The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Bill's Shop: Projects, Mods & Repairs => Topic started by: drbassman on April 23, 2015, 12:48:50 PM

Title: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on April 23, 2015, 12:48:50 PM: I've sent one bass off for finishing. This one will be vintage white as I'm not that happy with scraps I used to piece it together. Will have a matching headstock on a maple board.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN0137_zpsf4fb9b83.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN0137_zpsf4fb9b83.jpg.html)

The full hollow body will go in next. It's almost finished. Got the mahogany neck glued in, turned out nice.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1071_zps9acgipyd.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1071_zps9acgipyd.jpg.html)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1072_zpsokeizybg.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1072_zpsokeizybg.jpg.html)
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: Pilgrim on April 23, 2015, 02:05:43 PM: Nice detail work on those!
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: Dave W on April 23, 2015, 02:59:19 PM: Very nice, but where's the Billy Bo?
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: Highlander on April 23, 2015, 03:08:01 PM: Dave...! :mrgreen:

Looking good, Bill...

:popcorn:
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on April 24, 2015, 04:18:37 AM: Quote from: Dave W on April 23, 2015, 02:59:19 PM
Very nice, but where's the Billy Bo?

Funny you should mention it. I haven't touched it because I want to get my own "basses for sale" off the ground. If I can get this organized, I'll eventually get back to it.
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on April 24, 2015, 06:28:42 AM: Quote from: Pilgrim on April 23, 2015, 02:05:43 PM
Nice detail work on those!

Thanks Al. I really do enjoy the woodworking part.
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: godofthunder on April 24, 2015, 04:57:33 PM: Those look great Bill!
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: Lightyear on April 24, 2015, 06:07:35 PM: Looking good Doc!
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: dadagoboi on April 25, 2015, 12:50:07 AM: Nice work, Doc! Did you build the neck on the hollow body?
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: Nocturnal on April 25, 2015, 08:23:48 AM: Looking good Bill!!!
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on April 25, 2015, 11:35:46 AM: Quote from: dadagoboi on April 25, 2015, 12:50:07 AM
Nice work, Doc! Did you build the neck on the hollow body?

Nope, I've decided to use Carvin for all of my necks. Maple ones are $169 and mahogany are $219. They are ready to use, have the TR adjustment at the headstock and and angled headstock. Just as I would build them! Going forward, they will be on all of them.
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: Dave W on April 25, 2015, 12:44:30 PM: Quote from: drbassman on April 25, 2015, 11:35:46 AM
Nope, I've decided to use Carvin for all of my necks. Maple ones are $169 and mahogany are $219. They are ready to use, have the TR adjustment at the headstock and and angled headstock. Just as I would build them! Going forward, they will be on all of them.

Carvin's necks are consistently good quality from what I've seen. Much better choice than that importer you were thinking of using.
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: dadagoboi on April 25, 2015, 12:55:35 PM: Quote from: drbassman on April 25, 2015, 11:35:46 AM
Nope, I've decided to use Carvin for all of my necks. Maple ones are $169 and mahogany are $219. They are ready to use, have the TR adjustment at the headstock and and angled headstock. Just as I would build them! Going forward, they will be on all of them.

Great solution!
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: Nocturnal on April 26, 2015, 09:39:43 AM: I used a Carvin neck on my Warmoth Bird. Great feeling neck and so far have had no issues with it at all. Good choice Bill.
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on April 27, 2015, 09:17:53 AM: Thanks guys. They build a really nice neck for $169!
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: jumbodbassman on April 28, 2015, 09:46:04 AM: loving it. maybe a way to finally cure my 4005 GAS. Get better and then let talk about a bass.....

Jim
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on April 28, 2015, 01:12:32 PM: Quote from: jumbodbassman on April 28, 2015, 09:46:04 AM
loving it. maybe a way to finally cure my 4005 GAS. Get better and then let talk about a bass.....

Jim

Oh yeah, we could hook you up! I've bought a lot of stuff celebrating my first brush with cancer. Not gonna stop me now!
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on May 04, 2015, 05:21:41 AM: Found a case that is just a hair wide, but the basses fit into. Will need a little extra padding at the bridge and one lower bout. Should be too hard to add. Reasonable, too. It's a Douglas HB model, $59 plus shipping. Not top of the line, but much better than a gig bag.

The funny part is a little tag in the top of the left corner. Yes, it actually says: DO NOT EAT.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/2b9cd45c-fd73-4800-a5a3-9643c4c1dfb5_zpshwavx8ee.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/2b9cd45c-fd73-4800-a5a3-9643c4c1dfb5_zpshwavx8ee.jpg.html)
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on May 13, 2015, 12:29:23 PM: Got the first bass back and it's a beauty. This is a semi-hollow, maple top mahogany body, vintage white. Going to put the hardware on tomorrow and see how she sounds!

