The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Bill's Shop: Projects, Mods & Repairs => Topic started by: dadagoboi on June 12, 2011, 10:46:15 AM

Title: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 12, 2011, 10:46:15 AM: This is Jim's bass #0015. Waiting on pup rings and pick guard. I'm going to keep it around awhile to get some clips. Hopefully when he gets it he'll think it's a POS and send it back... ;D
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Jim%20D%20JAEbird%20II/P1030441.jpg)
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: godofthunder on June 12, 2011, 11:29:58 AM: Beautiful!
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: drbassman on June 12, 2011, 12:55:24 PM: Quote from: godofthunder on June 12, 2011, 11:29:58 AM
Beautiful!

Ditto! I like the head stock shape too!
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 12, 2011, 01:13:37 PM: Thanks, guys. I am getting attached to this one!

The headstock is a standard Fender, scalloped on the bottom and 1/4 " trimmed off the top. Makes the Ultralites look like they have a longer shaft, almost vintage reverse. They're the licensed full chromes and really smooth.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Jim%20D%20JAEbird%20II/P1030426.jpg)
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: Highlander on June 12, 2011, 02:15:37 PM: There's a Buzzard influence in that headstock so a logical adaption imho... 8)
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 12, 2011, 02:34:47 PM: Quote from: BUFF on June 12, 2011, 02:15:37 PM
There's a Buzzard influence in that headstock so a logical adaption imho... 8)

It crossed my mind as I was cutting it out. Very sharp...Buff? You a new guy?
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on June 12, 2011, 06:20:31 PM: Quote from: dadagoboi on June 12, 2011, 02:34:47 PM
Very sharp...Buff? You a new guy?

Kenny's off his MP meds again...
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: shadowcastaz on June 12, 2011, 08:21:09 PM: One of the more handsome overall designs in quite a while. The headstock & white combo does it I think . I always liked the look of matching headstock/body colors. Im now giving the JAE another look.M
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: godofthunder on June 13, 2011, 04:27:29 AM: I like the headstock a lot!
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: wagdog on June 13, 2011, 09:57:20 AM: You need a headstock logo to go with such a handsome bird.
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 13, 2011, 10:02:16 AM: Quote from: wagdog on June 13, 2011, 09:57:20 AM
You need a headstock logo to go with such a handsome bird.
THANKS, I'm working on it.
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: Barklessdog on June 13, 2011, 10:16:55 AM: I agree really nice headstock design. Very elegant.
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 13, 2011, 10:27:25 AM: Quote from: Barklessdog on June 13, 2011, 10:16:55 AM
I agree really nice headstock design. Very elegant.

Thanks, literally been working on it for years in my head, on paper and in tape on the Fender style headstock of my BriceBird. Finally was willing to sacrifice a POS left handed neck for the proto. The final element was trimming the TOP of the headstock, an idea I got from Lull after wondering why his resolites looked like they had longer shafts.

I'm both slow AND cheap...not to mention bad and I steal. ;D
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on June 13, 2011, 10:58:19 AM: If and when I can get more money together to order another JAEbird, I ~~WANT~~ NEED that headstock!
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 14, 2011, 03:25:38 PM: Look, the amazing balancing bass. That's a slab of Korina leaning against my oven in the background, trust me.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Jim%20D%20JAEbird%20II/P1030470.jpg)

Strap I made in 1977 to hold up my then brand new 'Bird. Clear vinyl convertible top rear window material. Goes with any ensemble including blood stained shorts. Very slippery stuff. (http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Jim%20D%20JAEbird%20II/P1030471.jpg)

Dec 4, 1977. With Marty, later to go on to massive fame with The Motels as keyboard/sax player Martin Life Jourard. But most noted for giving me the bridge pup for my '60 EBO ;D
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/2010%20Fenderbird/MasqueBest-1.jpg)
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: Freuds_Cat on June 14, 2011, 06:44:46 PM: No doubt about it the Headstock shape is great.
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 15, 2011, 09:55:48 AM: Jim asked about recessed straplocks. Dunlop has them but they aren't worth what they charge. Allparts has the dual design style buttons as cheap as garden variety strap buttons. I drilled a 1/2" diameter and deep hole
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Jim%20D%20JAEbird%20II/P1030473.jpg)

that chamfer in the hole was actually caused when I screwed down the button.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Jim%20D%20JAEbird%20II/P1030474.jpg)

