The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Bill's Shop: Projects, Mods & Repairs => Topic started by: Dave W on January 03, 2011, 09:06:12 AM

Title: Premier Guitar's Ernie Ball factory tour
Post by: Dave W on January 03, 2011, 09:06:12 AM
I'm posting this here because you'll get to see some of the techniques used at MusicMan. Bill, if you'd rather not have it here, we'll move it to the Bass Zone.

The binding technique was an eye-opener.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_oXBvr8AhU
Title: Re: Premier Guitar's Ernie Ball factory tour
Post by: nofi on January 03, 2011, 09:28:21 AM
wow, very interesting even for a non builder. thanks for that.
Title: Re: Premier Guitar's Ernie Ball factory tour
Post by: OldManC on January 03, 2011, 09:29:07 AM
That was great. Thanks, Dave!
Title: Re: Premier Guitar's Ernie Ball factory tour
Post by: drbassman on January 03, 2011, 10:28:24 AM
Very interesting.  I'd love to be able to duplicate the binding technique.  That's a really clean way to do it!
Title: Re: Premier Guitar's Ernie Ball factory tour
Post by: ack1961 on January 03, 2011, 10:52:47 AM
Thanks for posting that...very interesting.
I agree that their binding procedure is really intriguing...I just might try that on my next project.
My wife will never miss that fondue set.
Title: Re: Premier Guitar's Ernie Ball factory tour
Post by: sniper on January 03, 2011, 12:45:04 PM
the thing that jumped out at me was the fact that the "boss" was in the inspection room (part of the trenches) and in working gear, not in some vested suit and he seemed familiar with the entire line.

my respect for "Ball" basses just went up a notch.
Title: Re: Premier Guitar's Ernie Ball factory tour
Post by: birdie on January 03, 2011, 03:47:40 PM
That was great,thank you!! I,m gonna try band-sawing for a maple fretboard neck ;D
Title: Re: Premier Guitar's Ernie Ball factory tour
Post by: Dave W on January 03, 2011, 05:09:59 PM
Quote from: sniper dog on January 03, 2011, 12:45:04 PM
the thing that jumped out at me was the fact that the "boss" was in the inspection room (part of the trenches) and in working gear, not in some vested suit and he seemed familiar with the entire line.

my respect for "Ball" basses just went up a notch.

He is, and he's also a talented bassist. His dad (http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/52197109/Hulton-Archive) was a talented steel guitarist before opening the music store that eventually got him into the manufacturing business.
Title: Re: Premier Guitar's Ernie Ball factory tour
Post by: Lightyear on January 03, 2011, 08:30:59 PM
Thanks Dave!  You're right, the binding technique is something else - I couldn't see it working without some very precise CNC work though.
Title: Re: Premier Guitar's Ernie Ball factory tour
Post by: uwe on January 04, 2011, 05:39:11 AM
I read an article on their production in a German mag a while back and that was already impressive. I'm not the greatest EBMM fan on earth - somehow a Stingray and I never bonded though I own one -, but I always felt that they are very committed, kind of like Ric without the grating nerdy quaintness. I also applaud them for trying new things such as the Bongo and the Albert Lee basses and sticking to their guns, not chucking models out at will.

Uwe
Title: Re: Premier Guitar's Ernie Ball factory tour
Post by: Barklessdog on January 04, 2011, 06:52:11 AM
Cool video, likewise I was impressed that he played so well. As he stated, a nice mix of precision machining & hand work.
Title: Re: Premier Guitar's Ernie Ball factory tour
Post by: drbassman on January 04, 2011, 08:11:57 AM
WHat kind of liquid plastic would they be using for the binding?
Title: Re: Premier Guitar's Ernie Ball factory tour
Post by: Dave W on January 04, 2011, 08:33:04 AM
No idea what plastic. Something that machines well when solid and will still take a shine. It sure is a different way of looking at how to do binding.
Title: Re: Premier Guitar's Ernie Ball factory tour
Post by: dadagoboi on January 04, 2011, 11:44:04 AM
Decent quality casting resin would work.
Title: Re: Premier Guitar's Ernie Ball factory tour
Post by: drbassman on January 04, 2011, 11:57:35 AM
Quote from: dadagoboi on January 04, 2011, 11:44:04 AM
Decent quality casting resin would work.

Interesting. I might look into that.  I think I could also use it for reverse engineering some neck pockets for templates, etc.
Title: Re: Premier Guitar's Ernie Ball factory tour
Post by: Highlander on January 04, 2011, 02:55:21 PM
Most insightful... 8)

Our guitarist picked up a "Luke" recently...
Title: Re: Premier Guitar's Ernie Ball factory tour
Post by: Dave W on January 04, 2011, 07:14:47 PM
I remember posting this before, when the Big Al Bass was introduced.

Sterling Ball is the bassist here, this has got to be 15 or 20 years ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PscAZyOMGiA