The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Bill's Shop: Projects, Mods & Repairs => Topic started by: dadagoboi on June 23, 2011, 08:35:20 AM

Title: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 23, 2011, 08:35:20 AM
Not difficult if you have the parts.  I sent off the what I thought was beyond repair neck to Steve, s.o.b. fixed it.  So I'm getting even by making him build me more pups.
Stripped body
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/JAEZZbird/P1030620.jpg)

Decided not to use the pin router, it's my DAY OFF, dadgummit!
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/JAEZZbird/P1030622.jpg)

Nekkid, Front jazz pup route is larger than rear, those Krazy Koreans.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/JAEZZbird/P1030623.jpg)

No worries, another ThunderBucker Ranch product solves that.  JAEbird OEM ring polishing gets done in house.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/JAEZZbird/P1030624.jpg)

Next is 'designing' (I use the term loosely) a pick guard/control plate, though this one is getting no guard.  If you have the right parts everything else is pretty easy.  Especially if you don't have to make them yourself.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/JAEZZbird/P1030626.jpg)

How does it sound? THUNDEROUSTM ;D

Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on June 23, 2011, 09:05:14 AM
Carlo, why do you do this to me? I gave up on the P-bass idea and was thinking this EXACT THING....
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: drbassman on June 23, 2011, 09:33:05 AM
Very cool, it looks great!
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: jumbodbassman on June 23, 2011, 11:33:44 AM
GAS attack.....  that very well may be the perfect bass.   I have always been a p bass guy but it IMPO works way better with the j style body and little chromecontrol plate.... :thumbsup:
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 23, 2011, 11:43:25 AM
Quote from: jumbodbassman on June 23, 2011, 11:33:44 AM
GAS attack.....  that very well may be the perfect bass.   I have always been a p bass guy but it IMPO works way better with the j style body and little chromecontrol plate.... :thumbsup:

We have the technology. ;D
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: sniper on June 23, 2011, 11:51:08 AM
dammit Carlo, i hated about everything that even looked 7enderish till you started all this!

great work ... i gotta start retaking my "medications"!

this is too much for sociophobics like me.
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 23, 2011, 12:00:31 PM
Quote from: sniper on June 23, 2011, 11:51:08 AM
dammit Carlo, i hated about everything 7ender till you started all this. great work ... i gotta start retaking my "medications"!

Gotta stop walking out to the shop on my 'day off'.  I cleaned it up yesterday and discovered two Jazz necks and this body.  That plus the posts about Lull's offerings and I've violated my parole.  I have another really nice very light Japanese Fneder 3 bolt RI sunburst Jazz body that might be next.
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on June 23, 2011, 12:18:25 PM
Quote from: dadagoboi on June 23, 2011, 12:00:31 PM
I have another really nice very light Japanese Fneder 3 bolt RI sunburst Jazz body that might be next.

VERY interested...
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 23, 2011, 12:22:22 PM
Quote from: bassvirtuoso on June 23, 2011, 12:18:25 PM
VERY interested...

Might help pay for the S.D. Curlee I just bought.  Darn you, Pilgrim, for pointing it out. ;D
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: Denis on June 23, 2011, 01:19:23 PM
Quote from: dadagoboi on June 23, 2011, 12:22:22 PM
Might help pay for the S.D. Curlee I just bought.  Darn you, Pilgrim, for pointing it out. ;D

Heh, I make one little comment about trying out an S.D. Curlee bass all the way over in the amp section and you go and spend money on one. Heh heh heh!
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 23, 2011, 01:35:40 PM
Quote from: Denis on June 23, 2011, 01:19:23 PM
Heh, I make one little comment about trying out an S.D. Curlee bass all the way over in the amp section and you go and spend money on one. Heh heh heh!
Celebrating the big '65 a little early, don't know if it will be with 6 or 5 yet.  I'm embarrassed to say I was almost totally ignorant of these basses.  The similar shape to my EBO and the fact it's long scale and has the DiMarzio Pup that was in my first FenderBird makes it a must have, or at least a must see and evaluate.
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: Highlander on June 23, 2011, 02:00:36 PM
Rules are rules...

