Bass Culture Posted March 22, 2016 Share Posted March 22, 2016 [font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]I've come to this commission rather circuitously. After being caught in the Maruszczyk-related buzz I ordered a passive Jake with a 32" scale, I took delivery of it and was immediately taken with it as an alternative to my ACG custom. I really liked the warmer, less hi-fi tones and knew it would complement the ACG really nicely. Through a quirk of timing though it wad delivered not long before I caught up with RichardH's lightweight Zoot Build Diary. There's been a few Zoot's have passed through my hands over the years and I made quite a few visits to The Bass Merchant when Mike had the shop in Witham. I'd always thought about asking Mike to build me a bass but had thought this was a pipe dream as Mike had slipped off the radar a bit in recent years. When I saw Richard's thread though I thought I'd better strike while the iron was hot and before Mike got too inundated with work! We arranged a visit at the end of February and agreed the following spec between us.[/font] [color=#000000] [u]Neck detail:[/u][/color] [color=#000000] Canadian rock maple neck. [/color][color=#000000] Ebony finger board with side dots[/color][color=#000000] Soft 'V' profile[/color][color=#000000] 38mm bone nut[/color][color=#000000] Dutch medium/heavy fret wire[/color][color=#000000] 16" radius to board.[/color][color=#000000] 22 frets[/color][color=#000000] Bi-flex (two way) truss rod adjustable body end.[/color][color=#000000] Hipshot black string retainer[/color][color=#000000] Hipshot 'Ultralite' machine heads in black[/color][color=#000000] Satin finish to back of neck[/color][color=#000000] Hi-gloss finish to face of headstock.[/color] [color=#000000] [u]Body detail:[/u][/color] [color=#000000] Idigbo Zoot body with figured maple book matched cap.[/color][color=#000000] Ebony veneer dividing line.[/color][color=#000000] Standard Zoot body contours.[/color][color=#000000] Hi-gloss finish with washed out Amber trans' tint with edge detail.[/color][color=#000000] ABM bridge[/color][color=#000000] Aguilar standard P pickup in neck position.[/color][color=#000000] Aguilar H/B soap bar in bridge postion.[/color][color=#000000] 2 X tone controls[/color][color=#000000] 1 X Master volume[/color][color=#000000] 1 X blend control (special taper) [/color][color=#000000] 1 X mini switch for H/B soap bar.[/color][color=#000000] Schaller strap locks in black[/color][color=#000000] All other hardware to be black [/color] [color=#000000] [size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]He's got another couple of commissions on at present but has quoted a very reasonable build time so I'd expect to see some progress and post some pictures in the next few weeks. Watch this space for further 'Return of the Zoot'-type updates![/font][/size][/color] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardH Posted March 23, 2016 Share Posted March 23, 2016 Look forward to seeing some pics soon! Sorry if I caused inadvertent Zoot GAS! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass Culture Posted March 23, 2016 Author Share Posted March 23, 2016 [quote name='RichardH' timestamp='1458721314' post='3010085'] Look forward to seeing some pics soon! Sorry if I caused inadvertent Zoot GAS! [/quote] Resurrected it really! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass Culture Posted April 18, 2016 Author Share Posted April 18, 2016 (edited) It's been a few weeks but the ball is starting to roll now and we have some wood shots. Early days but they should give an idea of the how the woods will work together. First up we have the body wood. After deciding on Idigbo initially Mike pulled it out to start work only to find it wasn't good enough quality. We discussed hin sourcing some new stock but he also mentioned he also had some nice swamp ash in his store too, so this is what we went with: [URL=http://s120.photobucket.com/user/Myrtle2014/media/Zoot%20Custom/Mark%20Newman%20Zoot%20Swamp%20ash%20main%20body%20blank%20%20rear%20veiw_zpsylov9na1.jpg.html][IMG]http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o168/Myrtle2014/Zoot%20Custom/Mark%20Newman%20Zoot%20Swamp%20ash%20main%20body%20blank%20%20rear%20veiw_zpsylov9na1.