Finally, I've had some time to get into the shop and finish something! This is #3 (1 and 2) will be next up on the bench. I am so happy with how this turned out. The fit and finish are really good and the sound is well beyond my expectations. The TV Jones pup is big and ballsy, it really does make me think of a p bass. I was worried about the single pup option, but the sound is so full and rich, I'm thrilled with the outcome. All I have left to do is install the strap buttons and control plate.
I'm working on pricing and how I'm going to sell it. Either eBay or at the House of Guitars. They want me to try and sell them at the HOG, but I know they can take a beating with people playing and messing with them. So, I'm not so sure about that option. Might try one just to see what happens. I'm working on a way to capture some audio of the bass. We'll see how that goes!
Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting up with Bill at his home/shop and getting to play his basses. I was very very impressed with the bass pictured above along with all his other creations. For the moment I am going to keep my comments focused on the bass above. The pictures don't do it justice in person it is stunning! I have always been a sucker for natural basses showing wood grain (must be the woodworker in me). This bass has a beautiful figured maple top and nicely grained maple back. The body is thin I don't remember the exact dimension but think Rickenbacker, even at that the bass being all maple weighs 10 lbs. I don't find that unacceptable as the bass balances very nicely. In the future this model will be 7% smaller and depending on wood selection that will help with the weight. I love the body shape defiantly an original shaped by the classics of the past. The neck is Mighty Mite maple and rosewood, beautifully finished, nice and straight with just a hint of relief. The action was low by most players standards, for me I'd bring it down a bit and there was plenty of adjustment left at the bridge for that. Ok so how's it sound? Bill has been singing the praises of the TV Jones pickups and I have to agree it is a great sounding unit, articulate without being sterile, nice fundamental low end and some zing. I got to play the bass through Bill's vintage B15N and wow just wow. With a pick or fingers I just love the tone of this bass, it sustains for days. Even with the one pickup you can get the entire spectrum from this bass, Motown thump to Geddy Lee snap. It just dawned on me that this bass has the best aspects of a Precision and a Rickenbacker sort of morphed into it's own personality. The simple one pickup layout and bridge of the P bass with the thin body maple construction of a Ric. Bill tells me the newer 7% smaller basses will have greater upper register access and sport his own head 2+2 stock design that will really tie this design together imho. Bill has come up with beautifully crafted unique design that covers a lot of sonic territory and does it with style, elegant simplicity and play-ability. I wouldn't hesitate to but one of Bill's creations, in fact I have put my order in.
