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Woodpower bass

Yet another "pissed-pecker" (poor Woody) - this one on a HONDA Racing (motorcycle) ball-cap. No cigar, but he seems to be smokin' mad - gggrrrrrr!!!

adcyif2E.jpg

That might be a better body choice. I'm sure it would be a tad more comfortable to play.
 
That might be a better body choice. I'm sure it would be a tad more comfortable to play.

I realized this thread is more of a thinking-out-loud for me, and the closer it gets to being 3D, the more it evolves. Preliminary scale estimates based on the original concept puts the body in the g-normous dept. A prop at best as it would be pointy, heavy and L-O-N-G. Think case/gig-bag and back problems, not to mention getting poked! And I'm not especially keen on having to deal with copyrights etc. So, back to the drawing board...

The first step was standardizing the body so it's user friendly - then, bring the image into the mix

abhYpeFp.jpg


I liked the direction it was going, but it's still a direct transfer of the copyrighted image... what I needed is the essence of that image, distilled into a unique gestalt. I mean, ol' Woody has gone through a few manifestations already, so here comes my version. It will need some refinement/fine-tuning - but this in-your-face bass makes more wacky/fun sense. And, it can also be adapted for a variety of bass body shapes. (white knobs and painted pu's to blend in - maple neck a must)

>GOT WOODY?<

acpdrSTL.jpg
 
I was excited about the build when it was the shape of the head. Im not as excited for the face painted on a slab P-body.

Yah, I enjoy the thought of something really out-there, but I know a useable instrument goes farther. Maybe this one ran its course as a concept. I found a couple of examples of a similar sorts of wackiness, but imgbox is doing an upgrade today so will post later. (that's why all my pics are not posting)

I'm not conceding to mediocrity, just trying to create something that is viable.
 
Hmm...

While I don't think you need to stay married to the idea of doing the exact shape, I do think that something a little more distinct than a classic P style is called for. Perhaps something like an Explorer?

I considered that, but how many bass players play Explorer basses compared to P-basses? I'd like to hope what I do will lead to a want (if not a need) for my take on this crazy (guitar) world. Unique for unique sake isn't my goal.
 
Jio, Love the original. like the option.

I understand the parameters and the issues so say "Go For It" on the option.

Keep in mind that a time will come when the original pissed pecker bass can be created and given a lease on life.

Is there anyway we can help make that happen???

AThr33
 
What about carving the shape/image into the body? By carving the shape into the body you would also be able to accent area's that you may not have been able to when the idea was simply Woody's head with a neck, p/up and strings.
 
Little late to the party! Usually I{m right ontop of a new JIO thread.

2 things -

1. Thanks for nipping that copyright stuff right at the bud. I used to be all rickenbacker crazy and was a copyright fanboy. Then I grew up realized who cares? it would be for personal use, what does it matter.

2. I preferred the shape of the original body with the rosewood neck.
I{m sure it wouldn{t be comfortable, but it would be cool. Maybe a belly contour and an arm contour could work. Sort of like a "feathers blowing in the wind" effect. Little arm controur combined with some 3D carving would be pretty nice.
 
[DEL]I like the rosewood fingerboard to make the red feathers 'pop' more. Also, what about painting the base palte of the bridge to match the red & yellow?[/DEL]

Never mind I missed pages 2 & 3 of this post. Oops.
 
So, what I'm considering is this - a bass that is visually dynamic and functionally erring on that focus, and/or one that works within functional conventions.
Speaking of funk, here's a relative design currently available;

the new Warwick Bootsy Collins Star Bass http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/warwick-releasing-bootsy-collins-signature-bass-1046993/

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/warwick-releasing-bootsy-collins-signature-bass-1046993/

Also included is the current tb thread related. A quick read through gives an impression on the prospective (target?) owners of a bass like this. Point - exactly who is the target buyer? Of course a company like Warwick can do anything they want and more or less do it for marketing exposure only. (as only a small number of these will actually be sold)

Good taste aside, another cartoon bass is the Gene Simmons Hatchet bass. As it is made by Cort instead of Warwick, it's much less expensive - in fact it's cheap, so more players will buy it. Woo Hoo! Look, it's a hatchet! ~~~~~

I'd like to further illustrate my points but imgbox is still not allowing me to download new pics, so I'll have to continue this... eventually.

In general, I agree with most opinions that the original concept is cool. I could do it. It would look visually dynamic, it would be playable and would sound like a P-bass. It would also be really long, heavy and to transport it would require swaddling it in a blanket, as no case or gig-bag would fit. Like Warwick, I can make it as a promotional prop. (but 1 of 1) Once I document it - it would end up hanging on a wall, which is ok I guess as it would look cool hanging horizontally on a wall. Perfect for a rec room/rehearsal space. Could use it for a youtube music vid and then get contacted by Clay Smith Cams for copyright infringement... it's not like making it is really the problem - it's what for is the point. In my mind this is stalling me at the moment.

The other version relates to reality and usefulness and yet can still be unique and (wait for it) visually dynamic. Regardless of my source, I've altered it enough in my own hand to not worry about legalities. Maybe no one would want such a 'look'/finish on their bass or guitar. Maybe it would inspire an idea someone has but can't artistically/conceptually realize it, so that's where I come in - that's my turf. To be continued...

I ordered a new (refurbished) Mac just now as mine is ancient and won't accept browser upgrades anymore (so I can download pics) so until that is all sorted, no pics to help illustrate any further discourse. Can still communicate... so will check in, just no pics.