:popcorn:

V-nice build, btw
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: Pilgrim on June 23, 2011, 02:15:45 PM
Quote from: dadagoboi on June 23, 2011, 12:22:22 PM
Might help pay for the S.D. Curlee I just bought.  Darn you, Pilgrim, for pointing it out. ;D

I is just covered all over with innocence.   ;)
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: jumbodbassman on June 24, 2011, 08:13:58 AM
Quote from: dadagoboi on June 23, 2011, 01:35:40 PM
Celebrating the big '65 a little early, don't know if it will be with 6 or 5 yet.  I'm embarrassed to say I was almost totally ignorant of these basses.  The similar shape to my EBO and the fact it's long scale and has the DiMarzio Pup that was in my first FenderBird makes it a must have, or at least a must see and evaluate.

i can send you both of mine to check them out if you are interested..  both of  mine are the 2 pbass ones  not the big brass thing.    i had and used one in the around 1980 then traded for a early ibanez musician bass (my first active bass) and regretted so i had to buy 2..... :sad:
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: jumbodbassman on June 24, 2011, 08:28:27 AM
Quote from: dadagoboi on June 23, 2011, 01:35:40 PM
Celebrating the big '65 a little early, don't know if it will be with 6 or 5 yet.  I'm embarrassed to say I was almost totally ignorant of these basses.  The similar shape to my EBO and the fact it's long scale and has the DiMarzio Pup that was in my first FenderBird makes it a must have, or at least a must see and evaluate.

scale is 32"
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 24, 2011, 09:00:58 AM
Quote from: jumbodbassman on June 24, 2011, 08:13:58 AM
i can send you both of mine to check them out if you are interested..  both of  mine are the 2 pbass ones  not the big brass thing.    i had and used one in the around 1980 then traded for a early ibanez musician bass (my first active bass) and regretted so i had to buy 2..... :sad:

Thanks for the offer, Jim, and the clue in re the scale.  That should be just right.  I'll know when I get into this one how much they interest me,  I'm hoping the balance offsets the weight. The Ebay one looks like it might be a good project, it has the DiMarzio P and a nicer bridge IMO than the one Hornisse bought.  I can totally relate to the 'I used to have one, so now I own two.' mentality.  I'll now have two EBO Junior shaped basses, a Robelli 8 string and the Curlee in addition to the '60.

You would think that in the mid 70s-80s Gibson would have looked at Alembic and Curlee and said, "Yeah, we OWN that, let's find the sweet spot and bring one to market."

Last night I did a control plate for stack pots from some .064 aluminum.  I think it might work OK, so far it doesn't offend.  Also shot a primer coat.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/JAEZZbird/P1030634.jpg)
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: Highlander on June 24, 2011, 01:16:36 PM
Now that does look rather... 8)
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: sniper on June 24, 2011, 01:43:38 PM
picture of new (old) bass layout idea:

(http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u275/cathousemouse/rods%20projects%20and%20sold/justorlovealbumart.jpg)

was it the acid?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIAbVmwRBhw
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: nofi on June 25, 2011, 06:17:03 AM
the one on the left has pretty much neen done with the 2 string "alien" bass.

http://www.pouringrain.co.nz/music_2string.htm
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: sniper on June 25, 2011, 06:25:54 AM
i think Carlo's redo of the Jazz amounts to an almost totally new bass. I never have liked just about anything Fender has done and this presentation is so free and simple in concept it astounds me. I thought of this album cover from many moons ago as it was one of my favorites at the time as it was very refreshingly "free" in concept as well as the song it was titled after.

i felt the same way about Yes and Heep at the time.

