The Last Bass Outpost
Gear Discussion Forums => Bill's Shop: Projects, Mods & Repairs => Topic started by: dadagoboi on September 11, 2013, 07:44:02 AM
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This is the real deal. Designed with JAE's input before he sold his soul to the Warwick devil. Bolt on, active electronics, thin profile graphite Precision width with very little taper (17mm string spacing at the bridge) neck. Super Jumbo, perfectly crowned, low frets with action to match. The body definitely seems to me a combo of Precision at the neck and Thunderbird at the bridge end. It's a BIG bass because of that and the extended range but not too heavy.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/P1040791_zps9af797c2.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/P1040791_zps9af797c2.jpg.html)
Previous owner had a mishap. Structurally sound now but the bass will get a body refin. It's polyurethane, something I don't do, so I'm looking for a finisher to shoot it in Dakota Red. I emailed Marty Bell (thanks for the assist, Mark!), haven't heard back yet.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/P1040792_zps0033f2bf.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/P1040792_zps0033f2bf.jpg.html)
Knobs from the neck: master vol, blend, midrange boost sweep with switch to disable, treble (above) and bass (below). With the bass set flat the output is pretty nondescript on the Status "Hyperactive" pickups but add a little bass boost and it roars. No noise at all from the pre/pup combo, very hifi. I've been joking with my customer I'm going to see what the pre does to a set of ThunderBuckers when I pull it during paint prep.
Carbon fiber shows thru the clear. I love zero frets but 26 total playable seems like overkill...unless you REALLY need that high A on the G. But it plays flawlessly all the way up there, even after 15+ years of gigging.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/P1040793_zps0b07f0fd.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/P1040793_zps0b07f0fd.jpg.html)
Getting to play a bass that JAE "designed" has been great!
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I hope Marty Bell can help you Carlo, has anyone here tried to paint Nitro over Poly?
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Very cool!!!!! Nice!!!! Like it:)
I have to explain something:
- JAE was first at Warwick's. They designed the Buzzard together on a table cloth in a bar in London (Maggy's). I saw the tablecoth. Warwick first made a lot of Buzzards (first without pistol grip and the Split P's not mirrored) for him.
- Then JAE wanted carbon necks. Modulus provided the necks to Warwick and they finished them to a complete Buzzard.
- Then JAE left to Status. They made the all-carbon Buzzard and the Buzzard 2 (as you bought) with an own design. They wanted the Buzzard sound in a more normal package.
- After JAE's dead, Warwick could prove that they did a lot in designing the Buzzard and they stopped Status. Also JAE's son Chris gave Warwick permission to use the name. Stopping Status is not nice. They build very few... But they did and Warwick could prove it in the end...
So this bass was after JAE sold his soul to Warwick;) And before his son Chris did it again....;)
Now Dean has the rights to use the name and they make some sort of Alembic knock-offs. And Warwick still builds Buzzards.
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I hope Marty Bell can help you Carlo
I'll give Marty a call if he doesn't answer my email soon.
...Very cool!!!!! Nice!!!! Like it:)
I have to explain something:
- JAE was first at Warwick's. They designed the Buzzard together on a table cloth in a bar in London (Maggy's). I saw the tablecoth. Warwick first made a lot of Buzzards (first without pistol grip and the Split P's not mirrored) for him.
- Then JAE wanted carbon necks. Modulus provided the necks to Warwick and they finished them to a complete Buzzard.
- Then JAE left to Status. They made the all-carbon Buzzard and the Buzzard 2 (as you bought) with an own design. They wanted the Buzzard sound in a more normal package.
- After JAE's dead, Warwick could prove that they did a lot in designing the Buzzard and they stopped Status. Also JAE's son Chris gave Warwick permission to use the name. Stopping Status is not nice. They build very few... But they did and Warwick could prove it in the end...
