Ruach Utility Bass

[4 Strings]

Some more progress on the neck, taking shape:

[URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3468_zps9b279b87.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3468_zps9b279b87.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
Just look at that ripple! Heath has put something on it for the photo, don't know if it's just water:
[URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3467_zps42866f1a.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3467_zps42866f1a.jpg[/IMG][/URL]


Bit of detail in rough:
[URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3477_zps424f3022.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3477_zps424f3022.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Exciting to see it looking like something for a bass!

Assymetric back of neck and a compound radius to the front.

Edited October 18, 2013 by 4 Strings

[4 Strings]

[color=#000000]
I'm wondering about an onboard tuner. It seems the only two types in the world I can find require the volume pot to be replaced. They work with pull switch 250 or 500k volume pots. [/color]
[color=#000000]
Here are the only details I can find[/color][color=#000000]
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/N-Tune-Onboard-Guitar-Chromatic-tuner-500K-Toggle-switch-for-Gibson-Guitars-/370862551883[/color]
[color=#000000]
I'm having an East MMSR 3 band preamp (without plate). I'm (hopefully) finding out if the pot can be replaced by one of these to operate the tuner, or whether is there circuitry attached to the volume pot?[/color]
[color=#000000]
There is another, the Witmann Pro-Tuner, which also requires the volume pot replacement.[/color][color=#000000]
http://www.wittman-spins.com/tuners.html[/color]
[color=#000000]
I would have thought an onboard tuner was a great idea, but seems to be so few around.[/color]
[color=#000000]
I'm also wondering whether a clip on one could be taken apart and let into the body somewhere. I'm presuming this type picks up string vibration and so fixing to a cavity in the back of the body would work?[/color]

[rk7]

Another great idea!

The N-Tune looks good. Its not something I had considered before.

The bass looks awesome. Lovely wood choice. Great work!

RK

[rk7]

Just spotted an acoustic bass with onboard tuner. Might be worth a look?

And this:

http://www.aqdi.com/ztuner.htm

RK

[Owen]

[quote name='4 Strings' timestamp='1379151380' post='2209133']
[color=#000000]
I'm wondering about an onboard tuner.
[/quote]

Multicolour/function LEDs in the neck for side dots. White for normal, but cbanging colour for using as tuner info. Red either side of the octave and green at the octave to denote in tune.

It would be super cool but can you imagine the extra cost!?!

[4 Strings]

[quote name='rk7' timestamp='1379154640' post='2209170']
Just spotted an acoustic bass with onboard tuner. Might be worth a look?

And this:

[url="http://www.aqdi.com/ztuner.htm"]http://www.aqdi.com/ztuner.htm[/url]

RK
[/quote]

There are loads available for acoustics, I don't know enough to know if they'd work for an electric. Those specifically for an electric require a connection to the signal (both at the Vol pot).

However, that Z-Tuner looks perfect, thanks for that link! I've enquired about the connections etc.

John East has been really helpful in making the preamp with slim pots so we can recess the tone controls as I'd like, he's also responded positively with the switchable volume pot (although we'll need to check the dims) so the other tuners look like being a goer.

If we go for the N-Tuner I'm thinking of using the one built around a Les Paul style pup switch.

The Z-Tuner looks the best option though as it's so discrete and needs no vol pot change. Could just sit on the top horn.

I'll let you know how we get on!

[4 Strings]

[quote name='owen' timestamp='1379160043' post='2209262'] Multicolour/function LEDs in the neck for side dots. White for normal, but cbanging colour for using as tuner info. Red either side of the octave and green at the octave to denote in tune. It would be super cool but can you imagine the extra cost!?! [/quote]


REALLY cool! Great idea.

It would be a one off and I think I might be still waiting for my bass into 2014!

I have thought of the dots though, there will be none on the front (can't see them when I'm playing and thought the simplicity of the neck without them attractive - there will be an inlay on the 12 fret though, just coz..!)

