Jabba_the_gut

I really like that scratch plate!!

Agree with both Norris and JPJ again. I have a Dremel router and they aren't the most accurate of tools. It has some uses but only for very light work - I've used it for block inlays and it would flex even at that. I recently modified a 4 string Music man scratch plate into a 5 string one using an mdf template and 1/4" router template cutter and it turned out very nicely. I made a template from clear perspective once and that melted using a template cutter causing me to cut into the neck I was making - learnt a lesson about plastic and routers that day.....

I think Norris sums it up - the key is decent, accurate templates that are securely clamped in place and have been tested on scrap first! I have a basic Black and Decker router that cost less than £50 and I get some very accurate results. The pictures on here for my current build were done with that router. Like Norris, my templates are just made from mdf. And I completely agree from the safety perspective. Cheers Jez

Interesting discussion. I haven't ever tried to do a scarf joint - might have a go on a few scraps and see if I can get it anywhere near accurate enough. Is there any particular angle that should be aimed for? I'd guess around 10 to 15 degrees, but that is a guess!! Cheers

Thanks for the details - I'll take a look. I've really struggled to find anything suitable so far. Thanks again. Jez

Hi, Just wondered if anyone knows of any (not too expensive....) strings I can use on a 5 string Crafter BA580 acoustic bass. The bass is 32" scale - long scale strings are too long i.e. the fat part of the string windings ends up going round the tuner. I can find 4 string sets but not 5 string sets. I would also consider nylon/tape wound strings. Does anyone have any suggestions please? Cheers Jez

That looks really nice! Might try some of that oil/wax on a bass I'm building at the moment - the finish looks superb

[font=Calibri][size=3][color=#000000]Cheers for the comments – much appreciated!! Building the odd bass now and then is my outlet from a day job shuffling papers.....[/color][/size][/font] [font=Calibri][size=3][color=#000000]I’ve done a couple of bits to this recently. I’ve made a controls cover from the same piece of wenge used for the front and I’ve cut the fretboard to shape. The maple for the fretboard is really nice so I’m not going to put block inlays on this as first planned but I will still add side LEDs (probably in white and because I am a tart....).[/color][/size][/font] [font=Calibri][size=3][color=#000000]I’ve allowed a battery for the LEDs and the possibility of an active circuit but I might leave it passive. I have no idea what passive Bartolini jazz pickups sound like yet so I’ll decide on that later.[/color][/size][/font]

I'd make a template from mdf or similar then use a template cutter router bit. This will make a really neat job and could be used for the body too. I've done this for a scratchplate for a 5 string USA SUB stingray and it looked cracking. Here's a photo of one I made for a bass in the build diaries section. Cheers Jez

Cheers for the positive comments chaps. I've got to say that I'm really pleased with how this one is going so far. I've done a bit of rough sanding to the edges and the veneer pinstripe is looking nice I think. The wenge is rock hard and didn't want to plane by hand very easily!! An old electric planer sorted that.

It's been a while but have finished (nearly...) the DIY so managed to get back on with this build. Started building a new neck that will have a plain maple fretboard as I used the wenge/block inlay neck on another build. I will have LEDs on the neck again though.....

Hi Ian. The Warwick bridge would sit far too high if you don't cut a recess with a router. Off the top of my head I seem to remember on the ones I've done having to cut a slot about 7mm deep for the string anchor and about 15mm for the saddles. I've made a template for cutting these if you get stuck. Cheers

Cheers Andy for all the details and the link. I was wondering about putting a 2mm wide/10mm deep strip either side of the truss rod as should be easy to fit. Might just give it a go and see what happens!!

Cheers for all the comments - much appreciated. I do find this a really useful forum and have found some really helpful information. There's some really beautiful and interesting builds that are always giving me ideas. It's also nice to have met up with a couple of guys from here at the Midlands bass bash too. Right, off to continue with my other half finished build.... Cheers again Jez

I'm finding this thread quite interesting. I've never had a bass with them in, I don't think I've even played a bass with them in so can make no comment on their benefit. I haven't built a bass with them in either but kind of feel I should if I ever want to try selling one of my basses as it seems some people want them!! If I am going to fit them what size should be used? Andy's eBay link chap sells 2 x 10mm strips - would these be any good? Cheers

Pretty much done. A small amount of polishing to be done and it's complete. Taken a while to finish this due to house DIY.....

That is looking very nice!!

[font="Calibri"][size="3"][color="#000000"]Hi Andy,[/color][/size][/font] [font="Calibri"][size="3"][color="#000000"]Building has been quiet due to needing to do some DIY!! I’m still finishing off a sycamore bass – need to do the frets, a bit of wiring then a final polish and that should be about it. This one should look nice with blue LEDs on the side of the neck. I’ll post pictures when it is complete but this is where it is at currently. [/color][/size][/font] [font="Calibri"][size="3"][color="#000000"]Cheers[/color][/size][/font]

Hi Ian, Here's a full length picture and a close up of the LEDs - I'm really pleased with how they turned out. Cheers

Sorry - just trying out linking photos.....bit slow me!!!

Very nice basses! And Leiden is really nice too...