The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Bill's Shop: Projects, Mods & Repairs => Topic started by: PeterB on May 12, 2010, 12:56:47 AM

Title: The rest of the projects.....: 8-string Precision and ChiSonic FenderBird
Post by: PeterB on May 12, 2010, 12:56:47 AM
Because there's no such thing as "too much projects", I thought you might be interested in the rest of the bass-projects currently under the radar....

A 8-string Precision with 2 P-pups...

I've always had some plans for an 8-string bass, but couldn't really think of what I wanted exactly. A year ago I already bought a Schaller 8-string bridge, and a month or 2 ago I saw this body on TB in the Classified-section. Nice color and 2 Precisions pickups seems to be a nice combination.....and a good start for an 8 string.  8)

(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/Jazzboer/Pea%20Green%20P/DoublePeaGreenMonster014.jpg)

(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/Jazzboer/8-string/S471C.jpg)

Now I'm considering how I could work out the neck. Maybe a conversion of a P bass neck, but a start with a paddle head neck will be the best option, or even maybe use a 5-string neck. Will be continued.....


ChiSonic FenderBird

I bougth an Epi T-bird body for almost a give-away price, and with the parts I already have lying around, this would be a cool idea.

(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/Jazzboer/Thunderbird/030520101759.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/Jazzboer/Thunderbird/030520101760.jpg)

I also have an Epi T-bird neck, so that maybe also a nice choice. I don't like the black finish, so I'm think about some nice options for that.


It's always nice to have some long-term projects lying around, in case I'm getting bored... :mrgreen:
Title: Re: The rest of the projects.....: 8-string Precision and ChiSonic FenderBird
Post by: Basvarken on May 12, 2010, 01:49:43 AM
Keep 'm coming Peter!
Title: Re: The rest of the projects.....: 8-string Precision and ChiSonic FenderBird
Post by: Basshappi on May 12, 2010, 09:42:32 AM
Very cool.
Your best bet is the Warmoth 8-string neck they fit the standard Fender neck pocket. If you're not in a hurry, they turn up on e-bay from time to time.
Title: Re: The rest of the projects.....: 8-string Precision and ChiSonic FenderBird
Post by: Dr. Aquafresh on May 12, 2010, 04:56:54 PM
DAMNIT!

Now I need an 8 string.

For some reason I've had "She's Tight" stuck in my head all day, I don't think I'm man enough for a 12 but and 8 sounds like it's right up my alley.

Maybe I have a project for the rough cut Bich style body after all.
Title: Re: The rest of the projects.....: 8-string Precision and ChiSonic FenderBird
Post by: Chris P. on May 13, 2010, 01:05:22 AM
Peter, what happened to you? You're too good!! Wow!
Title: Re: The rest of the projects.....: 8-string Precision and ChiSonic FenderBird
Post by: PeterB on May 13, 2010, 02:08:29 AM
Tnx Chris. I'm a bit addicted to modding basses I guess, going a bit out of control  :mrgreen:

Your best bet is the Warmoth 8-string neck they fit the standard Fender neck pocket. If you're not in a hurry, they turn up on e-bay from time to time.

That might be a good choice, but I don't like the headstock. I want 4 normal basstuners with 4 guitar (or mandolin) tuners. So I guess it's going to be a bass with a paddle headstock, or a maple P neck of a Fender Mex '50-s, and change the headstock. I have to make up my mind about that.


Besides this projects, I have some other basses "under construction" for others at the moment:

A Sherwood Green Lotto:

Currently looking like this:
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/Jazzboer/Lotto%20Pim/120520101798.jpg)

Has to end up like this:
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/Jazzboer/Lotto/FenderLottoNOSa.jpg)


A Precision with 2 Telebass-buckers (a remake of a Fender Japan Custom model):

Currently looking like this:
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/Jazzboer/P%20Custom%20Ronny/120520101796.jpg)

Has to end up like this:
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/Jazzboer/P%20Bird/CustomPBassBlack2.jpg)
Title: Re: The rest of the projects.....: 8-string Precision and ChiSonic FenderBird
Post by: Highlander on May 13, 2010, 10:16:46 AM
Your Epi T'bird body... unusual original control set-up and larger than standard for a pot...?

Interesting projects...

