Rick's Fine '52

[quote name='Twigman' timestamp='1341938795' post='1726604'] If the truss rod notch was longer then you could access the rod with a tool without removing the scratchplate. [/quote] Yes, but then it would look awful, as it would be quite some notch. Removing the scratchplate wouldnt be a problem, but it still isnt enough on trad style Fenders.

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1341937003' post='1726548'] ssh don't tease, he's still saving up for the status king bass [/quote] You've sent me gassing again Luke!!

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1341937003' post='1726548'] ssh don't tease, he's still saving up for the status king bass this on always made sense to me. Most fragile part on almost any guitar is the top of the neck into the headstock. (ask a gibson owner) Now drilling a big hole in this bit of wood makes it even weaker. But if you plug that gap with something else it makes it stronger... and then you can still access the truss from the bottom. viola! Would I be right in thinking that by the time it ended up at the headstock end they were either using rosewood fretboards and putting the truss in from the front, or in many cases (jazzes, Musicman, G&L) the neck wasn't as flat and wide as the early fenders? That's always been my explanation. Might be utter bollocks but makes sense to me! [/quote] Fair point, although they used the bullet truss rod from i think '75 on a maple block neck? (Unsure, not big on 70's stuff, but it was around '76/'76?)

[quote name='Twigman' timestamp='1341936374' post='1726534'] Alternatively why not make the truss rod notch in the scratchplate actually long enough so that the truss rod is accessible?.....the truss rod notch seems pointless if access to the rod is still impossible without disassembly. [/quote] Indeed, but you still have to remove the scratchplate. Headstock is instant, so obvious, there must be another reason that my simpleton brain can't fathom.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1341935440' post='1726493'] Good point, In fact if anything it was the main area he kept changing from Musicman then again with G&L. For some reason the Fender is too sacred for many to accept the high mass bridge is better in more ways than just tone which is personal anyway, I am man enough to admit that even as a MM fan boy that the G&L bridge design is better [/quote] With me, although I'm a purist when it comes to vintage basses, it's not about them being sacred, or not man enough to admit something, its quite simply that I've never had the need to change it, or even consider changing one. It does everything it's supposed to, and whilst I don't doubt for one minute that others say HM bridges improve the tone, tone is personal, and i like my basses to sound as intended, simple, But none of my BBOT's have ever shifted, bent, or anything else, tuning has never faltered. If I had experienced problems, then I can assure you, I'd be on here saying that the BBOT's are sh*te, fact is, they're not. Nothing sacred about Leo's creation, for example, the truss rod adjustment on a vintage Bass has to be the most ridiculously located thing ever, and this from a guitar inventing genius. Why did it take him decades to change the adjustment to the headstock, where it should always have been?? Personally I hate to see truss adjustments at the headstock, but thats the purist in me again , and I wouldnt touch one with a bargepole, but let's be honest, thats exactly where they should be!

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1341934612' post='1726476'] Really? Is it going to have a maple fb on maple neck and everything..? [/quote] I'm quite OCD when it comes to detail, as you'll see from some of my other Projects, most of which are for sale now, so yes. I already have most of the parts, including the maple cap neck, original '66 tuners, original '66 black, wide bevel 3 ply guard, with shield, original '66 neckplate, original '66 pots, jack & wiring, original '66 string tree, original '66 strap buttons. Original '66 Bridge is currently in negotiation I just need the body (Already spec'd and quoted, just need to get round to ordering it), pickups, and thumbrest. Getting exciting now!

[quote name='johnp352' timestamp='1341680707' post='1722722'] Hello from Chicago..new here..though this Slab P has been in the UK for a few years now. I built it as I wanted the JAE Marque thing..and got it. Sold to a guy who is in a Who tribute band in the UK. Ash body, two piece maple neck, specially wound PU from Seymour Duncan. [/quote] Very, very cool. Working on my own version as we speak.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1341902956' post='1725741'] Coming from a guy that can only afford a few really old ones! [/quote] I know...I really must get with the times!

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1341869703' post='1725533'] I have had them where the saddles move across the back plate and where the screws unwind themselves until the saddle is sitting on the skunt, whether other people have or have not even after 50 years or are in some way offended by that makes no difference to me, my basses are mine theirs are theirs as long as we are happy with our own basses it's all cool. Plus like Wayne says my Badass looks cool [/quote] Like I said, it's all about personal taste.....although you're wrong, they are anything but cool!

Amazing job, top marks, must be hard to let it go!

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1341856360' post='1725233'] can't stand them. Big old chunky ones are fine as aftermarket items. But why they would make them standard on all fenders I don't know. Also, bug bear of mine- BBOT bridges- described as flimsy. FLIMSY have you ever heard of one being bent out of shape in normal playing? criky, lets ask someone with an old one, Hey Rick's Fine... on all your vintage basses, anything bent out of shape? anything? flimsy my arse! [/quote] All my basses have the BBOT, 3 are over 55 years old, 2 are 44 years old, 2 are 30 years old, the others, well, less so. All hold tune perfectly, not a twist or bend in sight. They look right, and still work as well today as when first manufactured. Intonation on all is perfect, and I've never had to re-set any of them. Personally wouldn't touch a badass with a barge-pole, ghastly looking things. You only need two-way adjustment to set the intonation on a string, height and length, which i think, both styles of bridge offer. Never had an issue with a BBOT. I've read some people have had issues though, although personally can't imagine why? Its all about personal experience, and taste though innit?!