Ruach Utility Bass

[4 Strings]

Back to colour! The least important but seemingly most difficult choice!

Heath has been sending lots of pics of colour samples of various greens he's mixing to head towards the desired tone. Here's an example showing more mud being added from a previous example. Still more mud, I think, although it would look good with this on.

I hope we settle on one before we start endangering the rain forest with many more of these samples!
[URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Sage1_zps3f4bd8b8.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Sage1_zps3f4bd8b8.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Edited October 18, 2013 by 4 Strings

[Myke]

Looking good! I did not know you could get a P shaped like a J pickup, confusing stuff!

Also not having front dots shouldn't be an issue. I went from front dots to no front dots quite recently and I thought it would be a problem but I soon found out that the side dots are more than enough to tell me where I am. I don't even notice the front is blank

Also the darker green is by far my favourite

[4 Strings]

Thanks, Myke, I'm hoping to make the transition to top dots smoothly. I hadn't noticed if I use the front ones or not, when I took notice I find that I do, so I'm starting to only look on the top.

The Jazz shaped pup will not sound exactly like a P, I don't suppose, as the positioning will not be the same (there's around 35mm difference from the bridge to the magnets of the top and bottom pups). Also, I'm assuming the winding has been compromised, although I don't know how, to fit it in the Jazz shape. I just didn't want it going too bassy like the front pup if a MM HH or, actually a Jazz. So, it's positioned at the average dim for a P, we'll have to wait and see. I just wanted it to sound like a P but not look like one; Let's hope Aaron Kent has been able to work some magic!

The dark green def. There have been several greens on the way to the right one, I'm hoping Heath's patience lasts until we get there!

[rk7]

Yep, Myke is right, the dark green is cool!

The bass is looking awesome, and the time you are taking to get everything just-so is gonna pay big dividends.

Keep up the good work!

RK

[4 Strings]

[quote name='rk7' timestamp='1381785114' post='2243860']
Yep, Myke is right, the dark green is cool!

The bass is looking awesome, and the time you are taking to get everything just-so is gonna pay big dividends.

Keep up the good work!

RK
[/quote]


Thanks, RK, although time is actually of the essence! We're hoping the end of this week for the 'First Draft' as it were. If Heath can do that it would be great, first gig would be Saturday evening! However, although the way is now open for some serious progress, there's much to do.

I'm suspecting the First Draft will be without tuner (ordered but no idea how long it will take - took the Hipshot gear long enough to get through customs!), with an initial take on the neck profile (I'd like the opportunity of a second bite at that, if poss) and likely no standy-uppy things.

I understand today will be a routing day, pups and controls cavities. Heath believes he's found a way of squeezing everything into the single controls cavity without the extra rout under the MM pup for the tuner circuit. This may be because I was (no doubt unfoundedly) worrying about the amount of wood being taken out between the neck joint and the bridge. All guitars with pups have this, of course, but I just thought the more solid this piece of body the better. (Heath is a patient guy - I hope he remains that way despite this build!). The Kent pups are actually quite shallow and allow the routs to leave a healthy bit of meat behind them.

[4 Strings]

Tum-tee-tum...
[URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Newlayout_zps7d72ac26.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Newlayout_zps7d72ac26.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
Bridge next

Edited October 18, 2013 by 4 Strings

[allighatt0r]

I like the look of those screw holes under the pickup mounts. Will this mean no hopeless foam/springs under the pickups trying to push them back up against the screws? How did you end up with that body shape by the way? You referenced it shortly at page one but it looks like it's changed quite a bit since then?

[4 Strings]

[quote name='allighatt0r' timestamp='1381939299' post='2245792']
I like the look of those screw holes under the pickup mounts. Will this mean no hopeless foam/springs under the pickups trying to push them back up against the screws? How did you end up with that body shape by the way? You referenced it shortly at page one but it looks like it's changed quite a bit since then?
[/quote]

Good question. Yes, there will be springs holding the pup up, height adjusted by winding the screws in/out of the inserts, like a MM (as opposed to wood screws like a Fender). The covers are wood so no thread possible there, I suppose lock nuts could be wound onto the screws against the underside of the pup so that the spring won't be needed to keep the pup up. Trouble is, then the screw would just be loose in the thread. The spring would keep a tension on it and so keep it where it is.

