The WalMart Bass

Another build thread with a little different beginning.

So one day I get this msg on my phone from a buddy of mine and it has this pic attached:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S5MK0GHIYwI/AAAAAAAAAcY/XyvkBiDHG54/s400/walmart_bass.jpg

He calls me and tells me this was at WalMart and saw this on a T-Shirt. Totally thought it was cool. So I figure, I'm gonna build it for him.

Now I know it looks like a artist rendition of a Jaguar bass but that would be too easy to just download those drawings and do a Jag bass. I decided to use it as inspiration and do my own artistic interpretation and create something more original and unique.

I hadn't originally planned on blogging this build but after posting an early pic of the progress on my Blackguard thread (http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-home-depot/187550-my-first-all-scratch-build-black-guard-pinecaster.html) it was expressed that there was interesting in following along on my mistakes and mishaps of this one. I mean my progress.

So if you feel like following along I'm going to document the build here. Of course I started the project before I started documenting it so I'm missing a few pics. I'll try and recreate them or describe to the best of my ability the stuff that has already happened.

The first thing I need is a pattern of some sort to work from. So I started with a big sheet of paper and traced the outline of a P-Bass body I have in the garage. Took that paper to work and taped it to the wall in the conference room. Fired up the projector and called up the image that I have of the WalMart T-Shirt. Projected it over the P-bass outline and sized the pic so the scale was the same. Then proceeded to trace the projected image onto the paper.

That gives me something to work with and its in approximate scale.

Took out my sharpies and started to draw up what my minds eye saw and the new bass.
Well here is what I ended up with.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S5MK0Gv5wOI/AAAAAAAAAcU/kNI-oq-9PBY/s800/drawing.jpg

Sorry about the lousy cell phone pic that was taken quick and dirty to show my buddy what I was thinking. I laid the neck on it to give a better idea of what was coming.
I had the neck just hanging around for some project like this, got lucky there. So I don't have to build a neck this time Yay!!!!!

So after a few edits, I took a little sticky spray (3m Super 77) and stuck the paper to a piece of MDF.

This is where I'm missing pictures.

Rough cut the template on the band saw. Then in a combination of vertical belt sander and sanding drum on the drill press I gots me a template.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S5MirmPBLiI/AAAAAAAAAcg/fbvLnmjzNsU/s800/IMG_2482.JPG

With that done on to making the body.

I picked up a 2x8 chunk of doug fir at HomeDepot, cut a couple sections off that were bass length. Took off the rounded edge from one side with the table saw. Trued the edges up on the jointer and glued them up for my body blank.

Once that was set up, I sanded everything nice and flat and smooth. Traced the template onto the blank. Roughed it out on the band saw and cleaned it up on the belt sander and sanding drum to get it close to the line.

Side note, I really have to get that Ridged edge/spindle sander. That would be so awesome.

Once my rough outline was less rough I attached the template with double stick tape and a couple screws for good measure. Took it over to the router table and trimmed it up to give me the body.

and here is the body in its basic form.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S5hkCtavuTI/AAAAAAAAAf4/6Z_Pg0zMNZ8/s800/IMG_2536.JPG

Ignore the neck pocket, in this timeline it hasn't happened yet, its still on the island.

Way cool. Keep em coming.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S5MK0GHIYwI/AAAAAAAAAcY/XyvkBiDHG54/s400/walmart_bass.jpg



NOOO! I mean, I totally thought of making a Jazzmaster bass recently, but it looks like a shirt designer for Walmart beat me to the design...

Way to go though; Looking forward to seeing this unfold :smile:

Way to go though; Looking forward to seeing this unfold :smile:

Now that, sir, is punny.

So again I'll try and retro blog the creation of this thing.

So I started by penciling the center line on the back of the neck.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S5gSa1o0k5I/AAAAAAAAAew/9YVr8h9zXqA/s800/IMG_2515.JPG

Clamped a couple straight things to the neck, lined up the center line of the neck with the center line on the MDF. Double checked the straight edges at the back to make sure they are equidistant of center. Marked the straight edges so I could realign them when they moved, cause I know they will.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S5gSa4SdlsI/AAAAAAAAAe0/h8-8fzEHliU/s800/IMG_2516.JPG

traced the heel of the neck onto another piece of MDF and cut it out. Sanded it until it matched the contour.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S5gSbC1ahoI/AAAAAAAAAe4/nPKe0bTTOG4/s800/IMG_2517.JPG

fit the heel piece in between the straight edges. I actually screwed that piece down, you can see the other end where it was screwed down.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S5gSbJjAYiI/AAAAAAAAAe8/SQBAgLJaQhE/s800/IMG_2518.JPG

Clamped all the pieces down and routed out the hole.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S5gSbdAPKrI/AAAAAAAAAfA/ax7d9A92jXA/s800/IMG_2519.JPG

Test fit the neck into the template. And tweaked it with sand paper till it fit just right.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S5gSo_xCvXI/AAAAAAAAAfE/xubgu1FTfi0/s800/IMG_2520.JPG

Oooo yeah.

Lined it up on on the body stuck it down with double stick tape and routed the pocket, took about three passes to get the standard 5/8ths depth.
and...
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S5iKgHmKK4I/AAAAAAAAAgU/w0OadLRZdNA/s800/IMG_2543.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S5iKgUwgaLI/AAAAAAAAAgY/WxJGK85arh4/s800/IMG_2544.JPG

I wish my tele would have fit half that good.

I wanted to get the neck screwed on so I could start mocking up the other routes.

I drew a center line on the back of the neck plate I'm using. Lined it up on the back of the body.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S5gSpTHtmQI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/EGzORLSTGoA/s800/IMG_2524.JPG

Marked the holes
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S5gSpeURp7I/AAAAAAAAAfU/O2uINwxu7dk/s400/IMG_2525.JPG

Drilled the holes and I got this
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S5hkCtavuTI/AAAAAAAAAf4/6Z_Pg0zMNZ8/s800/IMG_2536.JPG

I decided to plug and re-drill the holes in the neck since they didn't line up with anything. Once I was done with the 1/4" holes for the threaded inserts the plugs were drilled away anyway. Put in the inserts and I have this.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S5gSpIeXzII/AAAAAAAAAfM/a5UHDmk1n_4/s400/IMG_2523.JPG

Mounted the neck and here is what is coming together.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S5BwP3KUv4I/AAAAAAAAAcM/2gTPg_uEJks/s800/funkmaster.JPG

You can see by the paper on the headstock the shape I am experimenting with.


Now we're officially caught up with with were I'm at with this project. So from here on I'll be hopefully documenting with better pics in real time.

The first of many mock-ups.

Here is a little preview of the plan of things to come.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S5hkChUu9fI/AAAAAAAAAf8/3qhal1W7hqE/s800/IMG_2537.JPG

Fantastic work!
Loved your neck jig setup, made it look easy!

Am I right in thinking that the body is somewhat on the thin side? Must take the weight down considerably. Do you know how much it weighs?, and what kind of wood?

It should be pretty light, the body is good ol' HomeDepot, Doug Fir, and yes its pretty slender, I'll weigh it tonight and see what the result is..

Nice build! I like that body shape.

