4 Strings Posted October 6, 2013 Author Share Posted October 6, 2013 Coffee table pedal board; that would be great! Although I remember going to see Guthrie Govan a while back and (being Mr Utility here) admiring his pedals being accommodated in a tea tray! Was thinking, there could be an opening edge on it to house a ring circuit of power cables (bit like the cheese crust of a pizza). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rk7 Posted October 6, 2013 Share Posted October 6, 2013 Tee hee, I'd just end up keeping my coffee on it! And pizza sounds great. Getting hungry now. RK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4 Strings Posted October 6, 2013 Author Share Posted October 6, 2013 (edited) [quote name='rk7' timestamp='1381051828' post='2233668'] Tee hee, I'd just end up keeping my coffee on it! And pizza sounds great. Getting hungry now. RK [/quote] Couldn't resist a quick google: [url="http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/Rig_Rundown_The_Aristocrats_Guthrie_Govan"]http://www.premiergu...s_Guthrie_Govan[/url] Scrolldown to about half way (albeit a different tray) Edited October 6, 2013 by 4 Strings Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rk7 Posted October 6, 2013 Share Posted October 6, 2013 My guitarist has a board that he (proudly) says took all of 20 minutes to make! Oh dear. Check out the Salvage stuff. Its proper nice. RK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4 Strings Posted October 6, 2013 Author Share Posted October 6, 2013 Like this? [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/addison-pb_zpsfc5f2099.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/addison-pb_zpsfc5f2099.jpg[/IMG][/URL] That wood would make a nice neck for a bass! Go for it, got to be a build to follow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rk7 Posted October 6, 2013 Share Posted October 6, 2013 Yes, but lovely walnut! I'll be starting in a week or two. Can't do 'dust' just yet. I've just had a nosejob (true) so it needs to heal a bit, ha ha. I'll also do the vintage suitcase thing too, for completeness. I don't use a lot of pedals, but I have the controller for my amp, my wireless, and a looper, so why not. Anyway, I'm intruding on your build thread, which is bad form. lol RK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4 Strings Posted October 7, 2013 Author Share Posted October 7, 2013 (edited) Just to get things rolling this week, you may remember that neither Ruach nor Aaron Kent happened to have the right size pup covers when we needed them so Heath offered to make some to avoid any delay. He sent these. While they might be considered a compromise to 'Utility' I'm accepting them on the basis that it's a prototype, the utilitarian function of the bass is not compromised and that they look pretty sweet! [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Pupcovers_zps2b007796.jpeg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Pupcovers_zps2b007796.jpeg[/IMG][/URL] I've also asked Heath to go easy on the gutaway and forearm rest to maintain the 'slab-of-wood' feel of the body. I'm looking forward to that too. (ps the top corner of the Jazz pup looks a little less rounded, but I'm assured it's the same as the others, just the angle of the lens.) Edited October 18, 2013 by 4 Strings Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rk7 Posted October 7, 2013 Share Posted October 7, 2013 Sweet! Nice craftsmanship, they will look great. RK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myke Posted October 7, 2013 Share Posted October 7, 2013 They look lovely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprocket123 Posted October 7, 2013 Share Posted October 7, 2013 Oh boy , nice PU covers in there fella ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4 Strings Posted October 8, 2013 Author Share Posted October 8, 2013 (edited) Thanks all, it's all getting more exciting by the minute! Here's some more; A better shot of the pup covers. [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3649_zps5c2ac36a.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3649_zps5c2ac36a.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Front of the body with a 1/4"radius to the corners. Heath's recommendation for the 'slab' effect, looks just the ticket. Can go to a larger radius, but I think this achieves the necessary. [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Softenedarmcut_zpse54e26e8.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Softenedarmcut_zpse54e26e8.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Gutaway [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Softenedgutaway_zps391777e5.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Softenedgutaway_zps391777e5.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Neck with the first coat of lacquer drying. I'm very excited about the neck! The lacquer will be on the top only, waxed at the back. [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3656_zpsa047f910.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3656_zpsa047f910.