So this bass was after JAE sold his soul to Warwick;) And before his son Chris did it again....;)
Now Dean has the rights to use the name and they make some sort of Alembic knock-offs. And Warwick still builds Buzzards.
has anyone here tried to paint Nitro over Poly?
Yeah, me. What happens is the nitro shrinks, the poly doesn't. So after a few weeks you get an unplanned crackle finish. No matter how good the prep is for the refin. I really don't feel like stripping the entire bass
Poly over lacquer works fine, most primer/surfacers are lacquer based.
Very cool!!!!! Nice!!!! Like it:)
I have to explain something:
- JAE was first at Warwick's. They designed the Buzzard together on a table cloth in a bar in London (Maggy's). I saw the tablecoth. Warwick first made a lot of Buzzards (first without pistol grip and the Split P's not mirrored) for him.
- Then JAE wanted carbon necks. Modulus provided the necks to Warwick and they finished them to a complete Buzzard.
- Then JAE left to Status. They made the all-carbon Buzzard and the Buzzard 2 (as you bought) with an own design. They wanted the Buzzard sound in a more normal package.
- After JAE's dead, Warwick could prove that they did a lot in designing the Buzzard and they stopped Status. Also JAE's son Chris gave Warwick permission to use the name. Stopping Status is not nice. They build very few... But they did and Warwick could prove it in the end...
So this bass was after JAE sold his soul to Warwick;) And before his son Chris did it again....;)
Now Dean has the rights to use the name and they make some sort of Alembic knock-offs. And Warwick still builds Buzzards.
Thanks for straightening out the history, Chris. This isn't my bass, belongs to a customer.
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Carlo, is it Michael Dolan that also does a lot of painting? That may be who Mike uses, he shoots poly - both of my solid color refins are poly, the crazy colored one is likely nitro.
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Carlo, is it Michael Dolan that also does a lot of painting? That may be who Mike uses, he shoots poly - both of my solid color refins are poly, the crazy colored one is likely nitro.
Marty Bell's website specifically says he uses polyurethane. It's been illegal to sell nitro lacquer in CA for at least 5 years. PU is a lot easier to get a quick finish. If you do it right it can be fairly thin.
I spoke to a guy in L.A. a while back who said he does Mike's finishing, I don't remember his name. There's a local guy here who builds hot rods and customs. I might try him.
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Cool history Chris. Where does the green Modulus Buzzard fit into all of this? Or was that just a Warwick with a Modulus neck?
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I don't think Modulus made complete Buzzards, so this one will be a Modulus neck with Warwick bodywings or a Warwick body. Buzzards (and some other Warwicks) have a 'hidden neck through' which means that the neck goes on to the end pin, but it disappears under de top. So you see the NT from the back but from the front it is covered with wood.
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You might like to look at this video from 1:16 for JAE playing one (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyzQ_bAbrIQ) if you don't already know of it ...
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:o looks to be the same bass ! How many were made ?
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:o looks to be the same bass ! How many were made ?
They're still making them, specs have changed slightly. Bridge spacing is 19 mm, pickups and tuners are slightly different, etc. But this one is the same as the one in the documentary.
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Local guy is doing the paint, 2 stage basecoat/clearcoat polyurethane. Color will be Roman Red, AKA Cardinal Red, AKA Dakota Red. They're all the same GM color, name is different depending on the division and model year. Roman Red is the Chevy/Corvette name.
Stripped the powdercoat off the brass bridge and polished it to go with the gold tuners/hardware. The o rings are what Status uses instead of springs, they work pretty well. There are 2 allen screws on the E side of the baseplate that lock in the saddles ala G&L.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/0050/P1040867_zps46ba2623.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/0050/P1040867_zps46ba2623.jpg.html)
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I own a Status Shark (made of wood, mostly, but graphite rods) and a Stealth II (one-piece graphite body and neck). The attack of the Stealth is unsettling, notes you have to tickle out on any other bass jump at you - wham! The bass actually influences you to play behind the beat, it is so immediately there. Not everybody's cup of tea, but certainly a sonic experience.
