So I 'built' a bass, a fretless one. Feeling proud!

[BassTractor]

[quote name='OliverBlackman' timestamp='1400689851' post='2456154']
You can do that, or if you really want to develop your hearing in the process the alternative would be playing along to music.
[/quote]

Thanks, Oliver, for trying. However, and I'm not sure about this, I think you answered the question "How do I work on MY intonation" whilst I meant to ask "How to start working on the best placement of the individual saddles", seeing as that Gaf had worked on the bass's intonation and got it to be spot on.

Language, eh?

Edited May 21, 2014 by BassTractor

[gafbass02]

Thanks for all the comments folks I'm dead chuffed you like it! Intonation wise I just used the harmonic at the 12th and was very careful to make sure when I 'fretted' the note that I was right on that point.
This neck has dots for a fretted bass, which I actually prefer, oddly!, I just find it makes me use my ears and muscle memory more, as opposed to 'dot watching'. Ideally I'd've liked brass looking hardware as opposed to shiny gold, but a full set was hard to find, especially with the right size bridge!

[gafbass02]

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1400683708' post='2456068']
Good work! As for the pickguard I'm going to say... GOLD ANODISED.
The Bass Doc does a spiffy plastic version which really looks like the real thing.

I was born and raised in Cheltenham... your accent takes me back!
[/quote]

Hah, oh dear, I've gone native! Ive only been here five years, I'm a Leicester boy really

[discreet]

[quote name='gafbass02' timestamp='1400708476' post='2456382']
Hah, oh dear, I've gone native! Ive only been here five years, I'm a Leicester boy really
[/quote]

I'm impressed... it usually takes a lifetime to get the, er... authentic timbre.

[OliverBlackman]

[quote name='BassTractor' timestamp='1400701990' post='2456311']
Thanks, Oliver, for trying. However, and I'm not sure about this, I think you answered the question "How do I work on MY intonation" whilst I meant to ask "How to start working on the best placement of the individual saddles", seeing as that Gaf had worked on the bass's intonation and got it to be spot on.

Language, eh?
[/quote]

Haha, whoops. Should have paid more attention!

Very nice bass Gaf, and played nicely to.

[gafbass02]

Thanks bud. I was really just noodling whatever popped out my fingers

[tauzero]

[quote name='gafbass02' timestamp='1400606386' post='2455424']
Cheers, the body previously had a side jack/through body, both are now defunct features. I plan on having a see through pickguard made by bass doc when he's feeling better. I'm also picking up a walnut one!
[/quote]

If a standard Jazz pickguard will fit it, I believe eboclive has some clear ones.

[gafbass02]

I'm not sure which hole pattern it is, it looks to be the 75 style

[bh2]

I think it looks great without and the holes gives some extra mojo... red tort might look ver nice too.

[Diablo]

Wow, if there is ever a bass that needs no scratchplate it is that one, gorgeous grain pattern and finish. What a shame it already has the plate holes. I guess the only downside to a clear one is it will get dirt behind it so you will regularly have to take it off and clean it.

Cheers,
Rich

[mcnach]

[quote name='gafbass02' timestamp='1400604476' post='2455391']
I've had a bit of a long and unhappy history of trying to build a walnut jazz bass, just like the cool 70's ones which I'll never afford, so when this body came up on here I grabbed it with both hands!
As I already own a few great jazz basses I thought a new voice was in order, so when I was browsing eBay a nice looking fretless neck came up at a good price I clicked 'buy it now' totally on a whim!
I was already pretty broke by that point, so dreams of active preamps and barolini pickups are on hold!!
I wanted gold hardware, so bought cheap, generic Chinese electronics, hardware and some wilkinson tuners and pickups.
Problem number one was that the bridge on this body had been a gotoh with a large footprint and odd hole pattern. This meant that my bridge left gaping holes in the body. (Anyone need a generic hi mass bridge?!!)
Problem number two was the after hours spent getting the bushings in the headstock (to keep assembly costs down at my local shop) I found the baseplates on the wilkinsons were too big. Darn!!
A new set was purchased that look much nicer! (Gold wilkinson tuners without bushings also for sale btw!!!)

One evening I quickly wired up the pickups to the controls and then just stared at the rest of the bits. I had planned to drop it into my local shop to build, as I didn't want to futz the bridge position or neck fitting, and I've only an old drill my dad left behind and usually any DIY attempts fail BADLY!!
So I dropped by the shop, only to find it closed.

That evening I just started to tinker, until I just thought 'in for a penny'.
Grabbed my drill and started to improvise!!!
A few hours later and it's built! A few more hours and the action is low, the intonation spot on and it plays and sounds great, only causality a snapped cheapo pickup screw.
I love it, and the sense of satisfaction at not only having done it all myself, but also to still have fingers and a house that's not burnt down is amazing!
Now I just need to learn how to play fretless!!!!
[/URL


[URL=http://s34.photobucket.com/user/gafbass02/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image-13.jpg.html]
Video here
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v1u7f3HqOA[/media]
[/quote]


wow, love it!