I6 Builds a 5 String Bass

[ImmortalSix]

Re: I6 Builds a 5 String Bass

In MM basses or copies (the only places I've tried the MM pickups), they are always have just a little too much bark for me, especially in 1-pickup models. In my Spector I use the neck pickup as the main tone and blend in the bridge as needed, so I've kind of steered clear of the MMs. YMMV. That said, the models that have Series/Parallel/Split offer quite a bit of tonal variation which is really cool.

Regarding the NYC's, Frank Falbo had this to say:

Awesome..

My default is going to be Jazz bass pickups, but I'm still a ways away from routing for pickups, so I have some more time for more input!

Can anyone describe / YouTube me a solid comparison of P vs. J?

I am going to go to the guitar store and make my decision on person ,of course (only way to make decisions like this), but I know I can hear a difference between Tele and Strat via YouTube - hoping I can hear that same difference just to build a knowledge base. TIA!

 

[Agileguy_101]

Re: I6 Builds a 5 String Bass

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: I6 Builds a 5 String Bass

Good share - thank you. In that demo, I definitely lean towards Jazz.

My bass (my dad's bass? our bass?) now is a P bass and it sounds just like that P bass. I don't like the P-Bass tone (when I play it, Pino Palladino seems to do fine with one :laughing

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: I6 Builds a 5 String Bass

Coming up with the shape:

Measuring for a 5-string neck pocket

How 'bout this?

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: I6 Builds a 5 String Bass

So next we trace the final shape onto MDF and cut that out with a jigsaw (bandsaw if you got it)

Then we hit the R.O.S.S. (Ridgid Oscillating Spindle Sander, God bless it) to sand to the line:

You can see in that last picture that we're getting there, and the lines are smooooooooth! I'm doing a lot better with the ROSS this time around.

It was so pretty yesterday, I decided to leave the shop and load up my boy in the bike trailer for a bike ride, so here is where I left off yesterday: need to do the horn interiors and the neck joint, then it's time to screw it to the alder and get to routing!

 

[CTN]

Re: I6 Builds a 5 String Bass

Lookin goooood!

 

[tone4days]

Re: I6 Builds a 5 String Bass

very nice looking
i admire your skills as much as your enthusiasm and initiative

very happenin'

 

[Chris of Arabia]

Re: I6 Builds a 5 String Bass

For pickups, you might want to look at this combination I got on my Cort gb94. MM in the bridge, and a jazz in the neck. It's all active and has the blend pot someone mentioned.

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: I6 Builds a 5 String Bass

Hand sanding details of the template:

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: I6 Builds a 5 String Bass

Template finished, center line marked, mounting holes placed, drilled, and countersunk:

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: I6 Builds a 5 String Bass

You countersink these holes because this surface will be on the router table when you route the body shape, and you can't have the screw heads (of the screws that affix the template to the slab) poking out

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: I6 Builds a 5 String Bass

Body shape traced on to the slab. Extremely careful attention is paid to make sure the center line of the template lines up perfectly with the glue line on the slab.

Next, I will rough cut the shape into the slab with a jigsaw. After that, I attach the template and route the exact shape with a pattern bit on the router table.

 

[guitarkid4143]

Re: I6 Builds a 5 String Bass

Body shape traced on to the slab. Extremely careful attention is paid to make sure the center line of the template lines up perfectly with the glue line on the slab.

Next, I will rough cut the shape into the slab with a jigsaw. After that, I attach the template and route the exact shape with a pattern bit on the router table.

Looking Good! I've got to get started on my build here soon. Btw, the video in your sig is hilarious! Now, Im gonna **** in a box...ROFL

-gk

 

[tone4days]

Re: I6 Builds a 5 String Bass

For pickups, you might want to look at this combination I got on my Cort gb94. MM in the bridge, and a jazz in the neck. It's all active and has the blend pot someone mentioned.

all kinds of win with that pickup combo - full marks, sir

 

[CTN]

Re: I6 Builds a 5 String Bass

Man, why do only bassists get to have all the cool offset designs.

I want a guitar shaped like a jazz bass.

 

[TheLivingDead]

Re: I6 Builds a 5 String Bass

Awesome, man. Just awesome.

 

[Bass_Medic_05]

Re: I6 Builds a 5 String Bass

So far so good, keep the pics coming!

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: I6 Builds a 5 String Bass

Lookin goooood!

Thanks a lot man!

very nice looking
i admire your skills as much as your enthusiasm and initiative

very happenin'

Thanks Bill --- I love doing builds - it's fun to know there's always something to be done down in the garage when I find a few free minutes. It excites me.

For pickups, you might want to look at this combination I got on my Cort gb94. MM in the bridge, and a jazz in the neck. It's all active and has the blend pot someone mentioned.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chris-of-arabia/3151594212/

Awesome man --- I like that idea a lot. I'm still leaning towards regular Jazz setup, because I think it will suit my dad the best, but wow, I bet that thing sounds great!

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: I6 Builds a 5 String Bass

Looking Good! I've got to get started on my build here soon. Btw, the video in your sig is hilarious! Now, Im gonna **** in a box...ROFL

-gk

Thanks - let me know if you need any help when you get started.

p.s. It's the best day ever tomorrow!

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: I6 Builds a 5 String Bass

Man, why do only bassists get to have all the cool offset designs.

I want a guitar shaped like a jazz bass.

If you want me to make you one after this is over, hit me up. I'm getting ready to start building bodies for people other than myself / family. There's no money in it, considering the time spent, but I really like doing it - especially these shapes from scratch(ish).