voxpop Posted April 29, 2011 Share Posted April 29, 2011 (edited) About 3 years ago I had a beaten up old P Bass with Bart pickups and rewired with a .1uf cap and redeemer, this was sold and replaced with a Jazz 5. I got the Gallery to put on a fretless Ebony board and I rewired it with the same redeemer and old paper in oil .1uf cap and put in Baseline vintage jazz pickups. I loved the sound of this bass and I always regretted selling it. I now need ( want ) a 6 string fretless with that dark sound. The Sue Ryder threads got me thinking of a P bass..... but must have 6 strings. So with a little research I have ordered this from Jon Shuker...... Will take 6 months to build style_emoticons/default/angry.gif but will be my dream fretless, dark, moody and very very warm. [b][u][color=#000000]6 string fretless P bass spec.....[/color][/u][/b] [color=#000000]34" scale 21 fret 57mm nut width 20.5mm neck depth at first fret 22.5mm at 12th 18mm string spacing 3 piece laminated maple neck with black veneers (0.5mm) between joints Ebony fretless board, with strips / light markings if possible. Side fret lines with 2mm white dots in the usual position! [/color] [color=#000000](The fret line is a 0.5mm line up the top edge of the board and extending about 5mm onto the surface). 2mm dots on the fret position between the 12th and 21th fret. Two way truss rod Carbon fibre reinforcement Black graphite nut 4+2 headstock Black headstock face Schaller lightweight tuners, black Mahogany body Polyester base coat Black gloss lacquer b/w/b scratch plate 6 string P bass pickup (custom wound, 20% over wind to increase warmth and thicken things up a bit!) Passive vol. / tone Redeemer circuit run on 18 volts .1uf vintage paper in oil cap. ABM bridge, black Strung with D'Addario Chromes Internal Dunlop strap locks, black[/color] Edited January 18, 2012 by voxpop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noisyjon Posted April 29, 2011 Share Posted April 29, 2011 A word of warning - Jon's build times can be a bit optimistic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
largo Posted April 29, 2011 Share Posted April 29, 2011 I think 6 month sounds more realistic, he used to quote 6 weeks ! Sounds like some bass and I promise you won't be disappointed with Jon's work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
giblett123 Posted April 29, 2011 Share Posted April 29, 2011 [quote name='largo' post='1214658' date='Apr 29 2011, 10:20 AM']I think 6 month sounds more realistic, he used to quote 6 weeks ! Sounds like some bass and I promise you won't be disappointed with Jon's work.[/quote] Lol, I've been waiting 9 for mine, they are very good though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finbar Posted April 29, 2011 Share Posted April 29, 2011 I've got an 18 month build so far on one of mine I think. Apparently the neck's been built. Sounds good though! Are you keeping a P headstock? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eude Posted April 30, 2011 Share Posted April 30, 2011 This bass sounds gorgeous I've always wondered what a 6 string P Bass would be like, I'm knowing Jon's skills with will be a blinder too. Can't wait to see what he does with the 4+2 headstock too, I think this will be a first from Shuker! The wait might be 6 months, might be longer, but rest assured it'll be worth the wait! Eude Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eude Posted April 30, 2011 Share Posted April 30, 2011 [quote name='voxpop' post='1216008' date='Apr 30 2011, 06:07 PM']This is the first 6 string P bass with a true split coil pickup that Jon has done. I think he is looking forward to the build because he has never used a Redeemer circuit before either. I want it for next week if possible?? [/quote] Can you give me a bit more info on the Redeemer circuit dude?... Eude Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
voxpop Posted April 30, 2011 Author Share Posted April 30, 2011 [quote name='eude' post='1216038' date='Apr 30 2011, 06:34 PM']Can you give me a bit more info on the Redeemer circuit dude?... Eude[/quote] Here you go..... [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Creation_Audio_Labs_Redeemer.html"]http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_sp...s_Redeemer.html[/url] It really does give a passive bass lift. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eude Posted April 30, 2011 Share Posted April 30, 2011 [quote name='voxpop' post='1216043' date='Apr 30 2011, 06:41 PM']Here you go..... [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Creation_Audio_Labs_Redeemer.html"]http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_sp...s_Redeemer.html[/url] It really does give a passive bass lift.[/quote] Sounds interesting, I'll need to hunt Youtube for some audio comparisons... Eude Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BB3000S Posted April 30, 2011 Share Posted April 30, 2011 Sounds totally awesome!! Congratulations in advance and good luck on the wait - I've heard it builds character... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peted Posted April 30, 2011 Share Posted April 30, 2011 Ooh, interesting. I'll be another keeping my eye on this one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
giblett123 Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 [quote name='voxpop' post='1216088' date='Apr 30 2011, 07:48 PM']This is what I love about Jon and all builders is the fact you can have a crazy idea like a 6 string fretless P bass and with a little time and effort it comes to life. I can't wait........ Who else is going to turn up at a gig with a fretless P bass 6 . [/quote] That's the beauty of it, you end up owning something a wee bit different and usually unique to you, I now have all mine built, I just like the idea of and it and you know it will be good, I've had a number of Shukers over the years, he does know what he's doing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henry norton Posted May 6, 2011 Share Posted May 6, 2011 I've got a fretless P-6 pencilled in once I've finished the billion other things I've got to do, although mine will have an epoxied maple board. I'm looking forward to seeing this progress although I'm not sure I'd have your patience. But tell me this, who is winding your custom pickup for you? I know EMG and Bill Lawrence do 6 string P pickups but they're both set in standard width covers (you just offset them more), but I'm after a proper 3-a-side split coil - is this what you're going for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charic Posted May 9, 2011 Share Posted May 9, 2011 You should use 3 p pickups 1 for each of the 2 strings Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henry norton Posted May 9, 2011 Share Posted May 9, 2011 [quote name='charic' post='1225225' date='May 9 2011, 04:52 PM']You should use 3 p pickups 1 for each of the 2 strings [/quote] Ha! Yeah I wondered about that - it would look well space-age but wouldn't be hum cancelling anymore Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eude Posted May 10, 2011 Share Posted May 10, 2011 [quote name='voxpop' post='1226056' date='May 10 2011, 12:26 PM']Body has been made and the pickups will be by Wizard or Aaron Armstrong. Pictures posted when I receive them. [/quote] Wow - that was quick!... Eude Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eude Posted October 7, 2011 Share Posted October 7, 2011 Too be honest, most of Jon's builds tend to take about 12 months, from what I've seen of late. Well worth the wait in every possible sense however. Just remember in the wise words of Mr Miyagi "Patience Danielsan, Focus Power". Eude Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finbar Posted October 7, 2011 Share Posted October 7, 2011 [quote name='voxpop' timestamp='1317999002' post='1397131'] An update on the build. Jon said it would be ready for the Bass bash on the 24th of september. The day came and went and after I sent many emails Jon has replied saying the electrics need to be installed next week and the frets need leveling............ Oh, its a fretless !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is anyone else having long delay problems with Jon.?? [/quote] You're also much better ringing him than emailing him I've found. He'll always give me the time of day on the phone. I feel like a dick doing it so I try not to, but it does seem like people that needle him about getting stuff completed repeatedly seem to get their builds quicker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henry norton Posted October 7, 2011 Share Posted October 7, 2011 [quote name='voxpop' timestamp='1317999002' post='1397131'] the frets need levelling............ Oh, its a fretless !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [/quote] !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
giblett123 Posted October 13, 2011 Share Posted October 13, 2011 I ordered mine in June 2010! V v nice basses though so I'm hoping mine is worth the wait, after emailing forever I seem to be getting a bit further (I hope) by ringing, we shall see! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
voxpop Posted January 3, 2012 Author Share Posted January 3, 2012 Its been a very long time, nearly a year, but it is ready this week. I'm really looking forward to this design, a six string fretless P bass should be quite interesting. Will keep you guys and girls posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwilym Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 [quote name='voxpop' timestamp='1325583465' post='1484553'] Its been a very long time, nearly a year, but it is ready this week. I'm really looking forward to this design, a six string fretless P bass should be quite interesting. Will keep you guys and girls posted. [/quote] just wondering when you ordered the bass? the first post on this thread was the 29th of April, which is just over 8 months ago. If it's ready this week, the bass will have been about 2 months over the initial 6 month build time you were quoted. I'd hardly call that "nearly a year". In fact it's much closer to the estimated delivery time than it is to a (6month overdue) year wait. So, it seems a little unfair to JS suggest that it is "nearly a year"? I'd understand your worries about slipping timescales if this was a little known luthier, with no track record, but JS appears to have a solid reputation. However, it sounds like JS could be a little more realistic with his estimates and improve his communication. I guess there is a fine balance to be found, whereby potential business isn't lost by quoting overly cautious long delivery times, and bass building time isn't compromised by having to deal with emails/phone calls. Anyway, it sounds like it will be a great bass, and I hope that you do get delivery this week - it will be a nice new year present! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
voxpop Posted January 5, 2012 Author Share Posted January 5, 2012 Around nine months from start to finish, dont think thats bad for a complete custom build. Will be with me around middle of next week so pics will follow shortly after. Getting very excited...hope its a good one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dood Posted January 6, 2012 Share Posted January 6, 2012 Hi voxpop! Sounds great, looking forward to seeing your new baby! Yup, I actually agree. 9 months is still nothing for a completely custom build. My 7 string was also a complete custom from scratch and took 9 months too. Which is still a lot less time than some other top luthiers. I'm pretty sure that there are plenty who will also agree that they have played basses costing way more that aren't nearly as good as Jon's workmanship. Speaking of Jon in particular, I have offered to be a contact to ask about Shuker basses and Jon is happy with, so if anyone wants to ask anything I can do my best to help, or act as a messenger for Jon as I know he's a busy boy operating noisy machines all day. I know that he does appreciate everyone being patient. He's actually not been so well recently which has affected time scales, but even if it took two years to build a bass, it is still totally worth it. Here's one man with a lot of people wanting basses built yesterday! You're gonna love this bass! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
voxpop Posted January 6, 2012 Author Share Posted January 6, 2012 Hi dood, Its a really good idea you acting as messenger for Jon. He is so busy that communication can be frustrating and being I'll at present does not help. Jons work is amazing and I can't wait to get the new bass. This is my first commission from Jon and think its the first of many. If you are not in a hurry and want an amazing bass that's built to a very high standard I would order a Shuker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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