thebrig

I've just completed a couple of self-builds. [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=145030&st=0"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=145030&st=0[/url] And I now want to build an "All Black" precision. Is it possible to paint/spray a neck, and if so, what is the best way to go about it? And is there any way I could darken the fretboard. I know I could have one made with an ebony board, and get it finished in black by someone like Warmoth, but it would cost the earth. Thanks in advance.

[quote name='Marvin' post='1304352' date='Jul 15 2011, 08:58 AM']That is absolutely stunning, and I don't usually like the 'ashtrays', but that is just lovely. Top work. If you don't mind me being so rude, where did you source the parts?[/quote] I bought a squier VM on ebay for £125 and sold on the the neck and loaded scratchplate for £85, which meant the body which was in perfect condition cost me £40. Squier VM Body £40 (ebay) Mighty Mite Jazz Neck with maple board £75 (ebay) Wilkinson Tuners £24 (ebay) Gotoh 201 Bridge £35 (ebay) Wizard Thumper Pickup £50 (Wizard Pickups) Tortoiseshell pickguard £15 (Thomann) [b]Total £239[/b]

Why not buy yourself a good second-hand Fender American Standard precision like this one for £700. [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110714101981&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...e=STRK:MEWAX:IT[/url] Sell the neck on for a around £150/200, buy yourself a Mighty Mite Jazz neck for around £80/100, and away you go! Although it would probably be better to keep the neck safely tucked away, in case you decide to sell the bass in the future, as it will be worth more with the original neck. Or you could consider putting one together like this, which I have just completed. Like you, I wanted a P with a J neck, but could not find anything I really liked. [i][b]Precision Bass with Jazz Neck[/b][/i] Squier VM Body £40 Mighty Mite Jazz Neck with maple board £75 Wilkinson Tuners £24 Gotoh 201 Bridge £35 Wizard Thumper Pickup £50 Tortoiseshell pickguard £15 [b]Total £239[/b]

Lionel Messi started playing with a size 3 football, then a size 4, both on small pitches and with no more than 7 players on each side. Now he plays with a size 5 football, with the big boys on a full size pitch. Didn't do him too much harm! As a qualified FA coach, I believe that this is the correct way to nurture kids. I know we are talking playing bass here, but I do believe that all equipment used, no matter what a child is learning, should be scaled to suit. Just my 1p's worth.

[quote name='reggaemaster' post='1301760' date='Jul 12 2011, 11:47 PM']That tru oil really gives a great looking finish, I may well do the same thing. Did you find that the gotoh bridge meant you couldn't have a really low action? I know this a problem some people have with some jazz basses and these bridges. [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Jazz-Style-Bass-2-piece-Ash-Alder-body-/250853259431?_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D5%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D1299141584357843458"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Jazz-Style-Bass-2-pi...141584357843458[/url] I was thinking of using this body as the holes for the bridge are already drilled and the routing is done in such a way that I can leave the pickguard off. Combined with a MM maple neck, it should be dead simple to screw together this bass. Also ash or alder body? I think ash is lighter maybe? Sorry to ask so many questions, but I have never done anything like this before and just want to make sure I don't make any stupid mistakes.[/quote] I've got a very low action with the Gotoh 201 bridge on the J and the P, and could go even lower if needed, it's a great bridge for the money IMO. I don't think there is much difference between ash and alder, as far as weight is concerned, although two identical bodies made from the same wood, can vary quite a bit in weight. If you are going to have a natural finish, then ash would be the better choice as it has a much nicer grain. Hope this helps, and good luck with the project. PS: Show us the pics when you've completed it.

[quote name='lobematt' post='1302703' date='Jul 13 2011, 06:40 PM']Thanks! I've been after a fretless P for a while and I think your price list may have just sold me![/quote] Good luck with it. You will get great satisfaction in building your own bass. I was proud just taking my own bass to rehearsal, now I can't wait to use it at a gig!

[quote name='davebass66' post='1301029' date='Jul 12 2011, 01:54 PM']What pre amp did you put in the Jazz bass?[/quote] Each pickup has a built-in preamp, and they came complete with everything included. [b]Package Includes[/b]: EMG's exclusive Quik-Connect™ cables (2), prewired control set including 2 volume controls, master tone control, output jack, battery clip, and adjustment screws. [b]Internal Preamp[/b] The preamplifier used inside each EMG Pickup is no ordinary preamp. Built directly into each pickup, the preamp is an integral part of the pickup design assuring quality of sound performance, incredible noise reduction, and simplicity in installation. It provides a variety of benefits for us as the designer and for you as the player. A natural by-product of the preamp is gain. It allows us to design a pickup for its particular tone without concern for the pickup's output. After the coils have been modeled, any amount of output needed is available from the preamp. Here’s a link to EMG site. [url="http://www.emgpickups.com/products/index/60/25/2"]http://www.emgpickups.com/products/index/60/25/2[/url]