Lookin good. It will be fun to watch this take shape.
How are you going to make the pickups curved??? lol

Lookin good. It will be fun to watch this take shape.
How are you going to make the pickups curved??? lol

You mean they don't stock those pickups at WalMart? I figured they should be over in electronics. Uh oh, I might have to rethink this.:lol:

Fantastic work!
Loved your neck jig setup, made it look easy!

Am I right in thinking that the body is somewhat on the thin side? Must take the weight down considerably. Do you know how much it weighs?, and what kind of wood?

I put it on the scale last night and it came in at a backbreaking 3 lbs. 7.5 oz.

Compared it to a P-bass body at 5 lbs. 7 oz.

This one might be a little nose heavy, the hardware will add some heft back in.

I really like your method for making a neck pocket template.

The body shape you've designed reminds me of a bass I built last summer:

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa161/ponticat/jazzmasterbass_02.jpg

sweet.

I like the pickguard shape, what's the bridge on there?

Thanks!
The pickguard is home made from a Stew-Mac pearl sheet.
A Squier Bronco donor supplied the bridge along with the neck, neck screws, string retainer and strap buttons.

Got a bunch of work done on the bass this weekend.

I wanted to stabilize the knots so they wouldn't cause any trouble later so I gave them a good soaking with a little CA
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58ZwlaG2dI/AAAAAAAAAhM/wqV_G__viPM/s800/IMG_2545.JPG
Sorry, crappy picture.

At least I know they are not going anywhere I'll have to fill them later, I'm going to try the Z-poxy but I'm getting ahead of myself.

So next is to put some big holes in the body to mount a pair of monster pickups.
I'm used to guitar stuff so the big ol' bass humbuckers seem mamoth.

Here's one in comparison to a tele PUP.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58ZwxC3TAI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/O0rFBF8DRC8/s800/IMG_2546.JPG

It doesn't even do it justice. These suckers are huge.

I'll start by making a template for routing the holes. I like plexi templates cause they are easy to line up on the workpiece. I have some of this 1/4" stuff laying around from ??? I don't remember. Anyway, I scribed some centerlines on it.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58Zw_6QzRI/AAAAAAAAAhU/HkNmuCQIDxk/s800/IMG_2547.JPG

Then I marked centerlines on one of the pickups, wrapped it in some tape so I had something to draw on.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58ZxI-TXaI/AAAAAAAAAhY/GI2yAKc4NxY/s800/IMG_2548.JPG

Lined it up on the template and used a spring clamp to hold it in place.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58ZxeDhXVI/AAAAAAAAAhc/wMGEKflYNpI/s800/IMG_2549.JPG

had to put an access hole in it so I could hold it flush to the plexi
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58Z-UcVxSI/AAAAAAAAAho/mpCmpoBhLDY/s800/IMG_2550.JPG

Drew the outline on the plexi to give me something to work from
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58Z-m7ELtI/AAAAAAAAAhs/_p9ygHsIOlc/s800/IMG_2551.JPG

Cut blocks the same width as the PUP for the straight sides
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58Z-1CJGHI/AAAAAAAAAhw/yahasTg5CvA/s800/IMG_2552.JPG

And then made one end just add the round recess for one end, used a forstner bit to start it and then finished it with sandpaper wrapped around a piece of rod close to the final size.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58Z_l2si_I/AAAAAAAAAh0/kaPjZYHZoyA/s800/IMG_2553.JPG

Same thing for the other end, a little trickier with the two bumps. Lots of hand sanding to get it to fit right.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58aAG6CrMI/AAAAAAAAAh4/i3vklunAS2o/s800/IMG_2554.JPG

drill out the the hole in the plexi and added some double stick tape
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58aOMU9AqI/AAAAAAAAAh8/p-eOs1uxRA4/s800/IMG_2556.JPG

Stick the pieces to the plexi and use the PUP to line it all up.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58aOTAFLnI/AAAAAAAAAiA/5Ih3rVzPUYw/s800/IMG_2557.JPG

Grab my trim router and make some plastic shavings.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58aOlF7JNI/AAAAAAAAAiE/-PJAoPdAe3c/s800/IMG_2558.JPG

I should mention this stuff makes a real mess, and this is after clearing the chips half way through.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58aPFRyP3I/AAAAAAAAAiI/MXZXoiIxeFI/s800/IMG_2559.JPG

Who sees the problem here.
Yup, the tape and spring clamp still let my sides move.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58aPXKexsI/AAAAAAAAAiM/MKloy3UF4g0/s800/IMG_2560.JPG

Well it seemed like it would work

So after that I got more serious and screwed it all down first.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58af40Z63I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/rnu46W27EtM/s800/IMG_2561.JPG

New piece of plexi this time, I used a jig saw for cutting out the straights this time.

That worked much better here's the pickup fit into the plexi template.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58af60WDMI/AAAAAAAAAiU/tejp_WUg7q8/s800/IMG_2562.JPG

It isn't perfectly square to my centerlines but the hole is nice.

So now let's try it out on a piece of scrap.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58agGA3G5I/AAAAAAAAAiY/SzaN94B54Xo/s800/IMG_2565.JPG

and fit the PUP into the hole
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58agBJN88I/AAAAAAAAAic/_B8jgPbn4GE/s800/IMG_2563.JPG

another view
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58agKEIyBI/AAAAAAAAAig/fhgiIFavI1U/s800/IMG_2564.JPG

good.

How come even when you practice it first when its time to cut the real deal its just a bit scarier.

I lined it out where they should go on the body. I based the measurement off of a Warwick Corvette.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58azme-41I/AAAAAAAAAik/LPCjq-k_wUU/s800/IMG_2569.JPG

Then hogged it out at the drill press, I can't reach too deep on my press, here you can see as far as it will reach
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58az_fvf8I/AAAAAAAAAio/bNC-zwjUEdw/s800/IMG_2570.JPG

So I'll do some with the hand held drill, I put a drill stop as a guide on the bit so I wouldn't go to deep.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58a0NhYk9I/AAAAAAAAAis/NvxRUQU2yks/s800/IMG_2571.JPG

The problem with doing it by hand is the drill can sometime grab and get away from you.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58a0hHwuUI/AAAAAAAAAiw/0yQUuoVgpq0/s800/IMG_2572.JPG

Well I'll have some extra filling to do when I Z-poxy, I was planning an opaque finish anyway.

Stick the template to the body with double stick tape and route away, about three passes to get to final depth. You know the drill. Then off to the router table to route the round over.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58a0iYNiTI/AAAAAAAAAi0/6WEPQQLGogw/s800/IMG_2573.JPG


and here it is with the new pick up routs, the round over and you can see where I CA'ed the knots.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58bL0JyMFI/AAAAAAAAAi4/9XjaEMjTHEo/s800/IMG_2574.JPG

That's it for tonight, I have more to post but its past my bedtime. I'll add more tomorrow.