I second what Chris said. I've seen the original Buzzard protoypes in the Warwick factory hanging from the wall long before Status came out with their Buzzards. JAE's obsession with an action "behind the neck" led him to require a bass with no wood content at all so climate changes during touring would not affect the bass at all - he wanted one set-up unchanged for the whole tour and "every night feeling the same". That is where Status came in and where Warwick ("the sound of wood") was reluctant to go.
That said, the sonic characteristics of graphite being what they are, a Status Buzzard might share the shape with a Warwick Buzzard but feels, plays and sounds totally different. There would have been room for both, but Herr Wilfer would pass the Rickenbacker-"vigorous-IP-defense-killer-syndrome"-test anytime and be immediately hired there.
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Gold Hipshot tuners and detuner to replace the black Gotohs and Schaller. Had to increase the holes slightly with a dremel and drum sander bit. The tuner mounting holes in carbon fiber have to be more precise than in maple, basically larger. The carbon fiber is so tough it's difficult for screws to cut threads into it. Too small and the screw threads or heads will strip. I like to think JAE with his preference for gold would approve.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/P1040923_zps0c04e620.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/P1040923_zps0c04e620.jpg.html)
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/P1040924_zps353e9e46.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/P1040924_zps353e9e46.jpg.html)
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I've not seen a carbon fiber neck in person since Rik's music (yes, sort-of the online folks) was still a Modulus dealer and had a quartet of REALLY nice Quantums. Two of them even had Lane Poor pickups. Needless to say, that's been a day or two. Really interesting to hear about the screws. The gold looks great, BTW.
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Lane Poor, that's a blast from the past. He never resurfaced, did he? Must be a good dozen years. I remember the Minima bass he produced, it had a carbon fiber fretboard and bizarre wide flat carbon fiber frets. So odd looking that it made a Gibson 20/20 look normal.
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Progress pix on the basecoat/clearcoat Cardinal Red/Dakota Red, whichever you prefer, they are the same color just different names. There's been a learning curve for Ron Lilly at Lilly Classic Cars but he's hung with it. This is after a few tries, getting ready for the final red coat. Broken jack hole has been completely filled, I'll redrill it when the paint is done.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/P1040927_zps1c718996.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/P1040927_zps1c718996.jpg.html)
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/P1040926_zps5bdef33b.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/P1040926_zps5bdef33b.jpg.html)
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I'm replacing the POS plastic short shaft jack with a longer Switchcraft all metal. This .03 inch plate is reamed out to fit over the collar on the jack. It will spread the load on the thin top.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/P1040929_zps0952f061.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/P1040929_zps0952f061.jpg.html)
Wired, 5 pots, jack, switch, 2 batteries and circuit board. Had my fingers crossed, but it's ALIVE!
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/P1040936_zpsdefdd2a4.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/P1040936_zpsdefdd2a4.jpg.html)
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Ummm, I love red and that turned out perfect!
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Drop dead gorgeous... 'nuf said...
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I bet JAE would love it. It's got kind of a Red Baron vibe. I'd like to see a Maltese cross on the upper bout. ;D
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Wow, well done! I'm a sucker for red on a bass. I also like redheads too ;)
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Thanks, guys. The bass is really striking in the flesh. I took it by Ron's yesterday to show him the end result. He specializes in vintage 'Vettes...his personal ones include a '67 427 convertible, daily driver is a '68 Camaro, also has a '70 454SS Chevelle. This is a '78 he's finishing up for a customer.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/P1040951_zpsb9333d8f.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/P1040951_zpsb9333d8f.jpg.html)
Controls from top:volume, midrange, mid frequency switch, pan, bass, treble
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/P1040950_zps226e0482.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/P1040950_zps226e0482.jpg.html)
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/P1040949_zpse63a074f.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/P1040949_zpse63a074f.jpg.html)
I'm shipping it out today, still trying to get a picture that really does it justice.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/P1040934_zpsdffb441e.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/P1040934_zpsdffb441e.jpg.html)
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yummy...
