soopercrip Posted July 6, 2009 Share Posted July 6, 2009 (edited) Hi guys Finally starting to get some spare time, so my first complete build is on the cards. It's going to be a 5 string, with a cherry body, walnut drop top, and 3 piece cherry neck, These are all sorted I'm trying for a 2,1/2 octave neck to give me the range of a 6 string, without the bulk. Maybe not as flexible as a 6 but my old hands don't work that well anymore. So I'm struggling to find a fingerboard long enough and wide enough. Open to suggestions on material, but can't find a supplier apart from the US and if there's a prob then it's hassle all the way sorting it. So your combined wisdom is needed please. More details soon, Andy Edited July 28, 2009 by soopercrip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Longmayyourun Posted July 6, 2009 Share Posted July 6, 2009 Hiya - if the idea of a Wenge 'board does it for you then I can help. I have a board of the stuff eight feet long, ten inches wide and two thick. One side of this is near as dammit quarter sawn and is earmarked for fingerboards. I've had others off it that have remained flat and true. Nice close grain too. Feel free to drop me a PM if you like. Cheers, Andi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey R Posted July 7, 2009 Share Posted July 7, 2009 If you want a lighter fingerboard, theres tones of maple that would easily be long enough. A sawmill might be able to resaw a fingerboard for you. Try this ebay shop, [url="http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/Prime-Timbers__W0QQ_armrsZ1"]http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/Prime-Timbers__W0QQ_armrsZ1[/url] If you send him an email, he can resaw something specific to your measurements. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soopercrip Posted July 7, 2009 Author Share Posted July 7, 2009 Thanks Mikey I picked up the walnut drop top from Andy at Prime timbers but at the moment he only has some maccasar ebony, which I didn't think would go with what I have in mind, or he could cut some more walnut, but I think that could be a bit soft for a fingerboard. Andi (longmayyourun) is sorting some wenge for me (top guy) , so I'm now studying the pre-amp thread thats current for a bit of opinion on the electronics. No one has mentioned the nordstrand pre's yet and as I'm using a Nordy mm 5.2 pickup wondering what they are like. (There is far too much choice out there sometimes). Thanks again Andy [quote name='Mikey R' post='535116' date='Jul 7 2009, 08:58 PM']If you want a lighter fingerboard, theres tones of maple that would easily be long enough. A sawmill might be able to resaw a fingerboard for you. Try this ebay shop, [url="http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/Prime-Timbers__W0QQ_armrsZ1"]http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/Prime-Timbers__W0QQ_armrsZ1[/url] If you send him an email, he can resaw something specific to your measurements.[/quote] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockpig Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 David Dyke is probably the best source of top quality tonewoods in the UK. [url="http://www.luthierssupplies.co.uk/"]http://www.luthierssupplies.co.uk/[/url] he has an online catalog but all orders are by phone. the plus is you often get to speak to the man himself and will cutt to your dimensions if the timber is available. ohters you could try are [url="http://www.tonetechluthiersupplies.co.uk/"]http://www.tonetechluthiersupplies.co.uk/[/url] [url="http://www.lmii.com/"]http://www.lmii.com/[/url] just as an aside, having recently built an acoustic guitar in cherry I wouldn't feel comfortable with a cherry neck unless it was reinforced. since you are already using a walnut top why not go for a five piece neck with two thin strps of walnut between the cherry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soopercrip Posted July 8, 2009 Author Share Posted July 8, 2009 [quote name='rockpig' post='535925' date='Jul 8 2009, 06:58 PM']David Dyke is probably the best source of top quality tonewoods in the UK. [url="http://www.luthierssupplies.co.uk/"]http://www.luthierssupplies.co.uk/[/url] he has an online catalog but all orders are by phone. the plus is you often get to speak to the man himself and will cutt to your dimensions if the timber is available. ohters you could try are [url="http://www.tonetechluthiersupplies.co.uk/"]http://www.tonetechluthiersupplies.co.uk/[/url] [url="http://www.lmii.com/"]http://www.lmii.com/[/url] just as an aside, having recently built an acoustic guitar in cherry I wouldn't feel comfortable with a cherry neck unless it was reinforced. since you are already using a walnut top why not go for a five piece neck with two thin strps of walnut between the cherry[/quote] I thought about a five pieceneck and was wondering if I would have enough from the drop top. Should arrive by weekend so... Thanks Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey R Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 [quote name='soopercrip' post='535993' date='Jul 8 2009, 08:49 PM']I thought about a five pieceneck and was wondering if I would have enough from the drop top. Should arrive by weekend so... Thanks Andy[/quote] Good call on Dave Dyke - a maple fingerboard from Dave Dyke would likely be no more than £6, if he's got the timber in. I spoke to the other Dave at Dave Dykes the other week, he said they are snowed under, but their stuff is totally top notch. I know they can even laminate up a neck blank for you. Cherry and walnut are neither very stiff, maybe get some maple in there? Walnut and maple work REALLY well together! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wesfinn Posted July 12, 2009 Share Posted July 12, 2009 Hi craft supplies in Bakewell Derbyshire have a massive selection of exotic timbers. they also sell pre cut ready for finger boards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EBS_freak Posted July 13, 2009 Share Posted July 13, 2009 +1 for David Dyke. Its worth going down there at some point just to have a look around. It's wood heaven (oo-er) in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soopercrip Posted July 28, 2009 Author Share Posted July 28, 2009 (edited) So I've made a start. Worked out the final pattern sourced all the wood,(thanks for all the advice and donations) sharpened my whittlin' knife, summoned up some courage (best bitter) and off we go Still going for a 2 1/2 octave neck, so a deep cutaway for the lower horn. The cherry i got for the body had a slight crack so ripped it down and jointed it, planed and thicknessed, added the walnut top and shaped it to pattern. Had enough wenge (thanks to longmayourun- some geezer that) for making a five piece neck with the quater sawn cherry. Still a bit worried that it maybe too soft but going to give it a go and see... ...and it looks like this .... [attachment=29818:Picture_...63820000.JPG][attachment=29819:Picture_...63830000.JPG]Spot the join [attachment=29820:Picture_...63860000.JPG][attachment=29821:Picture_...63880000.JPG][attachment=2982 2:Picture_...63890000.JPG] [attachment=29823:Picture_...63900000.JPG]mmmm wenge... loving it Andy Edited July 28, 2009 by soopercrip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Longmayyourun Posted July 30, 2009 Share Posted July 30, 2009 Lovely looking top there Andy - should really stand out with some finish on it. Keep up the good work ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soopercrip Posted August 5, 2009 Author Share Posted August 5, 2009 Been a bit busy so things have been shelved for a bit, but managed to make a start again today although I haven't had chance to take any decent pics. And I need a bit of help with the bridge. because of the spacing on the pup, I've decided on single bridges rather than a solid bridge. All the hardware is black, and I've picked up some from thomann that are sound, but I'm unsure about grounding them. So, they all need grounding, right?? Or just one?? Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey R Posted August 5, 2009 Share Posted August 5, 2009 (edited) [quote name='soopercrip' post='561445' date='Aug 5 2009, 08:23 PM']So, they all need grounding, right?? Or just one?? Andy[/quote] I rekon you have four choices - 1) ground them all, or 2) ground one and use a brass nut, or 3) ground one and use a zero fret, or 4) use pickups that dont require the strings to be grounded, like EMGs It can be a bit tricky to get the screw holes for the bridge pieces placed EXACTLY where you want them, if they are a little off then its really noticable. I drilled mine by hand, but it think it might have been better to make a template from either steel plate, or maybe perspex. EDIT: Forgot to say, remember its safer to not have a string ground - less chance of getting shocked by dodgy stage and desk wiring. Edited August 5, 2009 by Mikey R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soopercrip Posted August 6, 2009 Author Share Posted August 6, 2009 Thanks Mikey (I think now got 5 choices) Theres no danger of dodgy stage wiring as I don't gig mate, I'm using the ACG 02 pre, you think that will be ok without a string ground? Cheers Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey R Posted August 6, 2009 Share Posted August 6, 2009 [quote name='soopercrip' post='561677' date='Aug 6 2009, 07:33 AM']I'm using the ACG 02 pre, you think that will be ok without a string ground?[/quote] I dont think the pre makes much difference, but Im not sure - I think the hum is mostly picked up by the pickups. IIRC EMG recommend not using a string ground, as their pickups are really well shielded the string ground actually makes this worse. Merton and I have a pair of custom Wizard 84s that have extra shielding, when I get round to it Im going to try them without a ground and see how they hum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soopercrip Posted August 6, 2009 Author Share Posted August 6, 2009 [quote name='Mikey R' post='561852' date='Aug 6 2009, 11:45 AM']I dont think the pre makes much difference, but Im not sure - I think the hum is mostly picked up by the pickups. IIRC EMG recommend not using a string ground, as their pickups are really well shielded the string ground actually makes this worse. Merton and I have a pair of custom Wizard 84s that have extra shielding, when I get round to it Im going to try them without a ground and see how they hum.