However the useful dots, the ones on the top of the neck, will be luminous:
http://www.touchstonetonewoods.co.uk/products/inlays-30/position-dot-plastic-rod-luminous-3mm-200mm-length-1679.aspx

or

http://www.luminlay.com/galleryjp.html

[rk7]

This is gonna be a hell of a bass.

RK

[Owen]

[quote name='4 Strings' timestamp='1379160982' post='2209277']
REALLY cool! Great idea.
It would be a one off and I think I might be still waiting for my bass into 2014!
[/quote]

I had a Sei made once and came up with the idea too late. I had LEDs and Martin said he would have loved to do it if I had thought about it in time. Other than in music, timing is not one of my strong points!

[4 Strings]

[quote name='owen' timestamp='1379163131' post='2209318']
I had a Sei made once and came up with the idea too late. I had LEDs and Martin said he would have loved to do it if I had thought about it in time. Other than in music, timing is not one of my strong points!
[/quote]

Interesting, I think it would need to be something already in production for this one. great idae thought, surely one easily taken up by people who know how

[4 Strings]

Erm... I'm thinking of green now.

[URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/GreenBassside_zpsadf8c5d9.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/GreenBassside_zpsadf8c5d9.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[4 Strings]

More work on the neck.

Compound radius fretboard being formed:
[url="http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3483_zpsdc45ccbe.jpg.html"][URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3484_zps7dee8510.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3484_zps7dee8510.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/url]

End view of tighter radius at nut end:
[url="http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3486_zps82ec96d9.jpg.html"][/url]

Frets positions cut in:
[url="http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3503_zps571bd97d.jpg.html"][URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3510_zps3d130f35.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3510_zps3d130f35.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/url]

Nut blank:
[url="http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3498_zpsd4807c5d.jpg.html"][/url]

Nut in the making:
[url="http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3500_zps4c578950.jpg.html"][/url]

A thing of beauty:
[url="http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3503_zps571bd97d.jpg.html"][/url]

SS frets to come, along with the next shipment from Hipshot

Edited October 18, 2013 by 4 Strings

[Myke]

That is going to look stunning when it's had a finish on it!

[rk7]

Beautiful work!

This bass is looking great!

RK

[4 Strings]

Thanks, all, although it's hardly my work!

Heath's a talented chap; like you RK I've taken the advice of the builder on a number of things, for example the compound radius fingerboard. Not easy to create but Heath really likes them and was happy to do the work. (Actually, same for the Hipshot bridge, awkward to install as there's the hole to line up etc but he's happy to do it as he says the tone will be better).

[rk7]

Yeah, Martin at Overwater led me through the spec and build of mine, and he was spot on with all his advice.

For many years to come, this bass will make you smile.

RK

[4 Strings]

Things are moving fast! While I'm still umming and aaring about the colour, and hmming over what type of pearly material to use for the 12th fret inlay Heath has been merrily getting on with the job:

Front. The horn looks a bit big, I'm thinking (hoping?)this is due to being close with a wide lens! The design was to sit the strap button over the 12th fret for balance:
[URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/2013-09-30100838_zps7bb598a8.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/2013-09-30100838_zps7bb598a8.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Back:
[URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/2013-09-30100850_zps2018b790.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/2013-09-30100850_zps2018b790.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Neck socket:
[URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3511_zps6e16b04a.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3511_zps6e16b04a.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

TIghter than a tight thing. The neck will be a set joint, I'm hoping this means the profile underneath can be smoothed like a neck through:
[URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3510_zps3d130f35.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/IMG_3510_zps3d130f35.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

The set joint will feature a groove cut in the walls of the socket and similarly in the end of the neck and a fillet placed in the grooves so the neck slides into place. This will be amazingly strong and, with the glue etc, will integrate the two pieces as one.

