4 Strings

Well, maple is a sort of theme for the bass, the neck is a particularly nice piece of it, the sycamore used for the body if from the maple family. I found this example of the sort of thing you're suggesting (which looks a lovely colour on those leaves): [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/MapleRed_zpsa1565e58.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/MapleRed_zpsa1565e58.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Or there's the same thing in green: [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Maplegreen_zps706cbf56.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Maplegreen_zps706cbf56.jpg[/IMG][/URL] While the red looks very nice, I'm afraid I'm still obsessed with green, don't know why, because it's untypical perhaps?

Unfortunately things are slowed a little waiting for suppliers. They're not being bad (the Hipshot stuff has only just been cleared from customs, for example), dims for the Jazz pup are being sorted and having to go to Japan for a supplier of luminous side dots on a black background (can have it on white but, for some reason, there seems to be a UK shortage of black). We're using the Luminlay stuff, SGM-23 (scroll to the bottom here: [url="http://www.luminlay.com/galleryjp.html"]http://www.luminlay.com/galleryjp.html[/url] ) probably the best of the options, but will be £20 once duties etc has been paid. The second component that's been outrageously expensive. Anyway, the time has allowed further thought on the standing up aspect. We're not going to have a built-in stand. Decision made. It will be designed to be safely leant. I've asked for a small, 12mm or so rubber inlay at the top of the back of the headstock to help grip (and not chip) when it gets leaned. At the bottom of the body, the area around the strap button will be set back at an angle into the body (a sort of ramp carved into the body at around 45degrees) to get the straplocks out of the way, and then the back edges of the body each side of the ramp rounded to, say a 25mm radius and capped with rubber. This will all be largely invisible from the front and will avoid having any rubber bumpers sticking out. Heath is going to make a mock up from the useful bits of mdf he has for these purposes to make sure it all works, get the dims right if it does etc before attacking the sycamore. I've got a sketch, I'll try to make it legible and post it up. This is now going against Heath's better judgement, he's not that keen on slapping rubber onto his creation! This is the currently favourite green. Heath's doing his best top mix it up. Apparently quite a process has been used to get the flame pattern to show like this with the stain. [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/leafwithmaple_zpsb47e9a7b.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/leafwithmaple_zpsb47e9a7b.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

I don't like green guitars! Trans maple leaf red sounds interesting, any examples? Sounds very autumnal. Right, the mdf mock-ups looked, well, like mdf mock-ups. Here's a picture of what that solution looks like in some first grade sycamore. [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3675_zpsfca67059.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3675_zpsfca67059.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Am I allowed to post such sexy pictures on here? [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3673_zpseba42a57.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3673_zpseba42a57.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Whatever the green, it's going to have to be subtle.

After quite a bit of tooing and froing, Heath came up with this, an offset rebate around the base of the knob (this is a mock up on a bit of mdf) [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Concentricknobrebate_zps8c2767d1.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Concentricknobrebate_zps8c2767d1.jpg[/IMG][/URL] like this without the knob; [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Offcentrerebate_zps1926fb87.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Offcentrerebate_zps1926fb87.jpg[/IMG][/URL] And a similar rebate around the pup switch, this is to get as much wood thickness as possible and it goes to only 3mm at the actual slot. Utility bass, want it as robust as possible (again a mock up on mdf); [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/pupselectorrebate_zpsa4880e75.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/pupselectorrebate_zpsa4880e75.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Notional control and cavity layout. Not much space for the tuner circuit in there! I did wonder about the controls following the lines of the grain, but I'm not sure this subtlety would ever notice. The 'smile' arrangement of the knobs is, I think, the most practical viewed from above (Utility Bass!). We have discussed locking jacks, but they look so ungainly. If we find a more elegant design this will be a compromise to form over function. (also, not sure I wouldn't find it irritating to use!). The cavity cover will be held on by small magnets, easy to change batteries etc. Two batteries for 18V for the John East. [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Controllayout1_zpsdb313ead.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Controllayout1_zpsdb313ead.jpg[/IMG][/URL] The gutaway and forearm cutting are quite subtle and Heath has blended them so that they are hardly noticeable to tryand retain the slab effect. [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Softenedgutaway_zps391777e5.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Softenedgutaway_zps391777e5.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Softenedarmcut_zpse54e26e8.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Softenedarmcut_zpse54e26e8.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Still trying to get green out of my mind's eye!

Very interesting, keep 'em coming

pup looks amazing. Be a shame to make a relic of any of it (imo)

Was trying to think of a pun with a composer, but thought, 'nah, you lot use your brains, I've Rachmaninoff'.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1381218454' post='2235803'] That neck looks totally amazing! [/quote] Lovely isn't it? The flame really 'pops out' (as Heath puts it)! Properly finished, with the frets in place and the back carved to shape etc, it's going to be even better. I'm still thinking of a set in piece of rubber on the back of the headstock near the top so it can be leant against things. Might be too clumsy looking (although it wouldn't be seen from the front).

