The Last Bass Outpost
Gear Discussion Forums => Bill's Shop: Projects, Mods & Repairs => Topic started by: drbassman on October 30, 2015, 08:27:13 AM
-
Since I got the BillyBo out the door for finishing, I decided to finish the one other hanging project for myself before I build any more "db" basses. I picked up an NR body cheap awhile back and had an idea for my own short scale TB. So, here's the first steps toward that end. It will be a solid color, not yet decided, and will probably have 1 Thunderbucker in it. That's all I know thus far!
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1239_zpsewhewufn.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1239_zpsewhewufn.jpg.html)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1240_zpsde9s03s6.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1240_zpsde9s03s6.jpg.html)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1241_zpsvd7hxsao.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1241_zpsvd7hxsao.jpg.html)
-
Intriguing...
:popcorn:
-
Looks like a worthwhile project.
-
Very nice.
8)
-
We short scale fans salute you!
Nice idea, and to me the proportions look good.
-
Thanks guys. It was drilled for a bolt on 32" neck but I filled those holes yesterday. Going to do a set neck. The pup rout is for a 34" scale so the pup will end up a little closer to the bridge than I would have done. I checked with Scott for another pick guard I could rout myself but he's out of stock and not planning anything soon. So that's where we are so far!
-
Looks good Bill!
-
Looks good Bill!
Thanks Scott!
-
My guess is that the pickup is far enough from the bridge that you'll be OK. I don't see a problem with it.
-
My guess is that the pickup is far enough from the bridge that you'll be OK. I don't see a problem with it.
Yeah, the single Thunderbucker will be beefy enough from that position.
-
Yep, don't worry about the placement. If the rout had been close to the bridge for a 34" scale, moving the bridge closer to it might cause a problem since there's less string travel, but where it sits now in relation to the bridge ought to be fine.
-
Thanks for the pup location comments. I just don't want it to sound too twangy!
-
Got the neck finished. Ebony board with stripes in it, cool looking IMHO. Got a few bits of sanding to do on the body then will install the neck next. Waiting for my Thunderbucker to arrive!
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1249_zpse3yzjsie.jpg)
-
Pretty board.
-
Pretty board.
Yeah, I like the streaks of dark brown in it. Sanding it is a bear, hard as concrete!
-
Nice work...
-
Yeah, I like the streaks of dark brown in it. Sanding it is a bear, hard as concrete!
That and its stiffness should mean a very stable neck.
-
That and its stiffness should mean a very stable neck.
Yeah, I chose ebony because of its stiffness and durability. It's a good choice on one piece construction necks. It's been a year or more since I built a neck from scratch and I made a couple minor errors. I forgot to plane the bottom of the board down a little before installation and it was too thick. Duh. So, I had to radius sand it down a bit. That took a few hours! I also had to add a piece to the top of the headstock cuz the TB pattern is so long and the first glue job didn't hold, so I reinstalled that with two dowels to hold it together. A pain, but now its solid as a rock.
The douchebag PO of the body drilled some 5/8" holes under the pick guard area to lighten the body. A dumbass idea on a body that doesn't weigh that much to begin with! I filled several of them with dowels because I'm putting in a second pup rout for later, just in case I want to move the pup up toward the neck down the road. Or even add a second one if I want!
I'll drill the tuner holes today and probably will install the neck on the body today or tomorrow. It'll be ready for finishing soon!
It's always something!!!!
-
Well, I was feeling a bit energetic today, so I took the volute off of the neck. I really didn't care for it and it allowed me to slim down the neck profile better under the first couple frets. Much nicer to the touch now. Besides, it was a bit unnecessary on a solid hard maple neck anyway.
-
Got the neck glued on and finished sanding done. Next I'll grain fill the mahogany and we'r ready for finishing.
Now the next problem is color. I can't decide!!!! It's got to be opaque since I have hole fills on front and back of the body and a seam on the headstock. I'm not a metallic fan, so I posted a pole. Check it out and vote!
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1251_zpsugye3s87.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1251_zpsugye3s87.jpg.html)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1250_zpsgdel36ah.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1250_zpsgdel36ah.jpg.html)
-
Ebony board on a short scale! I'm really intrigued to hear what that ends up sounding like. I think I have literally never heard a shorty with anything other than rosewood. Very cool!
I think you said the body is mahogany? What about the neck?
-
Ebony board on a short scale! I'm really intrigued to hear what that ends up sounding like. I think I have literally never heard a shorty with anything other than rosewood. Very cool!
I think you said the body is mahogany? What about the neck?
