budget bassist

That looks amazing, good work!

I've decided, that after learning to use CAD software for my masters, and being involved with the setting up of the Fab Lab here in Bangor, that I want to CNC a bass and/or guitar. For those of you that are unaware, Fab Lab is a digitial fabrication lab accreditation by MIT - basically it's a standard list of equipment enabling people to "make almost anything". i think the list is a cnc mill, cnc router, 3d printer, vinyl plotter, laser cutter, and perhaps some soldering bits etc. They're usually free to the public to use, only charging for materials (some charge for machine time, but not much), and it's an awesome idea. I'd recommend anyone get involved! I think there are about 16 scattered around the country. Anyway, I've made a couple of simple CAD models of bodies, one for a guitar, one for a bass. I'm going to start with the body because by all accounts, that seems the easiest bit to do. I've got a donor bass and guitar (well, I borrowed the guitar), I'll probably start with the bass if I can. I'm off to the Ellesmere port Fab Lab tomorrow to test out my files on either some polystyrene board or tooling board, just to get an idea of the process, flipping the body over etc. and make sure dimensions such as neck pocket etc. are correct before taking to some nice wood. Here's of render of the guitar body, I forgot to render the bass, but it's essentially a stingray copy. [attachment=170435:les paul render 2.JPG] I'm also thinking about building my own cab (or cabs?!), I'm looking at some dimensions etc. and I'm planning on designing them in CAD and CNC routing the panels out as well, partly because my woodworking skills aren't amazing, and partly because I just enjoy doing it that way and have access to the tools to do it, so why not?!

For those of you that have designed your own cabs, I have a few questions I've been looking at some of the posts in here (I've not had time to read the full thing yet), and seen a few people with baffles in their cabs - what's the purpose, and is it necessary? Sealing - what do you guys use? Just silicone sealant? Joints - what type of joints are you guys using, and do you use glue, wood screws or both? I'm planning on using CAD software to design the cab, and use a CNC router to cut it out, so I'm thinking of using box joints to join it together. Speakers - I'm looking at the Eminence Basslite or Celestion BN10-200x - anyone tried these, or got any suggestions for other neodymium drivers around £100? Finally, I've seen a couple of posts about deadening (pillow stuffing etc.), is this also necessary? Sorry if these questions have probably already been answered, and thanks in advance for any useful responses!

[quote name='BassTractor' timestamp='1408893696' post='2534381'] 2014 PDN Neptune Blue Edition, found yesterday and bought right away. Never been this flabbergasted with a bass. I'd forgotten about the MM porn thread, and posted pix of its unbelievable neck here: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/243768-ive-never-understood-people-and-their-nbds/"]http://basschat.co.u...and-their-nbds/[/url] [url="http://s1170.photobucket.com/user/basstractor1/media/1IMG_0046_zpsd220d997.jpg.html"][/url] [/quote] Oh my...

Depends what sort of sound you're after I suppose, like other have said. if you're after a warm slightly broken up sound, the Ashdown LB30 would be nice, but then at gig levels, if you have to crank it, you may end up with way too much drive. I have an Ashdown ABM, they're fairly cheap second hand and it lets you dial in a really nice valve preamp sound and means you can get plenty of volume without any more drive than you want. I love it!

To be honest, I'm not in a band at the moment, and if I were, I couldn't see myself needing a particularly loud rig, strictly for practice and the occasional jam really. Also cheers for all the links and suggestions guys, I'll have a read of them when I get a moment!

Half tempted to try and build my own as earlier mentioned - I have access to a cnc router and can do the CAD myself, materials won't cost too much if I find some thin plywood, and I could nick a speaker out of my MAG, or get hold of a lightweight neodymium speaker I reckon. Looks like DIY is the way to go!

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1409155604' post='2536922'] A 112 would be an easy lift in to the car and 2 of them would cover any gig, and IMO would sound better than a 110 or 210. What's your budget? A Barefaced Compact is 26lbs and sounds pretty good as a 1 cab solution and there are several Bergantino AE112 cabs in the classifieds. [/quote] No more than about £200 probably.

[quote name='VTypeV4' timestamp='1380745072' post='2230040'] Just acquired these today.. [url="http://s778.photobucket.com/user/VTypeV4/media/WbinCelestions_zps9fcdf314.jpg.html"][/url] They're in need of some restoration but their construction seems pretty solid. One has a serviceable (I think at least) Celestion Powercell driver with a big magnet and cast frame whereas the other has a knackered K15E 200. A severe voice coil rub and a caved dome probably will see it scrapped but we'll see. [/quote] Bit of a strange question, but you didn't buy these from someone in hucknall (nottingham) did you?

[quote name='paul_5' timestamp='1409152367' post='2536878'] Have you considered building one? There's quite a detailed thread about building your own. [/quote] I was actually thinking about that, I'll check out the thread.

[quote name='paul_5' timestamp='1409151756' post='2536872'] I've got the Hydrive 410 and it's not what I would call 'lightweight'. I can see how two of the 12" Hydrive cabs would work though; bright but ballsy, punchy and light. If you join the 'UK Bass Gear North West for Trade & Sale" on Facebook there's a Bergantino AE112 1x12" on there at the moment. [/quote] I joined the other day, those bergantino cabs are a little (well, a lot) out of budget though unfortunately!

[quote name='Ghost_Bass' timestamp='1409150121' post='2536854'] If you're looking for Ashdown tone go for a couple of Mi10 cabs, around 10kg and 250W each. If you want a light 2x10 maybe a Genz Benz Focus if you can find one or something from the GK MB range or Hartke Hydrive. The Fender rumbles 112 (former series) were also very light and sounded good. If i remember correctly Evil Unded is/was selling a Promethean amp with a Rumble 112 cab, great little setup, light and loud and a great sound. [/quote] I was actually wondering if anybody had tried those Ashdown ones, I really like the brand, and they're pretty light to boot.

[quote name='HazBeen' timestamp='1408365067' post='2529396'] I use the AKG D112, it works really well is not too expensive and is rugged. But getting a DI box is also a good idea, best case both on larger venues. [/quote] This, or any other kick drum mic should suit.

It's an ashdown MAG 210, so about 30kg? They're not light. You reckon a 110 will be too bright? A trolley could be a good shout, but lifting into the car etc. would probably be the main issue.

Many a time, I scoffed at the attempts of companies to make lighter, more portable amps and cabs! How silly, just man up and carry it surely?! Following a recent speight of back problems, I have now concluded that I was wrong! Moving just a small cab around today put me in a decent amount of pain. So, here's that dreaded question: What is there in the way of budget lightweight cabs? Cheers all!

Very nice, I remember seeing that one a while ago - love the body on it! Those pickups look meaty too!

Excellent - I've seen yours before, I love the look of the neck on the first one, wenge is a lovely wood.

Yeah I agree, I've seen a couple of nice ones on here, just wondering if there are any more to come out of the woodwork pun not intended

I don't actually own one, but am really interested in them and would be keen to see any of your guys custom builds! It's always interesting to see what people have dreamed up out of such a template

[quote name='Linus27' timestamp='1396524871' post='2414594'] That is stunning. [/quote] Thanks, it's not a bad little bass

[quote name='Kev' timestamp='1396734759' post='2416966'] I still look at that Sub and wonder how likely it would be that it was mine.. [/quote] I don't suppose you wrote down the serial number or happen to know who you sold it to?