Andyjr1515

Thanks, folks, for the encouraging feedback - it is always hugely appreciated. Most importantly, Pete is very pleased with it If I ever get time, I am very tempted to build a six string electric version (yes, I know...shocking) to see if that has the same playing 'feel'. I'll keep you all posted

[quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1490387531' post='3264872'] Sell the children - you know that they're just a drain on your resources... [/quote] Done I assumed it was general advice

[quote name='T-Bay' timestamp='1490387457' post='3264871'] I love it, looks superb and has the sound to match. I really do need to save up some cash and talk to you about one. [/quote] Always willing to talk, T-bay

A few of you have asked where the makeshift spray booth thread went. Simply, I asked the mods to take it down. Those of you who follow my build threads know that I generally simply say what I personally do and how I do it - I pretty much NEVER say 'this is what you should do'. But, of course, when you post regular threads and when - to everyone's amazement - some even work out OK, you find that you are regarded sometimes as 'an authority.' That is a bit of a responsibility that has to be recognised, even if it is never intended or deserved. And that was the problem, I suddenly realised, with taking the same approach with my spraying experiments as I would do with a general build - that is, simply summarising what I was doing and the results. Because taking someone else's ideas and expanding on them or trying something similar is the very essence of why the Build Diaries are so valuable and so much fun - and this process can result in the rapid dissemination of good ideas. But there's the rub...taking the essence of experiments with spraying and doing 'something similar' can - if you are not fully knowledgeable of the risks and preventative measures - be deadly. So apologies for the abrupt cessation of the thread, particularly for those who are fully aware of the hazards and have been trying to solve similar problems, but it would be a bummer to lose [i]anyone[/i] who might think my build threads are cool

[quote name='T-Bay' timestamp='1490387288' post='3264869'] That sounds fantastic, a lovely tone. Was that clean or any effects on it? [/quote] I think he had just a touch of overdrive on it

[quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1490378567' post='3264788'] Technology causing a problem?? Nooo!! (actually I've been trying to download photos for the last week) [/quote] Yes - quite! Anyway, here it is - when Pete got hold of the piccolo neither of us were quite sure what it would be best used for other than the primary aim of sofa noodling. We still aren't sure but first practice Pete tried a lead break with it and continued using it as a rhythm guitar during the final vocal verse - [url="https://soundcloud.com/andy-rogers-6/time-to-let-go-piccolo-bass-playing-lead"]here are the last few minutes of the tryout[/url]. It's definitely not a bass and it's definitely not an electric 6-string. So mission accomplished, then

[quote name='Norris' timestamp='1490376966' post='3264767'] I'm confused 'cos I'm sure I replied to that thread but darned if I can find it now. Have you been moderated for excessive expletives? [/quote] No - I asked the mods to take it off. I realised that, unless you went through all of the 'do's and dont's', then someone who didn't know the safety issues could get in a bit of a pickle. I'll post the reasons separately rather than hijacking Jez's fabulous build thread!

[quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1490372112' post='3264730'] Pete's slacking...where his review?? [/quote] His review is the big stupid grin he's had on his face since he got it To be honest, it doesn't improve his looks...... Actually - I've got a clip from our practice on Tuesday when he decided he was going to play the piccolo for the lead guitar part of one of our numbers (!). I'll post it when I can get the flaming thing off the iphone!!!!

Jez - that is STUNNING! (and, assuming you've seen my amended thread, do NOT think about spraying it in a tent! )

Very neat

We started with a Yamaha Stagepas and they are very good but we found they struggle a bit with the larger venues we play at (ie, middle size pubs and clubs) and the speakers, though great quality, aren't really man enough for the bass without affecting the sound of the rest of the mix. We then moved to a Behringer powered mixer (2x800w) driving a couple of Behringer 15" speakers. Although very good price, we have found it very reliable and, because it is running well within its output capability at the lower volume levels required for the small to medium venues, the sound quality is excellent, even when Pete our bassist turns up his bass boost to max! The bonus is that we now use the Stagepas as monitors where necessary.

Attendance list: TheGreek Bassface 2k10 Lozz196 Sibob NickD Truckstop Gary mac Andyjr1515 (who seems to have lost the bold typeface...)

Great job. It looks fantastic and I'm sure that it sounds just as good Oh - and I say this simply because I forgot once - did you remember to solder-join and earth the shielding? I love that copper shield material....so, so much better than conductive paint in my personal opinion. Nowadays, I solder all of my earth wires to the shielding itself and let the spring washers do the job for the pots - means none of those horrible blobs of solder and trailing earth wires on the back of the pots

What's on the other side of the board, LowMoFo? It looks to me that the wide track is actually the metal baseplate rather than a specific electrical track, in which case cutting into it would be no big problem...but there might be a copper trace track on the other side. Can you take a photo?

