JPJ

[quote name='NJE' post='592182' date='Sep 7 2009, 04:01 PM']Although they do look like nice instruments and the Ray 35 was very nice when I played it at the guitar show, I really do not see the point in buying one when a couple of quid extra will get you the real deal secondhand. I have seen really nice Stingray 5's on here for less than £799 and seen stunning Stingray 4's for £650. I suppose they are not too bad if you have to have a new instrument though......[/quote] Good point. But there's two things in favour of the 35, firstly, you can beat the feeling of walking out of a music shop with a new bass, and secondly, the 35 will be available on credit whereas a second hand Stingray will be cash all the way. Plus it was a mighty fine bass to look at, if only I could get away with the SR5 scratchplate

Soundslive in Newcastle have a Ray '35 in natural ash with maple neck black pickguard for £799. My credit card was twitching in my pocket I can tell you!

I used to think 500w was ample then 750w seemed comfortable but now I find that I really needed 1500w all along! Do you think I may be going deaf!

[quote name='niceguyhomer' post='589533' date='Sep 4 2009, 11:47 AM']I'm pleased to say I've reached the stage where I can switch between fours and fives mid-set without any problems. I think it's good to be able to do that.[/quote] For me the transition from four to five was relatively easy, but I find it really difficult going back the other way.

[quote name='ezbass' post='586582' date='Sep 1 2009, 03:32 PM']I don't know much about these things, but I've heard mention that manufacturers use grain filler, especially on mahogany, would that work with maple, or would it make your problem worse?[/quote] As the effect I am after is a translucent black top, the grain filler wouldn't work. I couldnt source any black filler and tried mixing my own (as recommended by the manufacturer) using 'neutral' filler but it turned out grey when dried rather than black. I used the filler to great effect on the back and sides and have ended up with a pretty passable flat surface before the lacquer goes on.

[quote name='EBS_freak' post='586242' date='Sep 1 2009, 09:00 AM']Hmm. You seem to be having problems. How come? Is the wood not taking they dye?[/quote] The problem is the quality of the maple! It has two areas (forearm chamfer and control pots) where there is deep open pores in the maple which take the stain and then appear to look like sanding marks or freckles when the dye dries. Also, I've had a problem with the black lacquer sinking into the joint line between the maple and the swamp ash which in hindsight wouldnt have happened if I'd gone with the faux binding. I'm being such a perfectionist about the back and sides that I keep damaging the front whilst fixing the sides and then damaging the sides or the back whilst fixing the front. I think I've reached the limit of what I can sensibly achieve with my current setup, so have decided to push on and apply the finish lacquer over the course of this week.

[quote name='MB1' post='585892' date='Aug 31 2009, 05:36 PM']MB1. ...And ive been advertising for a status carbon Graphite neck for a musicman bass all this time in Items Wanted....only to have my Musicman become a Status?????.....Oh Bugger! ....Really Nice Looking build this! [/quote] Cheers MB1, Yep the status name is actually inside the layup and underneath the gel coat or whatever the carbon fibre eqivalent of layup is! Well today I finished the back and sides, sanded the top back to bare wood again and restained it. Its still not 100% but I guess its as good as I'm going to get from this particular piece of maple. Tomorrow will be the first coat of cellulose lacquer and then another coat/sand back every night this week should see the body (finally) finished by next weekend. After that, it'll be a case of letting the lacquer harden before final polishing and assembly. Unfortunately, due to the problems I've had with the finish, this wont be ready for my next road trip

[quote name='Marcus' post='585773' date='Aug 31 2009, 02:29 PM']I bet that one doesn't have to go to 11 [/quote] If it ever does, I'm sure you'll hear it lol

[quote name='Marcus' post='585449' date='Aug 30 2009, 10:34 PM']Haway Kev..... where's the updates ? Ya been too busy buying Amps [/quote] No mate, but I've had a few problems with getting the finish I want which has resulted in two 'sand back to bear wood' episodes on the front. If all goes well, the lacquer will start going on tomorrow and I'll get some more photos up when there is something to show. BTW, that amp is a bit of a monster!