Finally getting around to my bass build

[drbassman]

Thank you Al!  My motto is, if it doesn't move, clamp it!  BTW, I actually use a couple small pieces of plywood under the center clamps to distribute the pressure.  This set up is the initial pass before finishing touches.

[drbassman]

While waiting for the hollow body to dry, I routed the f-holes in one of the semi-solid bodies.  I almost forgot I did put chambers in this one!  So, my f-holes are routed and they look good to me.  Used my Daisy pin router arm and a template.  Worked well, but it is still off by a few thousands of an inch.  Still working on the alignment.  Not that critical for these little things, but more so for edges or neck pockets.  It's always something!

[drbassman]

Damn, it's gonna be hard to sell these basses.  I'm liking them all!

Anyway, a word of advice.  I use the Stew-Mac double-sided tape for sticking templates to bodies for routing.  It works well MOST of the time.  But, if the surface is at all dusty or uneven, the tape lets go in the middle of routing.  Argh!!!!  So, I always tape the edges of the template to be sure.  It's happened to me more than once!!!! 

[Nocturnal]

While waiting for the hollow body to dry, I routed the f-holes in one of the semi-solid bodies.  I almost forgot I did put chambers in this one!  So, my f-holes are routed and they look good to me.  Used my Daisy pin router arm and a template.  Worked well, but it is still off by a few thousands of an inch.  Still working on the alignment.  Not that critical for these little things, but more so for edges or neck pockets.  It's always something!

I really like the F-holes on that one Doc!!!!

[Highlander]

I never realised there was an inset to the sides... that's really different, and in a good way...

[Lightyear]

Damn, it's gonna be hard to sell these basses.  I'm liking them all!

Anyway, a word of advice.  I use the Stew-Mac double-sided tape for sticking templates to bodies for routing.  It works well MOST of the time.  But, if the surface is at all dusty or uneven, the tape lets go in the middle of routing.  Argh!!!!  So, I always tape the edges of the template to be sure.  It's happened to me more than once!!!! 

I've always used double sided carpet tape that I pick up at the big box stores - sticks great and is cheap to boot.  I've never had a failure with it.

[Dave W]

What pickup will you be using?

[drbassman]

I never realised there was an inset to the sides... that's really different, and in a good way...

Oops, that's an optical dillusion. That's the template peeking out from underneath.

[drbassman]

I really like the F-holes on that one Doc!!!!

Thanks!  It was just a chance idea that came out of nowhere.  I really like the look too.

[drbassman]

I've always used double sided carpet tape that I pick up at the big box stores - sticks great and is cheap to boot.  I've never had a failure with it.

Yeah, it's time to try something else.  I'll give that a shot.

[drbassman]

What pickup will you be using?

Boy Dave, you know how to ask the tough question.  I have a couple TB plus bass pups in the LP mounts, I was thinking one of those.  I want something bassy.  There's alway TV pups, which i like.  I was even thinking about Curtiss's DS remake, but it's pricey.  So, the answer is, I'm still thinking about it.

[dadagoboi]

Yeah, it's time to try something else.  I'll give that a shot.

I also use carpet tape when I can't use drywall screws to attach a template.  Ace hardware has it.

[drbassman]

I also use carpet tape when I can't use drywall screws to attach a template.  Ace hardware has it.

Thanks, I think it's a good idea.  I'm not overly impressed with the Stew Mac stuff.  I did use screws the other day where they wouldn't show, that was a really nice way to go, too.  Thanks Carlo.

[dadagoboi]

Thanks, I think it's a good idea.  I'm not overly impressed with the Stew Mac stuff.  I did use screws the other day where they wouldn't show, that was a really nice way to go, too.  Thanks Carlo.

You're welcome, Bill.  I used tape to cut a pickup route in a pick guard yesterday, it always makes me nervous!

[drbassman]

I'm sanding the edges and top/bottom of the hollow body now.  Found a couple indentations on the edge of the bendable wood caused by straps used for shipping.  One more reason I don't think I'll use it again.  It's good to work with, but there are too many minuses mounting up.

I've made the decision to do my next round of basses using the routed out slab, like a Midtown.  It's messy to create but cost effective and I like the result.

When I have more time, I will try the building sides using veneer technique.  But that's another time!