Bass Culture

It's been a few weeks but the ball is starting to roll now and we have some wood shots. Early days but they should give an idea of the how the woods will work together. First up we have the body wood. After deciding on Idigbo initially Mike pulled it out to start work only to find it wasn't good enough quality. We discussed hin sourcing some new stock but he also mentioned he also had some nice swamp ash in his store too, so this is what we went with: [URL=http://s120.photobucket.com/user/Myrtle2014/media/Zoot%20Custom/Mark%20Newman%20Zoot%20Swamp%20ash%20main%20body%20blank%20%20rear%20veiw_zpsylov9na1.jpg.html][IMG]http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o168/Myrtle2014/Zoot%20Custom/Mark%20Newman%20Zoot%20Swamp%20ash%20main%20body%20blank%20%20rear%20veiw_zpsylov9na1.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Already quite chuffed with this Mike also sent me a picture of the top wood, which we thought had [i]some[/i] figuring but nothing like as much as came up when he gave it a wipe over with some white spirit: [URL=http://s120.photobucket.com/user/Myrtle2014/media/Zoot%20Custom/Mark%20Newman%20Bookmatched%20top2_zpsqyfppimx.jpg.html][IMG]http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o168/Myrtle2014/Zoot%20Custom/Mark%20Newman%20Bookmatched%20top2_zpsqyfppimx.jpg[/IMG][/URL] The neck was originally going to be one piece maple but Mike offered up some stringers for a laminated neck as he felt a bit gutted about the idigbo not being up to scratch - result! It's going to be a five piece laminate of maple and Blue Jarra now. I know nothing about Blue Jarra but Mike assures me it's much more nicely figured than it looks in the shot here: [URL=http://s120.photobucket.com/user/Myrtle2014/media/Zoot%20Custom/Mark%20Newman%20neck%20blank2_zpsnos8i97m.jpg.html][IMG]http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o168/Myrtle2014/Zoot%20Custom/Mark%20Newman%20neck%20blank2_zpsnos8i97m.jpg[/IMG][/URL] The build started as a cost conscious 'workhorse' passive bass but some lucky accidents have meant it's taken a much more up market turn, which I'm getting very excited about. There's a photo of the top wood being bound to the body too which I don't seem to be able to upload. Definitely starting to look bass shaped now though.

Hmm, interesting. I'll be running them with a TC RH750 - omitted that vital bit of information!

I currently own a Barefaced BB2 which I'm very happy with and was thinking of adding a One 10 just for the convenience of transporting to rehearsals (both full and in-house, vocal rehearsals etc.) and was wondering how they work together if I were to use both for larger gigs. Anyone used both together? I don't find the BB2 lacks anything but I was simply wondering whether the One 10 would bring anything else to the party if paired with it. Thanks, BC.

[quote name='RichardH' timestamp='1458721314' post='3010085'] Look forward to seeing some pics soon! Sorry if I caused inadvertent Zoot GAS! [/quote] Resurrected it really!

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]I've come to this commission rather circuitously. After being caught in the Maruszczyk-related buzz I ordered a passive Jake with a 32" scale, I took delivery of it and was immediately taken with it as an alternative to my ACG custom. I really liked the warmer, less hi-fi tones and knew it would complement the ACG really nicely. Through a quirk of timing though it wad delivered not long before I caught up with RichardH's lightweight Zoot Build Diary. There's been a few Zoot's have passed through my hands over the years and I made quite a few visits to The Bass Merchant when Mike had the shop in Witham. I'd always thought about asking Mike to build me a bass but had thought this was a pipe dream as Mike had slipped off the radar a bit in recent years. When I saw Richard's thread though I thought I'd better strike while the iron was hot and before Mike got too inundated with work! We arranged a visit at the end of February and agreed the following spec between us.[/font] [color=#000000] [u]Neck detail:[/u][/color] [color=#000000] Canadian rock maple neck. [/color][color=#000000] Ebony finger board with side dots[/color][color=#000000] Soft 'V' profile[/color][color=#000000] 38mm bone nut[/color][color=#000000] Dutch medium/heavy fret wire[/color][color=#000000] 16" radius to board.[/color][color=#000000] 22 frets[/color][color=#000000] Bi-flex (two way) truss rod adjustable body end.[/color][color=#000000] Hipshot black string retainer[/color][color=#000000] Hipshot 'Ultralite' machine heads in black[/color][color=#000000] Satin finish to back of neck[/color][color=#000000] Hi-gloss finish to face of headstock.[/color] [color=#000000] [u]Body detail:[/u][/color] [color=#000000] Idigbo Zoot body with figured maple book matched cap.[/color][color=#000000] Ebony veneer dividing line.[/color][color=#000000] Standard Zoot body contours.[/color][color=#000000] Hi-gloss finish with washed out Amber trans' tint with edge detail.[/color][color=#000000] ABM bridge[/color][color=#000000] Aguilar standard P pickup in neck position.[/color][color=#000000] Aguilar H/B soap bar in bridge postion.[/color][color=#000000] 2 X tone controls[/color][color=#000000] 1 X Master volume[/color][color=#000000] 1 X blend control (special taper) [/color][color=#000000] 1 X mini switch for H/B soap bar.[/color][color=#000000] Schaller strap locks in black[/color][color=#000000] All other hardware to be black [/color] [color=#000000] [size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]He's got another couple of commissions on at present but has quoted a very reasonable build time so I'd expect to see some progress and post some pictures in the next few weeks. Watch this space for further 'Return of the Zoot'-type updates![/font][/size][/color]

