27” build, aka Infinite Bass 2.4SS COMPLETED

[HazBeen]

So after I built a 30” for my eldest son, now my 6 year old is asking for a bass. As it is well possible, even likely, that they will not pick up playing long-term I need to build something I could use as well. So why not build a mini

Looking at the scraps I have left over it will be a swamp ash/dark ash/walnut laminate body (8mm strips and plenty wood glue), neck thru maple/wenge/maple 25” scale (maybe 24”), with a single soapbar pickup. He wants a blue & red bass .... ehm okay.

This will be a slow build.

Edited March 2, 2021 by HazBeen

[Hellzero]

Should you prefer a P-Bass pickup instead, I'll offer you this one :

 

 

[HazBeen]

8 minutes ago, Hellzero said:

Should you prefer a P-Bass pickup instead, I'll offer you this one :

 

 

Thanks, but I have several soapbars in my “spares” draw. So am pretty well sorted.

[spacecowboy]

Yes! Another build to follow!! 

[HazBeen]

I am already thinking I might go 17.5" scale after watching the Basstheworld Mayones mini video with Ida Nielssen. I have a left over TC SubnUp Mini.... now imagine if I would build that into the cavity  

[Baloney Balderdash]

It is of course your bass build and your son, so up to you entirely, but I would think your son might feel a 24" or 25" scale length would be more of a real bass, though if you know he will be just as happy with the 17.5" scale bass then absolutely go for it, I just took a look at the videos you mention, and they definitely look like cool unique instruments, and they sound good with an octaver, so the build in Sub'N'Up Mini would be a great idea.

I just can't help but being a bit concerned about your son possibly ending up being disappointed about it not really looking quite like a real bass, and I would think at 6 years a 24" or 25" scale bass would be about a perfect fit as a practice bass, in case he actually end up deciding to start learning how to play it properly. 

Edited November 6, 2020 by Baloney Balderdash

[ped]

I think the whole 'it's for my son' thing is a cover up!

[HazBeen]

On 01/11/2020 at 11:47, ped said:

I think the whole 'it's for my son' thing is a cover up!

More a happy excuse

[HazBeen]

Time flies even when you are not tinkering with wooden bits

So developments..... built my son a Blue Cajon, so no more bass wanted by the youngest. So what now?

Well, I am going to build a 27” scale for me instead

Passive 4, 2 Bart Jazz pups from early 90’s. Mahogany body, Maple Wenge neck, 24 fret Wenge fretboard.

The rest I will decide on in due course, but as I am off next week I might actually start  

Edited December 23, 2020 by HazBeen

[HazBeen]

Slow as $&7)$, but we glued some Mahogany and cut a rough body shape!

Also did a “design” ..... just having some fun really. Fun bass, so it needs a quirky design. As most that will have followed builds I do know, the process tends to dictate the outcome so I never make CAD drawings or such.

[HazBeen]

Since I need to wait a few hours for the glue to dry on my fretless, I decided to make use of the time.

Body shape pretty much done, corners rounded and been playing around with where I want the arm cut. I am probably going to carve the body a little and incorporate the arm cut in keeping with the more modern design.

 

[ped]

LOVE that shape

[HazBeen]

Did a carve on the entire front of the body, really just creating a contour. Also did the belly carve, following the entire top half of the back side.

For an off the cuff design, I am both surprised and pleased. I really like it. I most certainly will use this shape again.

Just took the dust of with water, so it may look a bit blotchy in the pic.

[HazBeen]

Am building this mainly from stuff I have lying around. Gotoh bridge from an old JB I had, early 90’s Barts from a Bogart I modded (my Thunder Blackstone, see old build thread) and a Tele style Ki0gon loom off this parish. Modern meets classic.

[Andyjr1515]

Not sure how I missed this.  Love that shape and figuring

 

[Jabba_the_gut]

Watching this with interest. I like the body shape - always nice to see something that looks a bit different.  I've built a couple at this scale and I find them really comfortable to play - will be really interested to see what you think.

Cheers

[HazBeen]

With the fretless complete, now shifting attention to the shorty,

Just ordered:

- Brass Nut

- Medium fretwire (Dunlop)

- 4 Gotoh tuners 2L/2R

- Trussrod

- Strap buttons

- Neck ferrules 

I should now have all parts. Will be starting the neck soon.

[HazBeen]

Basic 3 piece maple/wenge/maple neck glued up.

 

[HazBeen]

Cleaned up the blank, laid out the truss rod location and slotted and rough sized the wenge fretboard. Looks tiny  .... will end up lightning fast I am sure.

 

[HazBeen]

[HazBeen]

[TheGreek]

Like the way the headstock gives a nod of acknowledgement to the body shape...

[HazBeen]

58 minutes ago, TheGreek said:

Like the way the headstock gives a nod of acknowledgement to the body shape...

Well spotted!

[Hellzero]

I have a simple question, Harry, due to the fact that it's a (very) short scale. Where are you positioning the two pickups ? Is it, scale wise, à la Fender 60's (or 70's) or at postions of your own ?

[HazBeen]

53 minutes ago, Hellzero said:

I have a simple question, Harry, due to the fact that it's a (very) short scale. Where are you positioning the two pickups ? Is it, scale wise, à la Fender 60's (or 70's) or at postions of your own ?

My own spacing Tony. I want to bring the front pickup back a little as the short scale means it will naturally have a more “bass heavy” sound and I want to prevent it getting too muddy. The back pickup is slightly closer to the bridge compared to 70s position (relative to scale) for the same reason.

I did a quick sound test with the shorter scale with the intended positions and it seemed to work well. My test rig is a 7x5 cm beam with 2 strings where I can test pickup positions.

Edited January 14, 2021 by HazBeen