Yeah, I wanted some stiffness and snap in the sound, so ebony was a good choice. The neck is one piece hard maple. Because of the mix of soft and hardwoods, the bass should have a somewhat well-defined sound. I'm thinking flats for strings so a little extra snap and clarity would be nice on this one.
-
I voted sonic blue.
You recently said you don't like green basses but you put surf green in the poll. Change of heart?
-
I voted sonic blue.
You recently said you don't like green basses but you put surf green in the poll. Change of heart?
That's one green that appeals to me. The darker shades don't. Thanks for voting!
-
If I can't pick Inverness Green (presently mostly Snow White and the 7 Thunder Dwarfs) I'll go red...
Why not a nice candy...?
-
If I can't pick Inverness Green (presently mostly Snow White and the 7 Thunder Dwarfs) I'll go red...
Why not a nice candy...?
Oh Kenny, CAR is one of my favorites. I just didn't think of it. Hummmm....... 8)
-
Daft as it sounds, due to an issue on the PC (partial delamination), I'm tempted to re-do her that exact shade... as for the SG (sixer), I'm tempted to finally re-do... err... finish her in IG, as I'm local... would just seem a sin not to have at least one Gibson fin'd in that colour... ;)
-
I voted Dakota red, but CAR is my favorite.
-
I voted Dakota red, but CAR is my favorite.
OK, I give! I added CAR to the poll. I also have it set up so you are allowed to change your vote if you like. :)
-
All grain filled and got the Thunderbucker today! After some sanding, we'll be ready for finishing.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1932_zps28dm4eql.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1932_zps28dm4eql.jpg.html)
-
Nice!
I voted Surf Green, but I don't think there's a bad option in the bunch.
-
It's good that you're making progress, but let's not forget about that BillyBo. You started that thread in 2009! ;)
-
Nice, Bill! For me it's easier to locate the bridge and check all the geometry before painting. Especially with a set neck, eliminates nasty surprises about the neck angle relationship to bridge height.
-
Nice!
I voted Surf Green, but I don't think there's a bad option in the bunch.
I agree, although I am kind of tired of black basses.
-
It's good that you're making progress, but let's not forget about that BillyBo. You started that thread in 2009! ;)
The BillyBo is in the shop for finishing. Should be finished this week, I hope!!! What's your rush??? ;D
-
Nice, Bill! For me it's easier to locate the bridge and check all the geometry before painting. Especially with a set neck, eliminates nasty surprises about the neck angle relationship to bridge height.
I'll be measuring and pre-drilling all holes, including the bridge, before finishing. I did a quick layout with the bridge and pickup using a straight edge and the heights and line ups are just as I wanted them. We should be fine. The one adjustment I have to make is the rout in the pick guard is a tad smaller than the pickup. So a little adjustment on the width is needed. No big deal.
-
I'll be measuring and pre-drilling all holes, including the bridge, before finishing. I did a quick layout with the bridge and pickup using a straight edge and the heights and line ups are just as I wanted them. We should be fine. The one adjustment I have to make is the rout in the pick guard is a tad smaller than the pickup. So a little adjustment on the width is needed. No big deal.
Cool! Better too small than too big on the pup route. I just finished cutting four JAEbird pick guards and five control cavity covers. Due to impending senility one of the P/Gs has the bevel on the wrong side...so it's now a lefty.
-
Cool! Better too small than too big on the pup route. I just finished cutting four JAEbird pick guards and five control cavity covers. Due to impending senility one of the P/Gs has the bevel on the wrong side...so it's now a lefty.
A brilliant solution!
-
Cool! Better too small than too big on the pup route. I just finished cutting four JAEbird pick guards and five control cavity covers. Due to impending senility one of the P/Gs has the bevel on the wrong side...so it's now a lefty.
Boy do I feel your pain! A mind is a terrible thing. Wait, is that how it goes? :-[
-
The BillyBo is in the shop for finishing. Should be finished this week, I hope!!! What's your rush??? ;D
Fair enough. When you called it your summer project, you didn't specify which summer.
-
Fair enough. When you called it your summer project, you didn't specify which summer.
My life is one big summer! Just happy to be here.
-
Hardware holes pre-drilled and bass is ready for finishing.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1253_zpsm5gyt2df.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1253_zpsm5gyt2df.jpg.html)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1255_zpszgvd4arr.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1255_zpszgvd4arr.jpg.html)
-
XLNT!
-
What's the bridge on that one?
-
What's the bridge on that one?
Looks like a Schaller roller bridge to me.
-
Looks like a Schaller roller bridge to me.
Dave's correct. It's my favorite bridge, the Schaller roller bridge. The best side-to-side adjustable saddle set up out there. Great for narrow or wide necks.
-
Nice! Thanks.
-
The bass is in the shop for painting! Shouldn't be too long. I can't wait!
-
OK, I couldn't decide until the last minute, but vintage white it is and it looks great! The pup is a ThunderBucker 66S and it sounds great. I used TI flats to tame the tone a bit and it still growls like crazy with the pup placement and maple neck/ebony board. It doesn't sound like anything else I own and I'm liking it. It has such a strong mid-range presence and lower registry clarity, it doesn't sound like a 30" scale bass at all to me.
The full length shot was out of focus so I'll try that again later.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1278_zpsr62ppnvs.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1278_zpsr62ppnvs.jpg.html)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1280_zpsnqchykue.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1280_zpsnqchykue.jpg.html)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1282_zps2pmfl1wv.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1282_zps2pmfl1wv.jpg.html)
-
Nice...
:popcorn:
-
Pretty!
After a while with my SG Standard and Fender Rascal, I've come to realize that I'm just not a short scale fan. But for me, it's not about the fundamental or midrange, it's about the lack of complexity in the upper ranges. Years ago I played short scales and was happy. After years without one, I've come to realize why I changed.
-
Pretty!
After a while with my SG Standard and Fender Rascal, I've come to realize that I'm just not a short scale fan. But for me, it's not about the fundamental or midrange, it's about the lack of complexity in the upper ranges. Years ago I played short scales and was happy. After years without one, I've come to realize why I changed.
I don't know what complexity in the upper ranges is. For me, my biggest criticism of ss basses is an ill defined E string that doesn't ring out or have a deep clear tone. I'm not a mud fan. I've found TI flats to have a great sounding E string and overall tone quality that often improves a ss bass. I find most ss scale flat sets have a dull indistinct E string and passable A through G strings.
The one thing that's not possible to achieve with a 30" scale is the ringing piano-like power and fullness of a 34" scale string, especially when using rounds. They'll never sound the same, that's for sure. I should note the TI rounds for ss do a pretty good job of getting close to the 34" ring and power. But with some tweaking and a good Mesa amp/speakers, I can make a lot of pleasing (to me) bass music with a ss.
-
Bill, That looks awesome!
-
Thanks Scott, it turned out better than I expected. Sounds really nice too, not like a typical short scale. I might just make a few of these to sell and see how they do.
Check your PM.
-
Bill, I share your opinion. The longer I play bass, the more I incline to short scale, and I've found that they serve very well for me. I don't look negatively on anyone's preference in instruments, as it's a highly individual thing. I think that I also may not be as attuned to very fine nuances of things like "complexity," and differences in sound based on wood and bridges (don't hear a thing that's different), but I'm OK muddling along without that.
-
To each his own, both of you obviously get what you want from short scales, and that's great. It's not for me though, both mine will be on the market shortly.
-
Bill, I share your opinion. The longer I play bass, the more I incline to short scale, and I've found that they serve very well for me. I don't look negatively on anyone's preference in instruments, as it's a highly individual thing. I think that I also may not be as attuned to very fine nuances of things like "complexity," and differences in sound based on wood and bridges (don't hear a thing that's different), but I'm OK muddling along without that.
Yeah, I'm a bit like you. Even though I practiced audiology and have advanced degrees in it, complexities between bass scales are hard for me to discern, much as the complexities people talk about in fine wines. If I like the taste of it, I don't care if it has undertones of pear and finishes with burst of chocolate! I just have to like it. :P
-
I found that with short scales that the strings made a big difference. On my EB3s and EB0s I use Rototsound standard gauge long scale strings 104-45 I think. Their short scale strings are lighter gauge and sound wimpy. Nice powerful E string with a 104 gauge but more punch not so much piano like ring.
-
Maybe I'm a simple man, but I always think about long scale vs short in terms of "thud" (or punch)...Long scale basses generate more "thud"...
I feel it doesn't matter as much while recording, but that it sure does matter when playing live.
-
I found that with short scales that the strings made a big difference. On my EB3s and EB0s I use Rototsound standard gauge long scale strings 104-45 I think. Their short scale strings are lighter gauge and sound wimpy. Nice powerful E string with a 104 gauge but more punch not so much piano like ring.
That's very true. I have long scale Roto NPS Swingbass 45-105 on the Rascal, 43-104 medium scale LaBella flats on the Gibson, both noticeable improvements over the stock strings. Still not the long scale sound I like, though. Plenty of E string definition but still lacking that long scale ring.