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... I also like redheads too ;)
... and what colour is Mrs Lightyear, Buzz...? ;D
... still trying to get a picture that really does it justice.
Wish you luck with that one...
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Wish you luck with that one...
As close as I'm gonna get, nice overcast morning helped. This Bird has flown!
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/P1040968_zps0fb5c1be.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/P1040968_zps0fb5c1be.jpg.html)
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/P1040970_zpsb2db89f1.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/P1040970_zpsb2db89f1.jpg.html)
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/P1040973_zps8227a4fd.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/P1040973_zps8227a4fd.jpg.html)
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They look worthy of the repairs...
Probably gonna be a long time before we see one of these grace these pages again...
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Probably gonna be a long time before we see one of these grace these pages again...
Probably never! It's an incredible playing and sounding bass, huge amount of tonal variation. I actually found myself playing the 'A" on the 26th fret of the "G" string, sweet full sound. You can also get some really horrible ones!
The owner just ordered a Status Graphite Stealth. All carbon fiber, 20 week delivery time. Sold his Alembic Stanley Clarke to finance it.
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Ahhh there's the trees ;D
More great work Carlo!
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... and what colour is Mrs Lightyear, Buzz...? ;D
Sigh, a brunette. I married her before I developed my affliction ;D
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Ahhh there's the trees ;D
More great work Carlo!
Just for you, Rob. Thanks!
Sigh, a brunette. I married her before I developed my affliction ;D
From my experience, you're probably better off!
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Nice bass and I love the red and black look.
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Nice bass and I love the red and black look.
Thanks!
Just to recap, Before and After
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/P1040791_zps9af797c2.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/P1040791_zps9af797c2.jpg.html)
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/P1040970_zpsb2db89f1.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/P1040970_zpsb2db89f1.jpg.html)
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that zings now! nice choice with the gold hardware.
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Jackie just said "all tacky", which is her view of the PC too... no accounting for taste...
... Which brings me round to hair that is red... it's in my genes and part of the family "name" that is handed down... that's Scot's for you, and yes, they turn my head... :rolleyes:
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U wanna see the bass in action (in black) there are some good shots in the YouTube video under Lee Ranaldo Pitchfork.... Good stuff abt Sonic Youth and the B2 in action...only used it for 2 gigs w that band...
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Welcome oh Lord of the Graphite but don't let us go hunting... feel free to post the link... and don't break it again... ;)
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Found this on pitchforktv's YT channel, you can see it in this video, maybe there are others.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_w7vgSGrRJc
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Great job! Entwistle would have loved it!
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Thanks, guys. The bass is really striking in the flesh. I took it by Ron's yesterday to show him the end result. He specializes in vintage 'Vettes...his personal ones include a '67 427 convertible, daily driver is a '68 Camaro, also has a '70 454SS Chevelle. This is a '78 he's finishing up for a customer.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/P1040951_zpsb9333d8f.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/P1040951_zpsb9333d8f.jpg.html)
Controls from top:volume, midrange, mid frequency switch, pan, bass, treble
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/P1040950_zps226e0482.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/P1040950_zps226e0482.jpg.html)
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/P1040949_zpse63a074f.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/P1040949_zpse63a074f.jpg.html)
I'm shipping it out today, still trying to get a picture that really does it justice.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/P1040934_zpsdffb441e.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/P1040934_zpsdffb441e.jpg.html)
Beautiful bass! If you want your friend to drool insatiably, tell him a good friend of mine has a Purple People Eater. He'll know what it is.
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Thanks! I had a great time recording and touring with Lee.. He is a true genius. That was a hometown show...on the road I took fenders...replaceable and dependable.... So the buzzard sat in the closet...until Stoney got his hands on it...so now it's being played...which is wonderful. Great axe black or red!