Not sure what the alternatives are. My Jaydee has the pup screws mounted from below, which is neat as there are no screw holes in the pup top but still uses a spring to put tension on the screws. We didn't so this as the original intention was to use standard MM and J pup bodies.

Are there other alternatives?

Body shape is the same. Probably because I've taken an unhealthy micro-managing interest in the build Heath is not doing anything without reference (also, I suppose, as it's not one of his standard designs but to my specs etc). This is as drawn on my dining room table, with a few tweaks since to make lines flow etc. The top and the bottom bouts are more exaggerated than a Fender design (Heath's influence - well, it is a Ruach bass after all) and this is compounded with accommodating 24 frets and the bridge as near to the end as practicable, makes for a more 'stubby' shape compared to the relatively long shapes of G&Ls, MMs etc. There's a bit of those designs in there, a little Wal, a little me and a good wad of Heath. We placed a MM body over the drawing and it was pretty similar.

[4 Strings]

Heath has mounted the neck (must admit, I though things would go green first, but he's the expert!)
No Fender pick holding slot here!
[URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Neckjoint2_zps4ab133f9.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Neckjoint2_zps4ab133f9.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Neckjoint1_zps3b827083.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Neckjoint1_zps3b827083.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

The back has just been roughed out a the moment, the gist of things to come though;

[URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Neckjoint3_zps35207f03.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Neckjoint3_zps35207f03.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Very exciting stage!

Edited October 18, 2013 by 4 Strings

[BassBus]

I don't usually like maple fingerboards but this is looking quite special. The neck joint at the back looks lovely too.

[4 Strings]

[quote name='BassBus' timestamp='1381998609' post='2246426']
I don't usually like maple fingerboards but this is looking quite special. The neck joint at the back looks lovely too.
[/quote]

Thanks, it's an amazing piece of wood, I'm very fortunate. With a joint like that I might have to start practicing up the dusty end!

I'm hoping that the frets will stand out, at the moment I'm worried I'll be fretting to ripples!

[4 Strings]

Work continues apace.

Bridge routed in (even if one of the lock-downs is facing the wrong way!);
[URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Bridgerout_zpsba2fefbf.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Bridgerout_zpsba2fefbf.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Here's why these Hipshot bridges are a bit of a job. The string goes through a hollow, threaded shaft which pulls the whole thing tight into the body. Lots of different radii and depths to get this right. Can also see the controls cover so far. It's held on by powerful magnets to avoid using screws and needing a screwdriver to delve inside;
[URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Stringthrough_zps163ada1b.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Stringthrough_zps163ada1b.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Headstock looking sweet:
[URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Headstock_zps5a17ac36.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Headstock_zps5a17ac36.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Neck with yet another coat and rub down;
[URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/fretboard_zps441657a9.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/fretboard_zps441657a9.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Next will be carving the assymetric neck profile. It's going to be slim, basic measurements taken from my old 'Ray.

Waiting for pups to arrive.

Edited October 18, 2013 by 4 Strings

[rk7]

Fantastico!

Its looking great. Those bridges do take a bit of fitting, as I recall. Very cool though, especially with the black saddle pieces. (I've just ordered silver ones yesterday, ha ha).

This is gonna be a beautiful bass, and no mistake. Every part is awesome, that headstock is particularly smart.

RK

[4 Strings]

Didn't know there was a choice! Oh well, now I want silver ones, but only because I've got black!

Got some neck carved pics, will put them up when I get the time (and on the right laptop!)

Waiting for colour samples to arrive, Heath has mixed up a selection of greens for me with various amounts of muddiness and sent them by post - think he wants to make sure it's the right one!

[4 Strings]

Here's the unfinished neck. Can see the slight asymmetric profile, Heath's being conservative about this until I've had a play. Then finishing with oil and wax:
[URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/photo1_zps25e82128.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/photo1_zps25e82128.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Close up of the progress on the volute at the back:
[URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/photo2_zpsb43ec998.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/photo2_zpsb43ec998.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Further along the line with the neck/body join profile.
[URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/photo3_zps5b2b4a8b.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/photo3_zps5b2b4a8b.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Edited October 18, 2013 by 4 Strings

[4 Strings]

Oh, and did I mention, the fingerboard looks nice? After another coat and rub down. Can't wait to see this in the flesh, Heath described a deep gloss!

[URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/photo_zps954c7cd2.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/photo_zps954c7cd2.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Edited October 18, 2013 by 4 Strings

[rk7]

Eek! No pics!

This is like when the Sky HD stops working, or the car won't start.

RK

[4 Strings]

Bugger.

I thought I'd be all good and tidy up the Photobucket thing onto an 'Album' and it appears the link has been lost.

Just had a look at Photobucket and it doesn't offer the 'Default Album' as an option to move pics already in another album. Looks like I'll have to go through from scratch.

Bugger.

[4 Strings]

Yes, I'll have to go through and redo the links. Oh well. didn't take as long as it could have!

Also, I've received my colour samples, yes, a nice muddy green has been chosen!

(Needed to be brave to finally commit to green I can tell you!)

Edited October 18, 2013 by 4 Strings

[4 Strings]

Little detail, the Luminiay luminous dots have arrived, it's a 50mm long rod (for near-on £20!) and Heath has to get 12 dots from this - 2mm deep only. Hope he's got a sharp knife!

Talking of which I was given the choice of seeing the fret tangs on the top edge of the fingerboard or making the frets a tad shorter and filling the gap with like coloured filler. Along the top I thought, 'hmm, walnut colour filler so I can see the frets easily - Utility Bass'. But then I had a good old practice on my old bass this evening and the frets are easily seen without having to see the top of them, so like coloured wood (maple) it will be.

[4 Strings]

If you had a child and it grew up under your control and influence to be a bright, good kid, but then, when you had to start releasing him/her to their own decisions and the influences of the wider world, and see that these were different to yours and so your child changes. I wonder if the custom bass builder goes through this, perhaps even grieves when the time comes for the customer to choose the colour.

You've seen the nice piece of Sycamore chosen for this project, the bits of ripple and other nice, natural markings. Perhaps it would be expected for custom basses to be examples of the amazing variety in natural wood finishes. Not so the Utility Bass. This has gone green!
[url="http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Greenbass_zpsb3328b50.jpg.html"][/url]

Bit of a shock to the system, I can tell you. Totally my choice, Heath, encouraging as ever likes it, his wife (also the owner of a green Ruach) loves it, my own 'er indoors really likes it. I think I'm getting over the feelings of shock and 'what have I done'.

Here's the back:
[url="http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Greenback_zpse400c4b6.jpg.html"][/url]

Closeup of the controls:
[url="http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Greencontrols_zps32e8a247.jpg.html"][/url]

I hope I haven't ruined it in wanting to not have the 'obvious' finish. With the pups, bridge etc still to be fitted, and I think there is some waxing and oiling to on, I'm having faith - I think it will look amazing. Not as readily amazing as the originally desired orangey or even natural finishes, but I think it will become something special. Certainly unique!

This end is pretty shiny:
[url="http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Headstockandtuners_zps285da83d.jpg.html"][/url]

I think we're just waiting for pups and (I think) the correct Luminlays (the last lot weren't) to arrive and sorting out the frets to finish. Heath is going for Jescar nickel frets to solve the tang issue, they will look silver and are made of a particularly hard nickel alloy, are very likely to last the lifetime of the bass.

Getting nervous, bit like an approaching first date with someone being introduced by a friend!

Edited October 22, 2013 by 4 Strings

[rk7]

Man, that is a nice colour!

I understand about the nerves, I was the same with my build.

Hang in there, when the build is complete it will be a lovely bass. The workmanship is top-drawer. You will love it.

RK

[Myke]

That looks unbelievable!!

[4 Strings]

Thanks, RK and Myke, I need the reassurance. And a coffee. It was all going so well!

I think it was just the look of the unfinished body is what was expected, this isn't.

It would be easier if it was going to be a gloss finish, but it isn't.

However, I'm sticking with it - Utility Bass, green!

There's also the little matter of the standy-uppy bits. Still thinking about those. My latest thought is some short, wooden stubs ~50mm either side of the strap button with a soft rubber/silicon dome mounted on them (would look a bit like the ends of snooker cues). Heath is on the case.

[andydye]

despite my dislike of green basses that's looking really smart, it's a good shade of green, not too bright and garish, subtle and possible even classy!