Next was to get the bridge on there. So I marked 34" from the nut on the centerline. Marked the midpoint of travel at the saddles, that's the lines on the green tape. Then lined up the midpoint of the saddles to the 34" mark and centered it perpendicular to the centerline of the bass and we're ready

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58bMJCpuuI/AAAAAAAAAi8/7iA-qKRWk5E/s800/IMG_2566.JPG

Scribe the mounting holes with a pencil and give them a little center punch with the awl.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58bMBjAhbI/AAAAAAAAAjA/3m2GybsxRpI/s800/IMG_2567.JPG

Drill some pilot holes
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58bMTda0aI/AAAAAAAAAjE/8JZ5oCBsns0/s800/IMG_2568.JPG

put in 4 screws and viola we have a bridge
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S6BSogUrNlI/AAAAAAAAAkE/7TYB8_pkPrU/s800/IMG_2586.JPG

I learned my lesson on the pinecaster, mount EVERYTHING before starting the finish.

As mentioned before I got lucky and already had this neck waiting around for a project. I believe it is an EDEN neck off eBay, as you can see it is the basic paddle headstock.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58bMVX1CXI/AAAAAAAAAkM/vHDyqfFBepw/s800/IMG_2575.JPG

I actually started the headstock design a little while back but didn't execute it till Sunday. I didn't want a Fender design, wanted something that was unique and reflected the body shape in a way.

I started by putting some drawing paper over the top and drew different designs on it. I traced the upper horn to the top and used that as a starting point. Played with with the arcs and lines had my wonderful wife help me with ideas and design. After getting close I transferred the design to a piece of black craft paper and cut it out. This was then stuck onto the headstock with some sticky stuff that way I could sit back and look at it. A little more tweaking here and there and came up with something I liked.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58bbJAPiyI/AAAAAAAAAjM/fqL3ghCy9XM/s800/IMG_2576.JPG
You can see the black tape, that was part of the tweaking process.

Drew the pattern onto the headstock
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58bbWYtMXI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/UETHSs1Ip1Q/s800/IMG_2577.JPG

and off to the bandsaw to rough it out
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58bbi4WbzI/AAAAAAAAAjU/avSU585OICU/s800/IMG_2578.JPG

here's my rough cut
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58bboRg73I/AAAAAAAAAjY/cYwkjZKDJF8/s800/IMG_2581.JPG

Now clean it up on the belt sander
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58bb7cO47I/AAAAAAAAAjc/CatORsTP_Aw/s800/IMG_2582.JPG
and drum sander
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58biqddg_I/AAAAAAAAAjg/2C0IJ3h9SYg/s800/IMG_2583.JPG

a bit more hand sanding and we have our final shape
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S58bipHckDI/AAAAAAAAAjk/9HsgTAN12HU/s800/IMG_2585.JPG

that's it for the updates that's where I'm at.

The next in line is to design a pickguard. I'm open to suggestions I'm leaning toward something like the t-shirt design shape, but I'm also toying with the idea of shortening it and putting the controls on a plate ala MusicMan.

So here's your chance, let me know your ideas.

So its time to get a start on the pickguard. To begin I need to figure out what its gonna look like.

I started by putting together another mock-up
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S6G776N2iKI/AAAAAAAAAk0/u4OY_6pWwfU/s800/IMG_2587.JPG

then covered it in paper and started cutting away bits.
neck pocket
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S6G77zCb0TI/AAAAAAAAAk4/L1og8W0GzZ4/s400/IMG_2588.JPG

Pickup
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S6G774cmKGI/AAAAAAAAAk8/tEv0pamqqYw/s400/IMG_2589.JPG

outside of the body
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S6G78E37CxI/AAAAAAAAAlA/PMEooCgNwjM/s400/IMG_2590.JPG

That gives me a canvas to start drawing on.

So now is where you readers can help me out.

I have three ideas I'm going toward.

#1 - with the knobs mounted from the back
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S6G78GxdlII/AAAAAAAAAlE/x6sVuv4_Gwg/s800/IMG_2591.JPG

#2 - with the knobs on a control plate
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S6G8A5TCJxI/AAAAAAAAAlI/pih7vC0I6t8/s800/IMG_2592.JPG

#3 - Extended pickguard
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S6G8BH5hfII/AAAAAAAAAlM/jmUBSi0TecY/s800/IMG_2593.JPG

or

#4 - something I'm missing, an idea I haven't thought of yet.

Let me know what you think

If it helps, I'm going with metallic purple for the body color and the PG will be white, white pearl or mirror.

I'll call this #4a
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S6HGQkfBJuI/AAAAAAAAAlU/cFNItmH0ooU/s800/IMG_2594.JPG

I hope you don't mind me throwing an idea into the hat, but I thought a pickguard like this would look cool. You could rear route the control cavity. Its kind of an "off kilter" Music Man style (or even a bit similar to the old Fender JP90 Basses)

Project looks great so far !

I hope you don't mind me throwing an idea into the hat, but I thought a pickguard like this would look cool. You could rear route the control cavity. Its kind of an "off kilter" Music Man style (or even a bit similar to the old Fender JP90 Basses)

Project looks great so far !

Hmmm.... could be, let me try somethin' with that

All ideas are welcome, thanks.

Keep 'em coming.

Sort of...
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S6HKJlJgzRI/AAAAAAAAAlc/venAVT0lECQ/s800/IMG_2596.JPG
or
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S6HKJsFhg-I/AAAAAAAAAlg/TsRuyoX7U6s/s800/IMG_2595.JPG

I gotta learn PhotoShop

I'm really diggin 4A, I say go for it!

My thought was to go more asymmetrical -

Finally got around to working on the bass again.

My tuners finally showed up so time to get those mounted.

First there are pre-drilled holes for Fender tuners, unfortunately I'm not using Fender tuners.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S7pivAzu5-I/AAAAAAAAAmE/v2V2LkmZ6hs/s800/IMG_2599.JPG

I'll plug these first, tooth pick and a little tightbond.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S7pivbz_8hI/AAAAAAAAAmI/FbnNYUIXVO4/s400/IMG_2600.JPG

and fill up the holes.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S7piwfjYzGI/AAAAAAAAAmM/0lRFitAs1Ww/s800/IMG_2601.JPG

Wait for them overnight to dry and then trim them all flush with a utility knife blade.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S7piwkKhSlI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/Ey94pnBUlbo/s800/IMG_2602.JPG

after cutting them all off and a quick scraping.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S7pixJM6jxI/AAAAAAAAAmU/ZrP5O6YpA8s/s800/IMG_2604.JPG

much better.

So here are the tuners I waited so long for. They are a Schaler style sealed tuner, I just didn't realize they were so small.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S7pi9vTY50I/AAAAAAAAAmg/QW6n9LaJYLg/s800/IMG_2615.JPG

That's not going to work.