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Already quite chuffed with this Mike also sent me a picture of the top wood, which we thought had [i]some[/i] figuring but nothing like as much as came up when he gave it a wipe over with some white spirit: [URL=http://s120.photobucket.com/user/Myrtle2014/media/Zoot%20Custom/Mark%20Newman%20Bookmatched%20top2_zpsqyfppimx.jpg.html][IMG]http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o168/Myrtle2014/Zoot%20Custom/Mark%20Newman%20Bookmatched%20top2_zpsqyfppimx.jpg[/IMG][/URL] The neck was originally going to be one piece maple but Mike offered up some stringers for a laminated neck as he felt a bit gutted about the idigbo not being up to scratch - result! It's going to be a five piece laminate of maple and Blue Jarra now. I know nothing about Blue Jarra but Mike assures me it's much more nicely figured than it looks in the shot here: [URL=http://s120.photobucket.com/user/Myrtle2014/media/Zoot%20Custom/Mark%20Newman%20neck%20blank2_zpsnos8i97m.jpg.html][IMG]http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o168/Myrtle2014/Zoot%20Custom/Mark%20Newman%20neck%20blank2_zpsnos8i97m.jpg[/IMG][/URL] The build started as a cost conscious 'workhorse' passive bass but some lucky accidents have meant it's taken a much more up market turn, which I'm getting very excited about. There's a photo of the top wood being bound to the body too which I don't seem to be able to upload. Definitely starting to look bass shaped now though. Edited July 15, 2016 by Bass Culture Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andyjr1515 Posted April 19, 2016 Share Posted April 19, 2016 Like the look of that top....a lot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass Culture Posted April 19, 2016 Author Share Posted April 19, 2016 [quote name='Andyjr1515' timestamp='1461052086' post='3030890'] Like the look of that top....a lot [/quote] Me too. It was a very nice surprise as neither Mike nor I thought the figuring was as deep as this when were looking at it the workshop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass Culture Posted May 6, 2016 Author Share Posted May 6, 2016 Had a visit to see Mike at 'Zoot Central' on Tuesday and to see progress. All the shaping work on the body is now complete and the neck is glued up and rough shaped ready for the shaping, sanding and profiling. The narrower string spacing I've specified has given us a couple of issues with regard to pickup choices as it pretty much excludes anything with exposed pole pieces for aesthetic reasons, so we've gone for an Aguilar DCB in the bridge position and we'll stick with the P-type at the neck but try and source some covers to hide the pole pieces. We also had a discussion about a blend as this will be a passive bass and I wanted to avoid the dual volume approach in favour of a master volume. Mike was saying there would likely be a volume drop in the centre position if we installed a blend, which could be avoided with a simpler, three way, rotary selector to give bridge/both/neck. However this doesn't really do it for me as I tend to favour the bridge pickup with a touch of neck added in to give the tone some depth and a bit more weight. Anyway, we kicked this ball around for a while before eventually hit upon a potential solution which Mike thinks might be do-able by employing a 5-way selector instead of the 3-way. I'm crossing my fingers... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eude Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 [quote name='Bass Culture' timestamp='1462529346' post='3043765'] We also had a discussion about a blend as this will be a passive bass and I wanted to avoid the dual volume approach in favour of a master volume. Mike was saying there would likely be a volume drop in the centre position if we installed a blend, which could be avoided with a simpler, three way, rotary selector to give bridge/both/neck. However this doesn't really do it for me as I tend to favour the bridge pickup with a touch of neck added in to give the tone some depth and a bit more weight. Anyway, we kicked this ball around for a while before eventually hit upon a potential solution which Mike thinks might be do-able by employing a 5-way selector instead of the 3-way. I'm crossing my fingers... [/quote] If you're not adverse to having a battery, I know John East has a solution, using an active blend, but keeping the rest of the signal chain passive. Might be worth shooting him an email? Merton has one in his ACG Finn 5er. Eude Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass Culture Posted May 6, 2016 Author Share Posted May 6, 2016 Funnily enough Eude I'm having a battery compartment routed anyway, to give me the flexibility to add a pre-amp in future, if I ever fancied a change. Mike has used a Noll active blend before