CURRENT CATALDO

[dadagoboi]

$795 how could anyone go wrong?

I dunno...when you compare it to what you can buy new it may not be 'Special' enough.  I'm trying to build an affordable bass compared to the rest of my line which now averages around $1600.  That means less expensive parts and less time in the build.

Specifications so far:

'Slab' body, no belly cut or arm contour.  4 bolt neck plate, non contoured heel attachment, less expensive tuners.  Artec pups, import bridge.  Eden 21 fret neck.  I'm shooting for $895 production price shipped w/case in USA.

[dadagoboi]

Bye, Bye, Birdie!


I sold my Hamer 12er so I decided to build one.  Warmoth ebony on birdseye maple 22 fret fiver neck, 1 3/8" alder body. 34" scale.  Should weigh around 9+ lbs when it's finished.  Body is about the same size as my Grabber with bulked up horns and butt.  Shape reminds me a bit of a 4005.


build thread here:
http://www.talkbass.com/threads/12-string.1078138/

[Dave W]

Beautiful bird!

The 12er shape reminds me more of the early Rickenbacker Combo guitars.

[dadagoboi]

Thanks, Dave.  Just checked out the 'Combos', I can see the similarity.  Nothing new under the sun!

[dadagoboi]

Strung up with dummy pups.  Weighs 9 lbs, balances and fits in one of my standard cases with room to spare even before trimming the headstock.  Shorter than a JAEbird 4.

[dadagoboi]

I went with Grabber type contours and the color is going to be a transparent Butterscotch Blonde/TV Yellow.  First attempt is close but a little blotchy.  Have to sand it back and try again.



I also got an order from a customer who wants one of these.  But with a single ThunderBucker and a Cataldo headstock.  I'm also going to build myself one while I'm at it with two single coils.

[Highlander]

Scale...?

[dadagoboi]

Scale...?

34, both the 12er and the Phantom.  I wouldn't mind building a 32" 12er but 30 is too short IMO.

[dadagoboi]

Latest JAEbird ready to go. Reverse tuners and '64 logo headstock.


The alder 12er body is finished.


Vintage tint on birdseye maple.


Geezer dots and a flying foam Explorer.

[gearHed289]

That neck looks great! Like the geezer dots...

[4stringer77]

Nice job on the butterscotch blond finish. It's nice to see even the subtle grain of Alder can look good in that kind of transparent look. Sweet high gloss you've achieved too.

[dadagoboi]

That neck looks great! Like the geezer dots...

Thanks, Tom!   As far as I can tell the neck had been languishing in the Warmoth 'showcase' since 2011 when I came across it.  It was designated as a LH neck, even though it was a paddlehead.  Probably due to the side dots being on that side.  Anyway it cost me a third of what a custom spec'd one would have.  Birdseye shaft, black ebony board, stainless 6105 frets.  I have to say, Warmoth builds a great neck, except for the weight

I have a Carvin Fiver neck on order for the next 12er which will probably be a MAX body if I can get it to balance.  The Carvin neck should be lighter and it will be interesting to see if it will take that much tension.

Yeah, geezer dots, poor man's LEDs...and they're passive!

Nice job on the butterscotch blond finish. It's nice to see even the subtle grain of Alder can look good in that kind of transparent look. Sweet high gloss you've achieved too.

Thanks, Ari.  The inspiration was partly my Hamer Cruise, it's alder so I knew it could be done.


I haven't color sanded the 12er yet, then it will really glow.  The blonde stain even works on maple:

[Dave W]

That shade looks better on alder than on ash.

[dadagoboi]

Done except for color sanding/buffing and setup tweaks.  9.5 lbs.  Balances well on strap and knee.




Two pickup/stack pots

[dadagoboi]

Cavern Club+1