That's fabulous, Rich. I've been wanting Mike to build me a bass for years. I've owned a Performer, a custom fretless and a fretted four over the years, all of which were terrific. I'm really pleased to hear he's starting to put himself out there a bit more after several years of virtual invisibility.

[quote name='LewisK1975' timestamp='1453476841' post='2959856'] I've been GAS'ing for an RH750 for some time now......The feature set is amazing and from what I've heard, they sound pretty darn good! [/quote] And they've come down in price. The RH750 I bought at the beginning of last year cost me quite a lot less than the RH450 I'd bought (and sold after a couple of years) about 5/6 years previous!

Oooh, email from Adrian today. I have some Maruszczyk-shaped loveliness winging its way over for delivery on Thursday. Hurrah!

Early years: The Bewlay Brothers; Middle years: DJ; Later years (I'm stretching this a bit): Jump They Say. There again, I could compile about 20 versions of that list with no duplications at all. I mean, just how does one man write so many brilliant songs?!

Oooh, just had an email from Adrian saying my Jake will be sent out next week. Just got to pay him now!

[quote name='cocco' timestamp='1452081122' post='2946138'] I cant wait for mine to turn up now. I reckon I've got about another month to wait [/quote] Adrian told me 'early January' for mine before Christmas, so I'm just trying to contain myself for another week or however long it takes.

I had a RH450 originally, then moved it on (as we do), only to come back to a RH750 earlier this year (bought new for about £150 less than the 450 seven years earlier! ). The RH750 replaced a Reidmar and has cured any amp-related GAS for me. I love the convenience of the feature set - the on-board tuner, tubetone and excellent compressor - and the three pre-sets. I know the whole 'TC watts' thing put some people off but, for my money, the RH amps are still some of the best D class amps out there, with a lot of very sensible, gig-friendly features and no window dressing ones. The 750 is flexible and loud too - loud as I'll ever need anyway. I like mine a lot...mind you, I've never played through a [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif] [/font][/color][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Tecamp PUMA 500 into a SansAmp paradriver! [/font][/color]

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1449003647' post='2920050'] Oof... I wouldn't like to guess. It feels fairly standard if that helps? [/quote] No matter - it'll be all the more exciting when it appears! Enjoy yours.

WoT - what's the radius of the fingerboard? I'm awaiting mine for delivery towards the end of January but I never thought to check the radius before I pulled the trigger. Unless it's silly tight it won't be a problem but I do prefer something over 12" usually.

[quote name='steve-soar' timestamp='1447702391' post='2909672'] HEY, Mr CULTURE, CAN I COME ROUND AND TRY IT OUT? [/quote] Absolutely you can, Steve. Good to hear from too, my friend. Adrian estimates a 10 week build so I guess I'm looking towards the end of January. If I haven't contacted you beforehand just shoot me a PM. Pip pip! Mark

And, of course, this all started from one of those 'I really need a P-type bass' thought processes...

I blame you lot! Been reading this thread for a couple of weeks and have today succumbed and put down a deposit on a 32" scale Jake 4p + in a natural finish and no pickguard. Control cavity round the back so it should look something like this: [URL=http://s120.photobucket.com/user/Myrtle2014/media/_MG_6145_zpsbf5qtlv7.jpg.html][IMG]http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o168/Myrtle2014/_MG_6145_zpsbf5qtlv7.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Except it's going to have a 38mm nut and 17mm string spacing so have had to go with monorail bridge units. You are naughty, bad people, all of you!

Aidan's just bought my Tanglewater Classic J off me and it was entirely hassle-free transaction. We agreed a couple of payments and the second one turned up two days ahead of schedule. Terrific communications too - you can deal with him with absolute confidence. Top guy...and top avatar too.