Finally getting around to my bass build

drbassman · January 21, 2014, 06:10:26 AM

It's been months since I tore my shop up to do a redesign of it. Now, it's almost all back together and I'm making some forms to build the sides on my basses. I'm going with the one design for now and I'm going to try a acoustic version with bent wood sides and a solid body model.

Here's the design....

And the forms I made this week.......

I'm trying a new, bendable wood for guitar sides, I'll post more on that when it arrives.

dadagoboi · January 21, 2014, 06:21:45 AM

Nice, Bill! Glad to see you're back in the saddle. Semi hollow is a great way to go.

drbassman · January 21, 2014, 07:21:44 AM

Quote from: dadagoboi on January 21, 2014, 06:21:45 AM
Nice, Bill! Glad to see you're back in the saddle. Semi hollow is a great way to go.

Yeah, it's been a long time coming. What with retirement in June and then going back to work on a part-time basis, I've been much busier than I expected!

I had experimented with hollowing out a solid piece of wood for the semi-hollow body and it's just a big pain, and mess, even with a good router table. Doing the bent sides allows for a truer hollow effect with a thinner top and bottom. I'll probably do a glue on neck as well, not a big fan of screws.

Highlander · January 21, 2014, 11:27:16 AM

Nice to see you back with a tool in your hands...

Hate to ask about that other build...?

drbassman · January 21, 2014, 12:02:17 PM

Quote from: CAR-54 on January 21, 2014, 11:27:16 AM
Nice to see you back with a tool in your hands...

Hate to ask about that other build...?

Egads, which other build? I sold off a few without finishing them due to lack of interest ad time.

Highlander · January 21, 2014, 12:13:01 PM

I raised a Zombie thread...!

Dave W · January 21, 2014, 12:16:40 PM

I do like the shape. But Kenny's not going to let you rest until you finish the Billy Bo.

drbassman · January 21, 2014, 12:45:14 PM

Quote from: Dave W on January 21, 2014, 12:16:40 PM
I do like the shape. But Kenny's not going to let you rest until you finish the Billy Bo.

Ah, I see! Fortunately, I didn't sell that one and intend to finish it this spring.

Highlander · January 21, 2014, 02:22:56 PM

No rest for the wicked... er...

drbassman · January 28, 2014, 04:10:42 PM

Quote from: CAR-54 on January 21, 2014, 02:22:56 PM
No rest for the wicked... er...

For sure. I'm gonna install a dust collection system in my shop today. The wood for the sides of my basses will be ready in a week or two. Meanwhile, I'm gonna glue up several tops and backs.

Highlander · January 28, 2014, 04:33:45 PM

slinkp · January 28, 2014, 08:10:35 PM

That's a nice body shape. Wonder what the rest of the design looks like!

drbassman · January 29, 2014, 10:38:55 AM

Quote from: slinkp on January 28, 2014, 08:10:35 PM
That's a nice body shape. Wonder what the rest of the design looks like!

Basically, like this:

This is not necessarily the hardware I'll use:

jumbodbassman · January 31, 2014, 03:31:17 PM

still like it. IMHO needs a 2+2 style headstock..

drbassman · January 31, 2014, 08:15:29 PM

Quote from: jumbodbassman on January 31, 2014, 03:31:17 PM
still like it. IMHO needs a 2+2 style headstock..

The first few prototypes will be fender style necks, then we'll work on a 2+2 version.