Time for a quick order to StewMac and get these (http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tuners/Bass_tuners/Adjustable_Tension_Bass_Tuners.html?actn=100101&xst=3&xsr=763).

you can see they are much bigger than the others, nice cast base, smooth operation much nicer.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S7pi9wQ2BEI/AAAAAAAAAmk/DI-Ya2h6gKE/s800/IMG_2616.JPG

That looks right.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S7pi-M_tMfI/AAAAAAAAAmo/KG6LDNjXWMU/s800/IMG_2617.JPG

Of course now the holes are too small, the bushings are just a little bigger than what Fender size is so I opened them up with a sanding drum.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S7pi-rUDPxI/AAAAAAAAAms/Y65NTUouD64/s800/IMG_2651.JPG

press the bushings in with this high tech tool, I believe its called a clamp
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S7pi-z7lLjI/AAAAAAAAAmw/H40OnnDO4yw/s800/IMG_2652.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S7pjRXdikOI/AAAAAAAAAm0/LU8MEA0ilWA/s800/IMG_2653.JPG

like that

Now to put new holes in to replace the ones I plugged. I squared up the tuner to the flat edge of the headstock.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S7pjRc7B7sI/AAAAAAAAAm4/tyDFK29CsFE/s800/IMG_2654.JPG

Mark the holes with a pencil
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S7pjRvHw5MI/AAAAAAAAAm8/c0aDnV5lK2Y/s800/IMG_2655.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S7pjR2larpI/AAAAAAAAAnA/QT35Re6DQzg/s800/IMG_2656.JPG

Like that.

Use an awl to punch the centers of where the holes need to be.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S7pjSD5J-gI/AAAAAAAAAnE/EKBBXAR9UD4/s800/IMG_2657.JPG

and over to the drill press, using my high tech depth stop.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S7pjgiT_1DI/AAAAAAAAAnI/F3OE04u23BY/s800/IMG_2658.JPG

and put in the screws
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S7pjg5WtWEI/AAAAAAAAAnM/_gKDpBa2K6M/s800/IMG_2659.JPG

Repeat 3 more times and we have tuners
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S7pjhUkp1hI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/LYd8KWC1eos/s800/IMG_2660.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S7pjhUz3qgI/AAAAAAAAAnU/AlGXKcFAsdE/s800/IMG_2661.JPG

Now I can put some strings on for another mock up.

This is coming along great!

looks good so far! can't wait to see the finshed product:cool:

That's great !

My vote (not that it counts for anything) is for #3, but this is looking great. Have you told your friend or will it be a surprise?

And what's the cost coming too?

My vote (not that it counts for anything) is for #3, but this is looking great. Have you told your friend or will it be a surprise?

And what's the cost coming too?

Thanks for the nice words. My friend does know about it, I pointed him to this thread so he can even follow the progress. I had been torturing him as parts came in I'd send him cell phone pics. He's got a couple gigs coming up in the next few weeks and want to play it but I told him that even if I finished the build stuff this weekend the finish would be at least another month. He's getting a bit excited to play it.

Actually he has been really helpful lately giving me some direction on a few things, including that pickguard. I'm not a bass player so some of this is a bit foreign to me.

Cost has been surprisingly low, so far I haven't even broken the latest build challenge budget.

So after playing with the ideas that I posted and none of them jumped out for me, and seeing the reaction was pretty mixed I had the feeling that I just hadn't hit on the right one yet.

So it was back to the drawing board.

This one:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74rtWrTt6I/AAAAAAAAAqA/kYmHe2WNZLY/s400/IMG_2614.JPG

Then this one which I called the worm:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74prhGDHKI/AAAAAAAAAp4/I1pOXZEa9_o/s400/IMG_2626.JPG

Then this one which I called the swoosh:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74pro349qI/AAAAAAAAAp8/Nzj43LKmYgQ/s400/IMG_2625.JPG

I found myself REALLY liking the swoosh but the worm was a close 2nd.

So I called my friend who I'm building this for and got his input. He was all over the swoosh. So that's it, its decided that is the one. So look for a future installment where I actually make that PG. The good news is I can get moving forward again on the body now that I know what to do with the controls.

With the PG decision behind me back to the body. First, is to take it all apart again. I actually had it strung up and everything mounted but the pots and input jack. I should have taken a pic, oops.

With it all apart again time to address that lovely little "contour" that an out of control forstner bit left me.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74rtmRXnnI/AAAAAAAAAqE/RThx2sV9oNU/s800/IMG_2662.JPG

I put in a little dam along the pickup route, this is a high tech plastic strip that CA doesn't stick to, I also use it for insulating wiring yeah its just electrical tape but it works.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74rt3OIpnI/AAAAAAAAAqI/-thONkAUCFI/s800/IMG_2664.JPG

collect some dust from the belt sander, http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74ruN4hQLI/AAAAAAAAAqM/NRYbB-xGgVY/s288/IMG_2665.JPG and fill the chipout:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74rucIwe-I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/Bxi1FRxC2pw/s800/IMG_2666.JPG

Then apply a bit of CA
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74sBagL2MI/AAAAAAAAAqU/izHKdvSk_tQ/s800/IMG_2667.JPG

and you have this
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74sBe6C64I/AAAAAAAAAqY/XmgWO5d8J5A/s800/IMG_2668.JPG

While that sets up I'll work on the neck.

Before I start filing frets and leveling them I'll put the roundover on the fretboard.

I did this on my tele build but didn't document this part so I'll show it on this one. The roundover is a little thing I picked up from Jason at Guitar Den. His You Tube videos have tons of great info in them. The idea is to put a bit of round over on the edges of the fret board to make it just a little more comfortable. On my tele it still had a very sharp edge so this made a huge difference. On this neck since is was manufactured somewhere else, it didn't have that sharp edge but I put a bit more round over on it anyway to give it a bit more comfort. Its kind of like that old guitar that you just can't explain why it feels so good, check the wear on the edges of the fret board.

Any way here is what I did. First I cut up an old piece of worn 220 grit into strips.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74sBiVCG_I/AAAAAAAAAqc/sfP8GAWs4ZY/s288/IMG_2669.JPG

Clamped the neck to my work table and started sanding the edges between each fret. Just work the sandpaper over then edge from fret to fret, be sure you work the sand paper into the corners right next to the fret so the whole length is uniform otherwise it gets kind of scallopy looking.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74sB9QT3FI/AAAAAAAAAqg/J0F_24LvA1s/s800/IMG_2670.JPG

you can see that you can only do this after the frets are installed so the fret ends still have wood under them all the way to the edge. Here is a shot of the progress.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74sB3Pt7yI/AAAAAAAAAqk/FltnLhBz-FM/s800/IMG_2671.JPG

Its kind of tough to see the difference but its there
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74sWVyQqHI/AAAAAAAAAqo/Ve3aZMvEjH8/s800/IMG_2672.JPG

Don't worry about those scratches across the fret board they aren't as bad as they look in the pic and I'll go back and sand them out anyway.

after doing the roundover down both sides I go back with 400 grit.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74sWh8HzjI/AAAAAAAAAqs/6f3GMx-J100/s800/IMG_2673.JPG

then I went back and cleaned up the whole fret board with 220, 400 then 600 and its smooth.....

Now its ready for taping off and fret filing and leveling. That's coming in one of the next installments.

All taped up and ready for fret work.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S76xCS-BbjI/AAAAAAAAAsI/hdTJggr3yuk/s800/IMG_2690.JPG

Rather than go through the whole process here again, if you want to see how I do frets you can read it on the tele thread (http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-home-depot/187550-my-first-all-scratch-build-black-guard-pinecaster-3.html#post2429291).

And now for something completely different.

So after talking with my buddy who will someday be playing this sucker, he asked for a little tweak. He wanted a relief to get better access to the upper frets. So here is what I came up with.