The only way I see you getting 8 machines on that type of headstock would be by filling and fitting minis...? 5 top, 3 below, but the lower ones may need to be "banjo" style...?
Title: Re: The rest of the projects.....: 8-string Precision and ChiSonic FenderBird
Post by: Nocturnal on May 13, 2010, 12:26:25 PM
I think that Epi body is from the Nikki Sixx model. It only has a kill switch IIRC.
Title: Re: The rest of the projects.....: 8-string Precision and ChiSonic FenderBird
Post by: leftybass on May 13, 2010, 02:29:34 PM
I think that Epi body is from the Nikki Sixx model. It only has a kill switch IIRC.

And you can see the holes for the "opti-grab" behind the bridge area.
Title: Re: The rest of the projects.....: 8-string Precision and ChiSonic FenderBird
Post by: Highlander on May 13, 2010, 02:31:20 PM
(back in the corner with the dunce cap... :sad:)
Title: Re: The rest of the projects.....: 8-string Precision and ChiSonic FenderBird
Post by: PeterB on May 13, 2010, 02:31:52 PM
The only way I see you getting 8 machines on that type of headstock would be by filling and fitting minis...? 5 top, 3 below, but the lower ones may need to be "banjo" style...?

It might be an option to glue some wood on the headstock and with new caps on the front and back of it, I should have enough space.

I think that Epi body is from the Nikki Sixx model. It only has a kill switch IIRC.

Correct!
Title: Re: The rest of the projects.....: 8-string Precision and ChiSonic FenderBird
Post by: clankenstein on May 13, 2010, 02:33:15 PM
hmm let us know which pickup position arrangement works best with those humbuckers please.
Title: Re: The rest of the projects.....: 8-string Precision and ChiSonic FenderBird
Post by: PeterB on May 13, 2010, 03:10:22 PM
I will! Within two weeks these basses are ready to go, and I'll be sure to test them very well before they leave my house  8)
Title: Re: The rest of the projects.....: 8-string Precision and ChiSonic FenderBird
Post by: PeterB on June 17, 2010, 01:11:05 AM
Update: both basses have left the building.  8)

Some nice pics of them:

The Sherwood Green Lotto

(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/Jazzboer/Lotto%20Pim/280520101907.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/Jazzboer/Lotto%20Pim/280520101902.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/Jazzboer/Lotto%20Pim/280520101904.jpg)

The Custom-P

(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/Jazzboer/P%20Custom%20Ronny/110620101957.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/Jazzboer/P%20Custom%20Ronny/150620102054.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/Jazzboer/P%20Custom%20Ronny/110620101953.jpg)

How low can you go? The customer wanted his bass strung with Warwick Darklords: 085 - 105 - 135 - 175  8)
Title: Re: The rest of the projects.....: 8-string Precision and ChiSonic FenderBird
Post by: Barklessdog on June 17, 2010, 04:44:13 AM
Wow great basses. I love the green color on the Double P bass. I was really surprised on how good heavy gauge strings sound. I drop tuned to low C. Strings stay taunt, sound great.
Title: Re: The rest of the projects.....: 8-string Precision and ChiSonic FenderBird
Post by: exiledarchangel on June 17, 2010, 09:20:16 AM
How low can you go? The customer wanted his bass strung with Warwick Darklords: 085 - 105 - 135 - 175  8)

Those strings are built to tune F#-B-E-A, almost an octave down from normal 4-string bass.
I guess the guy is gonna try to communicate with humpback whales? :P :P :P

VERY nice work on those projects man! Keep on projecting! :D
Title: Re: The rest of the projects.....: 8-string Precision and ChiSonic FenderBird
Post by: PeterB on June 17, 2010, 09:48:00 AM
Exactly, thát low, he must be sponsered by the Ministery of Tourism: new attraction, whales spotting across the Dutch coast.  :mrgreen:
I've tuned the bass in G - C - F - A# for him, my rig had a hard time with that low G   ???
Title: Re: The rest of the projects.....: 8-string Precision and ChiSonic FenderBird
Post by: Highlander on June 17, 2010, 09:55:17 AM
Hold on lads... might need to go bigger than 18" to get those lows...

(http://www.divisionone.org/photoa/2001/70701/30inch.jpg)

Whale information site...?

(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/74/192495674_4fd53e3ac6.jpg?v=1167300937)
Title: Re: The rest of the projects.....: 8-string Precision and ChiSonic FenderBird
Post by: PeterB on June 17, 2010, 10:47:01 AM
 :mrgreen: