Olympic White 66/62 style Jazz Bass build

[kevin_lindsay]

Okay, here we go again. My new build has begun!

So, what's the specification? Ive always liked my friend Paul Turner's 1966 Jazz Bass for its Olympic White finish, tortoiseshell plate and the neck withits white edge binding and pearl dot markers, topped off with the "lollipop" style tuner heads.

here's some examples:

Fender Custom Shop 1966 reissue
[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/JBass66OWT-xlarge.jpg[/IMG]

"Lollipop" style tuner heads:
[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/images.jpg[/IMG]

However, I prefer the "stack knob" layout with a separate volume and tone for each pickup - like this:
[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/Screenshot_2013-04-12-21-01-51.png[/IMG]


I had a Fender USA reissue '62 Jazz Bass previously. That looked really vibrant when photographed using a flash, but in natural light was a duller cream colour.
[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20130804_113759.jpg[/IMG]

[Rumple]

Should be very nice indeed, are you going for the binding but dots instead of blocks on the neck like a 66?

[kevin_lindsay]

So, I've decided to creare a combination of both styles. So let's get the hardware sorted.

First up is the body. This is made to 1962 specs with the router hump in the lower neck pocket cutaway, and is a couple of mm thinner then the later bodies. The wood is alder. As the early basses had the bridges earthed via a brass earthing strip running from under the bridge plate into the rear pickup cavity, there was no hole drilled from under the plate to the control cavity. As I'm not going for the earthing strip route, this pic shows the body before the earthing wire hole has been drilled.

[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20130904_155449-1.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20130828_170913.jpg[/IMG]

The neck format of dot and bound isn't available pre-made by any aftermarket sellers, so I'm having to have this custom made for me. Chris McIntyre ( www.mcintyreguitars.com ) is making the neck for me. It's great having him do the neck as I can have it made to the profile I prefer.

I didn't want highly figured maple for the neck. Rather, I wanted some old, seasoned, really solid maple. Chris had a piece of dead straight, old maple which we decided to use. For the fingerboard, we've got a great piece of old, dark coloured rosewood. Chris has cut the neck shape out, and the fingerboard is in place, with the fret and nut slots cut. He's just about to rout the fingerboard edge to accommodate the binding. It'll be good to see it taking shape.

Once the binding and pearl dot markers are in place, Chris will then shape the rear neck profile, and prepare the headstock front. I'm picking up the neck and body from Chris on Monday 7th October. I'll then apply the nitrocellulose lacquer.

I've got all the hardware ready too. The control plate is a 3 hole piece to accommodate the stack pots and the stacked concentric knobs. The pots are CTS items, and the output jack is a Switchcraft item. The knobs are genuine Fender ones.

[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20130501_185010.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20130501_185019.jpg[/IMG]

For the "lollipop" tuners, I've gone for the Hipshot units as there arent any other ones readily avaikable to my knowkedge.

[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/hb2l_hi_g_crop.jpg[/IMG]

For the neckplate I wanted one like a 1966 unit. So, I thought, "what does Pauls neck plate look like? A quick phone call and I had a pic of his plate

[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/IMG_2173-1.jpg[/IMG]

His serial number is 145185, so I thought...... "why not"?

[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20130429_155024.jpg[/IMG]

I'm not a fan of the dark brown tortioseshell plates Fender currently use. They're just a bit too dark for my taste. I found a "New Old Stock" nitrocellulose plate from a batch made for Fender in the earky 1980s. I had that sent over from the uUSA.

[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20130903_173854.jpg[/IMG]

Edited June 8, 2014 by kevin_lindsay

[kevin_lindsay]

Rumple - it'll be a "dot and bound" '66 style rather than blocks.

[kevin_lindsay]

Here's Pauls headstock:

[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/photo-2.jpg[/IMG]

and here's the decal for mine:

[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20130921_114116.jpg[/IMG]

For the lacquer, I'm using Steve Robinson's great aerosol cans:

[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20130921_114033.jpg[/IMG]

To keep the bass in good condition, I thought I'd get a nice Fender case:

[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20130904_154820.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20130904_155032.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20130904_155042.jpg[/IMG]

I'll post pics of the neck once its complete, and will detail the lacquer application, and the final assembly and setup once it's all ready to go.

Edited September 21, 2013 by kevin_lindsay

[gjones]

Your projects are always fascinating. I'll be paying close attention

[kevin_lindsay]

Okay, Chris has just completed the binding on the neck Here we go:

Here's the neck blank cut to shape, the fingerboard and the binding material.

[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20130920_122930.jpg[/IMG]

Oh, and here's the truss rod

[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20130920_122953.jpg[/IMG]

here's the fingerboard getting cut to shape - edges trimmed (with to low end being cut to shape following the headstock outline). The body end will be rounded off also

[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20130920_182743.jpg[/IMG]

Chris then attached the fingerboard to the neck blank with double sided tape. He then used a router bit to take the fingerboard edges in by 2mm to follow the exact shape of the neck outline.

The fingerboard was then removed from the neck blank to allow for the binding to be glued on

[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20130920_195447.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20130920_195451.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20130920_195459.jpg[/IMG]

Then, with the binding attached, the fingerboard was glued in place

[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20130921_140553-2.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20130921_140557.jpg[/IMG]

the fingerboard, when it has been profiled and oiled, will be really dark and chocolate-ey.

next stage will be to have the front pearl dots installed, side black position markers installed in the binding, fingerboard profiled, headstock front shaped for the slope from the nut to the headstock face, and then having the back of the neck profiled. The tuner holes will also need to be drilled - double stepped to accommodate the front edge bushings.