Thanks all, it's all getting more exciting by the minute! Here's some more; A better shot of the pup covers. [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3649_zps5c2ac36a.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3649_zps5c2ac36a.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Front of the body with a 1/4"radius to the corners. Heath's recommendation for the 'slab' effect, looks just the ticket. Can go to a larger radius, but I think this achieves the necessary. [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Softenedarmcut_zpse54e26e8.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Softenedarmcut_zpse54e26e8.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Gutaway [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Softenedgutaway_zps391777e5.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Softenedgutaway_zps391777e5.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Neck with the first coat of lacquer drying. I'm very excited about the neck! The lacquer will be on the top only, waxed at the back. [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3656_zpsa047f910.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3656_zpsa047f910.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Detail in ongoing development. The knobs go 1. Volume 2. Treble/bass (bass on ring) 3. Mid/sweep (sweep on ring). This is perfect as while there are too many controls for me I don't normally use bass and mid sweep controls once they are set and these happen to be the ring controls so they can be recessed to be peeping out to try and simplify things. Heath has been playing around and to get the tops of the knobs even the recess is quite extreme. Here's a little mockup on scrap. We're in ongoing discussion with ideas for the most elegant solution (to get access to the Allen screw, have a bit more to show as those shoulders make things a bit more difficult to get hold of). [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3654_zps2b2e30da.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3654_zps2b2e30da.jpg[/IMG][/URL] We have the preamp now, I think it's the control cavity next. The pup covers will now go to Aaron Kent for mounting the guts inside.

Just to get things rolling this week, you may remember that neither Ruach nor Aaron Kent happened to have the right size pup covers when we needed them so Heath offered to make some to avoid any delay. He sent these. While they might be considered a compromise to 'Utility' I'm accepting them on the basis that it's a prototype, the utilitarian function of the bass is not compromised and that they look pretty sweet! [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Pupcovers_zps2b007796.jpeg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/Pupcovers_zps2b007796.jpeg[/IMG][/URL] I've also asked Heath to go easy on the gutaway and forearm rest to maintain the 'slab-of-wood' feel of the body. I'm looking forward to that too. (ps the top corner of the Jazz pup looks a little less rounded, but I'm assured it's the same as the others, just the angle of the lens.)

Ok, last Friday I slapped and pinged the strings, as instructed and the difference was immediate and noticeable. Not as much a in the clip but these are very old strings, probably more than a year old, have been boiled a couple of times, although not for a while now, and were really dead. Used the bass all weekend, albeit half in anger last night, and they are still brighter. Let's see if their slapped condition survives a long rehearsal tonight.

Like this? [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/addison-pb_zpsfc5f2099.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/addison-pb_zpsfc5f2099.jpg[/IMG][/URL] That wood would make a nice neck for a bass! Go for it, got to be a build to follow!

[quote name='rk7' timestamp='1381051828' post='2233668'] Tee hee, I'd just end up keeping my coffee on it! And pizza sounds great. Getting hungry now. RK [/quote] Couldn't resist a quick google: [url="http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/Rig_Rundown_The_Aristocrats_Guthrie_Govan"]http://www.premiergu...s_Guthrie_Govan[/url] Scrolldown to about half way (albeit a different tray)

Coffee table pedal board; that would be great! Although I remember going to see Guthrie Govan a while back and (being Mr Utility here) admiring his pedals being accommodated in a tea tray! Was thinking, there could be an opening edge on it to house a ring circuit of power cables (bit like the cheese crust of a pizza).

Great stuff, RK, Hipshot stuff does look good. Mine will be more traditional Kluson types (to match the Extender I had) Customs duty being paid on these too. The truss rod was hideously expensive as it is a MM spare part (no reason to be so expensive) because I wanted the wheel adjuster. Heath obliged but this expense was made even worse by the duty. Why can't we make this stuff in the UK?! Trouble with green is that, in general I don't really like green guitars! Here;s one: [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/guilfordblaze_zps4042f79d.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/guilfordblaze_zps4042f79d.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Not sure we'd be able to achieve such a green on the Sycamore. Otherwise a more drab green like this attracts at the moment: [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Alsodarkleafgreen_zps1d51cc84.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Alsodarkleafgreen_zps1d51cc84.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Heath popped in for the body this evening and we had a chat about colours and standing the bass up. Still no real solution, looking at two rubber feet at the bottom and some rubber protection (teehee!) in the form of a strip of rubber extrusion set into the back of the headstock at the top. Inspired by the 'slab of wood' type guitar bodies Heath will be putting a 1/4" radius to the body edges. [URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Slabbody_zps12845ed7.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Slabbody_zps12845ed7.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Currently going for the smaller thumb rest to house the tuner. Just seems a lot simpler, ensures a good 'shelf' on top of the pups without losing the thickness of the guard. Preamp has arrived, the pups are finished, just need the pup housings to be made, the Hipshot gear (bridge and machine heads have passed through customs and on their way. The preamp doesn't have the switchable vol pot, Heath will sort that. Hopefully things will be moving along in the next week or so. Will need to decide on a colour by the end of the week, I really hope I get over my want for green by then!