Butt end of JAEbird II PROTOTYPE, note the nice fat run.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Jim%20D%20JAEbird%20II/P1030475.jpg)

Proto again, location will be a little different on Jim's. I like these BETTER than the completely recessed buttons. The chrome is subtle and provides a better target for the strap, keeps it a little off the body and might possibly take a hit from the straplock instead of the paint....did I mention they were cheap?
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Jim%20D%20JAEbird%20II/P1030477.jpg)
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: johnk on June 15, 2011, 11:28:08 AM: i removed the top strap button on mine (filled the hole and touched it up with an airbrush), and relocated it in the 'vox' position. it balances very well now.
i first tried it with the a stap button mounted in the upper left neck plate mounting hole, but found that with the button on the back of the bass, it helped with the balance, but made the bird lean a bit forward and away from my body, so for me, i prefer it closer to the edge of the bass's centerline.

here's a pic of where i have mine located now:

(http://johnkvintageguitars.homestead.com/JAEbird/JAEBIRDstrapbutton-01.jpg)
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on June 15, 2011, 11:30:22 AM: Quote from: johnk on June 15, 2011, 11:28:08 AM

i first tried it with the a stap button mounted in the upper left neck plate mounting hole, but found that with the button on the back of the bass, it helped with the balance, but made the bird lean a bit forward and away from my body, so for me, i prefer it closer to the edge of the bass's centerline.

I have that set up on all my 'birds and you are right, they usually lean away. It's never bothered me though, since I've taken up JAE's way of putting my right arm and resting it on the top line of the body, she never leans ;)
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 15, 2011, 12:19:34 PM: Quote from: johnk on June 15, 2011, 11:28:08 AM
i removed the top strap button on mine (filled the hole and touched it up with an airbrush), and relocated it in the 'vox' position. it balances very well now.
i first tried it with the a stap button mounted in the upper left neck plate mounting hole, but found that with the button on the back of the bass, it helped with the balance, but made the bird lean a bit forward and away from my body, so for me, i prefer it closer to the edge of the bass's centerline.

I used the strap button in that position with my clear 1" wide strap on Fenderbird 2010 when I built it in '83. As you say, the Vox position. A little troublesome with a wider strap but I still left it there when I resurrected it even tough it no longer neck dives with a 3/1 headstock and minis replacing Kluson Reverses
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/2010%20Fenderbird/DSC01998-1.jpg)
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/2010%20Fenderbird/DSC01996-1.jpg)
My '65 Vox, just found a bridge cover for it. It has ZERO neck dive, it's English. The Italian EKO made ones were terrible divers. Drilled holes in mine and pounded lead sinkers into them, didn't work. I had to play it Wyman style.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/VOX/P1020135.jpg)

Quote from: bassvirtuoso on June 15, 2011, 11:30:22 AM
I have that set up on all my 'birds and you are right, they usually lean away. It's never bothered me though, since I've taken up JAE's way of putting my right arm and resting it on the top line of the body, she never leans ;)

That works for me too. The 63-65s are so light they balance much better than the later reissues IMO. Having one more fret into the body also helps.
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 15, 2011, 02:40:18 PM: Logo idea
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Jim%20D%20JAEbird%20II/P1030487.jpg)
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: jumbodbassman on June 15, 2011, 03:52:11 PM: you are the man. Hopefully you will send me that beauty and not change your mind. Keep it as long as you need to take pics, record etc.... IMHO it has come out perfect. The long time tbird haters tbird :toast:

I like the red name better
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 15, 2011, 04:39:35 PM: Thanks, Jim. Yeah the red works for the II, black with capital C cataldo and JAEbird Bass after it ala Fender may be the ticket for JAEbird. Suggestion of Dave (BassVirtuoso), yours and his are neck and neck.
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 17, 2011, 10:09:13 AM: Logo du Jour...I can spend forever on this stuff but it don't build no basses. I printed a decal of this one. Location on the headstock TBD, also "C" needs a little work
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Jim%20D%20JAEbird%20II/P1030521.jpg)
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: shadowcastaz on June 17, 2011, 11:15:00 AM: I like it a lot! . Red on light maybe silver / outlined with red on a dark headstock.
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: dadagoboi on July 01, 2011, 08:22:51 AM: Finally ready to let this one go on Tuesday. Thanks, Jim!
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Jim%20D%20JAEbird%20II/P1030782.jpg)