what i would like to see? i would like to see GOT try one of these out and the bass get a great review like the JAEBird has recieved. now that would impress me a lot.
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: jumbodbassman on June 25, 2011, 07:42:58 AM
only for fender fans.... ;)
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: exiledarchangel on June 25, 2011, 07:54:24 AM
I think I could live with a fender like that. ;)
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 25, 2011, 08:09:39 AM
Quote from: sniper on June 25, 2011, 06:25:54 AM
i think Carlo's redo of the Jazz amounts to an almost totally new bass.

what i would like to see? i would like to see GOT try one of these out and the bass get a great review like the JAEBird has recieved. now that would impress me a lot.

Thanks, but I have to disagree, it's just another take on a classic.  Fender clones are the 350 Chevy V-8 of the music world.  However it plays and sounds will depend on the parts used and how they're assembled and 'tuned'.

I appreciate anyone's honest review, either good or bad.  I learn far more from the bad ones, but I've been very gratified by most of them, not the  least GOTs.


Quote from: exiledarchangel on June 25, 2011, 07:54:24 AM

I think I could live with a fender like that. ;)

How about a 32" scale?
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: Pilgrim on June 25, 2011, 10:54:37 AM
Quote from: dadagoboi on June 25, 2011, 08:09:39 AM
 Fender clones are the 350 Chevy V-8 of the music world.  However it plays and sounds will depend on the parts used and how they're assembled and 'tuned'.


Truer words never written!  I'm a Fender fan, and that's as dead-on a comment as I've heard.  I'd probably substitute "Chevy small block" for "350 Chevy", but that's splitting hairs.
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 25, 2011, 11:19:30 AM
Quote from: Pilgrim on June 25, 2011, 10:54:37 AM
Truer words never written!  I'm a Fender fan, and that's as dead-on a comment as I've heard.  I'd probably substitute "Chevy small block" for "350 Chevy", but that's splitting hairs.

I agree Chevy small block is more accurate, thanks!
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: sniper on June 25, 2011, 11:24:40 AM
clone, 7ender, flying purple pig with wings i don't give a damn. it is not ostentatious with pointy chrome thingy's, larger than my nieces ass pickguard, CAR paint or big ass headstock (speaking of Carlo's nice design) and i like it. maybe its just a small epiphany to me but its a new feeling that i like "clones". a mahogany 32" would be great in 7ender classic/antique cream with a Hipshot "B" bridge thingy and a single chromey Thunderbucker pup. thingy.

i might have to do some 60's shit to start liking Ricks though i looked at some yesterday.
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 26, 2011, 11:42:34 AM
Got up early and went to Walmart for paint as part of a candy color experiment.  After 20 minutes of spitting and dry finish I found out how to get a decent finish with a Rattlecan...drill out the spray nozzle and drain the propellant , leaving the paint
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/JAEZZbird/P1030653.jpg)

The can is a little thicker than a beer can, cut about 1 1/2 inches and pour out the liquid gold
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/JAEZZbird/P1030654.jpg)
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/JAEZZbird/P1030656.jpg)

This is the base coat shot with my regular gun, it's not as coppery as it looks.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/JAEZZbird/P1030659.jpg)
 
I'm thinking Shoreline Gold, no luck with candy color so far.  Haven't had a gold bass since TP ended up with my '65 P.
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: jumbodbassman on June 26, 2011, 12:45:06 PM
Quote from: dadagoboi on June 25, 2011, 11:19:30 AM
I agree Chevy small block is more accurate, thanks!

+1
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: Spiritbass on June 26, 2011, 02:21:02 PM
There's gold in them thar swamps...! I like it.
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: Pilgrim on June 26, 2011, 09:32:54 PM
I'm liking that gold color a lot!  Reminds me of the Ford metallic gold color I had my '63 P painted back about 1972...but definitely a lighter gold.

