benh

Yeah I've had one of the Babicz FCH bridges on a bass before, very sturdy. As I seem to be veering ever closer to buying a Superquad pickup, I'd rather go for something a bit more conservative price wise though 😅

Hope you all don't mind the thread hijack - thinking of using a Sandberg bridge in my 5 string build. Hoping for some constructive opinions on the Sandberg bridge?

Thanks guys. Regarding hardware, I've already decided on (and ordered) a set of Wilkinson WJB750 tuners. Used them before and they're solid for the money. Questioning my bridge options though - I really like the look/design of Sandberg bridges, and they're very reasonable in terms of cost. Anyone with experience with the Sandberg bridges?

Many thanks for the advice - I'll play it safe and add some length, but glad to know it's not likely to snap in half at the neck joint!

Thanks guys - I'll amend it when I get some time this eve

Question for the luthiers among us - does this look substantial enough for the neck pocket?

Looks fantastic!

Yeah, I wondered if it might be a bit busy. I think I'm going to stick to what I originally planned, wenge for the board. Relatively understated but nice grain. Hopefully will contrast nicely with the padauk

Headstock idea... input welcome. Again I feel I'm being incredibly derivative of something, I just don't know what. Although I guess there are only so many shapes a headstock can be.

Another thought re: fretboard material... could look rather splendid, although maybe a bit much

I'll bear that in mind!

Thanks Tony - agreed regarding the pickup positioning - looks better too in the Stingray position. Amended photo below. Good shout for purpleheart, I hadn't considered that... decisions, decisions! Regarding the body shape, first of all, thanks! Edit - I've altered the lower horn as @TheGreek and @Jabba_the_gut suggested, thank you. I'm sure I've subconsciously plagiarised something, I'm just not sure what 😅

Mock up with a single Superquad - I quite like it.

Very true, and probably the way I'll go to be honest. Glad I posted this thread, good advice already.

Thanks - not 100% decided on electronics yet. Depends what pickup I decide to go for - I think the phrase "flying by the seat of my pants" applies at the moment 😅

That purple is awesome!!

Can't wait to see that body wood with a finish on it!

Excellent point @Jabba_the_gut - and thanks for the edit @TheGreek! I'd considered that. Also toying with the idea of going a bit further and making it a set neck - especially if I'm going single pickup, the neck tenon I feel could be plenty long/strong enough, and hidden under the top. However this could soon overtake my meagre skillset!

Joking aside, this is exactly why I'm seriously contemplating it. I've tried to overlay a few different pickup configurations onto the body shape, and 2 pickups just looks... weird I guess. Definitely leaning towards just the 1. Will have a play around and post some pics later tonight and see what people think.

I blame @Andyjr1515 for my sudden compulsion to use a single SIMS Superquad 🙂

Thanks - glad people seem to like the body shape so far. I can't help feeling it might look a bit weird flat, but I'm not sure my skills would extend to a carved top! At the moment I'm leaning towards a wenge board - loved the feel of it on an old Warwick I had. Not sure how it'll look with the padauk neck though. I must admit, a fat Bartolini does have appeal - I haven't fully decided on pickups yet. Any ideas are welcome!

Thanks guys! May well be a slow one I'm afraid. A combination of a Workmate in the garden and my dining table (don't tell the Mrs).

Well, first step taken - roughly sketched and wood picked! Was going to buy a kit to build originally but decided to take a risk. Opinions welcome on design - sticking with something relatively basic for now. The plan is 5 string, 34" scale, bolt on, ash body with spalted alder top (couldn't resist) and padauk neck (love the colour). Undecided on fretboard material yet. I wasn't sure whether to post this or not - I'm a long time lurker in the Build Diaries section, and am constantly amazed by the skills of the members in here. So any input is most welcome!

Looking tip top. That finish is sublime!

Was just about to post that exact link! +1 for Cort.