STU-SBL

[quote name='squire5' post='1350328' date='Aug 24 2011, 03:08 PM']I presume nickels are better than stainless,as they're a bit dearer,but I'm not sure soundwise.Any pointers?[/quote]


I use Nickels and feel they aren't as hard on my fingers - but that's what I've been using for over 10 years.

Stainless stay brighter longer, but playing style, sweat etc can influence that.

If you're looking to try the OW's go for the Nickels. I have a light set on my 6 and they're very balanced.

Stu

Unless specified string sets should contain the same gauge strings in the 4 set as they do in the 6.

_ [b]E A D G[/b]
B [b]E A D G[/b]
B [b]E A D G[/b] C

It's a good question to ask though, as some 6 / 7 sets can be different to equivalent 4 /5 sets.

Overwater have full gauge information online as an example.

[b][url="http://overwaterbasses.com/shop-2/bass-strings/#string_gauges"]Overwater String Gauges[/url]
[/b]

Stu

p.s custom sets are available

Hi Matthew,

If you are after Roto's I'd get an actual length measurement from them and check against your bass.

Speaking from personal experience our strings come in 2 lengths:

[b]Long:[/b] Suitable for 34 - 35 inch scale basses. They are perfect fit for 35 inch and fit 34 inch without fouling the string post.

[b]Extra Long:[/b] Designed for 36 inch scale lengths (as found on some of our basses) and basses with through body stringing.

[url="http://overwaterbasses.com/shop-2/bass-strings/"]Overwater Strings [/url]

As BigRedX has said, it's best to measure first rather than rely on manufactures naming conventions

If you need any help message me.

Stu

[quote name='JPJ' post='1337346' date='Aug 12 2011, 10:37 AM']"True, but I suppose that depends on how many times the jig is used?"[/quote]

With something like a vintage Jazz shape lots


[quote name='JPJ' post='1337346' date='Aug 12 2011, 10:37 AM']Not at all, and given the skill and amount of time that can go into developing the CNC programme to cut those lovely curves means that for me, CNC doesnt detract from the 'artisan' aspect.[/quote]

I agree. There's a whole new level of skill required to make the machinery work - not to mention the time it takes to learn how to do do all the clever things you can do with a CNC.

I'm looking forward to see how this project turns out. Unlike my other basses, this one doesn't have a rigid spec sheet!

Stu

[quote name='henry norton' post='1336420' date='Aug 11 2011, 01:57 PM']I'd have a CNC like that one if I had the space, but if I had a platen that size I'd be doing 4 bodies at a time![/quote]

[quote name='JPJ' post='1336384' date='Aug 11 2011, 01:28 PM']In truth though, given that you can achieve results just as good with a hand router and good templates/jigs, I can only imagine that this is a worthwhile investment if your: a) going to make a lot of guitars or basses; or have another use in mind (fine furniture etc).[/quote]


I think consistency and time saving are the number one use of a CNC in guitars / bass production. While no two instruments will be exactly alike, making sure that everything fits before hand tooling is employed is vital - of course this, as you have rightly said can be achieved equally with jigs and a hand router, However jigs do wear out and I know this to be a big problem at times.

For me, this build is not solely about the use of CNC. I know many builders shy away from publicising it's use as the term handmade, artisan etc can soon be watered down if their process is aided by a computer.

I love the fact that I can see the bass before the first plunge of the router has been made. I am a designer by trade and as I mentioned in a previous post, would love to build musical instruments - but realised that I was best equipped to stay on the design side and leave the pointy, potentially deadly things alone.

Because of this I want to document the use of CAD, CNC and traditional hand-tooling in the process of realising my design ideas and aspirations for a traditional, familiar bass guitar.

I would urge anyone interested to take a look at Haydn's site to see the use of CNC and traditional hand tooling.

[url="http://www.williamsguitars.co.uk"]Williams Guitars[/url]

I hope this doesn't sound like a soap box rant I appreciate all input and will give my honest opinion throughout the process.

Stu

I have no idea Mikeg... I imagine building your own is more cost effective than purchasing one from a 3rd party - assuming you have the time and skill. I know I'd struggle

Haydn was talking about registering here. I'll try and persuade him to chip in from time to time.

Stu

[quote name='owen' post='1335731' date='Aug 10 2011, 09:30 PM']That's proper nuts. I am loving it.[/quote]

It is

While CNC use in guitar building is nothing new, this application is 100% homegrown and designed for the job!