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Detail in ongoing development. The knobs go 1. Volume 2. Treble/bass (bass on ring) 3. Mid/sweep (sweep on ring). This is perfect as while there are too many controls for me I don't normally use bass and mid sweep controls once they are set and these happen to be the ring controls so they can be recessed to be peeping out to try and simplify things. Heath has been playing around and to get the tops of the knobs even the recess is quite extreme. Here's a little mockup on scrap. We're in ongoing discussion with ideas for the most elegant solution (to get access to the Allen screw, have a bit more to show as those shoulders make things a bit more difficult to get hold of). [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3654_zps2b2e30da.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3654_zps2b2e30da.jpg[/IMG][/URL] We have the preamp now, I think it's the control cavity next. The pup covers will now go to Aaron Kent for mounting the guts inside. Edited October 18, 2013 by 4 Strings Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted October 8, 2013 Share Posted October 8, 2013 That neck looks totally amazing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4 Strings Posted October 8, 2013 Author Share Posted October 8, 2013 [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1381218454' post='2235803'] That neck looks totally amazing! [/quote] Lovely isn't it? The flame really 'pops out' (as Heath puts it)! Properly finished, with the frets in place and the back carved to shape etc, it's going to be even better. I'm still thinking of a set in piece of rubber on the back of the headstock near the top so it can be leant against things. Might be too clumsy looking (although it wouldn't be seen from the front). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted October 8, 2013 Share Posted October 8, 2013 [quote name='4 Strings' timestamp='1381230336' post='2236008'] I'm still thinking of a set in piece of rubber on the back of the headstock near the top so it can be leant against things. Might be too clumsy looking (although it wouldn't be seen from the front). [/quote] Anything that would stop it from falling over has got to be a good idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4 Strings Posted October 8, 2013 Author Share Posted October 8, 2013 (edited) After quite a bit of tooing and froing, Heath came up with this, an offset rebate around the base of the knob (this is a mock up on a bit of mdf) [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Concentricknobrebate_zps8c2767d1.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Concentricknobrebate_zps8c2767d1.jpg[/IMG][/URL] like this without the knob; [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Offcentrerebate_zps1926fb87.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Offcentrerebate_zps1926fb87.jpg[/IMG][/URL] And a similar rebate around the pup switch, this is to get as much wood thickness as possible and it goes to only 3mm at the actual slot. Utility bass, want it as robust as possible (again a mock up on mdf); [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/pupselectorrebate_zpsa4880e75.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/pupselectorrebate_zpsa4880e75.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Notional control and cavity layout. Not much space for the tuner circuit in there! I did wonder about the controls following the lines of the grain, but I'm not sure this subtlety would ever notice. The 'smile' arrangement of the knobs is, I think, the most practical viewed from above (Utility Bass!). We have discussed locking jacks, but they look so ungainly. If we find a more elegant design this will be a compromise to form over function. (also, not sure I wouldn't find it irritating to use!). The cavity cover will be held on by small magnets, easy to change batteries etc. Two batteries for 18V for the John East. [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Controllayout1_zpsdb313ead.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Controllayout1_zpsdb313ead.jpg[/IMG][/URL] The gutaway and forearm cutting are quite subtle and Heath has blended them so that they are hardly noticeable to tryand retain the slab effect. [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Softenedgutaway_zps391777e5.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Softenedgutaway_zps391777e5.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Softenedarmcut_zpse54e26e8.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Softenedarmcut_zpse54e26e8.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Still trying to get green out of my mind's eye! Edited October 18, 2013 by 4 Strings Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allighatt0r Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 I think you would be mad not to have it green after you've talked so much about green as a colour choice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andydye Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 trans maple leaf red? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rk7 Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 [quote name='allighatt0r' timestamp='1381330094' post='2237718'] I think you would be mad not to have it green after you've talked so much about green as a colour choice! [/quote] The man makes a very good point. I also think it should be green. RK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4 Strings Posted October 9, 2013 Author Share Posted October 9, 2013 (edited) I don't like green guitars! Trans maple leaf red sounds interesting, any examples? Sounds very autumnal. Right, the mdf mock-ups looked, well, like mdf mock-ups. Here's a picture of what that solution looks like in some first grade sycamore. [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3675_zpsfca67059.