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1112_zpswjuzoxjz.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1112_zpswjuzoxjz.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1113_zps37ljefqf.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1113_zps37ljefqf.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1114_zps5ipujtbr.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1114_zps5ipujtbr.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1115_zpshjpjedjj.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1115_zpshjpjedjj.jpg.html)
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: Highlander on May 13, 2015, 03:11:03 PM: :popcorn:
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: Dave W on May 13, 2015, 05:21:12 PM: That's going to look mighty fine.
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on May 14, 2015, 05:11:23 AM: Quote from: Dave W on May 13, 2015, 05:21:12 PM
That's going to look mighty fine.

Thanks Dave, gonna work on it today. I did discover that I don't have the correct size tuners and had to order some, so it will take longer than I had planned to put it all together. I will get it wired up today.
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: BTL on May 14, 2015, 04:58:37 PM: I like those a LOT!
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on May 14, 2015, 06:10:06 PM: Thanks Brad, I appreciate it from a fellow builder. Can't wait to get it all together.
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: chromium on May 16, 2015, 10:15:05 AM: Lookin' great!
What's going in this one again? TV Jones?
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: 4stringer77 on May 16, 2015, 12:17:24 PM: Loving the snazzy logo, among everything else.
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: dadagoboi on May 16, 2015, 01:55:20 PM: Looking good, Doc!
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on May 16, 2015, 07:08:56 PM: Quote from: chromium on May 16, 2015, 10:15:05 AM
Lookin' great!
What's going in this one again? TV Jones?

Yes!
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on May 16, 2015, 07:10:43 PM: Quote from: 4stringer77 on May 16, 2015, 12:17:24 PM
Loving the snazzy logo, among everything else.

Thanks! I like it a lot.
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on May 16, 2015, 07:13:31 PM: Quote from: dadagoboi on May 16, 2015, 01:55:20 PM
Looking good, Doc!

Thanks Carlo. Should get it together tomorrow. The tuners came in!
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on May 17, 2015, 01:56:40 PM: Huge disappointment today. :-\. Started installing hardware and the clear coat is chipping off every place there's an edge, like tuner holes, control pot holes, neck pocket. Gonna contact the finisher to see what's up. The clear is a catalyzed lacquer and it isn't sticking to the paint coat at the edges. What's up with that? >:(
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: Highlander on May 17, 2015, 02:07:03 PM: I believe "bummer" is the correct vernacular for you Colonial types... :-\

I'm keeping my fingers crossed as that's what I've just used on my RD... :o
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on May 17, 2015, 02:54:37 PM: Correct, humongous bummer. It's weird Kenny. The clear isn't sticking to the undercoat at the edges. Never seen anything like it.
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: Highlander on May 17, 2015, 03:48:56 PM: I have... a similar weakness appears to be present in the PC's fin, which is something I've yet to consider... at least, in my case, it shows mojo, but not for a new work such as yours...

Carlo, Rob, Joe, Brad, et-al... opinions...?
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: Dave W on May 17, 2015, 07:42:33 PM: Sounds like something in the prep stage may have been missed. OTOH I don't know how catalyzed lacquer is supposed to be prepped.
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: Highlander on May 17, 2015, 11:55:34 PM: Just at a curing catalyst and use promptly - just like any two-part mix - the stuff I used on the RD (acrylic) came in a rattle-can and you just had a separate plunger in the base - "crack" the seal, shake for 2 minutes, rest for 10, use within 6 hours... checked mine this morning and it looks like I'm a goer for polishing... no tackiness and it feels "set"...
The nitro. again rattle-can, I used on the AD was "pre-cat" so presume the reaction is once in contact with air... that had the last coat yesterday afternoon and feels same as the RD...
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: dadagoboi on May 18, 2015, 03:46:01 AM: Hope all works out for everyone.

IMO the best bet for a successful paint job is to make sure the various layers are compatible and correctly prepared to bond with each other. For example, I've had problems with clear nitro lacquer over acrylic lacquer. The nitro shrinks, the acrylic doesn't and cracks are the result.

What's important is the actual chemistry of each component, no matter what the front of the can says. Most times you have a better chance of success using one manufacturer's products from start to finish.
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on May 18, 2015, 05:23:07 AM: I agree with you Carlo. Something isn't right with the base and the top coats. The top just isn't sticking to the bass as it should. We'll see what he says, going call him later this morning. I sent a text and no reply. I hope he's not avoiding me!
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: Highlander on May 18, 2015, 03:23:51 PM: Send the boys round, Bill... either that or a fish wrapped in old newspaper... :vader:
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on May 18, 2015, 04:18:26 PM: Took the bass over to the finisher and we fixed it. The big issue is the stuff goes on pretty thick and all of the holes have to be cleaned out carefully. Got a quick lesson on that and I think we're good now. Fixed the couple chips with CA. I love the finish, but I'm still not impressed with the edges around any holes. A bit too delicate there for my liking. I'll have him do a couple more and if it's a continuing issue, I might seek out another source.
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: shadowcastaz on May 20, 2015, 08:26:48 PM: Doc, been a long time . I love the fact that you are doing what you love . The logo is awesome. Cant wait to see the finished piece.M
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: BTL on May 20, 2015, 09:21:17 PM: Definitely a bummer, and a big +1 to following the manufacturer's finishing schedule recommendations.

