Jabba_the_gut Posted April 18, 2020 Author Share Posted April 18, 2020 I've just looked back at the mock-up for a five string version - think that would probably be another project in the near future but with a slightly longer scale (27" or 29" I'm thinking as that would look more in proportion to the extra width of the bass). Anyway, that's something that can be drawn on paper s I've got enough other things to finish first!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrinkleygit Posted April 18, 2020 Share Posted April 18, 2020 I still miss my 5 string with the low B, the problem for me in the end, was the width of the neck stressing my arthritic old digits, but playing with a sax those extra low notes were a god send. Whether it would be possible to make a low B work on 29” would be quite a challenge in itself, it would be interesting to know from other 5 string players which would be more useful high C or low B tuning. As always good luck with any future project & I would love to see a fiver at some point. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jabba_the_gut Posted April 20, 2020 Author Share Posted April 20, 2020 Next little job was to sort the magnets in the control cover. I'm using some very thin magnets so all that is needed is a shallow recess in the cover for these - a job for the Dremel. I don't like Dremels for many things but this is one job it is very suited for - all it needs is a burr bit to make each recess then the magnets can be epoxied in place. Always a good idea to check which way the poles are on the magnets else they might just be pushing the cover off when they don't pair up with those in the bass body!! Check and check again.....(ever get the idea I might just have done that once before?....) Once the epoxy has set the back of the cover can be sanded ready for copper shielding foil to be added. That's another little job complete. I got the thicker fret wire I wanted for the zero fret so I've fitted that and trimmed a nut to suit. Next job was to tidy up the fret ends. First part of this is to file the ends to an angle. I made an angle block out of a bit of spruce and clamped a file in it - works just fine. Always worth masking the fretboard to prevent crud or scratches. Next up is filling the fret slot ends to match the board. I always keep small pots of the sanding dust from radiusing the fretboard for this job as it will be right colour 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jabba_the_gut Posted April 20, 2020 Author Share Posted April 20, 2020 I've had a good think and at this moment in time I'm going to skip adding a logo to the headstock. I think there is enough going on with the spalted veneer and black line front and back that a logo might be a bit too much. I'll still do a mock up to see but I do like it how is and I need to look at a truss rod cover, which again would make it a little busier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Blank Posted April 20, 2020 Share Posted April 20, 2020 11 minutes ago, Jabba_the_gut said: Always a good idea to check which way the poles are on the magnets else they might just be pushing the cover off when they don't pair up with those in the bass body!! Mind you, then if all four were misaligned you could have a control cover that floated above the body... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slappindabass Posted April 22, 2020 Share Posted April 22, 2020 Loving the finish on this, what matt lacquer have you used if you dont mind me asking? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jabba_the_gut Posted April 23, 2020 Author Share Posted April 23, 2020 All work on the body is complete so time to start the wiring. As the pickup I'm using has an associated pull switch to change from MM to J type I needed to make up a new connector block as the hole for the cable would not allow for the connector. Not a problem, just a bit time consuming. I made a complete new connector cable so I still have the original should I decide to change pickups at any point. The terminals were crimped on and fitted into the housings then connected to the volume control and preamp. I do quite like the EMG connector stuff - it is quick if you don't need to make your own cables!! I fitted the control knobs and did a quick test of the wiring just by connecting to an am and tapping the pickup gently with a washer. Everything seems to work fine so I'm now itching to get the neck completed!! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuzzie Posted April 23, 2020 Share Posted April 23, 2020 Looking good pal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jabba_the_gut Posted April 23, 2020 Author Share Posted April 23, 2020 On 22/04/2020 at 07:43, Slappindabass said: Loving the finish on this, what matt lacquer have you used if you dont mind me asking? Can't remember off the top of my head - think it would have been Dartfords or Morrells. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jabba_the_gut Posted April 24, 2020 Author Share Posted April 24, 2020 (edited) Yay! Neck done, bolted together and strings fitted. Had a quick noodle and dead chuffed so far. Will give it a little time to settle and make little adjustments where needed. Will post some proper photos later. I'm just considering a truss rod cover but that's about it. Here's one next to a normal sized bass for reference Edited April 24, 2020 by Jabba_the_gut 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jabba_the_gut Posted April 24, 2020 Author Share Posted April 24, 2020 When I post some proper pictures I'll also make some comments about the MM TW pickup - first impressions are good though! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slappindabass Posted April 24, 2020 Share Posted April 24, 2020 Looks blooming amazing.👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted April 24, 2020 Share Posted April 24, 2020 Please post your address and the time when there is nobody home... I want this (or one of your other mini basses...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jabba_the_gut Posted April 24, 2020 Author Share Posted April 24, 2020 35 minutes ago, TheGreek said: Please post your address and the time when there is nobody home... There's always someone home at the moment...….. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassApprentice Posted April 24, 2020 Share Posted April 24, 2020 5 minutes ago, Jabba_the_gut said: There's always someone home at the moment...….. Hmmm, slight oversight on the burglary plan @TheGreek 😂 That looks great and is exactly what I imagine when I want a wee bass next to me on the sofa. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jabba_the_gut Posted April 24, 2020 Author Share Posted April 24, 2020 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jabba_the_gut Posted April 24, 2020 Author Share Posted April 24, 2020 (edited) Some slightly better pictures. Edited April 24, 2020 by Jabba_the_gut 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Blank Posted April 24, 2020 Share Posted April 24, 2020 Exquisite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andyjr1515 Posted April 24, 2020 Share Posted April 24, 2020 Superb. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owen Posted April 24, 2020 Share Posted April 24, 2020 3 hours ago, Jabba_the_gut said: Some slightly better pictures. <happy sigh> 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jabba_the_gut Posted April 25, 2020 Author Share Posted April 25, 2020 (edited) And all three together just for the hell of it!! Edited April 25, 2020 by Jabba_the_gut 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodinblack Posted April 25, 2020 Share Posted April 25, 2020 Lovely as expected. although for me the dream bass is the one on the left. Or the one on its right from its point of view, would still love one like that but lack the skill to make it! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ped Posted April 25, 2020 Share Posted April 25, 2020 Incredible workmanship. The hole on the headstock means you can put it on your key ring! 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andyjr1515 Posted April 25, 2020 Share Posted April 25, 2020 3 minutes ago, ped said: Incredible workmanship. The hole on the headstock means you can put it on your key ring! Or to see if the ominously quiet audience is coming towards you... 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pea Turgh Posted April 25, 2020 Share Posted April 25, 2020 1 hour ago, Jabba_the_gut said: And all three together just for the hell of it!! So cool! I still want one. Do us all a favour and put a price to them so we can start saving our pennies to get our orders in!?!?!!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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