-
I've been using 50-115 gauge on all my shorties for years. The E string benefits hugely from the extra thickness.
GHS Boomers Heavy are the strings I buy. Those are long scale strings.
(http://static.bax-shop.nl/image/product/227420/506231/8fe930a1/450x450/1450434717GHS_H3045_Bass_Boomers_Heavy_Long_Scale.jpg)
But Rotosound even has a short scale set that goes from 65 - 115. But those are nylon covered to emulate an upright on your electric bass.
(http://static.bax-shop.nl/image/product/49571/164500/6910414b/450x450/CRS_88S_1.jpg)
-
The Rotosound TruBass are skinny low-tension rounds wrapped in nylon. I tried a set years ago when I had my Coronado. They don't sound like thicker strings at all.
-
Interesting how strings make such a difference. I've found the lighter gauge of the TI flats to actually improve the sound/tone/clarity of a ss bass, but that's to my ear on my basses. Except for Tis and Chromes, I've found many flat sets on ss basses to be dull and muddy. Believe me, I've tried just about every flat set out there over the last 7 years. Should have kept notes on them! :-[
-
Interesting how strings make such a difference. I've found the lighter gauge of the TI flats to actually improve the sound/tone/clarity of a ss bass, but that's to my ear on my basses. ...
As the Brits say, horses for courses.
-
OK, I couldn't decide until the last minute, but vintage white it is and it looks great! The pup is a ThunderBucker 66S and it sounds great. I used TI flats to tame the tone a bit and it still growls like crazy with the pup placement and maple neck/ebony board. It doesn't sound like anything else I own and I'm liking it. It has such a strong mid-range presence and lower registry clarity, it doesn't sound like a 30" scale bass at all to me.
The full length shot was out of focus so I'll try that again later.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1278_zpsr62ppnvs.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1278_zpsr62ppnvs.jpg.html)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1280_zpsnqchykue.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1280_zpsnqchykue.jpg.html)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1282_zps2pmfl1wv.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/60s%20NR%20TB/60s%20SS%20NR%20TB/DSCN1282_zps2pmfl1wv.jpg.html)
Very nice...I love it.
I'll say it again, you are the one that really turned me onto the NR TB.
8)
-
My pleasure Brad. And Scott was the one who turned me onto it!!! We're all GAS devils around here! 8)
-
There is a clean look and simplicity to that bass. Lovely!
-
There is a clean look and simplicity to that bass. Lovely!
Sure does and the color hits the classic vibe on the nose.
-
Thanks guys. It turned out much better than I expected for a parts bass I just threw together without a lot of planning. It plays really well and it's going to practice tonight for a full workout.
-
I got to play this over the weekend! Full review coming.
-
That looks great Doc!!!!
-
Thanks, it's a keeper. I'm also considering adding one of those pickups from overseas in the neck position. Why not? ;D
-
Thanks, it's a keeper. I'm also considering adding one of those pickups from overseas in the neck position. Why not? ;D
Adding a pickup to the circuit does affect the overall tone. If the bass already sounds like you want it to now, then why?
-
adding another pickup anywhere would make that beauty instant ugly.
-
Ha, not surprised at the reaction. However, I have an ear for something a little different and a pickup closer to the neck will do that. Besides, It's my bass and a I can screw it up any way I want! ;D Forever the tinkerer!
-
:popcorn:
-
The single pickup look is very cool
-
I agree on the single look. So maybe a new pick guard and the one pup mounted closer to the heel. When I pluck the strings up there instead of over the current pup, the does improve to my ears. Just a thought......
-
I agree on the single look. So maybe a new pick guard and the one pup mounted closer to the heel. When I pluck the strings up there instead of over the current pup, the does improve to my ears. Just a thought......
Just because it sounds better to you to pluck there doesn't mean that a pickup there will make the bass sound better. A second pickup always results in some phase cancellation of upper harmonics. That's not necessarily bad, but it does change the tone. That's why I wondered why you would add a pickup if you like the tone as-is.
Your bass, your choice, of course. If it doesn't work out, you can always use the empty pickup cavity to store a plug of your favorite chewing tobacco. ;D
-
Another reason to learn to rest your thumb on the lowest string, rather than the pickup. Then all basses pretty much play the same.
-
i needed a thumb rest to play anything. then i got my abg and learned to play with my thumb resting on the e string. in my case having my hand closer to all the strings makes it much easier to play, especially with arthritis in my hands and fingers. this is the old man solution. :o
-
All good suggestions. Actually, the bass sounds better through my old B-15 than my Mesa. I think I need to tweak the EQ more and maybe add some compression. We'll see at next practice.