Basecoat/clearcoat systems can be very finicky, and it seems as though there are infinitely many ways to mess things up.
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on May 21, 2015, 05:48:23 AM: Quote from: shadowcastaz on May 20, 2015, 08:26:48 PM
Doc, been a long time . I love the fact that you are doing what you love . The logo is awesome. Cant wait to see the finished piece.M

Hey Shadow, great to hear from you! Yeah, I'm working toward my hobby shop and a second retirement. I'm seriously thinking about packing in the work gig January 1st. Then I can build full time and goof off in between! How have you been? ;D
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on May 21, 2015, 05:50:22 AM: Quote from: BeeTL on May 20, 2015, 09:21:17 PM
Definitely a bummer, and a big +1 to following the manufacturer's finishing schedule recommendations.

Basecoat/clearcoat systems can be very finicky, and it seems as though there are infinitely many ways to mess things up.

For sure. I have a better understanding of how his system works and I think it will be OK for me. I did mess up the finish installing a tuner, so the neck goes back to him early next week. Ugh. The body, however is almost put together. Slow but determined I am!
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on May 27, 2015, 05:37:10 AM: OK, I'm still assembling #1 but #2 is back from the finisher. It's all done except for headstock logo. I've had a logo fail and need to order some new ones. Once I get them, it will be applied to this bass. This is the cherry top and back with mahogany sides, mahogany neck. I might have a hard time letting this one go!

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1131_zpsbnjvpfb4.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1131_zpsbnjvpfb4.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1132_zps7zx2iaao.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1132_zps7zx2iaao.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1133_zpsevdybknj.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1133_zpsevdybknj.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1134_zpsngwmhbtw.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1134_zpsngwmhbtw.jpg.html)
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: dadagoboi on May 27, 2015, 07:30:21 AM: That looks GREAT! I prefer the 2+2 headstock.
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on May 27, 2015, 07:54:00 AM: Quote from: dadagoboi on May 27, 2015, 07:30:21 AM
That looks GREAT! I prefer the 2+2 headstock.

Thanks Carlo. I'm a big fan of the headstock myself. It's drilled for the Hipshot light weights, my favorite tuners.
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: jumbodbassman on May 27, 2015, 07:59:33 AM: 2 + 2 for sure. loving that bass... two pickup model????
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on May 27, 2015, 08:53:17 AM: Thanks Jim. One pup.
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: dadagoboi on May 27, 2015, 09:11:21 AM: Quote from: drbassman on May 27, 2015, 08:53:17 AM
Thanks Jim. One pup.

...but if you wanted a 2 pup version I'm sure Doc would build you one! ;D
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on May 27, 2015, 12:26:34 PM: Quote from: dadagoboi on May 27, 2015, 09:11:21 AM
...but if you wanted a 2 pup version I'm sure Doc would build you one! ;D

Yeah, I could figure out how to wire it with some help from you guys! :P
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: Highlander on May 27, 2015, 02:03:59 PM: :popcorn:

All this junk food is bad for my figure... :mrgreen:
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: Dave W on May 27, 2015, 07:29:15 PM: That came out real nice.
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on May 28, 2015, 04:14:07 AM: Thanks Dave. I would consider orders if anyone is interested. ;D
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on May 29, 2015, 04:50:25 AM: In fact, I will offer these basses up here before eBay once finished. Just to be hospitable!
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: Psycho Bass Guy on May 29, 2015, 06:01:45 AM: Man, that thing is downright purdy!!!
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on May 29, 2015, 06:07:39 AM: Quote from: Psycho Bass Guy on May 29, 2015, 06:01:45 AM
Man, that thing is downright purdy!!!

Thanks! Here's the white body, all assembled........

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1146_zps09yit3ct.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1146_zps09yit3ct.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1148_zpsuaomyu7y.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1148_zpsuaomyu7y.jpg.html)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1147_zpskkqcvk0l.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/DOC%20BASS%20Pics/DSCN1147_zpskkqcvk0l.jpg.html)
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: gearHed289 on May 29, 2015, 07:54:59 AM: Diggin this white one!
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: jumbodbassman on May 29, 2015, 10:03:27 AM: what pickup is that?????

not a huge fan of one pickup basses but the right one in the right spot could get me there.....
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: jumbodbassman on May 29, 2015, 10:05:56 AM: tv jones. saw ther other thread. Havent tried them that i know of..
Title: Re: A couple basses finally ready
Post by: drbassman on May 29, 2015, 10:59:32 AM: Quote from: jumbodbassman on May 29, 2015, 10:05:56 AM
tv jones. saw ther other thread. Havent tried them that i know of..

I've used numerous ThunderTrons before and I like the deep clean output they have. This is the ThunderBlade, similar but better for wider string spacing.