Carlg

[quote name='CameronJ' timestamp='1503955160' post='3361856'] This is very cool. Would love to do something like this myself but I fear I don't have nearly enough skill to produce a bass as nice as this [/quote] I did this course about a year ago after Jon built me a stunning bass. I had the time and money set aside and went for it despite a lack of any experience in any woodwork a all Don't think you lack the skill. The last time I did woodwork was about 20 years ago at school, I had no experience of metal work the only thing I had going for me was some understanding of electronics. Jon very patiently walked me through the steps to build my bass standing nearby keeping a close eye on my work but allowing me to do everything myself. He would demonstrate what to do then hand over to me. I made a "straight forward" J bass from 3 lumps of wood and a small pile of stainless steel. If you think you won't be able to do it you are wrong, in 5 days I had a bass that has many flaws...but it works and it makes a sound. It may not be perfection but it is comfortable to play and the imperfections just highlight the amount of care that goes into what Jon produces. It has left me wanting to make more. The only thing you will need to bring are some enthusiasm, some money for lunch and a desire to work hard - you will be there for 5 days and it is tiring. TO be honest the hardest part of the whole week was choosing the decal for the head. There are some limitations to making the whole thing in 5 days. You have to have a satin or matt finish, no gloss. The finish is also applied by Jon as I guess -having had a go on a stripped back bass of my own- it takes some practice to get the lacquer just right and there isn't enough time to practice and perfect this. Overall I had a great week, the workshop is in a beautiful part of the world with a great view. The expertise and advice from Jon and Tim are so helpful, they will walk you through each stage of production. If you stay close by I believe the pubs are very nice. Chat in the workshop is very interesting. Tim will find you a great sandwich for lunch at a reasonable price and he has some interesting stories. Ruby will come and lie on you if you don't move around enough so she keeps you busy. Don't worry about a lack of skill, what I built on the minimum of skill looks and sounds amazing. Close up it has its flaws, strings aren't perfectly arranged across the fret board, some screws don't go in straight, but hey, it's my first ever bass. I'll be going back next week to tweek it a little. I'll probably go back again, and again. My advice to you as I have said at least twice already is don't let a feeling of a lack of skill stop you (let a lack of money or time stop you but not skill). Give it a go, Jon will crack his whip if you're not on schedule, he will supervise if you're not sure what you're doing and he'll leave you to it if yo know what you're doing. I put it as one of the best and most rewarding 4 or 5 things I have ever done. Save up and do it.