Here is the before of the area that needs relieving.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74sWy9J2NI/AAAAAAAAAqw/cCsx75BNwOE/s800/IMG_2674.JPG

...and the weapons of destuction.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74sWy4za-I/AAAAAAAAAq0/pB13jjQA_8U/s800/IMG_2675.JPG

start removing the parts that shouldn't be there.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74sXFovcWI/AAAAAAAAAq4/r0mVcZ1nCH8/s800/IMG_2677.JPG

attack from all angles neccessary
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74spS-YpxI/AAAAAAAAAq8/rraGlDzJhVQ/s800/IMG_2678.JPG

checking progress as you go along.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74spTk76VI/AAAAAAAAArA/Fp6cCa2Hn8M/s800/IMG_2679.JPG

here the rough shape is pretty much done
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74sprvYEGI/AAAAAAAAArE/UI2khNQK-sE/s800/IMG_2681.JPG

and after cleaning up the tool marks with some sand paper
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74sppCOGyI/AAAAAAAAArI/1wwDgoMuVns/s800/IMG_2682.JPG

and we have relief, I think that will work.

Now that its determined that the controls will be mounted from the back I can get going on making that happen.

First I started by marking where the knobs go and then drilled the holes that the shafts fit through.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74sp7A023I/AAAAAAAAArM/UCNSRjd3z2g/s800/IMG_2683.JPG

around to the back side I inserted one of the pots in the holes and used it to scribe a line to mark the farthest outside extents.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74s5WKK8SI/AAAAAAAAArQ/TS1SirxlWrY/s800/IMG_2685.JPG

like this
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74s5p1ltYI/AAAAAAAAArU/YP1dCdepo1Q/s800/IMG_2686.JPG

play a little connect the dots and put the pots in to see how there going to fit.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74s6jdu-PI/AAAAAAAAArY/1fFQWvJa_dA/s800/IMG_2687.JPG

I added a little extra at the top side so I have some room to work with. That gives me the outline for the control route. If you are observant you probably noticed that two of the pots have a little extra. I'm using push pull on the volume controls so I can split the humbuckers. That will be another first for me, should be interesting when I get to that.

Anyway back to the story.

Now for the cover plate, add a little extra around the control route for the cover plate and I have this.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74s6gkIgQI/AAAAAAAAArc/LgOtumPnhKw/s800/IMG_2688.JPG

Transfer the lines onto some tracing paper (actually its parchment paper from the kitchen but it works)
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S74s6y1IKtI/AAAAAAAAArg/-3q_a_Nq-zw/s800/IMG_2689.JPG

I'll use the tracings to make some templates for routing the cavity, the cover ledge and the cover plate. But that is for another day.

and that is as far as I have got for now but the weekend is coming.

Nice relief contour!

I squared up the tuner to the flat edge of the headstock.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S7pjRc7B7sI/AAAAAAAAAm4/tyDFK29CsFE/s800/IMG_2654.JPG
Now why didn't I think of that? I've just been eyeballing the alignment.

Now why didn't I think of that? I've just been eyeballing the alignment.

You're eyeball must be better than mine. I tried that before and well, let's just say that's why I came up with this method.

Nice relief contour!

Thanks, it feels pretty good I'll see what its like with the neck back on next.

Got a bunch done this weekend so caution here come a bunch of pictures.

Next up is the pickguard, since it finally got decided which way to go its time to build it.

First step was to take my paper design and trace it to some MDF to make a template from.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K0aJbkAPI/AAAAAAAAAso/aKGGOILbvlw/s800/IMG_2701.JPG

the areas for the pickups and neck cutout are just loosely drawn since they were not exact on the paper mock up.

Then off to the band saw to rough out the out line, like always, close to the line but not too close, we'll clean that up later.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K0ahWZePI/AAAAAAAAAss/lC_hRBrzZ6I/s800/IMG_2702.JPG

Like this
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K0a7M7BrI/AAAAAAAAAsw/35_M-2W62Ww/s800/IMG_2703.JPG

Then clean it up on the belt sander and drum sander.
Like this
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K0bB1-OuI/AAAAAAAAAs0/joFkZSizX_o/s800/IMG_2704.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K0bc4aGdI/AAAAAAAAAs4/SsHs3i1vk3s/s800/IMG_2705.JPG

Some hand sanding to clean up the transition areas
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K0pWkv-9I/AAAAAAAAAtE/rthDPxzzO0o/s800/IMG_2707.JPG

So the next is to create the cutouts for the pickups and neck, so I put the paper mock-up back on the body so I can get the alignment right.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K0paXAJfI/AAAAAAAAAtI/N16cMMaHsLw/s800/IMG_2708.JPG

Then line up the template on the paper and trace it onto the body so I can line it up in the right place.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K0ppNFcmI/AAAAAAAAAtM/a6gJYSfcaqE/s800/IMG_2709.JPG

Then remove the paper and double stick tape the template to the body. Using the body as a template route the cutouts with a flush trim bit.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K0pq-TyJI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/-rIdrhdF314/s800/IMG_2710.JPG

and I have my template, :grin:

now trace it onto the PG material, this is just some black ABS I got from McMaster-Carr.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K0p-xQkCI/AAAAAAAAAtU/dTmQXYSV_lk/s800/IMG_2718.JPG

Off to the band saw,
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K02Ztu7HI/AAAAAAAAAtY/k1fNKYYEOJI/s800/IMG_2719.JPG

Wow, I wish the line showed up in real life as I was cutting it as it did in the picture. It wasn't that easy to see when I was cutting it.

With the rough cut done then double stick tape the template onto the black stuff and over to the router table and the flush trim bit. Front side down, keep the protective film on it to prevent scratching.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K02sa20kI/AAAAAAAAAtc/Qt-TLiVFX-k/s800/IMG_2720.JPG

And now its starting to look like it should.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K020mdTyI/AAAAAAAAAtg/Iwjx1QoJlnM/s800/IMG_2721.JPG

Now to put a bevel on it, the 45º bit goes into the router and go around the edges, careful not to go into the pickup or neck openings.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K023INUdI/AAAAAAAAAtk/2JxmZrzhmH0/s800/IMG_2722.JPG

Then with the template still stuck on, mark and drill the holes for the mounting screws.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K03KbUQ_I/AAAAAAAAAto/P285g48x2DM/s800/IMG_2723.JPG

Put a little bevel on the screw holes with a counter sink tool, I just turn it by hand so as to not go too far.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K1ERcXUCI/AAAAAAAAAts/BSD4CphR_cs/s800/IMG_2724.JPG

And they look like this.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K1EsubrAI/AAAAAAAAAtw/CpsQJs7ARFA/s800/IMG_2726.JPG

Quick placement on the body and here it is.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K1E1VDxuI/AAAAAAAAAt0/8uijU_sHllc/s800/IMG_2728.JPG

The black looks pretty good against that light wood but keep in mind the body will be painted. So I don't know what the final PG material will be this one is just the prototype.

And that's the pickguard.

So back last week I drew out the control cavity out lines and transferred those to some paper.

Next was to take the paper tracings and cut them out.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K1QwuVzZI/AAAAAAAAAt4/i-svx8gAUq8/s800/IMG_2729.JPG

Note to self, don't photograph stuff on the no skid mat as a back ground looking at it will make your brain hurt. Man is that busy. Sorry.