In some of the shots you can see the white base board - this holds the blank in place via suction - I made that one for the job it was like Blue Peter.

The neck construction is going to be a little different. Not your usual J neck, but definitely vintage inspired.

Demo of Haydn's CNC cutting guitar body - new videos coming soon

[quote name='JPJ' post='1335118' date='Aug 10 2011, 02:54 PM']Ooh, fascinating! Looking forward to more photos and the video. Nice piece of swamp ash btw.[/quote]

It certainly is an impressive piece of machinery. There are a couple of videos of Haydns CNC in action already - I'll try and get permission to use them here until I have mine finished.

Haydn's also done a fair bit of work for a number of other guitar builders and manufacturers - some you will know.

Stu

Hi guys,

I thought I'd document the progress of my latest custom bass guitar.

If you're not already familiar with Haydn Williams, take a look at his web site [url="http://williamsguitars.co.uk"]Williams Guitars [/url]

Haydn has been the driving force behind the production of Overwater Bass Guitars for majority of the last 20 years and in this time he has developed into a very knowledgeable and talented guitar builder. Through my association with Overwater I developed a good friendship with Haydn and he has been involved in the production of all my basses, including guidance and help (lots) on the fretless J5 that my brother built while at Overwater.

Haydn has built a reputation in the UK as a top Acoustic and Electric guitar builder. His attention to detail and scarily high personal standards have produced some amazing instrument, most recently a number of electric guitars which are currently out for professional review.

Take a look at his work and a recent build diary: [url="http://williamsguitars.co.uk/news/"]Evo Pro Build Diary[/url]

Adding to his knowledge and skill with guitars, Haydn is also a talented and resourceful engineer; having built his own CNC machine. This is where the project begins!

I have played guitar and bass for almost 20 years now and while I am lucky to have a number of top end instruments (and plenty of other nice basses along the way) I am drawn to the building and design side. While I could pick up the tools required and have a go, I'd rather leave it to those who have the skill and patience required to turn ideas into playable instruments - not just pieces of interesting looking wood.

Therefore, last week I went along to Haydn's workshop and we spent time turning a two piece Ash blank into something resembling a Jazz bass body.

I'll update details, photos etc as it progresses. For now here are a few pictures of the CNC process. I also have video footage that I plan to post when edited.

[b]Rough Spec:[/b]

[b]Body:[/b] 2 Piece Swamp Ash
[b]Neck :[/b] 1 Piece Figured Maple
[b]Board:[/b] Maple (Blocks)
[b]Machines:[/b] Hipshot Ultralite
[b]Bridge:[/b] Hipshot Style A
[b]Electronics:[/b] J Retro Deluxe
[b]Pickups:[/b] Wizard 64

I imagine bits and pieces will change as we work on the bass... so don't hold me to the spec above

UPDATE: Go to [b][url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/149983-hj-williams-5-string-jazz-bass/page__st__20"]page 2[/url][/b] for up to date pictures of the build.

Don't think I've posted these for a while...

Just a reminder for those who have yet to follow us on Twitter or Like our Facebook page - we're giving away a box of strings to one lucky recipient!

Closing date is Midnight Sunday 31st July 2011

[url="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Overwater-Basses/325141415745"]Facebook[/url]

[url="http://twitter.com/overwaterbasses"]Twitter[/url]

[quote name='icastle' post='1317314' date='Jul 26 2011, 04:59 PM']I have a 17W Antex iron that I've had for donkeys years and it works just fine.[/quote]

Agreed

I have a 25w Antex iron which I use for all my guitar / bass related soldering jobs and it's fine. End of the day even for a simple job like this take your time, keep your tip clean, protect your instrument and let the soldering iron get up to temperature!

You can get temperature controlled irons but they are more expensive (especially the good ones )

The model advertised is the 'DJ' or Daryl Jones which means it has the offset plate as featured on the Lakland model bearing the same name.

It is identical to the J-Retro 01 but would need to be mounted on a standard bell plate (2 holes would be needed for the switches). I would also recommend measuring the cavity on the Squier to make sure it will simply drop in, unless you are happy to modify if needed.

The seller will probably tell you the same, but I thought I'd chip in

Stu

PM'd

Hi guys,

The old site literally was falling to bits. This had to be taken down at short notice and a new site built in its place. While its a start, we're not finished and content will be added daily.