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3675_zpsfca67059.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Am I allowed to post such sexy pictures on here? [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3673_zpseba42a57.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3673_zpseba42a57.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Whatever the green, it's going to have to be subtle. Edited October 18, 2013 by 4 Strings Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myke Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 I'm thinking red! That sounds very lovely! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andydye Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 [quote name='4 Strings' timestamp='1381334220' post='2237803'] I don't like green guitars! Trans maple leaf red sounds interesting, any examples? Sounds very autumnal. Right, the mdf mock-ups looked, well, like mdf mock-ups. Here's a picture of what that solution looks like in some first grade sycamore. [url="http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/IMG_3675_zpsfca67059.jpg.html"][/url] Am I allowed to post such sexy pictures on here? [url="http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/IMG_3673_zpseba42a57.jpg.html"][/url] Whatever the green, it's going to have to be subtle. [/quote] Those are seriously gorgeous pics matey! Utility, I think not!! Very beautiful and to be looked after...yes! I think I had the red of the middle leaves on this picture in mind but in a translucent finish? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4 Strings Posted October 9, 2013 Author Share Posted October 9, 2013 (edited) Unfortunately things are slowed a little waiting for suppliers. They're not being bad (the Hipshot stuff has only just been cleared from customs, for example), dims for the Jazz pup are being sorted and having to go to Japan for a supplier of luminous side dots on a black background (can have it on white but, for some reason, there seems to be a UK shortage of black). We're using the Luminlay stuff, SGM-23 (scroll to the bottom here: [url="http://www.luminlay.com/galleryjp.html"]http://www.luminlay.com/galleryjp.html[/url] ) probably the best of the options, but will be £20 once duties etc has been paid. The second component that's been outrageously expensive. Anyway, the time has allowed further thought on the standing up aspect. We're not going to have a built-in stand. Decision made. It will be designed to be safely leant. I've asked for a small, 12mm or so rubber inlay at the top of the back of the headstock to help grip (and not chip) when it gets leaned. At the bottom of the body, the area around the strap button will be set back at an angle into the body (a sort of ramp carved into the body at around 45degrees) to get the straplocks out of the way, and then the back edges of the body each side of the ramp rounded to, say a 25mm radius and capped with rubber. This will all be largely invisible from the front and will avoid having any rubber bumpers sticking out. Heath is going to make a mock up from the useful bits of mdf he has for these purposes to make sure it all works, get the dims right if it does etc before attacking the sycamore. I've got a sketch, I'll try to make it legible and post it up. This is now going against Heath's better judgement, he's not that keen on slapping rubber onto his creation! This is the currently favourite green. Heath's doing his best top mix it up. Apparently quite a process has been used to get the flame pattern to show like this with the stain. [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/leafwithmaple_zpsb47e9a7b.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/leafwithmaple_zpsb47e9a7b.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Edited October 18, 2013 by 4 Strings Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4 Strings Posted October 9, 2013 Author Share Posted October 9, 2013 Well, maple is a sort of theme for the bass, the neck is a particularly nice piece of it, the sycamore used for the body if from the maple family. I found this example of the sort of thing you're suggesting (which looks a lovely colour on those leaves): [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/MapleRed_zpsa1565e58.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/MapleRed_zpsa1565e58.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Or there's the same thing in green: [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Maplegreen_zps706cbf56.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Maplegreen_zps706cbf56.jpg[/IMG][/URL] While the red looks very nice, I'm afraid I'm still obsessed with green, don't know why, because it's untypical perhaps? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myke Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 Seeing them pictures, I'm now very much for the green! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted October 10, 2013 Share Posted October 10, 2013 Green basses are just wrong. [size=4] It should of course be white (or blonde), as any fule kno. [/size] [size=4]You can't beat white with a maple neck. *Babbles incoherently* [/size] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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