So in similar fashion as making the PG I transferred the paper drawings to the MDF then rough cut them, this time with a jig saw since its an inside opening and a bunch of sanding with the drum sander. Giving me templates for the control route and the cover recess.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K1Q1xTOxI/AAAAAAAAAt8/_2NuFyq9egk/s800/IMG_2730.JPG

Here they are laid out on the body to show what the plan is.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K1RBJ5UlI/AAAAAAAAAuA/eX_2B3b4yic/s800/IMG_2731.JPG

Next hog out most of the wood with a forstner bit so the router doesn't have to work as hard.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K1RN5wGEI/AAAAAAAAAuE/fXwuwlOZW0c/s800/IMG_2732.JPG

Make sure you set your depth stop do you don't go too deep.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K1RuHtiNI/AAAAAAAAAuI/PT35luxhvSM/s800/IMG_2733.JPG

And here is what you get.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K1lNNM6KI/AAAAAAAAAuM/9x275T9RWEs/s800/IMG_2734.JPG

More double stick tape and we're ready to route
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K1lLIHVOI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/iiKDfLmO8qk/s800/IMG_2735.JPG

I took about five passes to get to the final depth of 1.250" and had to change to a different bit, by the end my Stew Mac pattern bit wouldn't reach deep enough in my little trim router but it got there.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K1luAlsjI/AAAAAAAAAuU/Gh99ISCrNjk/s800/IMG_2736.JPG

now the opposite problem, now the bit is two deep to cut only the slight recess for the cover. This is when 3/4" MDF is nice. So I built up the height with a few scraps of MDF under the template.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K1lioqNxI/AAAAAAAAAuY/l_EpxgZjt_Y/s800/IMG_2737.JPG

Using a scrap of the ABS as a guide to set my depth, you can see two layers of MDF and the ABS.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K1l0HpKOI/AAAAAAAAAuc/95Pk0CLLaHo/s800/IMG_2739.JPG

And here it is.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K117B8_RI/AAAAAAAAAuw/3h7M0mO8w5g/s800/IMG_2752.JPG

Next we'll need a cover to fit that hole. I used the template as a guide
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K11TcXghI/AAAAAAAAAug/74U6jg_EOsM/s800/IMG_2740.JPG

and made a cover template from it.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K11YyH9BI/AAAAAAAAAuk/Vhh7UuVnNG4/s800/IMG_2741.JPG

oh look it fits the original template nicely.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K11YrltqI/AAAAAAAAAuo/192kw4jE6NY/s800/IMG_2742.JPG

and the body near perfect.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K11gWcwoI/AAAAAAAAAus/2IPR6Fhh66Y/s800/IMG_2743.JPG

So following the same steps as the PG, band saw to the rough size, flush trim, <omit 45º bevel> drill holes, countersink.
We have this.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K2Vrq11lI/AAAAAAAAAvM/X3O8qL6BHFA/s800/IMG_2750.JPG

And it fits like a champ.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K2V2YbvTI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/4cosvqFmR_0/s800/IMG_2751.JPG

This is really coming together now.

Did I mention that I had a lot of pics?

Next was to add a little recess around the knobs, I sort of thought it would be cool.

I started by putting in the pots and putting the knobs on them. Then tracing around the knob so I know where they will lie. Sorry about the fuzzy pic but you get the idea.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K2L5jP0rI/AAAAAAAAAu0/0k67TD5ZBXA/s800/IMG_2744.JPG

Then using a forstner bit just slightly larger than the knob. Lined it up to my pencil lines.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K2MBJgdrI/AAAAAAAAAu4/V9qB97QX3LM/s800/IMG_2745.JPG

Something like this
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K2MhcNIBI/AAAAAAAAAu8/PDNTiZoc-sc/s800/IMG_2746.JPG

Hmm... no pic of the hole with the knob on...oops. Its funny I have found I do that a lot. Take a bunch of pic during the process but forget to take one of the finished step. That's why if you pay attention some of the final step pics were taken out of sequence. The power of editing.

Now to get those wires into that new control cavity.

First we'll handle the input jack, I figure it should go here.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K2MkCKUhI/AAAAAAAAAvA/xkx5W3Md5Ss/s800/IMG_2747.JPG

and forstner bit time.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K2NENnPTI/AAAAAAAAAvE/tWfgtsSbNHA/s800/IMG_2748.JPG

and the big long bit for the pickup wires
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K2VgF1gwI/AAAAAAAAAvI/3TDVeKsUyC0/s800/IMG_2749.JPG

and here's what it looks like from the other side.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8Ob5a_lk7I/AAAAAAAAAv0/AUdSpA_iNxU/s800/IMG_2752b.JPG

If that wasn't enough, I added a relief for the arm.

Penciled in where I figure it should go here.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K2io3SCAI/AAAAAAAAAvU/XKbkrtXHiTY/s800/IMG_2711.JPG

and here.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K2i33REMI/AAAAAAAAAvY/w4xkcSNEyk0/s800/IMG_2713.JPG

Now get at it with the rasp.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K2jGLNoRI/AAAAAAAAAvc/R4OeZgUOSyw/s800/IMG_2712.JPG

the belt sander
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K2juf9PzI/AAAAAAAAAvk/a-38ODPsohM/s800/IMG_2714.JPG

and some more shaping
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K2jT2XCsI/AAAAAAAAAvg/AmOOFuhKrXI/s800/IMG_2715.JPG

smooth it out with the DA sander and some 80 grit.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8K2oxnZswI/AAAAAAAAAvs/KuVyek1M_Bg/s800/IMG_2716.JPG

a little hand sanding and it looks like... um what was I saying about not having a pic of the final step. I'll edit it in later tonight.

Here's the pic
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S8P22YVO85I/AAAAAAAAAwU/rZyODQ82J3U/s800/IMG_2755.JPG

And that's the pickguard.
Nice piece of work!

Next installment will be a full mock-up before paint. That should happen in the next couple days.

Nice piece of work!

Thanks, its been a fun project, its kind of different working with no real reference. With every step I learn more and get more ideas for the next project.

Next up is paint options. I'm leaning toward metallic purple, I'm also toying with the green/purple color shifting paint and metallic red.

Anyone out there know where I can find metallic purple in rattle can?

http://www.dennistoddmusic.com/images/productImages/GuitarImages/Bass/Fender/jaguarBassLarge.jpg

http://www.dennistoddmusic.com/images/productImages/GuitarImages/Bass/Fender/jaguarBassLarge.jpg

Awe man, I got it all wrong, I guess I better start over.

Sorry, about that, all sarcasm aside, I did note that the original T-Shirt design was a rendition of a Jaguar and I could have pulled up many references to that classic and very cool design. Even had full size drawings available to use as patterns that I could download. That wasn't really the point of this project. I was using the Jaguar T-Shirt as an inspiration to create something a little unique and more personal and kind of work through the design myself as opposed to copying verbatim an already existing design. Heck I have plenty of other projects that I will be doing that, including the tele I'm building right now.

Don't get me wrong I don't want to seem so defensive here, Stranded Horse, I do appreciate your input and the specs listed in your post are great. I just wanted to clarify what my goals were on this project.

