2013 ExplorerBird...there's gold on them thar basses.

[dadagoboi]

The first Fenderbird I built in '82 looked like this. Actually it had a single DiMarzio P in it.  This pic was around 2001, but it was still close to an ExplorerBird.  By this time it had already had a partial hornectomy.


In 2010 it looked like this.  It's in pieces again, pickups are in my Hamer 12 but it still has a semi Explorer appearance after removing the pickguard.


Now I get to build one of these for Mike Conte of 'Who's Next' (not him and not me )




After a bit of research, including buying an Epi Explorer...


...I came up with enough info to do a plan.  Here it is ready to be spray mounted on a piece of 1/2" MDF


And here is the cut out and sanded template with hardware.  The bridge carrier and tailpiece will also get gold plated.  Pocket area has to be cleaned up.


I'm not a gold plate kind of guy but for this project it seemed right and Mike insisted upon it.  So here goes!

[godofthunder]

 Big thumbs up! I can't wait to see it done...........................I wish I was in a Who tribute.

[drbassman]

Very cool!

[Denis]

Looks like a fun build, Carlo!

[OldManC]

Carlo, that is beautiful even now. I can't wait to see it finished. Will it be orange?

[chromium]

The shape came out great    Is this one going to get the raised center-section?

[Chris P.]

Very cool!!! 

[dadagoboi]

Thanks for the encouragement, guys!

Carlo, that is beautiful even now. I can't wait to see it finished. Will it be orange?

Technically, Fiesta Red...or in JAEspeak Salmon Pink.

The shape came out great    Is this one going to get the raised center-section?

Yes, it's wider than a 60s TBird, 4.5 inches vs 4.  The shape isn't pure Explorer, like Peter Cook's original FenderBird the bridge is moved towards the end of the body as much as practical.

[drbassman]

A great follow-up to the NR birds!

[gearHed289]

Technically, Fiesta Red...or in JAEspeak Salmon Pink.

I know what you mean, but I always considered that bass to be regular old orange.

I'm not into gold either, but, yeah, for this one it's a must!

[Highlander]

I'm more than happy with the gold hardware...

[iamthatguy32]

LOVE gold hardware. Currently trying to put all gold hardware on my white T-bird. Just gotta get it all past the wife 

[dadagoboi]

It was 81 here today, supposed to be similar highs for about a week.  Great building weather!

Clamp it, Jed...alternating sides that is.


For neck and pickup pockets I use my standard jig.  Screw hole placement is different for each model bass so no holes have to be filled.  They end up being in scrap.


Business end of the bit retracts into the table with foot pedal.


Pickguard material taped to blank keeps it from rocking on the table due to raised center.


Neck screw jig has holes for 4 and 6 screw patterns.  Transfer punches are cheap and invaluable.


Template screwed to blank, then band sawn close to within 1/4" of finished size to help out the router


Ready to cut in one pass with 1/2" diameter router bit sticking 1.5" out of the table.  I keep my hands at least 10 inches from the bit.


Rough checking the neck angle.


So much fun I decided to build two.  This is the first time I've gone directly from template to mahogany instead of using pine or poplar to do a prototype.

[Denis]

Neat! Funny how huge those Fender headstocks look in your last photo!

[TBird1958]

In green with a blocked, bound lefty J neck 

You need to post that in here    http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/bass-who-tribute-946845/