[quote name='lobematt' post='1299789' date='Jul 11 2011, 12:09 PM']Love the basses! If you don't mind me asking what's the ball park figure it set you back to get them put together?[/quote] [i][b]Jazz Bass[/b][/i] Mighty Mite Body £120 Mighty Mite Precision Neck with ‘Ebonal’ board £75 No-Name Deluxe Tuners £40 Gotoh 201 Bridge £35 EMG Active Pickups £110 Natural Ash with 'Tru-Oil' (gunstock oil) £8 Total [b]£388[/b] [i][b]Precision Bass[/b][/i] Squier VM Body £40 Mighty Mite Jazz Neck with maple board £75 Wilkinson Tuners £24 Gotoh 201 Bridge £35 Wizard Thumper Pickup £50 Tortoiseshell pickguard £15 Total [b] £239[/b] As you can see, quite a big saving was made on the precision, because I only needed one pickup, and the body only cost me £40. I purchased the Squier Vintage Modified bass for £125 from ebay, I then sold on the neck, tuners, scratchplate and pickups for a total of £85. The body was in great condition, so no paint job was required. Admittedly, building your own is not that cheap, but you do get the satisfaction of choosing the parts and look, and I must say, for a little over £600, I have myself two very nice basses, that play and sound as good as anything I have tried in the shops, including US Fenders.

[quote name='KevB' post='1300110' date='Jul 11 2011, 05:25 PM']I had an old Columbus jazz copy which I revamped with new bits until only the body was original, used a MM neck for that and it was a huge improvement. If I was being picky about your pair I would say that gold tuners on the P when the cover plates and knobs are chrome doesn't look that great, chrome tuners would be better. Other than that good looking basses.[/quote] All the hardware on the P is chrome, and all the hardware on the jazz is gold. I think you might be getting confused, as the third photo is of the jazz tuners. Maybe I will have to delete it, and upload it again.

[quote name='reggaemaster' post='1299624' date='Jul 11 2011, 09:22 AM']Whoa! Nice basses dude! The oil finish on the jazz is awesome! I was thinking of making an MM jazz, as the prices for the parts seem resonable, and everyone seems to love them! My concern with doing it is that I have absolutley no experiance doing this sort of thing, so how difficult is it to make?[/quote] It's really not that difficult, especially if you are going to use Mighty Mite for the body and the neck, as you know they will fit perfectly. The holes for the tuners are pre-drilled, and most tuners will fit. The nut is already installed on the MM neck, the routing for the pickups and electrics is already done too. Probably the hardest part really, is the bridge alignment, which can be a bit tricky. Any pickguard or any other parts for that matter designed to fit a modern Fender should be OK, as MM is licensed to replace Fender necks and bodies. There's a little bit of soldering to do, although the EMG's I used on the Jazz come with push fit connectors, which makes life a bit easier. Personally, I wouldn't attempt a painted finish, as I don't think I could do the job to my satisfaction, but using Tru-Oil is quite easy and gives good results. Perhaps if you have a old guitar/bass lying around, try taking it all apart, and then reassemble everything just to get a feel for it, that's what I did to get an understanding of what's involved. Hope this helps give you the confidence to try it sometime, and if you do, let us all know how you got on. Good luck.

[quote name='tedgilley' post='1298703' date='Jul 10 2011, 01:52 AM']Beautiful work! What is gun oil finish? You just apply the oil to the sanded raw wood? Same to the neck? Thanks.[/quote] Thanks for the kind comments. I should really have said 'Tru-Oil' It is what gunsmiths use on shotguns to enhance the woodstock. I applied around 5/6 coats to the body using my finger, and the same to the headstock. I left the rest of the neck unfinished, as I like the feel of the natural wood, as it doesn't get sticky when it gets warm. 'Tru-Oil' can be purchased from most gunsmiths, or online. Here's a link: [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Birchwood-Casey-Tru-Oil-Gun-Stock-Finish-8oz-/190549917603?pt=UK_SportingGoods_Hunting_ShootingSports_ET&hash=item2c5da8ffa3"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Birchwood-Casey-Tru-...=item2c5da8ffa3[/url]

[quote name='gary mac' post='1298579' date='Jul 9 2011, 09:33 PM']I've just been asked to stand in for a departed bass player, wonder if its the same band? Yet another set list for me to learn. There is a well run open mic night at the white swan in hoddesdon, not sure when the next one is but I can find out, if you are interested.[/quote] Hoddesdon is a little bit far out for me, there is an open mic nearer to home that I might try. Thanks anyway.

[quote name='gary mac' post='1298541' date='Jul 9 2011, 08:40 PM']They both look lovely Brig, really impressive. Maybe I'll get to hear them at some point as we are both in the same county Let me know where/when you are gigging[/quote] I've just left my regular band due to musical differences. But now joined up with a couple of new guys, but only at the jamming stage at the moment. So it will probably be a little while yet before I get gigging again. Maybe I will have to try a open mic session, just to see what the basses are like in a live situation.