For me, I recognise them as well engineered and made with quality materials, and they seem to find a loved home with their players. However, they seem a bit too geeky for me. I like Dionne Warwick though, but would walk on by a Warwick bass for, what actually is, no good reason.

[quote name='Hobbayne' timestamp='1380809053' post='2230892'] Thats enough!! [/quote] You mean you us to give it a rest?

Let's see how long it lasts. Just given mine the slappy treatment and was laughing out loud at the change! They were pretty well dead before and only half dead now so, hopefully, I can remember how they sounded after a good practice on them this evening.

Absolutely, but I have also found the gig to be the inverse of the previous rehearsal. Great rehearsal, so-so gig, poor rehearsal great gig. Maybe back to expectations again!

[quote name='sprocket123' timestamp='1380659802' post='2228691'] Wow , nice updates mate . [/quote] Cheers, sprocket123, just enjoying myself really!

[quote name='rk7' timestamp='1380656928' post='2228639'] A ramp, deffo. Again, the idea of integrating the tuner and ramp makes perfect sense, as do all the ideas herein. A combined ramp/pickup cover(s) is nice too, and still could be changed in future when the covers you really want come in. Not sure about the machine head 'ears' in wood though. A bit too far? Getting closer! Do you have a NBD date yet? RK (btw, the best bit of this build is still to come. After you have taken delivery, every single time you plug it in, or even walk past it in the house, you will smile and recall this build and the bass you got at the end of it. Fantastic!) [/quote] Haha, great encouragement, thanks, RK! If Heath's making pup covers from rippled maple cutoffs from the neck it would seem rude to swap them for plastic covers later! The 'Rampbar' idea in the link in the above post would work, just one big pup cover. I still think big lumps look a little inelegant. I suppose rather than a ramp it's more of a thumb bar. Wooden tuner handles would seem a bit far, I think the knobs are too. No dates atm. Heath, unfortunately for me, is having to drop onto other work as we await the arrival of bits and pieces. I've delayed those myself with too many thoughts and what-not. Even now, we're hoping John East has been able to provide the preamp with the switchable volume control. I'd hope end of this month, but I also understand the last 10% can take 50% of the time. I hope he's able to make progress on the neck. In the meantime I'm still ticking over with some way of standing it up without fussing about. Two rubber feet protruding a little more than the strap button is currently favourite. We've been looking into recessed straplocks, Warwick used to make them, Dunlop do a version. So pleased you're getting so much pleasure from your brown beauty!

That would seem to be quite a big lump. Scroll down to the 'Rampbar' here; http://www.adamovic.nl/3Options/Pickups.htm In fact it could be a raised part of the body with the pups embedded within. I realise ramps go under all the strings so it feels the same all across and stop 'digging in' too hard but I wondered if that was really necessary. I find they look cumbersome and inelegant and was hoping for something more stylish, hence the small piece just across the top. Tbh, I've never used a ramp and, if I didn't get on with it having the tuner mounted on the top would be a problem. I'm perfectly happy playing over the pups. Maybe I need to think again about the whole thing. Where to put the tuner?

[quote name='Dingus' timestamp='1380640587' post='2228310'] That is the guitar making business in a nutshell . Most of the people involved are nice enough, some are very skilled at what they do . , but most are bleedin' useless at organisng themselves and running an efficient business! As I've said on these pages before, it's not the kind of endevour that attracts hard-headed go-getters. [/quote] Totally agree, but maybe that's part of the attraction, I wouldn't have commissioned a custom from someone coming across as a 'hard-headed go-getter'. It was commissioned from a bass enthusiast who's also a talented craftsman and whose life revolves around wood. I commissioned mine as it is using materials of a much better quality than standard (say, Fender or even 'better' than standard, say MM) but costing the same as a standard (say, Fender, and less than a 'better' than standard, say MM). Plus I can have whatever I want and however I want it. Thoroughly enjoying the process, taking longer than going into a shop and, of course, I don't REALLY know what it's going to be like but things are pretty finely honed. I realise I'll have to keep it come what may, but anything I don't like can be changed. If I ordered a MM or Fender bass, choosing the colour, options (however many they actually are) how long would it take to actually arrive? 2-3 months, more? While most book matched spalted tops on sperm whale bodies are custom basses and is what is drawn to mind, not all custom basses are like this. Mine definitely is not, it's designed to be as practical as possible and within a budget.

[quote name='xilddx' timestamp='1380617433' post='2227776'] Seems to me a custom bass is simply a vanity indulgence for most people, their time and money would be better spent on learning how to set up their instruments, learn about sound and eq. I think half the problems they think they are addressing with a custom bass could be solved more simply if it's not just a vanity project. Probably should get some lessons on how to play the thing too [/quote] I'd go along with that, except it's assuming the custom is more expensive than a new, mass produced bass.