Shambo

Some more 2nd hand parts turned up courtesy of the good sellers of Basschat; a whole set of 2014 Fender USA Standard pups and loom and a 2014 Mex neck and tuners. I really wanted a maple neck but they are in short supply here in the UK, (£250 for a new Mex one and I couldn't find any after-market finished ones in stock). Anybody reading this who has a maple boarded Fender P neck stashed unloved in a cupboard could drop me a PM for a sale or trade maybe. The Ki0gon loom won't go into this build now, but go into my 50's CV Precision instead. Everything lined up nicely so I drilled for the straplocks and bridge. I'll leave the pickguard holes until I can fit the neck and make any minor adjustments, (neckplate and screws are in the post and should turn up next week whilst I'm out of town). The bit of white tape on the bit is the depth I drilled to. [url="http://s756.photobucket.com/user/Shambo/media/Natural%20Bitsa%20Precision%20Build/IMG_2247.jpg.html"][/url] I moved back to 240 grit for some sanding, especially on the forearm cut-out, and thought it wouldn't do any harm to go over the whole body again. Then I moved back to the 400 grit and went over the whole body again. It was finished marble like in texture but I don't know if it was enough, I can still see imperfections in the grain close up. It's a learning experience though and a bit of fun. [url="http://s756.photobucket.com/user/Shambo/media/Natural%20Bitsa%20Precision%20Build/IMG_2248.jpg.html"][/url] As I'm going to be away in Turin all next week, I was keen to give it a first coat of lacquer. I set up this not entirely satisfactory jig to hold the body whilst I sprayed, but it made it difficult to get between the horns. Not the end of the world, I'll be sanding it between coats. Next time I shall simply hang it from the washing line with a bit of strong garden wire whilst I spray. [url="http://s756.photobucket.com/user/Shambo/media/Natural%20Bitsa%20Precision%20Build/IMG_2249.jpg.html"][/url] I would have liked to have given it another coat before the end of today but it's started to rain a little in Plymouth... unsurprisingly.

Bought some P pups of Jon in a quick, friendly transaction. Nice one Jon

Bought a neck of Alan and I'm adding to the chorus of approval. The packaging was even better than mine, and that's saying something. The deal was completed and dispatched double quick. Thanks Alan.

[quote name='JPJ' timestamp='1485984751' post='3228342'] Without wishing to sound negative, I'd recommend a good quality filter face mask with the right filters for nitro, and spraying in a well ventilated space. In my experience, nitro is also pretty temperature sensitive and if it gets too cold whilst still flashing off it can go milky. [/quote] Not negative at all. I've already got the face mask and was planning to spray in my back yard... when this interminable Plymouth rain lets up. [quote name='Norris' timestamp='1485986691' post='3228375'] I'd drill before the lacquer so you can check everything fits while "dry". I think you need to invest in a set of drill bits. Good luck Edit: And measure twice, three times before you drill [/quote] Yes, good point about the dry run. I've been out and bought some 2mm &1.5mm drill bits. I do have a reasonably good toolbox already and I like making things. Most recently it's been scale models for my architecture degree. [quote name='Jabba_the_gut' timestamp='1485987749' post='3228389'] Good advice from both JPJ and Norris!! You can never measure enough times.... Looks like it should be a nice build. There's a Bartolini p bass pup in the for sale section if that's the sort of thing you're looking for. Cheers [/quote] Thanks, I just noticed the bart pup, I've been checking the 'other musical' forum every few hours for juicy second hand bits... for the last couple of months. I have no idea about Bartolini's though. Never tried them and never heard them. They don't look very traditional though and this is a very boring traditional first build. I'll do some research and have a think. I'm intrigued to hear how my £3.05 pickup is going to sound. So I gave the body a 400 grit sanding today and it was very revealing to me. Last week I was timber framing a small outhouse so I didn't really get the chance to be so up close and involved with things like wood grain. I was happy to go with the alder body because I'd read that the tight grain wouldn't need filling before spraying. As I began sanding, the more I noticed the imperfections in the wood... still a tight grain but there's one particular area that isn't going marble smooth, in the forearm cutout the grain is very prominent and I'm considering buying some grain filler... or not, just or the learning experience. [url="http://s756.photobucket.com/user/Shambo/media/Natural%20Bitsa%20Precision%20Build/IMG_2103.jpg.html"][/url] But for the most part it's coming up a treat. [url="http://s756.photobucket.com/user/Shambo/media/Natural%20Bitsa%20Precision%20Build/IMG_2102.jpg.html"][/url] Any and all constructive input is welcomed.

Seems I've got the camera out, here's some of the other parts I've acquired: Schaller straplocks bought off the forum 2nd hand Gotoh 203 bridge new off Ebay Pickguard & screws off Ebay Ki0gon loom bought off the very man from this forum I purchased a generic p-bass pickup off Ebay which is winging it's way from China for the princely sum of £3.05 inc postage. This is a placeholder whilst I wait for something better to appear second hand. Neck and tuners bought last night are in the post. All that's missing is a neckplate and screws. [url="http://s756.photobucket.com/user/Shambo/media/Natural%20Bitsa%20Precision%20Build/IMG_2101.jpg.html"][/url]

... and by urge to drill the holes for the straplocks and bridge have been assuaged by the realisation that my thinnest wood drill bit is a chunky 4mm. That's fine for the paint stick which I'll temporarily attach with some nuts & bolts, (which are also too fat for the neck holes so it's off to the hardware store I go). The nitro just arrived, minus the fine wet & dry sandpaper I ordered from the same supplier. Hopefully that'll turn up in the mail soon. [URL=http://s756.photobucket.com/user/Shambo/media/Natural%20Bitsa%20Precision%20Build/IMG_2100.jpg.html][IMG]http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/xx208/Shambo/Natural%20Bitsa%20Precision%20Build/IMG_2100.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

I've been acquiring bits over the last few weeks and, what with my purchase of a Mex Fender neck last night, and the imminent arrival of some clear nitro spray today, I thought I'd better crack on. As I wait for the delivery man, I'm giving the body another sanding and wondering, is it the done thing to drill holes, (for the Gotoh bridge and such), before the first application of lacquer or drill when its finished? I've got the drill out to make holes in the stick I'm attaching to the neck pocket whilst do the finishing and resisting the urge.

