HazBeen

Hi all, Having been bitting by the building bug again I am already dreading finishing my current fretless 5 build (ETA end of next week). After that I only have some modifications to do on my Streamer and Bogart and really do not need anything else myself. Oh no......! So, does anybody need something built? Small or large? A bass, just a body, neck, finger ramp, custom pick guard, anything goes really. I am a hobby builder without any commercial interest, I just like building and/or modding basses and I have invested in a decent workshop to scratch the itch. So in case you want to give it a go...... I will charge materials and parts at documented cost (upfront) and a pre-agreed fixed fee (after completion) dependent on what I am building just to cover workshop cost, tools, food and drink and such whilst I am building for you. PM me if you want to give it a go.

Appreciate the comment.

The great thing about this phase of a build is that you can see progress very clearly. - Neck now flush with body - Neck thread insert installed - Ferrules for neck bolts installed - Neck bolted on to test it Weight, with cavity for battery, pickups and controls still to be done, a tad above 3800 grams. I think since I am installing a few bits as well, weight will end up at 3850. Not bad.

Leaning that way too!

Got it out, crisis averted 😁

Neck is in! Now I have the pocket depth right, I may sand the bit sticking out (about 1.5mm) flush with the body. But to be frank it doesn’t bother me, so may just leave as it for added strength. Also fiddled with the bridge a little, to better follow the taper. Worked well. Oh and stripped a screw......not quite sure how to get it out, but I will think of something.

As said, decent not perfect....

It looks fantastic, so neat and tidy in every aspect. Wow!

I think he simply has more skill, and hopefully for him a better pillar drill too

Thanks. Whilst the Hipshot Triple Lock system is clearly a very stable solution, that accommodates string through body (not that I’d want that perse) it is a dog to install. You need to align just right to get the taper nut to bridge right. But unlike other individual saddle bridges, with these because there is a bolt through the body, you need to drill perfectly straight as well. Something my cheap donkey pillar drill almost cannot achieve....... hate it with a vengeance. End result is pretty much perfect on the top, on the back/flip side I have to admit the alignment is pretty decent, but not perfect. I will snap a pic to illustrate next time I am in my workshop. All in all I am happy, considering my overall building experience, tools and general “make it up as you go” approach to building.

I am not big on wooden pickup covers to be honest. Don’t do it for me.

Keeping it for the next one.

The bridge is in...... my word I don’t think I have ever had such a complex bridge install. It literally took me 3 hours with the routing, aligning, drilling, more drilling and even more drilling. But it did end up fine thankfully.

Decision time.... I am going for the individual saddle bridge. First one fitted, spot on, so now to get the rest right as well.

Need to do some calculations to ensure I have the neck pocket exactly right, but to first 10mm is a tight enough fit I’d say. And neck is on straight too .... phew... Will finish next time.

Or single MM pickup and the Hipshot single bridge units..... need to give it some thought

Knobs will needs to be better, like this perhaps.

Starting to look like a bass! Neck now pretty much done (apart from a string retainer) so moving back to the body. Pickups, neck and control cavities to do. Once that is done I can start thinking about final sanding and finishing.....

Drilled some holes, test fitted some Gotohs....

Agree, it is absolutely stunning pattern.

It sure is, perfect for a fretless (or any bass really).

Nut slot and side dots sorted!

With a fretboard like this (now radiused), it is going to have to be an unlined fretless.... simpel as. I’ve luckily been getting ample practise in lately

I hate routers, yet I have 3 of them In all seriousness, I could not do without them but even with quality bits and patience routing always raises my blood pressure.

Only took 6 months, not too bad