Prosebass

That looks so good and different ! Did you do the maths and design yourself or is it from an "off the shelf" plan ? I am really interested in cab design and years ago built a concrete reflex bass bin in a friends yard....not much cop for gigging but my did it shift some air.... Just found Bills website.......

Whilst waiting for the finish to dry on the Gazzumper I decided to put another Precision together.

[quote name='andrewrx7' post='401802' date='Feb 6 2009, 09:54 AM']Hi there, I currently run 2 cabs (1x15 and 4x10) from one amp head. Just wondering if there is any way that I can apply an effect to just one of the cabs? I guess you can't add a pedal to the signal out from the amp to the cab? I hope that doesn't calassify as "daft question fo the day"! Cheers Andrew[/quote] I think you've answered that one yourself Not advisable unless you like buying lots of pedals....

[quote name='Al Heeley' post='401765' date='Feb 6 2009, 09:09 AM']I've been requested to bring the fanned fret five and the 'Baker work-in-progress. Will be happy to do that as they all like to be stroked, but I'm a bit in awe of the 'proper builders' that will be present at the bash![/quote] Thats great and I certainly wouldn't be "in awe" at what you term the "proper builders" your basses look superb. The way I look at it is providing that you have the equipment and skills it then comes down to a matter of time and cost. I could happily beaver away for a week or two solid on each build and the basses would be priced appropriately for however many hours work is put in plus materials and overheads. I don't want to spend 50+ hours on one bass and prefer to make a bass in a couple of days hence most of my basses are in the £200 - £250 range and I have had 25 + happy customers in the last 6 months. Horses for courses as the saying goes.... It also depends why you are doing it ? Profit / Hobby / Philanthropy etc. Many of the big bass names started off as small repair shop / specialist builders and now have bass empires (Sadowsky / Lakland) spring to mind. They are now making their money from off the shelf built in the far east models because that is the best way to offer "best in class" for the money. [quote]Lakland Skylines are designed in Chicago but made in a state-of-the-art overseas factory. Lakland determines all specifications and anything that can be done by machine is done by machine, including the fretting. Basses are manufactured in lots of 30 (or more) of each model.[/quote] Plus don't loose track of the most important aspects in a bass, playability and sound ! otherwise it is just a piece of furniture

Great work again Al. Looking forward to a natter next weekend. Its interesting to see how builders approach basses differently. One of my main considerations is cost which I try to keep as low as possible with most of my builds including the few commissions I have done of the the Jazzes and precisions. Will you be bringing any of your recent builds to Harrogate ?

pm'd

Last post withdrawn as I have a habit of not reading the whole thread and greyparrot had already replied to my question.

[quote name='Spoombung' post='401315' date='Feb 5 2009, 05:48 PM']What worries me about GP's story, more than anything else, is the implication that the luthier completely waved his hands of the whole affair and left his client out of pocket.[/quote] It would be interesting to get Mikes take on this episode , maybe a quick call from someone who knows him well or is dealing with him at the moment ?

[quote name='lee4' post='400333' date='Feb 4 2009, 07:30 PM']MDF will soak glue and stain like a sponge,but it routs well.It can be bloody heavy though.See if you can get MDF light.(PS,I work for a Timber Merchant!)[/quote] A timber merchant ! you could become very popular I know that PVA is used a lot to seal MDF before painting , so that may be a way to stop the glue soaking in ?

I'll be up for it Alan

[quote name='benwhiteuk' post='400821' date='Feb 5 2009, 11:24 AM']I hear what you’re saying, but should I use this - [url="http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9806514&fh_view_size=6&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB&fh_search=router&fh_eds=%c3%9f&fh_refview=search&ts=1233832863652&isSearch=true"]http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?...p;isSearch=true[/url] – or this - [url="http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9376546&fh_view_size=6&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB&fh_search=router&fh_eds=%c3%9f&fh_refview=search&ts=1233832925223&isSearch=true"]http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?...p;isSearch=true[/url] – or this - [url="http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9806487&fh_view_size=6&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB&fh_search=router&fh_eds=%c3%9f&fh_refview=search&ts=1233832945643&isSearch=true"]http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?...p;isSearch=true[/url] – or do I need something like this - [url="http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9806965&fh_view_size=6&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB&fh_search=router&fh_eds=%c3%9f&fh_refview=search&ts=1233832963568&isSearch=true"]http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?...p;isSearch=true[/url] ? In all honesty, the one for £25 looks like it’ll do the job, but then to me it looks pretty damn similar to the one that’s £200. I literally do not have a clue what it is that I need to look for when buying a router for this kind of thing.[/quote] You certainly don't need the one at £199.00 unless you are using it every day. Don't buy the B&Q or any other budget one They are poorly made and you will struggle to get good results with them. The only budget tools I use are belt sanders from B&Q at £9.99 each use them for a few months and then get another. I use a [url="http://www.diytools.co.uk/diy/Main/sp-45-4898-79755-bosch-pof-1200-ae-powerful-1200w-router-%20240v.asp"]Bosch POF 1200[/url] This is well made and stays locked at the plunge depth. It is a joy to use and mine has now routed out over 20 basses. Another thing to take into consideration is the bits. For roughing out I use sets of bits from Aldi and bought 3 sets of 20 bits for £15.00 !!! Once these are blunt I throw them away. For finishing I use quality Bosch bits that are £15.00 - £20.00 each I could write an whole essay on this but its easier for you to search the web for technique and tips. Paul. Last point.....Health and Safety. Be careful and practice a lot on scrap wood until you are proficient and confident. We don't want you to end up in hospital as routers can be dangerous if used incorrectly... Some good hints and tips [url="http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/forum1/router-t7441-30.html"]Here[/url]