So, after my bellyaching about not being able to find a natural precision, I figured I'd build a precision from bits instead. It started with spotting an alder body on eBay with a nice grain, (apart from a splodge which will be mostly hidden behind the pickguard. 2.48kg, two pieces. [url="http://s756.photobucket.com/user/Shambo/media/Natural%20Bitsa%20Precision%20Build/IMG_2098.jpg.html"][/url] [url="http://s756.photobucket.com/user/Shambo/media/Natural%20Bitsa%20Precision%20Build/IMG_2099.jpg.html"][/url]

Perhaps in the distant future, if you want to buy a mid to late twenties Fender, the most synonymous and desirable colour will be olive green.

Another recommendation for Graeme. Many thanks.

Genuine vintage mojo. The real deal. Looks like a scrap of wood. Yours for the low low price of only $29.95 + PP [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VINTAGE-1960s-FENDER-NECK-SHIM-STRATOCASTER-TELECASTER-PRECISION-JAZZ-JAZZMASTER-/282334890243?hash=item41bc788903:g:FaYAAOSw65FXviS6"]http://www.ebay.co.u...aYAAOSw65FXviS6[/url]

It's 'Believe' by Cher. For spawning a million sh*tty songs whose hook is over processed vocals.

Those Shukers' are very lovely but too posh for my simple needs. Too pristine, to perfect, too pricey and I'm too poor. I've just bought an unfinished alder P body of Neil Haynes on ebay. Nice enough grain for alder, but a bit on the heavy side. The darker 'splodge' in the grain will mostly live under the pickguard. [attachment=236231:IMG_2076.JPG] I need to have a think about how I'm going to finish it. As 70's Fenders were wrapped air tight in poly finish, I'm not sure I want to go down that route, although I like the glossy look. I like the idea of it getting slowly lighter in weight as the years pass by. And the last thing I spray canned was a tatty old BMX in the eighties, and that looked terrible.

I was a bit surprised to receive this email promo as well. It didn't exactly ruin my day but I don't understand why, as someone who has opted out of receiving such emails, this particular offer was so special? Not that I want to piss on anybody's chips but I mean:[list] [*]It's in London. [*]It sounds sh#t. [*]Coffee table porn. [*]Bass 'heroes' my arse. [*]Nerd worship more like, roflz, lulz, etc. [*]I'm not going to a bass guitar show ever. [*]Probably a cure for not having a headache. [/list] All unsolicited promotional messages can expect to receive the same negativity from me, by virtue of the fact they are unsolicited. I can't help it. If somebody turned up on my doorstep trying to flog fire extinguishers, whilst my kitchen was fully ablaze, I'd tell 'em to f@ck right off! How very dare the OP ask this question! They don't seem particularly upset though.

Yet another satisfied customer. Thanks John.

[quote name='andydye' timestamp='1484603712' post='3216817'] This sort of thing... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/276145-shuker-p-bass-78-clone/page__view__findpost__p__2982411"]http://basschat.co.u...ost__p__2982411[/url] [/quote] Handsome.

[quote name='dood' timestamp='1484595618' post='3216695'] I've just put my order in with the exceptional Jon Shuker of ShukerGuitars.co.uk as I have a 70's neck that needs mating with a body. The 'John Deacon' tribute (80-85 period) will be coming together courtesy of the fine hands of Jon. Alder, natural and a quality finish that will allow the body to resonate! [/quote] I'd love to see a thread about this! I've just bought an unfinished alder body.

I prefer passive because I want less to fiddle with. Active is a bit of a distraction for me, plus I get to leave my bass plugged in. I don't dislike active and I didn't notice any apparent dislike for it.

[quote name='Chaddy' timestamp='1484400009' post='3215205'] I would instead just buy a body ready made due to the pricing of such a job - but thats just what I would do [/quote] Easier said than done, unless you want to import a Warmoth from the USA. Inspired by this thread, I've just bought a nice looking unfinished alder P body off ebay. Now I need to see what turns up and then decide what to do with it.

Butter Scotch Blonde refers to the classic Fender body finish. I was hoping you were going to get the body stripped and refinished so you could share with us where, when and how (much it cost), to get such work done in the UK. I'm interested myself in who might undertake such work for me, (for a natural poly finish with maybe a vintage tint, 70's style).

[size=3][b][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][url="http://basschat.co.uk/user/7835-kiogon/"]KiOgon[/url] of this very forum will sell you a quality wiring loom if you message him. Many people here are happy to vouch for his work.[/font][/b][/size] [size=3][b][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Whats BSB? Butter Scotch Blonde?[/font][/b][/size]

I can set up my bass myself but I also like the idea of giving it to a professional and just telling them how I want it. If I do it myself then the tweaking can continue ad-infinitum. Up a bit, down a bit, left a bit right a bit, etc... Hand me a well set up bass and I'm pleased to leave it as is. The last pro set up (no mods) I paid for cost me £40, but I was less than impressed with it.