Si600

It depends on how you intend to fix the neck. If you're using a standard Fender pattern neck plate and woodscrews I would line up the plate so it's visually pleasing on the body, with an equal gap between it and the edge. Then mark the centres of those holes and drill a clearance hole for the screw. IMO you don't want to have the screw biting into the body, That way the threads pull the neck tight into the pocket. My opinion only, it may not be accurate. 

Then fit the neck, mark the screw holes and drill a tapping hole for the chosen screw.

If you're not using a neck plate, or using machine screws and inserts then I don't see it matters where you put them, as long as you don't hit the truss rod or come through the fingerboard 😁

Rather than shave the neck heel down, I'd open the pocket out a smidge, but that's just how I would do it.

13 minutes ago, Richard R said:

Sure looks like progress to me.

 

I can't make the bash this weekend, which is really really disappointing. For a start I'll have to make my own lunch!

The South West bash has lunch? That's luxury that is.

We had to deal with basses at the Midlands Cake and Bass Bash.

The benefit a side sound hole brings, is that when someone inevitably posts something (e.g. a cheese sandwich) into the body, you'll be able to get it out again. 

1 hour ago, Andyjr1515 said:

...and tap-tuning work :

Looks cool.

However......

The thing that really, really, really bugs me is the square corner on the bottom of the control plate by the body edge. I'd want to file that into a round corner. 

But......

It's not my bass, so whatever makes you happy is the important bit.

3 hours ago, rwillett said:

I might try and look at the site from a European based VPN and see what it looks like. 

I'm coming in from the EU, with a German SIM card and I'm also only getting Got it! as an option. I'm also getting it every single time I browse to BC.

Don't look at me, I just nails scheiß together and see what sticks 

Routing the pickup pocket: template, template and template again. Then try it on on scrap first.

Fitting the neck: are you using a neck plate? Use that to pre drill the body, I prefer clearance holes so that the neck is drawn into the body by the screws, clamp the neck in place and drill the tapping hole into the neck.

That's what I do/would do, YMMV.

Does anyone use any of the compression effects on the B3n? I'm wondering if there's one to replace my Nova Dynamics on there.

I use Rombo Origami picks. I've always gone light, 0.6 to 0.75 so they flex if I dig in too hard.

8 hours ago, Richard R said:

 

• How many clamps are realistically needed to clamp a bass neck?

All of them.

Have you a radiused clamping caul or block? I think that would be relatively important to give even pressure onto the fingerboard. 

What's the scoop under the bridge for? I would have expected a tuno-matic style to have enough adjustment not to need a cut out under it.

Edit: Just quickly gone back to check it's not some kind of tremolo unit!

Tele. The bell plate is crying out for a scratchplate.

Someone was doing stompboxes with a jigsaw puzzle connection. Individual effects that you could just puzzle together to make a board. Looked a really cool idea, with probably a price tag to match.

How sturdy is the Staffie badge? Stamping means whacking the form tool with a hammer so if it's breakable, or more likely deformable you'll only get one good image.

Soaking the leather first is a good idea.

You're not making another attempt at The World's Thinnest Curved Guitar again are you?

Could be worse, it could be tort and sunburst 🤮

It all depends on your budget, if you want second hand then try posting in items wanted and on the for sale threads in BC Marketplace. 

If you want new there are lots of websites selling bass bodies, especially such a common shape as a P.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

2 hours ago, benh said:

Decisions decisions... I already have the EMG pickups to hand, but now have a pair of second hand Aguilar DCBs and an OBP2 preamp winging it's way to me. Which to use?

One EMG and one Aguilar obvs 😁

What sort of finish?

I've got:

Matt, satin and gloss varnish

Worktop oil

Floor oil

Table wax/oil mixture

I'm thinking maybe the worktop oil in a slurry/buff fashion ala @Andyjr1515

1 hour ago, neepheid said:

 

Well, at least you've stopped me going gung-ho into Mr. T-ing the heck out of my black and gold project, thank you Sir

I pity the fool who doesn't want a Mr. T tribute bass...

After finding a drill bit that closely matches the radius of the pickup slot (6mm) very carefully mark out and drill the new corners.

Have at it once more with a chisel until....

I need to go shopping now before I can do much more, it needs neck screws and washers, jackplate and screws and strap buttons. 

Finish? Natural or rattlecan?

On 19/02/2023 at 12:55, Dom in Dorset said:

Now I have to agonize over which pair of jeans I'm going to cut up.

Get the cheapest pair you can find from a charity shop?

Can you use normal round files to cut the nut, or do I have to spend 90€ at Thomann for a proper set that will only be used once?

What sort of washers do you use on the neck screws @Andyjr1515?