Single Cut Fretless 5

[Owen]

All the way. Super massive thumb rest. I have an extended fingerboard on one of my basses and I often find myself using it is as a lovely thumbrest. And, for me, aesthetically better.

Edited March 9, 2021 by owen

[Si600]

Go all the way under the bridge to the end? Might need a smidge of a recess for the bridge to sit in.

[Chopthebass]

2 minutes ago, Si600 said:

Go all the way under the bridge to the end? Might need a smidge of a recess for the bridge to sit in.

Like a Marleaux Diva. I thought about that, but I’d need a stonking piece of ebony to do that! I have the bridge and anchors all figured out. Thinking I’ll stick with original plan and take it to the pickup. 

[Chopthebass]

A third option is to match the body wood. In hindsight I could have planned it do the grain matched, like the rear cover. But here is a cap using an offcut. I kept the white stripe theme running though.

[Geek99]

On 26/02/2021 at 15:40, TheGreek said:

Is that what Essex girls say?

Mine doesn’t .... 

[Chopthebass]

The majority of you preferred the fingerboard extending to the pickup. So that’s what I did! 
Also did the fret positions markers

[Jabba_the_gut]

Very nice indeed. The fret board up to the pickup looks like the right choice to me.

I bought a pair of the Delano Xtender pickups a while back that I haven’t used yet. There’s something about them being a different shape that gives a build like this a completely different look. And they’re supposed to sound pretty decent too! Looking forward to seeing this build complete. Will you post some sound files when done?

Cheers
 

[TheGreek]

Late to the party ( some say my timing is well off) but I, like Essex girls, would say "I'd go all the way" too.

[Chopthebass]

36 minutes ago, Jabba_the_gut said:

Very nice indeed. The fret board up to the pickup looks like the right choice to me.

I bought a pair of the Delano Xtender pickups a while back that I haven’t used yet. There’s something about them being a different shape that gives a build like this a completely different look. And they’re supposed to sound pretty decent too! Looking forward to seeing this build complete. Will you post some sound files when done?

Cheers
 

Thanks! I can try doing some sound uploads. Need to figure out the best way to record it!

[Chopthebass]

Test fitting the hardware. All good. 
found some nice aluminum knobs that aren’t too big. I do have some Sadowsky knobs but they looked ridiculous because I have so many controls. I have a mini 3-way toggle to add for single coil/parallel/series switching .

[MoonBassAlpha]

That's a really pleasing shape! As it stands, without the pickup there it could pass as a tasty acoustic bass. Food for thought.... ?

[Pea Turgh]

44 minutes ago, Chopthebass said:

 

Oh yes.  Very yes!

[Owen]

Extra long fingerboards are where it is at. 

[Chopthebass]

19 minutes ago, owen said:

Extra long fingerboards are where it is at. 

Think I made the right decision! 👍

[PlungerModerno]

Looks better and better. I think a matching fingerboard or extended rest (like a ramp as you mocked up) with the light/dark striping, as well as the neck heel laminates with a transparent rest would have all looked and played beautifully, this way you can get (with a little contorting) a 36th and higher fret position for some very interesting sounds!

[Chopthebass]

Neck inserts done. I can’t get these screws in black, so it’ll have to be chrome. Neck volute carved, and I slightly chamfered the headstock edges to reveal the black veneer, same as the body. 

[TheGreek]

Somebody's just showing off....

[Andyjr1515]

10 hours ago, TheGreek said:

Somebody's just showing off....

It's beautiful, isn't it.

[ezbass]

11 hours ago, TheGreek said:

Somebody's just showing off....

If you’ve got it, flaunt it and @Chopthebass certainly seems to have it.

[HazBeen]

19 hours ago, TheGreek said:

Somebody's just showing off....

I agree, you are making me feel all inadequate 😂

This build is just gorgeous.

[Richard R]

On 10/03/2021 at 20:31, Chopthebass said:

Test fitting the hardware. All good. 
found some nice aluminum knobs that aren’t too big. I do have some Sadowsky knobs but they looked ridiculous because I have so many controls. I have a mini 3-way toggle to add for single coil/parallel/series switching .

I admit it, running the fretboard all the way was a good choice. And curved against the oval pickup looks superb. 👍

[Chopthebass]

I string it up to see how it looked and felt. I’m glad I extended the fingerboard as I think it looks great! I need to lower the nut slots, and level a few ‘frets’ as there is a bit too much mwah in one place. But other than that it really sings acoustically. One you was right in saying it looks like an acoustic! 

[Pea Turgh]

That looks great!  Had a weird thought; what about a light laminate/detail line going across the fret board following the shape of the back of the bass (upper to lower horn contour)?  Obvs not for this one as it’s almost done!

[TheGreek]

OK, you've twisted my arm then...

Send it to me when you're finished...

The favours I do for people😉

[Chopthebass]

42 minutes ago, Pea Turgh said:

That looks great!  Had a weird thought; what about a light laminate/detail line going across the fret board following the shape of the back of the bass (upper to lower horn contour)?  Obvs not for this one as it’s almost done!

Cool! I did think about having the end of the fingerboard made from the body top wood, and follow the rear shape where it meets the ebony. 

Edited March 16, 2021 by Chopthebass
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