Mikey R Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 (edited) This July Im doing the bass building course with Jon Shuker in the Peaks. As well as being a kickass holiday, I also get learn the basics of how to put a bass together from one of the UKs best luthiers. Plus, I get to walk out of it with a custom bass! Doesnt get better than this! Ive been looking for a good solid P type bass, since Ive started using just the P pickup on the Bass Collection PJ, but I wanted to make the body a wee bit smaller than the traditional shape and make it a bit more comfortable to get around. EDIT: Heres the final spec: [b]Neck[/b] 4 string modified P 42mm nut 19mm string spacing at the bridge 34" scale 24 frets 5 piece laminated maple/purpleheart Maple f/board (black veneer beneath) Two way truss rod Satin polyurethan topcoat Medium fretwire Bone nut Offset black face dots Black side dots [b]Body[/b] 3 piece white ash body Flamed maple top (black veneer beneath) Dark blue stain Satin polyurethan topcoat Three ply black / white / black scratchguard [b]Hardware[/b] Gotoh mini tuners Shaller 2000 bridge [b]Electrics[/b] Wizzard Thumper with covered pole pieces Passive vol, 250k pot EDIT: Heres the final(ish) design: Edited August 2, 2009 by Mikey R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Heeley Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 hey Mikey, that is cool, what a great way to spend July! I prefer blondes over blue stained maple, a nice figured maple top - leave it blonde and go for black accents, possibly a maple fingerboard with black binding , would look really cool with black hardware. Classic and understated. Also I could not resist shoving a neck puppy in it for versatility. Look forward to seeing it. Have fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ateyercheese Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 Hi Mikey, I'm also doing this course at the same time. Very exciting! I'm headed for a red satin Jazz with black hardware, probably Seymour Duncan vintage PUPs and a John East J-retro preamp. What do you think of the the gotoh mini's? do they look ok on the scale of a bass? Look forward to meeting you Chris. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eude Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 (edited) Most jealous of you lot, wish I could afford the time and the cash to do this little course, it'd be awesome! I'd love to build myself a little shortscale bass for noodling around on, maybe next year... [b]ateyercheese[/b] The mini gotohs look great on a shukerised-fender style headstock >> I assume that's the ones you mean, right?... Cheers, Eude Edited June 10, 2009 by eude Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey R Posted June 10, 2009 Author Share Posted June 10, 2009 [quote name='Al Heeley' post='509687' date='Jun 9 2009, 10:46 PM']hey Mikey, that is cool, what a great way to spend July! I prefer blondes over blue stained maple, a nice figured maple top - leave it blonde and go for black accents, possibly a maple fingerboard with black binding , would look really cool with black hardware. Classic and understated. Also I could not resist shoving a neck puppy in it for versatility. Look forward to seeing it. Have fun[/quote] Hi Al, for this bass Im choosing all of the things that I wouldnt have the guts to do myself - like applying a stain and doing a drop top. For the pickup, I've really become a fan of the split P by itsself - I love the simplicity, and it can do a range of tones all by itsself. If I was to go with multiple pickups, I think Id go with Nordstrand split singles. Maybe on another bass... I can see this building lark getting expensive! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey R Posted June 11, 2009 Author Share Posted June 11, 2009 (edited) Hey everyone, Ive updated the first post with two possible designs. I like them both, so I'd appreciate what everyone else thinks! EDIT: Heres what Ive come up with for the design. Theres two options, both with 24 frets and a Jazz style offset waist on a basic Precision shape. Sorry about the fuzziness of the pictures, I'll draw them up full size at the weekend. Option 1: The classic P type pickguard: Option 2: A Tele style control plate: Whatcha think? Edited June 12, 2009 by Mikey R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eude Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 [quote name='Mikey R' post='511708' date='Jun 11 2009, 11:19 PM']Hey everyone, Ive updated the first post with two possible designs. I like them both, so I'd appreciate what everyone else thinks![/quote] I like the tele control plate dude, very classy Eude Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 [quote name='eude' post='511829' date='Jun 12 2009, 08:44 AM']I like the tele control plate dude, very classy Eude[/quote] my thoughts exactly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yorick Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 I like the top design. Reminds me of a Mark Hoppus signature bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibob Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 I prefer the standard pickguard design over the tele style, in this case anyway! You're going for a more sweeping organic body, and the original precision pickguard compliments it I think, the tele plate is a bit to straight and stark compared to the modified body! Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey R Posted June 12, 2009 Author Share Posted June 12, 2009 [quote name='Sibob' post='511877' date='Jun 12 2009, 10:04 AM']You're going for a more sweeping organic body, and the original precision pickguard compliments it I think, the tele plate is a bit to straight and stark compared to the modified body![/quote] Cheers Si, I think I agree. I'm going to have another sketch of the option 2 this evening, and see if I can make the tale end of the bass a bit more square and Tele-like, whilst keeping the slated Jazz style waist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibob Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 So although I'm definitly sticking with my original suggestion of the P-style setup, Here's a couple more ideas: [url="http://img200.imageshack.us/i/zodiac20de20scorpio01.jpg/"][/url] Peaveys slanted t-style plate. [url="http://img23.imageshack.us/i/fullfrontal.jpg/"][/url] Conklins Rocco Prestia signature, bit more radical than yours, but still rocks the Precision scratchplate.....kinda Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey R Posted June 12, 2009 Author Share Posted June 12, 2009 The results are in: P pickguard got 4 votes, Tele control plate got 3 votes, No pickguard got 1 vote. So, Ive modified the design a little to keep the offset waist but to make it look more like a P and less like a J: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merton Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 Liking that - you building me one of these too? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey R Posted June 13, 2009 Author Share Posted June 13, 2009 [quote name='Merton' post='512410' date='Jun 12 2009, 08:11 PM']Liking that - you building me one of these too? [/quote] Taking orders for 2017 delivery - Im a fast worker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 [quote name='Mikey R' post='508997' date='Jun 9 2009, 01:19 PM'][/quote] Hey! It's a cross between my Precision and my Lakland...... excellent choice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tait Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 i like that, i prefer the tele control plate, but the design you've chosen is very cool too. and speaking from experience as a member who's done this course, you'll have a great time, it was a great week for me, and i'm sure it will be for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ateyercheese Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 I like the jaunty attitude of the Tele plate too, but the P-bass hybrid curved control surface is nice. I'm still umming and ahhing, but I reckon I'm gonna forego the plates and go for a nice wood finish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey R Posted July 1, 2009 Author Share Posted July 1, 2009 Just got the confirmation email from Jon for the spec, Ive got to say he's a top bloke! Ive updated the initial post with the revised spec. 2 1/2 weeks and counting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey R Posted July 2, 2009 Author Share Posted July 2, 2009 Last item to be decided - Badass II or Hipshot A style bridge? I like the idea of the Hipshot - Merton says they are good, theyre also top loadable, so strings can be changed quickly without scratching the laquer behind the bridge. Also theres the string through option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tait Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 you say about string thru, but remember you also have to drill for that. it might be a bit of a rush fitting it in. you have to bear that in mind. i voted badass simply because i always use badass, IMO they're the best bridge for the price out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey R Posted July 2, 2009 Author Share Posted July 2, 2009 (edited) Ive had another chat with Jon this lunchtime, Ive chosen to go for the Shaller top loading bridge rather than the Hipshot or Badass. Like Tait said, it's more time to install the string thru bridge, and I'd rather spend that time on the finishing. Edited July 2, 2009 by Mikey R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey R Posted July 3, 2009 Author Share Posted July 3, 2009 (edited) Just another quick post, the bridge is the 2000 series: Only two weeks to go! Edited July 3, 2009 by Mikey R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey R Posted July 9, 2009 Author Share Posted July 9, 2009 (edited) Only one week (and a POETS day) to go! Jon has been really patient with my last minute spec questions - we've got it nailed now Edited July 10, 2009 by Mikey R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TG Flatline Posted July 10, 2009 Share Posted July 10, 2009 [quote name='Mikey R' post='536844' date='Jul 9 2009, 10:32 PM']Only one week (and a POETS day) to go! Jon has been really patient with my last minute spec questions - we've got it nailed now [/quote] Hope you enjoy it man! I am uber jealous!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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