By the way, I am thinking of building a Jaguar/Jazzmaster guitar, something in that realm, at some point in the future I really do think it is a very cool design.

Well its been a while since I posted updates. Not a lot to see but I'll show what's been done. Its time to start the finishing work.

just for timeline sake this was all last weekend actually

Time for sanding.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S9Ti7kPRFoI/AAAAAAAAAxc/fR7wOAxqX7A/s288/IMG_2756.JPGhttp://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S9Ti7orlFWI/AAAAAAAAAxg/DY__44nT7H8/s288/IMG_2757.JPG

and more sanding
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S9Ti703CyvI/AAAAAAAAAxk/cuZZ1GPiVW0/s288/IMG_2758.JPGhttp://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S9Ti7xIiqXI/AAAAAAAAAxo/lQuKqj3RHxs/s288/IMG_2759.JPG

clean the whole thing up with some Naptha
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S9Ti7zD64lI/AAAAAAAAAxs/Qz8Kg8PeGJQ/s400/IMG_2760.JPG

now I'll seal the whole thing with epoxy. I'm using Z-Poxy and the reason I chose this product is because you can thin it with alcohol. The idea is to thin it so it will soak into the wood a bit. I know this bass is going to be gigged with and the pine is soft so I want to toughen it up a bit.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S9TjFaiRz3I/AAAAAAAAAxw/5Fwvh5Nzuq4/s800/IMG_2761.JPG

I used the foam brush to get into the cavities.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S9TjFVybrlI/AAAAAAAAAx0/r5GN09ejGyM/s800/IMG_2762.JPG

Just a note here, the foam brush, not as good of an idea as I thought. I think it was the denatured alcohol I used for thinning. The foam started to expand and get really sloppy. Live and learn.

Here's the front all sealed.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S9TjFifVxfI/AAAAAAAAAx4/21FnTvGmy8g/s800/IMG_2763.JPG

and the back
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S9TjFv4KqVI/AAAAAAAAAx8/ojklLTHqqJA/s800/IMG_2764.JPG

...Have you told your friend or will it be a surprise?



So my friend stopped by before band practice to see the creature as it is being born. So I put it together for a mock up of it for him to check out.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S9TjF1Z6z7I/AAAAAAAAAyA/-iFHAJ7luDM/s800/IMG_2765.JPG

He's pretty stoked. I think he's more anxious to see me finish this than I am now. It was great to have his come by, we got the color decided, had him "customize" the headstock and a few other detail decisions.

Can't wait to see this thing on stage.

So for this weekend, on to the paint. I didn't get anything done yesterday, fishing took precedence, opening day you know.

I have put another coat of epoxy on during the week. Started today by sanding it smooth.

next it was to mask off the cavities so I don't build up a ton of paint and finish in them. They will get shielding paint later.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S9TjSbWuS1I/AAAAAAAAAyE/CN2I7xNPLxs/s800/IMG_2774.JPG

finally got a paint stick on it and put on the paint rotisserie
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S9TjSnlO5-I/AAAAAAAAAyI/MQt9J2E3zhk/s800/IMG_2775.JPG

and start spraying it with primer
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S9TjSkmlpZI/AAAAAAAAAyM/BA40m0SGg40/s800/IMG_2776.JPG

and more primer
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S9TjSz1Jj-I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/aBU2eAqHOcc/s800/IMG_2778.JPG

and while that dries I hit the neck with a little satin lacquer.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S9TjS0w96GI/AAAAAAAAAyU/KHb1F33oM_I/s800/IMG_2779.JPG

I can see after putting the primer on there are still a couple spots that need some more sanding and a couple little bits to fill.

That's all for this weekend, I hope to get some more sanding and primer done this week. If all goes well I'll have color on by this weekend.

Not much for updates lately, its like watching paint dry, sorry. Well here are some shots during the painting phase.

Primer is done sanded some areas I wasn't happy with and more primer.

Now here is the black base coat:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S-H566qffxI/AAAAAAAAAy0/W19qrN_98H0/s800/IMG_2785.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S-H57IFSM9I/AAAAAAAAAy4/hgU0-QmYlR0/s800/IMG_2786.JPG

Then I put on the mid coat, this is when it starts to get cool:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S-H57LwVj0I/AAAAAAAAAy8/heTr_-97dL0/s800/IMG_2787.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S-H57S2w_5I/AAAAAAAAAzA/ICxPst2ypbE/s800/IMG_2788.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S-H57T7zz0I/AAAAAAAAAzE/jK_t3r9gxDI/s800/IMG_2794.JPG

Unfortunately with the flash it looks green from every angle. This color shifting paint is really cool and from different angles it looks green or blue or purple. Maybe if the sun ever comes out again I can get some pic in natural light and you can see the way it changes.

Not much left but a lot of lacquer now.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S-H57T7zz0I/AAAAAAAAAzE/jK_t3r9gxDI/s800/IMG_2794.JPG


This looks GREAT. I had a touring bicycle made once from a 7-color shade shifting finish. It was intense. As the sun set at night if you caught the bike from a good angle, it'd be gold.

Looks awesome, man. I bet your buddy's gonna keep it for life.

wow it's looking really good :D

Well its been a while since I posted updates. Not a lot to see but I'll show what's been done. Its time to start the finishing work.

just for timeline sake this was all last weekend actually

Time for sanding.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S9Ti7kPRFoI/AAAAAAAAAxc/fR7wOAxqX7A/s288/IMG_2756.JPGhttp://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S9Ti7orlFWI/AAAAAAAAAxg/DY__44nT7H8/s288/IMG_2757.JPG

and more sanding
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S9Ti703CyvI/AAAAAAAAAxk/cuZZ1GPiVW0/s288/IMG_2758.JPGhttp://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S9Ti7xIiqXI/AAAAAAAAAxo/lQuKqj3RHxs/s288/IMG_2759.JPG

clean the whole thing up with some Naptha
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S9Ti7zD64lI/AAAAAAAAAxs/Qz8Kg8PeGJQ/s400/IMG_2760.JPG

now I'll seal the whole thing with epoxy. I'm using Z-Poxy and the reason I chose this product is because you can thin it with alcohol. The idea is to thin it so it will soak into the wood a bit. I know this bass is going to be gigged with and the pine is soft so I want to toughen it up a bit.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S9TjFaiRz3I/AAAAAAAAAxw/5Fwvh5Nzuq4/s800/IMG_2761.JPG

I used the foam brush to get into the cavities.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S9TjFVybrlI/AAAAAAAAAx0/r5GN09ejGyM/s800/IMG_2762.JPG

Just a note here, the foam brush, not as good of an idea as I thought. I think it was the denatured alcohol I used for thinning. The foam started to expand and get really sloppy. Live and learn.

Here's the front all sealed.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S9TjFifVxfI/AAAAAAAAAx4/21FnTvGmy8g/s800/IMG_2763.JPG

and the back
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S9TjFv4KqVI/AAAAAAAAAx8/ojklLTHqqJA/s800/IMG_2764.JPG

Man this thing is coming along great! Never considered sealing with epoxy. I probably should have done that when I did my pine cab. It keeps denting!