(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/apowell1/Electric%20Basses/P3120045.jpg)

Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: exiledarchangel on June 27, 2011, 02:08:32 AM
Quote from: dadagoboi on June 25, 2011, 08:09:39 AM
How about a 32" scale?

Oh, I didn't noticed it is a 32". Never played one so I don't know for sure.
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 27, 2011, 04:20:10 AM
Quote from: Pilgrim on June 26, 2011, 09:32:54 PM
I'm liking that gold color a lot!  Reminds me of the Ford metallic gold color I had my '63 P painted back about 1972...but definitely a lighter gold.


Yours looks more bronze from the picture but very classy with the tort guard, this gold is a little too brassy for that.  I shot some metallic gold over the basecoat and clear after that.  Unfortunately didn't notice humidity had risen to close to 100%.  So it was completely blushed by the time I was done.  I'll see what I can do today when the humidity falls some.

Using decanted rattlecan paint for color coats might be a way to increase my color choices without spending a lot of money or time on custom mixed nitro.  This stuff is Krylon which seems to be compatible with Mohawk solids and clears.  Even if this experiment doesn't work, I'm going to keep at it.


Quote from: exiledarchangel on June 27, 2011, 02:08:32 AM
Oh, I didn't noticed it is a 32". Never played one so I don't know for sure.

This one isn't but I can easily do one, as well as LH and 30 inch.
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 28, 2011, 11:11:35 AM
Sort of champagne gold
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/JAEZZbird/P1030680.jpg)
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: thumbsdown on June 28, 2011, 11:22:53 AM
 :o STUNNING!
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: sniper on June 28, 2011, 12:30:44 PM
Now thats what a Jaezz should look like, well done Carlo.

May I ask what is the overall length of this machine and how does it balance?
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 28, 2011, 12:50:39 PM
Thanks, guys.

46" long, balance is perfect, front strap button is in line with the 12th fret like most Fenders.
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: jumbodbassman on June 28, 2011, 01:41:58 PM
 :mrgreen:

Not sure i like it with the gold color.

IMO all that chrome needs one of the following -  CAR, LPB, Fender green (whatever it is called- metaliic not seafoam) Black or good old tri color SB..... with a matching headstock except of the SB of course. 
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 28, 2011, 03:24:10 PM
Quote from: jumbodbassman on June 28, 2011, 01:41:58 PM
:mrgreen:

Not sure i like it with the gold color.

IMO all that chrome needs one of the following -  CAR, LPB, Fender green (whatever it is called- metaliic not seafoam) Black or good old tri color SB..... with a matching headstock except of the SB of course. 

I was thinking CAR over swamp ash.  I did this one for a buddy a while back with a Warmoth Jazz neck.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/JAEZZbird/P1010497.jpg)
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: Pilgrim on June 28, 2011, 03:31:43 PM
I really like the gold!!!  (big surprise, right...?)

Is that a '51 Telebass style chrome piece holding the pots and jack?
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 28, 2011, 04:25:44 PM
Quote from: Pilgrim on June 28, 2011, 03:31:43 PM
I really like the gold!!!  (big surprise, right...?)

Is that a '51 Telebass style chrome piece holding the pots and jack?

I'm also liking it a lot, it should really pop once it's rubbed out.

Yep.  The control plate barely covers the cavity, it's about 1 inch wide and 5 inches long.  This one is .06 aluminum but I'll do the next of .04 nickel silver, same material as the pups and rings.  Visually I think it looks OK in this pic.
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: shadowcastaz on June 28, 2011, 09:36:07 PM
Quote from: dadagoboi on June 28, 2011, 03:24:10 PM
I was thinking CAR over swamp ash.  I did this one for a buddy a while back with a Warmoth Jazz neck.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/JAEZZbird/P1010497.jpg)

Me likey a lot!!!
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: Denis on June 29, 2011, 05:18:47 AM
Quote from: dadagoboi on June 28, 2011, 11:11:35 AM
Sort of champagne gold
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/JAEZZbird/P1030680.jpg)


Looks great, reminds me of a '57 Golden Hawk!

