one looks better than the smaller one.

 

[Gary_M]

Slightly smaller big one:

View attachment 7432563

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

 

[mapleglo]

Started routing the neck pocket this morning.

And after several passes with the router, it was done.

Maybe a little more work later.

 

[mapleglo]

Spent a little time positioning the bridge.

The keen-eyed among you may have noticed I trimmed down the center beam slightly so the neck would go in. I also realized today I'll have to order a neck plate. I'm wondering if I should finally get one made up that says "Fenderbacker".

 

[Bruce Johnson]

I'm wondering if I should finally get one made up that says "Fenderbacker".

Maybe you'll get Cease And Desist Letters from both companies! Mount them both in one frame on the wall.

It might be fun to make up a logo that's half and half of the two font styles......

 

[mapleglo]

It might be fun to make up a logo that's half and half of the two font styles......

I had this one on my last fenderbacker build:

 

[mapleglo]

The string tree and neck plate came in yesterday:

But didn't really get any other work done because we were at the Renaissance Festival. Most of the basses were upright. Huzzah!

 

[mapleglo]

Did a final routing setup this morning and began routing the bridge rout.

And done.

And since I had the router out and was in "router mode" I figured I'd rout the pickups as well. I was happy to see the wire channels in both the bridge rout and pickup routs.

I should also mention that the black plexiglass arrived

At this point, the next step is to start cutting out the body shape. Then it'll start looking like a bass.

 

[Gary_M]

I was happy to see the wire channels in both the bridge rout and pickup routs.

That's always a relief, isn't it?

 

[mapleglo]

Rough cut.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

I have what i call "work anesthesia", where the first I know I'm cut is seeing blood on the wood, but I guessing you... noticed... that one. Glad the damage wasn't too bad. My entire Free range childhood was a Tale of Blood and Explosives.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Build looks great, BTW, per your usual impressive skills and detemination. How many builds you up to now, I've lost count, but i think it's at least twice my tiny output?

 

[mapleglo]

I lost count as well. I've also taken as many apart as I've built, so do I count those? Who knows?

Anyway, I did some sanding this morning.

Some may notice there is a chip missing from the lower mid section. I dropped the piece after I set it down. Ugh. The lower wing is starting to separate at the bottom as well. I can see light through that area. I may have to squeeze some epoxy through there, or maybe glue, or something, and glue that chip back in. Or I just may leave it as is - it seems pretty stable, and with the bridge screwed in, that will support it even more. I'll think on it.

 

[13ghosts]

Arghhh!

 

[Bonkersville]

Hi. Nice build. May I ask what the top wood is? I tried reading through this thread again but didn't find anything.

I would guess big leaf maple but the color is more cherry like or close to some of the alder we have here. At least in the photos. I like the subtle contrast with the center laminate.

Cheers,
Ville

 

[mapleglo]

Hi. Nice build. May I ask what the top wood is? I tried reading through this thread again but didn't find anything.

I would guess big leaf maple but the color is more cherry like or close to some of the alder we have here. At least in the photos. I like the subtle contrast with the center laminate.

Cheers,
Ville

Thanks! Yes, it's some kind of maple. When I bought it, they didn't say what type of maple it was. It's not very hard, and it's not very heavy.