but wasn't that impressed. I've used u-retros before and loved them so the East could well be the answer - thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacDaddy Posted May 7, 2016 Share Posted May 7, 2016 Watching this with interest. Mike builds lovely basses and is a top bloke to have a natter with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merton Posted May 8, 2016 Share Posted May 8, 2016 Yes John East's active blend is ace. I really wanted a passive bass but Aan said exactly the same as Mike and suggested this option. It works really well and I haven't looked back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merton Posted May 8, 2016 Share Posted May 8, 2016 [quote name='MacDaddy' timestamp='1462652477' post='3044738'] Watching this with interest. Mike builds lovely basses and is a top bloke to have a natter with. [/quote] That he is. A good 11 years ago I was seeing a young lady in Brentwood and she had to work one Saturday so, at a loose end, I headed up to Mike's shop and spent a very enjoyable couple of hours noodling on various amps and cabs and he gave me a tour of the workshop. Given I only spent £50 whilst there I have to say he went way above and beyond accommodating me! Top fella, and his basses and cabs aren't bad either Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass Culture Posted June 27, 2016 Author Share Posted June 27, 2016 (edited) Been a bit quiet for a few weeks so time for an update, I think. Was 'darn sarf' this weekend, visiting the family, so I took the opportunity to pop to Walsh Towers for a progress visit. Definitely taking shape now and looking more bass-like. Mike's just waiting for the pickups and then we'll be on the home stretch, I think. Here's some snaps: [URL=http://s120.photobucket.com/user/Myrtle2014/media/Zoot%20Custom/WP_20160627_10_32_01_Pro_zpsxu5punqc.jpg.html][IMG]http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o168/Myrtle2014/Zoot%20Custom/WP_20160627_10_32_01_Pro_zpsxu5punqc.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s120.photobucket.com/user/Myrtle2014/media/Zoot%20Custom/WP_20160627_10_32_34_Pro_zpsxkysg0fa.jpg.html][IMG]http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o168/Myrtle2014/Zoot%20Custom/WP_20160627_10_32_34_Pro_zpsxkysg0fa.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s120.photobucket.com/user/Myrtle2014/media/Zoot%20Custom/WP_20160627_10_32_53_Pro_zpsgg8k50ow.jpg.html][IMG]http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o168/Myrtle2014/Zoot%20Custom/WP_20160627_10_32_53_Pro_zpsgg8k50ow.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s120.photobucket.com/user/Myrtle2014/media/Zoot%20Custom/WP_20160627_10_33_01_Pro_zps4zluc3dy.jpg.html][IMG]http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o168/Myrtle2014/Zoot%20Custom/WP_20160627_10_33_01_Pro_zps4zluc3dy.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Edited July 15, 2016 by Bass Culture Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassTool Posted July 5, 2016 Share Posted July 5, 2016 That looks lovely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass Culture Posted July 5, 2016 Author Share Posted July 5, 2016 Swapped emails with Mike today about a potential collection date before the end of the month. This prompted him to dig out the tuners to fit to the headstock, at which point he found Hipshot had sent him a one-sided set rather then the 2R 2L the bass needs. This could result in a bit of a delay, of course; I suppose it's down to how soon Hipshot can organise the correct set. It might yet be finished before the end of the month, we'll see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass Culture Posted July 7, 2016 Author Share Posted July 7, 2016 And Hipshot are sending out the replacements to arrive at the beginning of next week, so not too much time lost at all - result! The race is on to see if the bass will be complete before Mike goes on his holiday in the last week of the month now. Fingers crossed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass Culture Posted July 15, 2016 Author Share Posted July 15, 2016 Another catch-up call yesterday and today. Pickups are here now and the tuners are expected on Monday so we may still be on schedule for collection before Mike buggers off on holiday at the end of next week. He rather sheepishly admitted he's dropped a bit of a bollock when staining the top, which had meant a very speedy application of some acetone. I'd asked for a deep honey/amber colour and have ended up with this: [URL=http://s120.photobucket.com/user/Myrtle2014/media/Zoot%20Custom/13710432_1347868008560143_5966690813147944276_o_zpscuv47zxr.jpg.html][IMG]http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o168/Myrtle2014/Zoot%20Custom/13710432_1347868008560143_5966690813147944276_o_zpscuv47zxr.