Edited September 21, 2013 by kevin_lindsay

[tommorichards]

where did you get the neckplate done?

Everything else looks awesome

[kevin_lindsay]

You don't like the neck plate? I got it via eBay from Ron Kirn in the USA.

[Biaeothanata-Bassist]

I'll be keeping a close eye on this. Sounds like it's going to turn out absolutely stunning!

I really want a stacked knob jazz bass too! G.A.S. incoming...

[KiOgon]

That's going to be another stunner Kev.

[DarkHeart]

got to ask why you got the same number on you neck plate, that seems a bit odd to me

Edited September 21, 2013 by DarkHeart

[kevin_lindsay]

I just wanted a number that was like a '66. I could have had an "R" prefix one like a Custom Shop instrument, but I just thought I'd do the same as Paul's for a bit of fun. There was no real reason behind using the same one as his, I just needed a suitable number, and as Paul was at the other end of the phone, I simply asked him what his number was.

[louisthebass]

Subscribed, this is going to be awesome .

[tommorichards]

[quote name='kevin_lindsay' timestamp='1379776955' post='2216683']
You don't like the neck plate? I got it via eBay from Ron Kirn in the USA.
[/quote]

No, i just assumed you'd take it that the neck plate was also awesome. Im just wondering as it looks like a custom engraving jobby from the serial number, and im looking for somewhere to do a MM into a neck plate i made.

[kevin_lindsay]

Ron Kirn simply takes standard Fender neckplates and stamps whatever you want onto them. They're expensive for what they are, but it's a nice finishing touch. If you're looking to get something engraved onto your own plate, drop an email to some local jewellers, you might find that they'd do nit for a reasonable price?

[chardbass]

Another build? You got time on your hands again Kevin? Ha ha. Enjoy it mate :-)

[Biaeothanata-Bassist]

How much was the neck by the way? I need a couple of necks made for 2 projects i'll be building as I can't seem to find a maple P bass sized neck anywhere with black dots and binding as well as a skunk stripe on the back

Cheers!

[kevin_lindsay]

[quote name='chardbass' timestamp='1379803814' post='2217015']
Another build? You got time on your hands again Kevin? Ha ha. Enjoy it mate :-)
[/quote]

Hahaha - yup, when there are no gigs to keep me occupied, the downtime causes me to think, "what's next on the build front"?

Edited September 22, 2013 by kevin_lindsay

[kevin_lindsay]

[quote name='Biaeothanata-Bassist' timestamp='1379816131' post='2217056']
How much was the neck by the way? I need a couple of necks made for 2 projects i'll be building as I can't seem to find a maple P bass sized neck anywhere with black dots and binding as well as a skunk stripe on the back

Cheers!
[/quote]

Drop Chris an email. Each neck is considered on its own merits.

Edited September 22, 2013 by kevin_lindsay

[kevin_lindsay]

Headstock front has been shaped, and the front position pearl dot markers have been installed. Next up will be installing the black side dots, radius the fingerboard, drilling the stepped tuning head holes, then profiling the rear of the neck.

[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/20130925_202829.jpg[/IMG]

Edited September 26, 2013 by kevin_lindsay

[kevin_lindsay]

I'll have more pics to upload in a couple of days as I'm headimg through to Edinburgh on Monday 7th October to pick up the new neck from Chris McIntyre.

Then, I'll start to spray the nitro lacquer on the body, and on the neck.

[kevin_lindsay]

Okay, the spraying of the nitro lacquer will commence soon. I need to fine sand the surfaces to prepare them, but hopefully it'll be underway tomorrow.

Heres the neck in situ

[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20131007_163404.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20131007_163713.jpg[/IMG]

Chris carved the neck to have the neck profile continue it's shape right up to the neck heel

[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20131007_164412.jpg[/IMG]

And, here's the headstock:

[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20131007_163935.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20131007_163945.jpg[/IMG]

Edited October 7, 2013 by kevin_lindsay

[umcoo]

That's real tasty

[kevin_lindsay]

Okay, it's time to begin spraying. I'm going to do the matching Olympic White headstock first. The nitrocellulose lacquer stinks, and the fine oversoray got into my lungs a year and a half ago, resulting in me being afmitted to hospital after my breathing stopped. So, lesson learned - let's get the "Breaking Bad" look sorted

[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20131008_163827.jpg[/IMG]

I sprayed some nitro sanding sealer on the neck (after I had masked off the frets and fingerboard with Frog Tape). Then, the white primer is applied using light coats. I'll sand it flat tomorrow, and then get the Olympic White on.

I protectdd thr main shaft of the neck by enclosing it inside a plastic bin bag. I covered the back of the headstock with masking tape, and masked the edges using green Frog Tape.

[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20131008_191955.jpg[/IMG]

Lightly does it

[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20131008_183133-1.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20131008_183138.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20131008_191834.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/62_66%20Jazz%20Bass%20Build/20131008_191914.jpg[/IMG]

Some of the eagle-eyed out there might have noticed that I am spraying the white partially onto the end of the rosewood fingerboard.

The reason I've done this is that Fender used to do that too on their original vintage guitars. Here's Paul Turner's headstock from his '66. You can see how the white was applied ovelapping the rosewood fingerboard. (You can see the fingerboard binding continue below the white facing lacquer - noticeable where the white lacquer has worn off at the edges).

[IMG]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/kevin_lindsay/photo-1.jpg[/IMG]

Edited October 13, 2013 by kevin_lindsay