(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l111/bigtreebluesea/1957StudebakerGoldenHawk.jpg)
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: Denis on June 29, 2011, 05:19:13 AM
Quote from: shadowcastaz on June 28, 2011, 09:36:07 PM
Me likey a lot!!!

x2!
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: SKATE RAT on June 29, 2011, 06:51:31 AM
great. you fixed all the "problems" with Jazz basses. ie. the too thin neck, the weak pups and the knobs being so close together. i've never liked Jazz basses, but i love yours. i dig the gold too
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 29, 2011, 08:06:44 AM
Quote from: SKATE RAT on June 29, 2011, 06:51:31 AM
great. you fixed all the "problems" with Jazz basses. ie. the too thin neck, the weak pups and the knobs being so close together. i've never liked Jazz basses, but i love yours. i dig the gold too

Thanks!  Can't take credit for the knob spacing, it's the original '60 stack pot Jazz.  I took it from a 3 hole neck plate.  I also prefer P necks to Js but it's a minority view.  I actually like the original 1.75" wide P neck best.
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: Dave W on June 29, 2011, 08:25:07 AM
If I were in the market, I'd want a rear routed control cavity.

Not generally a fan of gold, but for some reason I think it looks great on a J yet not on other Fender shapes.

The Hawk looks great in just about any color.
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: dadagoboi on June 29, 2011, 09:09:30 AM
Quote from: Dave W on June 29, 2011, 08:25:07 AM
If I were in the market, I'd want a rear routed control cavity.

Not generally a fan of gold, but for some reason I think it looks great on a J yet not on other Fender shapes.

The Hawk looks great in just about any color.

+1 on rear control cavity.

I did a lot of work for a commercial director in the mid 80s.  He had a Golden Hawk that was sort of flesh color over purple.  He said they were the original colors, similar to this.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/JAEZZbird/Originalfactorycolor.jpg)

My favorite Raymond Loewy/ Studebaker design.  Made almost everything on the road look old.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/JAEZZbird/1953StudebakerCommander.jpg)
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: sniper on June 29, 2011, 10:33:02 AM
Quote from: Denis on June 29, 2011, 05:18:47 AM

(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l111/bigtreebluesea/1957StudebakerGoldenHawk.jpg)

Dad had a 57 two tone gold over white Golden Hawk with a Pontiac motor/tranny combo transplanted. I loved that car.
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: Denis on June 30, 2011, 05:19:47 AM
Thank god a Chevy 350 wasn't transplanted into it!
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: OldManC on July 01, 2011, 11:03:47 AM
Quote from: Denis on June 30, 2011, 05:19:47 AM
Thank god a Chevy 350 wasn't transplanted into it!

My favorite car is a '67 RS Camaro and most of my list of favorites are also Chevys, but I feel the same way. I get that small block Chevy parts were plentiful and mostly interchangeable back in the day but I'd rather see a flat head in an old Ford or a hemi in an old Plymouth. The guy I learned about hot rods from was a tool and die maker and to this day if he needs a part he can't find he's just as likely to fabricate it himself.

Of course, the one 350 he had was in his '55 Nomad, so that one was acceptable.  ;)
Title: Re: One Hour JAEZZbird
Post by: slinkp on July 01, 2011, 01:35:21 PM
Nice work!
This thread reminds me of one of Watt's bastardized, beat-up old basses:
(http://hootpage.com/56pbass.jpg)
"1956 fender precision bass
thunderbird pickup replaced stock one, another added at the bridge
has a 'v' neck and "thunderbroom" carved into the back of the body
opened up a beasties tour using this w/fIREHOSE
got it in hermosa beach, ca"

... from http://hootpage.com/hoot_gallery-thudstaffs.html
I always wondered what that one sounded like.