(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Jim%20D%20JAEbird%20II/P1030775.jpg)

(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Jim%20D%20JAEbird%20II/P1030803.jpg)

(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Jim%20D%20JAEbird%20II/P1030800.jpg)

(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Jim%20D%20JAEbird%20II/P1030801.jpg)

(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Jim%20D%20JAEbird%20II/P1030802.jpg)
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: jumbodbassman on July 01, 2011, 10:36:13 AM: :toast:

standing ovation....
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: Pilgrim on July 01, 2011, 01:44:11 PM: I really like the way the logo turned out - and the placement.
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: Nocturnal on July 01, 2011, 04:04:21 PM: That turned out nice! If I could ever stop running out of problems that need $$$$ thrown at them, I'd be in for one of those.
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: Highlander on July 01, 2011, 04:24:41 PM: That headstock really reminds me of a bird-of-prey; a sleek one, built for speed and in for the kill... :o ;) 8)
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: ramone57 on July 02, 2011, 12:48:18 PM: the logo and headstock look nice, Carlo!
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: dadagoboi on July 02, 2011, 01:30:57 PM: Thanks, guys! I wasn't quite sure about the headstock but it seems to meeting general approval. Ditto the logo.
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: drbassman on July 02, 2011, 03:33:13 PM: The logo looks great as does the headstock. I built a TB with a headstock modeled after an Epi and I'm planning to use that shape on my future Jag-style basses.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Builds%20and%20Refurbs/t-birdheadcloseup.jpg)
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: dadagoboi on July 02, 2011, 03:59:13 PM: Quote from: drbassman on July 02, 2011, 03:33:13 PM
The logo looks great as does the headstock. I built a TB with a headstock modeled after an Epi and I'm planning to use that shape on my future Jag-style basses.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Builds%20and%20Refurbs/t-birdheadcloseup.jpg)

That's a nice clean design, should work well with the Jag body.
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: Freuds_Cat on July 03, 2011, 04:18:59 AM: I like that design a lot Doc. A blend of both worlds but done to look natural.
I think I've already commented on how good I think Carlo's design is. Both look naturally right and balanced to my eyes.
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: jumbodbassman on July 03, 2011, 06:22:28 PM: Carlo if possible send me some black touch up paint for JAEbird #02
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: Highlander on July 04, 2011, 02:35:23 PM: OMG...! He used it!!! ;D
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: dadagoboi on July 04, 2011, 04:04:20 PM: Quote from: jumbodbassman on July 03, 2011, 06:22:28 PM
Carlo if possible send me some black touch up paint for JAEbird #02

No problem. Anybody else need some?
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: jumbodbassman on July 04, 2011, 04:19:53 PM: Quote from: BUFF on July 04, 2011, 02:35:23 PM
OMG...! He used it!!! ;D

Actuaaly been averaging 3 gigs a month for a while. the JAEbird has been to about 8 gig s already and now it has 2 shinny new 63 pups to show off. actually need the paint for the pickup routes as the thunderbuckers are a little larger then the barts that originally were installed. 3 out door shows coming up so one or both of the JAEbirds will get to play through some larger rigs probably a 2 15 ev cab and a 6 10 with a couple of ampeg ss heads.... or maybe i should go with some tubey grindness with a hybrid or 2. just got an eden head that i really like but won't do 2 ohms....
Title: Re: NAKED JAEbird
Post by: dadagoboi on July 04, 2011, 04:27:52 PM: Quote from: jumbodbassman on July 04, 2011, 04:19:53 PM
Actuaaly been averaging 3 gigs a month for a while. the JAEbird has been to about 8 gig s already and now it has 2 shinny new 63 pups to show off. actually need the paint for the pickup routes as the thunderbuckers are a little larger then the barts that originally were installed. 3 out door shows coming up so one or both of the JAEbirds will get to play through some larger rigs probably a 2 15 ev cab and a 6 10 with a couple of ampeg ss heads.... or maybe i should go with some tubey grindness with a hybrid or 2. just got an eden head that i really like but won't do 2 ohms....

Love to see some pix and hear some clips.

I've resized the pup routes for ThunderBuckers, also a 250K tone pot works better than 500k, I put one in your II today with a pair of .047 caps, it's a lot better tone curve. I'll send you one with your bass as well as the touch up...did you want a case?