I've taken 1000's of photos over the years and will be adding some of the best over the coming months, drip feeding the site with new content each week.

Strings are available to buy direct - the entire string range was looked at and at the same time new packaging designed. If you give us a call (01228 590 591) we can sort out your string needs. A new online shop is also coming soon, although has fallen behind due to the need of a new main site.

We hope you can bare with us as we continue to unpack.

Stu

P.S Thanks for the typo spot - there will be more. Lots of late nights and copy and paste tends to cause this

[quote name='pantherairsoft' post='1266092' date='Jun 12 2011, 02:22 PM']Stu,

Are you guys still selling strings direct? I emailed Lawrence about 10 days back, then the main Overwater address late last week but have not heard anything...

Shep[/quote]

PM sent your way.

We're still selling strings

We removed them from the old site as we we're redesigning the packaging and modifying the string range slightly. Strings can still be bought direct from OW HQ (01228 590 591) or email: info(@)overwaterbasses.com.

Stu

[quote name='waynepunkdude' post='1266063' date='Jun 12 2011, 01:55 PM']Simple yet genius.[/quote]

Thanks for the reply.

Get liking and/or Following for your chance to receive a free box of Overwater Strings (they now come in 'StayFresh' cardboard boxes for easy storage)

Stu

Hi,

We're currently rebuilding the Overwater website, but in the meantime we're on Facebook and Twitter.

While I know some of you may not have access to either, we'd like to ask anyone who may be interested in what's going on at OW HQ to [color="#4169E1"][url="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Overwater-Basses/325141415745"]'Like' Overwater [/url][/color] or [color="#4169E1"][url="http://twitter.com/overwaterbasses"]'Follow' Overwater[/url][/color] and in return we're giving away a box of strings.

Simply Like or Follow us before the [b]31st of July 2011[/b] and we'll pick (at random) one lucky individual to receive a box of Overwater Strings (6 Packets) Please see [b][url="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Overwater-Basses/325141415745"]T&C's[/url][/b] for details.

Just to add. I've played this bass numerous times and it's great 'simple is, as simple does'... and this bass does it well!

Nice weight (although I'm big and make everything look little) lovely sound and a pleasure to play - if I didn't already have a few and my eye on a new build I'd be taking this off Mr Lee, as its a great all round bass.

Stu

[quote name='yorks5stringer' post='1186192' date='Apr 2 2011, 08:55 PM']Never seen a 6 string bass so small, and with a whammy bar too![/quote]

hmmm...

Here's a 6 Sting 'Bass' to even things up. Note the Holly Pickups covers done on Haydn's CNC (he built my bass at Overwater)

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='1185627' date='Apr 2 2011, 10:30 AM']Is the finish by Dave 'Banger' Wilson?[/quote]

As far as I am aware Haydn Does all of his own colour and spraying work, including the rather fetching tiger eye finished guitar on his site. ... that's not to say Dave has never finished a 'Williams' as I know they are friends and former colleagues.

Stu

Hi,

Thought you guys might be interested in taking a look at Haydn Williams new site.

Haydn is a good friend of mine as well as the head builder at Overwater Basses. He also build electric and acoustic guitars and basses under his own name 'H J Williams' and although he's rather modest I do not know a man with more knowledge of instrument building, wood, and problem solving!... he also knows a hell of a lot about CNC and built one himself.

Some of you will know Haydn and his considerable skill and talent.

Take a look at his work at [b][url="http://www.williamsguitars.co.uk"]Williams Guitars[/url][/b] Feel free to leave him a comment

Afternoon guys,

Its great to see that the basses have started to reach customers and that you're already reviewing them!

We (Overwater) appreciate that there has been a lot of talk about the new Aspiration series and at times information has been a little bit slow coming through. However, the basses are here and we will be getting a definitive list of dealers together ASAP. There should be an Aspiration bass dealer close to most players!

I'm going to create a guide to explain the EQ and what the trims pots do . This will be available to downlaod as a PDF on the Overwater site by the end of next week. In the meantime, if you have any questions email the Laurence or Chris via the OW website. They are busy at the moment, but will get back to you as soon as they can.

Alternatively send me a message here. I can provide you with full details, images etc or help with any issues you may have.

Thanks

Stu