SamIAm Posted May 16, 2022 Share Posted May 16, 2022 I'm investigating building a sub-short scale (24 - 28 inch) 4 string bass, it would be my first build. I'd like to use a pre-built neck and wondered about the experience of others in this approach, good, bad, didn't proceed. Details of your build and photos would be much appreciated. S'manth x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
velvetkevorkian Posted May 16, 2022 Share Posted May 16, 2022 Recent (heart-warming) example from @Jimothey: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Nada Posted May 17, 2022 Share Posted May 17, 2022 As finding strings might be a challenge I'd suggest you put a reverse headstock on it so the E and A strings have more chance of being into the tapered part before reaching the tuning peg. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamIAm Posted May 17, 2022 Author Share Posted May 17, 2022 9 minutes ago, James Nada said: As finding strings might be a challenge I'd suggest you put a reverse headstock on it so the E and A strings have more chance of being into the tapered part before reaching the tuning peg. Indeed ... I'm struggling to find strings with my current MCR-1 (24.6 inch scale length). If I go DIY I am likely to go for headless tuners, the ball end to go into the tuner and then the "free" end to go throu the headstock clamp (using a hex screw or pair of them) ... with this approach I presume that I could clamp down at the head end on the fully wound part of the string without any problems ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SubsonicSimpleton Posted May 17, 2022 Share Posted May 17, 2022 You can always string through the body of the instrument to compensate for the shorter scale (going at an angle as the modern Yamaha BB basses, you could adjust the angle to change the amount of string behind the saddles) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamIAm Posted May 17, 2022 Author Share Posted May 17, 2022 11 minutes ago, SubsonicSimpleton said: You can always string through the body of the instrument to compensate for the shorter scale (going at an angle as the modern Yamaha BB basses, you could adjust the angle to change the amount of string behind the saddles) Good thinking. I play bass in a ukulele band (Used to play a UBASS but intonation problems were enough to push me to an electric bass) and I want my bass to be as physically short as possible. My MCR-1 fits in OK, but if I go headless I could increase my scale length and still have a bass that does not appear out of place amongst the ukes (Tho of course headless will look ... unusual). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Nation Posted May 18, 2022 Share Posted May 18, 2022 I've got my eye on a couple of used Strat bodies on ebay for just this purpose - either using a Retrovibe 30" neck or an undrilled Strat neck. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamIAm Posted May 18, 2022 Author Share Posted May 18, 2022 1 hour ago, Joe Nation said: I've got my eye on a couple of used Strat bodies on ebay for just this purpose - either using a Retrovibe 30" neck or an undrilled Strat neck. Cool! I've not seen the Retrovibe Necks before ... brilliant! Bodywise I'm toying with the concept of 3D printing a body. Google brings up a few inspiring designs ... And an instagram video of it being played And if a total disaster I can revert to a wooden body or perhaps have a wooden/metal body "core" to affix the neck/pickups/bridge and then 3D print the body shape; woodworking is not a skill I have but I'm a dab hand at 3D design Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Nation Posted May 18, 2022 Share Posted May 18, 2022 Check out Tim Sway on youtube, he makes some amazing and weird guitars and basses. He uses only reclaimed or recycled materials and isn't afraid to break a few moulds. His sliding pick-up bass and modular pick-up guitars are particularly cool 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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