Mykesbass

1999 Crossroads gig - Nathan East.

I really enjoyed the orchestration, but thought the singers struggled (seemed under-rehearsed, and struggled to deal with the re-working of the songs). Yes, Marc Almond was a car crash, I think I even saw some horrified looks from the musicians trying to keep with his timing (or lack of). But overall, really glad this happened, and will watch again on iplayer.

I froze the video and although the quality was very poor there was a hint of Aria Pro to the headstock.

Another stunning job Andy - love watching your builds.

May be worth contacting Oli Foxen, think he is still active on here or try Facebook and search Ampstack

Fabulous job, love it.

[quote name='AndyTravis' timestamp='1469368115' post='3097730'] https://instagram.com/p/BIPuBqqgZ0j/ Do we know why you'd do that? [/quote] Classy!

[quote name='Oscar South' timestamp='1469273404' post='3097092'] Thanks! Thanks specifically for speaking up over the general 'white noise' of apathy here. Much appreciated. [/quote] Yes, wasn't one of Basschat's finer moments. The way I see it is that at 52 I've learnt more in the last 4 years than I did in the previous 30. Much of that has come through people sharing stuff on social media and forums. Sometimes just knowing that people know this sort of thing can be fascinating, even if you haven't got the time or aptitude to learn it yourself. It may be worth asking a moderator (possibly not Rich after his earlier contribution) to move this to the theory section.

[quote][color=#000000][font=Helvetica][size=5]This guitar looks just like the day it was produced in 2002![/size][/font][/color][/quote] I don't remember a day in 2002 looking quite so purple...

[quote name='alyctes' timestamp='1469223362' post='3096872'] Charge extra for lots of extra work that's hard to see even in the photo... from 20 feet away it'll just be an ugly red splodge. [/quote] I was going to defend this guitar, saying for the right band and the right image...then I saw your post and had another look, and yes, although the idea might be fun in the right setting but the build (for a maker like ESP, and for the price) is hugely disappointing. The attempt to finish the tail as an inlay, to my eyes, is a complete failure.

[quote name='Andyjr1515' timestamp='1469260954' post='3096970'] Now there's a hornets nest! [/quote] Basschat Bingo!!

Well I found it interesting even though I didn't fully understand it. Thanks for sharing - hopefully some of the more erudite members will be along soon to add some more constructive comments!

If you're happy and you know it...well not any more you're not!

[quote name='Andyjr1515' timestamp='1469018669' post='3095103'] Have a peep at the first [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/288555-custom-semi-acoustic-modifications/"]few posts in my semi-acoustic thread here[/url]. Nice thing is that it is all but invisible too rather than a lump of metal at the end of a nice carved bit of wood. I was amazed how much difference it made and it is something I'm going to try again, starting with my own fretless! [/quote] Neatly done, and yes, had seen the great result. The original placement on the Gibson is frankly shocking!

[quote name='3below' timestamp='1469002300' post='3094913'] An architectural salvage supplier near to me [url="http://www.roofingandsalvagedepot.co.uk/"]http://www.roofingan...agedepot.co.uk/[/url] has mahogany snooker table sides at £12.50. One of these could probably make a complete bass(including neck), two certainly would . You may be able to find similar locally to you? Making your own two piece body has several advantages. If you have access to a planer-thicknesser then purchasing rough sawn timber is much cheaper. Finding a 'mate' with a suitable width planer-thicknesser to thickness the 'planks' before gluing the blank becomes much more likely. Another issue to consider is: routing cavities etc before cutting out the body shape or routing after cutting the body shape. The former in many cases gives the router base a much greater and easier surface to operate on. You might want to investigate the neck dive on a Grabber / Ripper style bass, elongate the upper horn slightly? Move bridge rearwards, shorten the neck whilst maintaining scale length. [/quote] Thanks 3 below - good call on the thickness, and if I do go a fraction thicker hopefully that will negate some neck dive. Also, on that point, I think the original strap pin was in a poor position, I was already thinking of making the upper horn a little blunted so the pin could go in there.

[quote name='Andyjr1515' timestamp='1468956557' post='3094701'] Hi, Mike To be honest, it's often a case of getting a decent piece of wood and sawing or thicknesing it down to size. Most specific body blanks are 2" with many guitar and bass bodies being 1.75" thick. Depending on the supplier, you might be able to get them to supply at your preferred thickness. Also local carpenters / joinery shops might do it for a small charge. Personally, I don't think you would notice a body 1/2" narrower on most designs (particularly if it's in the style of rather than a straight copy) and bigger pieces of timber usually get disproportionately expensive. There are two 'Exotic Hardwoods' - not sure which one you mean. Whatever, a two piece body blank set will always be sold as two separate pieces that will need to be squared up, straightened up and glued. Hope this helps! [/quote] Thanks Andy, most useful. I'm actually surprised by how thin the original Grapper/Rippers were - probably to make up for that enormous girth

OK, looks like my BYO kit P Bass will sell so I've been looking at wood for the body. Couple of questions for the knowledgeable - most blanks are about 2" thick. The Ripper is 1.25" - should I be looking for a thinner piece or is this normal to carve away this amount? Also, while on size, the original basses are huge - 14.5" by 21.5" - most blanks seem to be maximum 14" should I just accept a slightly smaller lower bout? Finally, I know Exotic Hardwoods is well regarded. Are his pieces that are advertised as 2 pieces ready glued as a full blank or is this something my woodworker friend would have to do? Thanks again for all the input so far. Mike

Hadn't realised thar mahogany was that figured as it never shows on finished guitars. Will be following this as inspiration for my Gripper build (see what I did there)!

The back is absolutely stunning. Front is incredible, yes, not my choice of char but something very special!

That is a pretty piece of mahogany - not seen such a stripy piece before! Silly question, will it be quite as noticeable when all the carving and varnishing is finished?

I'm going to agree with Skank on talking to the mum and you getting organised via her, but I feel differently on how to deal with you and them. I think, once you have got the organisation thing sorted (via Mum) you need to relax and accept how the other two are, as it sounds to me that this is what makes your musical outfit. If you start trying to regulate it you will lose the whole ethos of the jam. I know this will be an anathema to many on here, and it sounds like it is to other local bands, but you know what, s*d 'em, it sounds like you have something special there, and you should want to keep that.

[quote name='AndyTravis' timestamp='1468757296' post='3093101'] Yeah, just weighing up funds as I've seen a sabre I wouldn't mind getting my hands on - every penny counts 😉 [/quote] ooh, nice!