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Hey All, thanks for the nice comments about the bass. I had the pleasure of meeting Irwin when Lee was on tour and came through DC. Although we've known each other for years over the internet and through mutual friends, we had never met. I was blown away by his bass playing during the show at the 9:30 club but moreso, his genuine good-natured hospitality.
Also, "dadagoboi" is the only person I'd trust to do this repair and refinish. He builds terrific basses.
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Just checked out the pitchfork vid, great playing, Irwin!
Glad you're happy with the refurb, Stoney!
After being impressed with the Buzzard, I got the Status bug. Found one of these for a great price, should be here Thursday. Same pickups and bridge and similar electronics.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/stutus_hellborg_body_zpsc6558297.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/stutus_hellborg_body_zpsc6558297.jpg.html)
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/status_hellborg_head_zps247f68ba.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/status_hellborg_head_zps247f68ba.jpg.html)
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/status_hellborg_oblique_zpscc0ffc4a.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/status_hellborg_oblique_zpscc0ffc4a.jpg.html)
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Nice wood figuring... what is it...? and where have they hidden the "graphite" referenced on the head...?
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Nice wood figuring... what is it...? and where have they hidden the "graphite" referenced on the head...?
That's not the actual bass, but it's supposedly in almost as pristine shape. It's a Jonas Hellborg (Hellboy?) signature model from the late 90s. Graphite rods in the neck. Very small "mahogany" body, 12 inches at the widest, 36 volt preamp to stun the riffraff. The price I paid was low enough that the neck, bridge and pickups/electronics justified the purchase. I DID make a tracing of the Buzzard body before I sent it back but I don't think it would look right without the JAE headstock. I may just sell it on if it doesn't impress. As always, 'Research' will get the credit/blame.
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I doubt that it would be that difficult for you to reconfigure the head to replicate it...?
The body would (wood?) be a doddle (easy, in UK slang) for you...
The existing body could always be reconfigured for an alternate neck (short-scale?) with some Thunderbuckers in a normally-aspirated variation...?
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I doubt that it would be that difficult for you to reconfigure the head to replicate it...?
The body would (wood?) be a doddle (easy, in UK slang) for you...
The existing body could always be reconfigured for an alternate neck (short-scale?) with some Thunderbuckers in a normally-aspirated variation...?
I'm trying not to think about it until it gets here. Will be nice if I like it just as it is.
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What... no twiddling...? :o ;)
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What... no twiddling...? :o ;)
It arrived yesterday, could easily pass for new. The build quality is top notch, very resonant unplugged. Some very cool tones out of the 36 volt preamp from dead on Precision with neck pickup soloed to some crazy highs from the slammed-against-the-bridge pup. It's really fun to play. If you ever get the chance to play one, don't pass it up!
The body is tiny, I'm pretty sure I will be building a new one. Don't have any firm ideas yet.
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Ah... size matters... ;D
The Buzzard body you worked on looked very much like where you could take the T'bird design and re-balance it, with a monstrous GoT mod for the upper register... that's what appealed to me when I spotted the AD body carcass...
:popcorn:
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I lied, that's the direction I was going in even before the Hellboy arrived. Here's a mockup on my MAX (JAEbird II) template using an 8er neck. I'm liking 2+2 headstocks these days. Less dive, more case friendly. Especially with 24 frets. A spare preamp came with the bass, it will fit nicely into an EB-3/NR control cavity.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/P1050027_zpsf2632b0b.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/P1050027_zpsf2632b0b.jpg.html)
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:thumbsup:
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:P ;)
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The actual bass as it arrived. Ergonomically and tonally, GREAT. In the looks department, not so much. Looking forward to building ME a bass!
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Buzzard/P1050032_zpsc6d1bfb8.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/Buzzard/P1050032_zpsc6d1bfb8.jpg.html)
Thanks to everyone who has "Liked" the Cataldo Basses Facebook page!
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Been writing... any progress or still liking as is...?
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I've been busy with other work.