The Z-Tuner, the preferred really simple one looks like it might add £100 or so, with duties etc so may have another look at the N-Tuner (the one with the ring around the pup selector or vol control).

The 12 fret inlay is going to be New Zealand Paula (whatever that is!)
[URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/NZPaula_zpsab98a325.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/NZPaula_zpsab98a325.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Edited October 18, 2013 by 4 Strings

[Owen]

It would be a crime to cover that wood in anything but a light tint.

[rk7]

Wow,

that is well nice!

RK

[White Cloud]

Looks awesome...that neck pocket is a fantastic piece of clean router work. Nice!

[4 Strings]

Great, huh? filling me with confidence!

Just had a mail back from Z-Tuner, apparently the UK regulations were too costly to overcome to allow their sale here, so that's that decision made. The N-Tuner is looking likely again, John East has said he can make the preamp with a switchable volume control but its a little deeper and so the dims need a check.

The corners of the body will be rounded, but like a Tele to keep that slab look.

Still thinking about the stand.

[4 Strings]

[quote name='owen' timestamp='1379528183' post='2213794']
It would be a crime to cover that wood in anything but a light tint.
[/quote]

Yeah, know what you mean, Owen, I'm hoping to get to see the wood this w/e, to see if it's nice enough for a natural, or tinted finish.

This sort of thing doesn't look too anaemic with a maple neck, but the top on this is better than the body of mine:
[url="http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/gll2000ambermp-xl-02_zps53c155be.jpg.html"][/url]

I'm trying to avoid the coffee table thing really, though. Utility Bass.

Edited September 18, 2013 by 4 Strings

[Owen]

I am not convinced that the top on that is nicer than yours. Yes, it has a nice touch of flame, but the elegance of the uniformly tighter grain on yours is very classy. It is just a really honest piece of wood that needs no adornment. Is the control cavity pencil drawing on the front just for geographical purposes? You are not going through that top are you? Obv, it is your bass so do what you like!

[4 Strings]

'Honest piece of wood' - perfect for this bass! No pretensions, it's nice it's because it really is nice, as opposed to something stuck on.

The body is a one piece lump of English sycamore. Chosen for it's common use as a tonewood for classical instruments (although the effect this will have on an electric bass has yet to convince this sceptic!) and - mainly - for its lightness. I asked Heath to get the very best bits of wood he could find for this, we'd scrimp elsewhere if need be, especially for the neck. I wanted a one piece body and he found this nice piece of sycamore. I think it's great for function, ok for being a nice looking thing, but nice enough to not need a top (not that it would get one anyway, a coat of black paint would have been preferred).

However, I'd like to see it in the flesh again, sanded and bass shaped before I decide about finish and its opacity. Thanks for the encouragement about it, I will definitely be keeping that in mind.

[4 Strings]

Lot of talk about tuners. Going for this, despite being so expensive, I think the bass will be worth it. They have responded and it appears to be suitable for active basses (although I'm still not really sure why any wouldn't be, normal tuners aren't dependant on active or otherwise):
[URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/ProTunersheet_zps78f26b5b.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/ProTunersheet_zps78f26b5b.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Frets, thought about these a while ago and fancied thin for the elegance and SS so they last along time (Utility).


I've struggled with the second pup. I really like the simplicity of one. Anyway, two have been ordered from Aaron Kent, a MM at the bridge and a single coil wound to sound like a P at the neck (but not to look like one, in a Jazz case for neatness). So, I thought 3 way pup selector, simplicity etc, but in the end it will be five way like this which will give me MM at the back, Jazz, all of them, outer coils for a scooped slap sound (you never know!) and forward for the neck P sound:
[URL=http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/4Strings1/media/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/5Way_zpsb8b562d6.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o760/4Strings1/Ruach%20Utility%20Bass/5Way_zpsb8b562d6.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
P sound pup won't really be neck, more in the middle, but you know what I mean.

Edited October 18, 2013 by 4 Strings