[/quote] I'm shielding the pick up cav with copper and I've already drilled the hole for the centre bridge ground. I gues it won't be too much to try it first without and see what happens. Was just a bit concerned about popping a £200 pre. maybe I'll PM Skelf for confirmation Thanks mate Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soopercrip Posted September 17, 2009 Author Share Posted September 17, 2009 Hi troops, Well, it's finished apart from rectifying a couple of mistakes. It plays good and sounds great, so I'm feeling quite chuffed with my little self although it could be better, but for a first full build I'm happy. Mistakes: nut spacing bridge spacing dots on the neck. Controls cover not the best fit but better than plastic I think. All stuff I can sort apart from the dots where the 12th fret is now 11th fret and everything higher is a fret out (I don't know how, probably tired as I only got to work on it late) Need to spend more time getting to know the pre as it's quite different to anything I've used before, but the sounds available are vast. I buggered up the wenge for the fingerboard (although it will be usable for a smaller project) so ended up with some birdseye maple from Bill at Tonetech. and here it is... [attachment=33005:SDC107941111.JPG][attachment=33004:SDC107951111.JPG][attachment=33003:SDC108001111 .JPG][attachment=33002:SDC108041111.JPG][attachment=33006:SDC107931111.JPG][attachment=33007:SDC10791 1111.JPG] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Longmayyourun Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 Nice one Andy. For what it's worth I think the maple 'board suits much better than the wenge would have done. You should be proud.(and only you can see the misplaced dots right?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheddatom Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 I'm impressed! Nice one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wooks Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 Holy smoke that is absolutely STUNNING!!!!!!!!! You can be well proud of your achievement there buddy. Next thing is to get some sound clips up so that we can hear her voice!!!! Hope your ladies are doing well? We're all cool, kits are growing like wildfire!! Take care mate Sy + MJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v8bass Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 A superb thread and what an end result .. Fantastic looking Bass . wow looks deliciously playable and the Maple board for my money is much sweeter looking than imho the wenge would have been . And with the ACG is going to sound stunning . Outstanding ! Now play the life out of it ! Gary v8 Jealous Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soopercrip Posted September 17, 2009 Author Share Posted September 17, 2009 Thanks Guys Andi, I think you're right about the maple, and it wasn't expensive, thanks though for your donations, it will be incorporated in another project soon. Got a lot of bits like laquer, fretwire etc from Tonetech and found them great to deal with. Bill is really helpful. Hi Sy, It turned out OK didn't it? The cutaway below the finbgerboard should have been a little deeper to allow better access to the higher frets, but having hands like JCB shovels doesn't help much Post some sounds??? That would be a bit beyond my skills maybe, but I'll see what I can do. We're all fine thanks, regards to you and M, Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdwardHimself Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 Unlucky about the dots man but looks amazing really love it. How many frets is it then? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdamWoodBass Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 (edited) I like that a lot. If it had been me though I'd have gone for the bigger lower cutaway as you pointed out ala Zon Hyperbass. I find it a real pain when I have to radically change my hand position to play right up on the 24th fret on some basses. I'm actually thinking about getting my mate to do a hack job on my Yamaha for this very reason, I'm gonna be restringing it to high C too. Don't worry my mate is a carpenter by trade and very good at figuring wood so he does know what he's doing! He's also quite a good bass player so he'll have a really good understanding of what I want. Otherwise mate that looks superb, excellent work! Adam Edited September 18, 2009 by AdamWoodBass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soopercrip Posted September 18, 2009 Author Share Posted September 18, 2009 [quote name='EdwardHimself' post='601674' date='Sep 17 2009, 08:27 PM']Unlucky about the dots man but looks amazing really love it. How many frets is it then?[/quote] Hi Eddie It's 30 fret two and a half octave, but the cutaway makes it difficult as I said. Miscalculation I guess, but hey, I'm happy for a first build, and to be honest how often do you get up that far/ Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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