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s120.photobucket.com/user/Myrtle2014/media/Zoot%20Custom/13680312_1347867991893478_5721702808218083813_o_zpshmkmosee.jpg.html][IMG]http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o168/Myrtle2014/Zoot%20Custom/13680312_1347867991893478_5721702808218083813_o_zpshmkmosee.jpg[/IMG][/URL] If that's what Mike calls dropping a bollock I'll take that any day of the week! Routing for pickups is the only wood work to be done, so Mike thinks he's got enough time to get it done if (and this is a big if as there's things outside his control) things go according to plan. There's so many variables involved that I've learnt that delivery dates can never be set in stone. Still, here's hoping I need to make the trip down the M6 to Essex next week! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass Culture Posted July 18, 2016 Author Share Posted July 18, 2016 Mike picked up the new tuners at the weekend and got them fitted. Getting close now. Definitely getting difficult to suppress that 'kid on Christmas Eve' feeling now! [IMG]http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o168/Myrtle2014/Zoot%20Custom/13697024_1349332038413740_23870328483557133_n_zpsndwlrlyk.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [IMG]http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o168/Myrtle2014/Zoot%20Custom/13659086_1349332071747070_627959352616958742_n_zpsypfibx9f.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacDaddy Posted July 18, 2016 Share Posted July 18, 2016 looking good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trueno Posted July 18, 2016 Share Posted July 18, 2016 I had a Zoot bass once. Very much like yours... same shape, same neck, but without the whizzy woods (just plain black). Still wondering why I ever sold it... I allowed myself to be persuaded by the retro 60's band I was in at the time because it didn't fit the image. Should have ditched the band rather than the bass (I ditched the band anyway). I suspect this bass will be awesome... don't know how you can live with yourself while waiting. Enjoy it when you get it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass Culture Posted July 18, 2016 Author Share Posted July 18, 2016 [quote name='Trueno' timestamp='1468837824' post='3093610'] I had a Zoot bass once. Very much like yours... same shape, same neck, but without the whizzy woods (just plain black). Still wondering why I ever sold it... I allowed myself to be persuaded by the retro 60's band I was in at the time because it didn't fit the image. Should have ditched the band rather than the bass (I ditched the band anyway). I suspect this bass will be awesome... don't know how you can live with yourself while waiting. Enjoy it when you get it! [/quote] Well, if you're ever tempted to commission one yourself you're very well welcome to pop over to Chester and have a blast on mine beforehand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bastav Posted July 18, 2016 Share Posted July 18, 2016 Those neck stringers look to be quite striking indeed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trueno Posted July 18, 2016 Share Posted July 18, 2016 [quote name='Bass Culture' timestamp='1468838668' post='3093617'] Well, if you're ever tempted to commission one yourself you're very well welcome to pop over to Chester and have a blast on mine beforehand. [/quote] Cheers for that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass Culture Posted July 18, 2016 Author Share Posted July 18, 2016 (edited) [quote name='Bastav' timestamp='1468840983' post='3093635'] Those neck stringers look to be quite striking indeed [/quote] Blue Jarra, I think it's called - an Australian hard wood. Mike assures me they're better in the flesh than on the photos too. Edited July 18, 2016 by Bass Culture Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass Culture Posted July 20, 2016 Author Share Posted July 20, 2016 Officially excited now I've received the confirmed invite from Mike to pick up my new bass tomorrow. Okay, so it means a 500-odd mile round trip to Colchester from Chester but that's preferable to waiting until he gets back from holiday for it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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