[quote name='Hamster' post='400784' date='Feb 5 2009, 10:57 AM']I believe that you should run a test signal through your speakers for 24hrs or so before you play through it to run the speakers in. A bit like running in a car. [url="http://billfitzmaurice.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=1858"]http://billfitzmaurice.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=1858[/url][/quote] +1 on this It is a bit like running in a car engine only for speakers ! Generally you find that the once the speaker has "loosened" up it will have a lower resonant frequency , more attack , and a higher output . Unfortunately depending on the speaker it will probably only give you between 5% - 20% improvement. So if you feel the amp is woefully lacking as it is the improvements won't be a revelation . Have a look here for an example of what we are talking about.......[url="http://www.vikash.info/audio/audax/"]Speaker Breaking In[/url]

Evening Updates

[quote name='Al Heeley' post='400247' date='Feb 4 2009, 06:01 PM']STICKER please - got the all clear from the boss for a day pass. Look forward to seeing you all [/quote] Good man see you there

[quote name='thisnameistaken' post='400206' date='Feb 4 2009, 05:32 PM']Because Fender doesn't make basses that look like a lottery winner's dining table?[/quote] I think this deserves to go in the "Great quotes" thread...

[quote name='Spoombung' post='399945' date='Feb 4 2009, 01:31 PM']Looks terrific, Paul...great minds think alike! I'm quite envious that you can build things out of wood and don't have to resort to hardboard like me! I look forward to seeing how it develops - I suspect progress will be a little faster than my build. I think you should call the bass 'The Gazzumper' -Kev[/quote] Just wished I'd shown you the drawings instead of going down the headless Wal-esque route we were looking at. I take inspiration from [url="http://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/2008/02/bass-guitar-design.html"]This Site[/url] And have been following the progress of a lot of builds there. It will be a little quicker as it will probably be finished in a day or two providing I drag myself away from here... As regards working in wood , have a go ! you obviously are very artistic its just a case of turning those drawings into 3-D and if its a one-off nobody can tell you you have done something wrong It could have Gazzumper on the headstock as I like the sound of that, but there's not room...

[quote name='Al Heeley' post='399921' date='Feb 4 2009, 01:10 PM']Thx prose. Theres some new guy on Project Guitar making his first build entirely out of MDF at the moment. Euugh. Says it soaks up glue like a sponge! I'm based a stones throw from Huddersfield and you're very welcome if you're ever passing.[/quote] I've noticed that with the glue ! I had thought of bolting the body laminates together as well as glue, using insets and set screws similar to the ones I use on necks ! Would be good to see this bass at the Yorkshire Bass Bash if you can make it over to Harrogate.

I designed this a while ago and put it on the "back-burner" but seeing Spoombungs ongoing build decided to rekindle it as an interesting comparison of "form follows function"

Hi Al its all looking very excellent. Good to see you using MDF for templates as I do. Its wonderful stuff in my opinion , if only hardwood was as easy to shape and machine... In fact I am thinking of making a body out of it just to see how durable it is and how quick I can make one out of it. Looks quite nice with a bit of stain on it Excellent work would love to see the Baker when its finished....where oop North are you ?

[quote name='William James Easton' post='398744' date='Feb 3 2009, 11:39 AM']however last time i met people off the internet there was screaming and woods and police.........oh the terror...[/quote] That sounds well dodgy....I would keep illicit meetings in woods under your hat ! Did the Police catch you ? Were you put on trial ? Anything you wish to confess ?

[quote name='Rich' post='399155' date='Feb 3 2009, 05:12 PM'] Every other post in this thread is now meaningless. [/quote] What !!! only every other post....?

Its just a way of getting your listings in order and together with finish times one after the other. He will revisit the listings and edit them over the next few days to make sense of them. I've done it myself. Sorry if I popped any balloons....

Keep it as it is and look into achieving your desired sound from outboard gear such as a 10 or 15 band parametric EQ that will enable you to boost the individual frequencies to your needs. Plus altering it with another pickup will ruin that lovely copper shielding I have just put in it ......

[quote name='Crazykiwi' post='391480' date='Jan 26 2009, 10:19 AM']Absolutely, its not easy for retailers who have significant overheads to stay competitive. Badly managed retailers even more so. I know for sure that some retailers feel like they're being treated as testing centres for online purchase decisions. Maybe the way forward is to become wholly internet based to reduce overheads but offer walk in testing facilities in a cheap location (is this an option for you vmaxblues?) Or alternatively take advantage of Basschat's Bass Bashes, which are essentially self funded at the moment.[/quote] The whole cost argument is driving many retailers in many sectors out of business especially in the present circumstances. Do we all just want to buy from the internet ? its sterile, lacks interaction and I for one would not buy a bass over £250.00 on the web without trying it unless I had previously owned an identical model ( or it was just for polishing ) As with most businesses a certain amount of capitalisation is required and generally the big players are able to do this and get better deals from the manufacturers by buying in bulk but as we have recently seen some big players in retail have gone to the wall. The great thing about small independents is they can change their business plan and adapt easily and quickly and with low overheads can stick it out better than than a large corporation in times like this as margins are generally greater. I would hate to live in a world where the only options for buying were multi-nationals and on-line...

[quote name='SJA' post='394095' date='Jan 28 2009, 09:54 PM']apparently Hofner made a 28in scale bass version of their Shorty travel guitar- [url="http://www.vintagehofner.co.uk/vintage-hofner/factfiles/shorty/main.html"]http://www.vintagehofner.co.uk/vintage-hof...horty/main.html[/url] [/quote] I have been looking for one for ages as it has construction and style elements of its big brother the S7B which I own. It would be a good bass to reintroduce me thinks ! You can see the family resemblance. Its been my "old faithful" since 1981 ! [attachment=19573:S7B.jpg]