[quote name='Muzz' post='1298510' date='Jul 9 2011, 08:17 PM']Very nice - once you start Frankensteining, it's hard to stop, or even to be satisfied with an off-the-shelf bass again. Where did you get the MM body from? I got a MM maple Jazz neck delivered from the States (a guy on EBay) in about four days the other week for £75 inc postage. [/quote] Good price for the neck, did you pay any duty on it? The body came from the states (eBay), brand new for £120 and got away with duty, so I was well pleased in getting a very nice swamp ash jazz body for that money.

[quote name='Blademan_98' post='1298501' date='Jul 9 2011, 08:09 PM']If you feel like parting with the fretless then can you give me a chance to buy it? Cheeky I know, but you have to try! Great looking basses [/quote] My first ever "Bitsa"? It will probably be with me for ever! Thanks for the kind comments though.

[quote name='PURPOLARIS' post='1298490' date='Jul 9 2011, 07:56 PM']Wow, worth the wait, very nice [/quote] Thanks, you never know whether they will turn out any good. The easy part is to make them look good. But the satisfaction is complete, when you plug them in, and they play and sound great. Can't wait to use them at a gig now!

[quote name='lojo' post='1298476' date='Jul 9 2011, 07:30 PM']nice one, they look good how do you find the might mite necks? Im in the market for a maple P bass neck[/quote] This the man I use, his prices are very competitive, and he will give it a vintage finish if required for a bit extra. [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mighty-Mite-Lic-Fender-Maple-Precision-Bass-Neck-/330586010233?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item4cf8763279"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mighty-Mite-Lic-Fend...=item4cf8763279[/url]

[quote name='PURPOLARIS' post='1298452' date='Jul 9 2011, 06:53 PM']Where are they then [/quote] Had a few problems uploading, they will be here soon.

Here are a couple of basses that I have just completed. I have designed my own logo, which is made up of my surname which is Darke, with horse added to it. I have registered the name, just in case I decide to sell bits & pieces online one day. One is a fretless Jazz bass, and the other is a Precision bass, which I have called ‘Old Thumper’. The reason is because I have used a Wizard Thumper pickup, and my favourite tipple is Ringwood’s Old Thumper. I’m really pleased with them both, as they play and sound great, and saved me a lot of money in the process. [i][b]The jazz is made up of:[/b][/i] [i]Body[/i]: Mighty Mite [i]Neck[/i]: Mighty Mite Precision with ‘Ebonal’ board [i]Tuners[/i]: No-Name Deluxe [i]Bridge[/i]: Gotoh 201 [i]Pickups[/i]: EMG Active [i]Finish[/i]: Natural Ash with 'Tru-Oil' (gunstock oil) finish [i][b]The precision is made up of:[/b][/i] [i]Body[/i]: Squier VM [i]Neck[/i]: Mighty Mite Jazz with maple board [i]Tuners[/i]: Wilkinson [i]Bridge[/i]: Gotoh 201 [i]Pickup[/i]: Wizard Thumper [i]Finish[/i]: Olympic White with Tortoiseshell pickguard

[quote name='Grand Wazoo' post='1094594' date='Jan 18 2011, 11:47 PM']Send me a PM and I'll give you the contacts of my supplier in UK[/quote] Looks fantastic! I'm in the process of putting together a bitsa too! Almost finished, but would love to know where you got the ageing stain from. PM'd you.

[quote name='Ross' post='1280604' date='Jun 24 2011, 10:05 AM']Get him a sue ryder [/quote] Sue Ryder on ebay now! [url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ryder-Precision-bass-guitar-through-strung-blue-p-bass-/300569117600?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item45fb50c3a0#ht_500wt_1156"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ryder-Precision-bass...0#ht_500wt_1156[/url]

[quote name='dave_bass5' post='1281211' date='Jun 24 2011, 04:39 PM']I have a Wizard thumper sitting around at home at the moment. Im not going to sell it but im not going to use it for at least a month. Your welcome to borrow it if you wanted it try it out for a few weeks. I actually thought it was still in my CV P last week. I remember putting a Fender 62 RI pup in the bass as an experiment but thought i had taken it out. So, there's another suggestion. The Fender 62RI is also a good, not too expensive thumpy pup. Probably a bit more open and not quite as dark as the Thumper, but still with plenty of thump.[/quote] Thanks for the offer Dave, but I've decided to go for the Fender Original '62 P Bass Pickup. Cheers Brian

I've been gassing for a P for some time now, and have decided to put one together myself. I've acquired a Squier VM body, and a Mighty Mite neck, and was wondering what type of pups would be best to get that classic thunderous "thump" of a P. I am considering the Seymour Duncan 1/4 Pounders and Wizard Thumpers. Do you have any other suggestions to give me that classic P-Bass thump? And how much difference do the pots make? Any advice would be very welcome.