Bass Guitar Rebuild...

G-Man

Ages ago I repaired my boss's neglected and abused bass to a playable state and all was well. He informed me that his kids broke it again and said that if I wanted it I could have it. It's a cheapo Carsen bass.

So the plan is to make a new neck and shape the bass into a cool new design. Here it is...

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Bought a solid plank of rose wood for 50 bucks, looks stunning! Will post pics soon.

slyd

Groovy man ?

Any thoughts/things you need help with, . . . just call . .
D
Sounds like fun!

G-Man

Ay thanks man, really appreciate it!

Update.

Original shape.

Rough new shape. I kinda made it up.

My rosewood plank for the neck!

G-Man

I have a few questions maybe you guys can help?

Ok so for the fretboard I have 2, possibly 3 options depending on cost and difficulty...

1: I can use the existing fretboard, but I know for a fact that the scale length was wrong because the intonation was out by a country mile the last time I fixed this thing. So is there a way that I can "reverse calculate" my scale length by measuring the spaces to the frets instead of the other way round and then mounting the bridge in the correct position?

2: I can yank out the frets, flip it over and make it a fretless bass...

3: I have a perfect board of dark wood, it looks like ebony or possibly stained rosewood, I could cut out a new fretboard and then make it from scratch.

What do u guys reckon the best way forward would be, bearing in mind that this is my first jump into a neck build. ( I have researched for ages though so I'm not completely in the dark, I think???)

AlanRatcliffe

1. You can calculate your real scale length by measuring from front of the nut to the 12th fret and doubling it.

2. No - the top of the board is radiused, so you can't flip it.

3. The new board would be my choice. But then again, would you want to use a good piece of wood to dress up a cheaper bass? I'd probably find something cheaper for a new board and use that and call it practice. Then when you do get to use your nice board blank, you'll have some experience under your belt.

Psean

I'm interested to see how this turns out in the end. Keep the updates and pics coming ?

G-Man

So I decided to carry on with the neck, even though there are reasons that I perhaps shouldn't. Oh well xD

I angled the headstock.

I got the crappy black paint off the back, more veneer.

Polished up my hand plane. Buttery smooth now aside from the discolouration. Took me a whole afternoon to sand and clean.

My router jig

First pass

G-Man

Contrast

Fretboard is glued and drying

G-Man

Shaping up a bit...

That grain....

Psean

Keep 'em coming man. ?

domhatch

really innerestin' stuff. first bass build (after a fashion) i've witnessed (heal that bass brother!), so as the man said, keep 'em coming! looking great so far.
dh|

G-Man

If memory serves then this bass had quite a thin, twangy type sound going on. To combat this I have decided to keep the neck super thick, apparently this can help a lot. Next I read that asymmetrically profiling can help with the ergonomic qualities of a chunky neck, like an 8 string.

Is there any reason I shouldn't carry on asymmetrically shaping? It's starting to feel nice and comfy.

G-Man

Quick mock up. I really like it.

AlanRatcliffe

Asymmetrical necks can help with the feel but, as with all things neck, it's down to personal taste and how you play. I like symmetrical soft Vs because the V is either where my thumb rides or it sits in just the right spot when I wrap my thumb around the edge of the board.

G-Man

Thanks Alan. I'm going to carry on shaping tonight after work. I have been bitten by the bass building bug, badly! ?

G-Man

DDR4LYF

Looking good man! Keep it going!!!!

ftcl

G-Man wrote: Quick mock up. I really like it.

I hope you plan to keep the body as is? This looks damn good!

G-Man

Thanks guys. Yeah I'm keeping the shape and "finish" (or lack there of haha) as simple as possible. I have Linseed oil that I'm gonna oil the neck and body with.

I happened upon a solid block of aluminium that I'm gonna start shaping the nut from. Aluminium has to be better than plastic, right? ???

AlanRatcliffe

G-Man wrote: I have Linseed oil that I'm gonna oil the neck and body with.

Just to be sure... boiled linseed oil, right?

Aluminium has to be better than plastic, right? ???

Yeah. Some Gretsches and a lot of lap/pedal steels use aluminium. There are different alloys though, and I'm not sure which are better for the purpose.