Planning the new bass

[drbassman]

I'm starting to plan the new bass I'm gonna build in May.  It's similar to the 4005, but not an exact copy.  It will be this design:



The body will be a hollowed out mahogany, like the Midtown/RIC design. A flat top.  I'm thinking spruce with a raised (about 1/8") mahogany strip down the middle (ala T-Bird), wide enough to accomodate a single Thunderbucker pup and ring.  F-holes will probably be there as well.  I am also toying with the idea of a string through design to eliminate the need for a tailpiece and use some sort of Tune-o-matic or Scott's TB style bridge.  I think it might be cool to have the strings coming up through the mahogany stripe.  Bolt on necks for the first few runs.  Natural finish, clear coat.

What do you think?  I'm thinking of calling it the Dr. ROCit model.   

[drbassman]

Here's a quick look at the wood and hardware.............

I'll also play with some maple instead of spruce tops as well.

[godofthunder]

  I like it! What pickup placement are you going to use ?

[drbassman]

 I like it! What pickup placement are you going to use ?

Placement would be same as my 60's NR.  What do ya think?

[Chris P.]

Very cool!!!

[drbassman]

Very cool!!!

Thanks Chris.  I'll share more as things progress.

[Rob]

Looks great Doc.
I think the maple might blend better with the Maho

[drbassman]

Looks great Doc.
I think the maple might blend better with the Maho

I'll keep that in mind.  It would brighten up the sound a bit.  I've always been a fan of spruce grain but mple,is a good choice too.

[shadowcastaz]

Looks cool Doc. Ive been absent  for some time. I have some old  growth redwood burl you could re-saw for a top.Hope UR well.M

[Dave W]

Whatever you decide on the wood, I like the idea of going string-through. And you know I like the shape.

[godofthunder]

Placement would be same as my 60's NR.  What do ya think?

  That's where I'd put one!

[drbassman]

Looks cool Doc. Ive been absent  for some time. I have some old  growth redwood burl you could re-saw for a top.Hope UR well.M

Hey great to hear from you again!  Thanks for the wood offer, I'll keep that in mind.  I am doing great.  All my tests are normal these days, so life is good and God's been great to me.  Hope all is well in your corner of the world!

[drbassman]

  That's where I'd put one!

It's gotta be good there!

[drbassman]

Whatever you decide on the wood, I like the idea of going string-through. And you know I like the shape.

Yeah, I think a string through would be cool looking and sound good as well.  Gonna work on that angle.

[gearHed289]

That's a nice, original body style. You mentioned an f hole. I think a Ric-style cats eye cutout would look good on this.