SpondonBassed

I am still gathering parts for my scratch build but in the meantime I have found myself in possession of enough spares to build a bitsa. My request for unwanted bass bits resulted in several members giving me stuff free and in some cases it was free of postage too. I've got some goodies stashed away for the big build but I also have extra bits of hardware that lend themselves to side projects. Most recently, @Shepster8316 kindly brought me some parts as in the photos he sent me below; What Paul had sent me was essentially an Encore P bass minus neck with hardware stripped out and the body and neck of a Yamaha BB1100s with hardware stripped out. The Yamaha body had suffered a whack that damaged the thin wood over the control cavity. Rather than try to make an invisible repair I'd probably put a plate over it and make it a feature at some point. The Yamaha neck fits the Encore neck pocket though. It is a slightly loose fit but not bad. The Encore body is very heavy but I am happy enough about that. I may put a piece of veneer in to tighten it up with a little fitting to make it snug. I am even considering doing the Billy Sheehan thing and putting in two draw bolts to pull the neck into the body as well as the standard fixings. The bridge will be moved inboard by about three quarters of an inch because of the slightly longer neck. Interestingly the two basses have the same bridge design so I picked the better of the two, the Yamaha. Tuners from the Encore will fit the Yamaha neck. The Encore pickup should be okay as is and I have a control loom in the spares I mentioned at the top of this post. I just need a pickguard. The parts are used and have a good patina. The body has some dings and scratches but nowt serious. Some of the screw shanks have stayed behind after the heads were sheared off. I am not one for relicing but I see no reason not to build this without refinishing as the wear is genuine and it is a bitsa. Just a mock-up photo; Should be a laugh...

Much as I like Andy's work, I wouldn't feel compelled to nail his backsides to a wall.

Welcome Todd.

Welcome AD.

The two band (and the three band modelled upon it) had assymetric boost and cut for bass and treble so the detent wouldn't be at the centre anyway.

Welcome Chef.

Plus one for the John East four knob pre. I have a Ray34, courtesy of @Dov65, with a Nordstrand 4.2 and the East pre. It has a beautiful voice. From the low and growly to the upper harmonics, it sounds enormous. I love the mid sweep.

Miracle Clackers all 'round then.

Paul contacted me after seeing my wanted ad for bass parts. He had two bodies, a neck and two lots of assorted hardware for free. He very kindly delivered free of charge. We had a great chat on the doorstep too. Top fella.

Welcome to the forum Oscar. I've had Newtone make a set of Double Ball End (DBE) strings for me.

You might find that everything is about three frets to the left... it's like that hanging on the strap though. I got used to it a few years ago but I've since gone back to more traditionally styled bodies.

Great hat!

Welcome Paul.

Gibson. All of it.

Welcome Rich.

Welcome Thomas.

I must thank Dave for his generosity. He wrote a little while ago saying that he had a few more "bits" for my spares drawer. I was delighted to accept. This time he refused any sort of contribution to postage or charitable causes. He's only sent me a Musicman Stingray in a Musicman gigbag! It's in top condition. All I had to do was put in a fresh battery and tune up. It's been upgraded with a Nordstrand pup and an East pre-amp. It's got Dunlop strap locks and Hip-shot tuners. It sounds flipping brilliant! Many thanks Dave, I'm chuffed to bits.

I love this.

Welcome Malcolm (again).

You need to loosen your loincloth...

Yes?

Then that's factually incorrect also as aircraft never have wings of steel. It's far too heavy. Maybe that's why you only seem to crawl?

Have you got a mouse in your kitchen?

Our chiropodist uses one.