Angel

Yes, making neck & body, so scope to alter. I've made templates but I can knock a new neck one up if required.

OK, so I'm captain cockup on my first bass guitar build. Despite pretty careful planning on the most part, my bridge and bridge pickup are not looking compatible. Whilst I have to take the blame, Delano had a lack of info and Schaller had what I deem as slightlymisleading info. In terms of Delano, I really wanted to use their JMVC 5 pickup, but their size diagrams on the website didn't show the pole pieces (a bit frustrating), also there is no mention of required string spacing. I was also very keen on the Schaller 3d adjustable bridge. Their info says string spacing E-A 65 - 70mm, string spacing individual 13,5 - 18,8 mm. Without putting enough thought into it (clearly!) I saw the 18.8mm and took that as the maximum string spacing, which would have been fine. What I SHOULD have looked at was the 70mm max width. The 18.8mm is actually rather pointless, you 'can' achieve that distance between two strings, but only between two, the others would be bunched up. So a rather pointless thing to include!?! Anyway, the bottom line according to my full size diagram is that the strings won't line up with the pole pieces, (see pic). I was wondering if anyone thinks I could get away with this, or do I need a wider spaced bridge? Anyone need a Schaller 3D 5?

er .... no they don't! They have very limited success in certain situations ....

I bought a Schaller 3d bridge, and it has turned up with a 3mm base plate that fits underneath. I'm presuming thats it's just a quick one-size-fits-all height adjustment? No info in the box or on the website.

Boo hoo. Man-child sacks the band he is in although he doesn't own the band (the wall, final cut). Man-child tries to take his ball home when the other kids still want to play with it. Judge gives the ball to the other kids. Man-child complains when the others won't let him play with the ball 30 years later.

Thanks for the replies.

having built 5 electric guitars now I thought I'd have a go at making a bass. The thing is, I know a fair bit about guitars, I don't know much about basses. I like modern bass sounds so I was thinking of trying to get some active pickups, but I'm a bit lost with knowing what one needs. With active pickups does one also need to be getting some sort of preamp? Could you get passive pickups and add an active preamp?

OK, thanks. Something to think about

I can get my head around how that would work as the EMG have special pots, so how would you connect to the J Retro?

Actually, on reflection the EMG route might be the easiest option. I don't need to use the J Retro, it's in another bass at the moment. Thanks for that thought!

I was hoping to avoid active pickups as I'm using the J retro.

It's an idea, but I'm making the body and neck from scratch, I've already created templates!

Thanks for the suggestions but they are all 4 string!

It's a real beauty. I love the aged Sandbergs.

Having made 5 electric guitars, I figured that I'd have a go at a 5 string bass. I want to have a P/J setup but I'm not having much luck finding a set that isn't megabucks. I was just wondering if anyone has any recommendations - preferably not too expensive! I'm thinking passive as I plan to install a J-Retro 01 that I have had for some years.

Wow, so many lovely guitars in this thread!

Alarming lack of pictures in this thread. Just sayin ...

I have a LOT of guitars, but these are my faves, all hand built by me. Numero uno is the Strat.

I don't suppose you are thinking of selling your one?

I see your point, but if I go bust on budget before finishing I have no bass!