Any info on mix ratios and whether any 2-part epoxy would work is greatly appreciated! Can't want to see this thing completed.

thank you very much for showing this, it is so very cool to see it unfolding.

I freaking love that paint job. You're making me want to have something besides oly white on my jazz bass.

Man this thing is coming along great! Never considered sealing with epoxy. I probably should have done that when I did my pine cab. It keeps denting!

Any info on mix ratios and whether any 2-part epoxy would work is greatly appreciated! Can't want to see this thing completed.

I don't know what other epoxies might work. I opted for the Z-Poxy since they say upfront that you can thin it with alcohol, I checked with Permatex, the fast setting epoxy I have they did not suggest to thin their product.

Ratios: the epoxy is 1 to 1 and to thin it I added roughly the same volume denatured alcohol, so it would be 1:1:1 is what I used.

Note: my experience was that thinning the epoxy did make the cure time longer. I had to let it set for probably 12 hours or more till it was hard enough to sand.


We'll see how it holds up.

Next time I do Pine I think I'm going to try wood hardener see how that works for me.

This is a great thread loving it. It's nice to see someone taking inspiration from some thing different. Good luck with the rest of the build.

wow it's looking really good :D

Thanks, we're getting near the end now, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. If all goes well its not an oncoming train.

thank you very much for showing this, it is so very cool to see it unfolding.

I freaking love that paint job. You're making me want to have something besides oly white on my jazz bass.

Happy to share, its all a learning experience and since I have gained so much great knowledge from others here on the site I just hope to pass some of it on and that someone else can learn from what I have done.

If your ready to spice up that white bass go for it, refinish or heck build a new body, just be careful, as many around here can attest, its addictive.

This looks GREAT. I had a touring bicycle made once from a 7-color shade shifting finish. It was intense. As the sun set at night if you caught the bike from a good angle, it'd be gold.

Looks awesome, man. I bet your buddy's gonna keep it for life.

7 color shift, whoa that sounds way cool. I'd love to get my hands on that paint. The mirage system has been really easy. Base black, then the color shift layer which seems like it is just clear lacquer with the prism fleck in it then clear over the top.

I had to break the bad news to him the other day, I told him that there was a problem. After putting the paint on it was just too freakin' cool and I'm keeping it. I don't think he thought that was funny. I have to torment him a little, what else are friends for. He better keep it for life or if he ever tires of it it comes back to me. I actually can't wait to see it on stage under those lights.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S-H57T7zz0I/AAAAAAAAAzE/jK_t3r9gxDI/s800/IMG_2794.JPG

Unfortunately with the flash it looks green from every angle. This color shifting paint is really cool and from different angles it looks green or blue or purple. Maybe if the sun ever comes out again I can get some pic in natural light and you can see the way it changes.

Not much left but a lot of lacquer now.

So I got a whole lot of lacquer on it now and its just time to let it cure.

So in the garage it looked green with the camera flash.

Here are some shots hanging in the sun:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S-w2GQqF9fI/AAAAAAAAAzk/CxhibnaXqTc/s288/IMG_2795.JPG http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S-w2GU2WorI/AAAAAAAAAzo/zZXMhFGkrBM/s288/IMG_2796.JPG http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S-w2Gqg4JGI/AAAAAAAAAzs/PEDg5Hlt3JA/s288/IMG_2798.JPG http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S-w2GpKoK-I/AAAAAAAAAzw/DbQMPqnn-kY/s288/IMG_2800.JPG http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/S-w2RLH5lqI/AAAAAAAAAz0/Z45sutjrkEQ/s288/IMG_2801.JPG

Green / Blue / Purple, it can't make up its mind. I love this color. I foresee a color shift Tele in my future.

Man this looks great! I think color-shift paint is a great idea and you don't see it on guitars too often. Keep up the good work!

If your ready to spice up that white bass go for it, refinish or heck build a new body, just be careful, as many around here can attest, its addictive.

hmm, I think you just gave me an idea. I would love to have a nice precision body, with routes for the p-bass pickup and the jazz bridge pickup, with my jazz neck. I'm sure I can stop after only one. :mrgreen:

I haven't posted much on this thread in a while, mainly because I have just been waiting while the lacquer cured. Well I finally polished it out, no pics of that process, pretty much like the rest. Level with 400 grit, worked my way up to 2000 micro mesh, then Meguires, heavy, fine, swirl remover, polish then wax. I probably take too many steps and it took me three days but I sure love the way it shines.

Painted the cavities with shielding paint. Made a pickguard with this cool material that was called bubbles. Then put it all together and wired it. Took too long to wire I struggled with the push/pull pots never did get them right so went to regular 500K pots and no coil split. Maybe next time.

Okay, okay, okay. I know you want the pics. Well I got 'em, here they come. :mrgreen:

Here's the happy guy that this was all for:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/TCmDmfJUtoI/AAAAAAAAA5c/0cnPGJrR3N0/s400/IMG_2895.JPG

Check out the grin:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/TCmDmZ2kaZI/AAAAAAAAA5g/BTHHRCXXIGA/s400/IMG_2894.JPG

...and here she is:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/TCmDnOCs87I/AAAAAAAAA5k/_HgRKXWAFck/s800/P6250027.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/TCmDnUxT8QI/AAAAAAAAA5o/9iWA4bPY79A/s800/P6250028.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/TCmDoJCNIMI/AAAAAAAAA5s/wRKrE-A1CRY/s800/P6250029.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/TCmD2rMspvI/AAAAAAAAA50/C3zWinoNvUc/s800/P6250022.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/TCmD3MI5EjI/AAAAAAAAA54/uZgyfzkmHR4/s800/P6250023.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/TCmD3SY1XnI/AAAAAAAAA58/z-_rWYd33yc/s800/P6250025.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/TCmD32-zuAI/AAAAAAAAA6A/lCCJi0dS5XQ/s800/P6250026.JPG

On stage:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/TCmD4Av002I/AAAAAAAAA6E/VYHhIz-7CIo/s800/P6250033.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2TVcBkBKLs/TCmD8u4oZtI/AAAAAAAAA6M/znPBZstJ3m8/s800/P6250048.JPG

Very nice, and a great thread too!

Wow what a ride.....going to have to try that zpoxy to seal my spalted maple

Very nice, and a great thread too!

Thanks, it was a really fun project and I was quite pleased with the results. I already have plans to build the Mk II version that will include some tweaks and my own neck build. Coming soon to a build thread near you...:lol:

Wow what a ride.....going to have to try that zpoxy to seal my spalted maple

Thanks.

I was pretty pleased with the ZPoxy, I really like that you can thin it, that really allowed it to penetrate the wood better. Just be sure that you use a 50/50 mix of resin and hardener otherwise you can get a gummy mix that never gets hard, guess how I figured that out?

Another tip I have heard on spalted woods is to treat it with a wood hardener, sometimes the spalting will leave parts of the wood very soft.

Very informative thread. I need very informative threads. Thanks for posting this. Beautiful instrument.

Very informative thread. I need very informative threads. Thanks for posting this. Beautiful instrument.

Thanks, P Thought. It makes me happy to know that folks out there find my posts helpful. I have learned so much from people here I'm glad to know that I can contribute as well.