[quote name='Norris' timestamp='1489998104' post='3261258'] Oh no. He's not been caught up in real life has he?! [/quote] No - you can't get rid of me that easily.... Bit of real life, but in parallel, gearing up for head and shoulders the most ambitious project yet. Could be one bridge too far, of course Won't be cutting wood for a few weeks and still finalising the design so a bit too early to start the thread...

Also - if you used a standard surface mounted jack/jackplate, this gives you a few more mm: Generally, this gives you 6-7mm proud of the surface of the instrument so the jack will only project 26mm from the surface of the bass - that will fit won't it? As long as you go for a Switchcraft jack, it will last a LOT longer than a barrel jack. Like stated above, the hole will need to be widened for the extra width of the jack itself. I'm assuming you would need a 'stereo' version so that the power to your pre-amp is switched on and off by inserting the jack? [url="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Allparts-EP-0155-000-Switchcraft-Input-Stereo/dp/B000NZVWVI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1489914248&sr=8-2&keywords=switchcraft+stereo+socket"]If so, it's one of these you need[/url]

The piccolo bass I've just finished for our band's bassist: Wood for headplate and trussrod cover taken from offcut of body top wood. 26" - 25" variable scale; tuned one octave higher than standard bass. Mahogany back, black walnut top and head, maple neck with mahogany splice, snakewood fretboard Oh...and do I get a prize for linking the cutout of the headstock to the neck and a matching control chamber plate too?

Sounds like it's all slotting into place, James Andy

Yes - looking very good

[quote name='Jabba_the_gut' timestamp='1489533006' post='3257787'] Cheers Andy. It has been pretty fast so far - I've faffed around a lot less with the design this time!! I've also had practice on previous builds making templates so that has been much quicker this time too. I'm not sure how long but I'd guess I've probably spent a day actually building so far. I'll try to keep a track of material costs as well for this one out of interest. Won't be a true cost as such as I'm using some off cuts I already have but here's an approximation so far: Sapele wood for body £20 Truss rod £10 Tuners £6 Bridge £7 Neck wood £0 (offcuts) Central block on body £0 (rejected from another project) Fretboard £0 (recycled) Spalted beech £0 (offcut - I paid £15 for the piece this came from which also made the top in the previous post) Wenge veneer £4 (cut from a larger piece bought for £16) EMG pickup £5 (from bargain bin in local guitar shop) Nut £4 Still need a few bits of hardware like pots, strap buttons and fret wire. Haven't decided on the finish for this yet. [/quote] Wow! That's quick! ...and cheap (in a very good way )

[quote name='Chris Sharman' timestamp='1489526854' post='3257722'] Ah haa! Midlands bass bash eh? Count me in for that. May bring a couple of basses down with me including the new one (courtesy of Jon Shuker, the London Bass Guitar Show, and a spectacular lack of self control). May also be able to encourage the wonderful Mrs S to flex her baking muscles again... [/quote] Great news - on all counts

By the way, [url="https://soundcloud.com/andy-rogers-6/piccolo-bass-sound-comparisons"]there are some sound clips here, matched against my gigging 6-string electric on neck pickup[/url]. The six string has SD P-rails fitted and is in humbucker mode on this recording. It's a subtle difference but in real life a significant one...

[quote name='allighatt0r' timestamp='1489502898' post='3257476'] Looks great! I'm not sure if this question has already been asked, but... What is Pete planning to do with a Piccolo bass? [/quote] Thanks, Bryan Primarily, Pete wants it to be able to 'noodle on the sofa' and practice, work out new riffs, etc, without risking concussing family or friends with a flailing 34" neck and headstock Having now heard what it sounds like, I think it actually has gigging potential. He will get his sticky mitts on it for the first time this evening so I'll see what he thinks. At the moment I haven't fitted the straplocks because, unless he wants to gig it, there is no point in adding an extra lump of bling on the end of the top horn. I have to say, it is a delight to handle. If ever there was a bass that would encourage you to play more, it must be this one!

Excellent to see another one of you builds, Jez Great concept and I just love that shape. In elepsed time, how long so far to the stage you've got to? It looks fast work to me

[quote name='FuNkShUi' timestamp='1489476930' post='3257163'] Another quality bass. Getting a bit good at this Andy [/quote] Thanks, Kert