My first DIY bass

[MadAudio]

This is the jump thread of So tempted...

So the $38 Blue Flame bass kit from guitarfetish.com arrived today. It's definitely gonna be an oddball once I get it together. Already I can see some challenges I didn't foresee. But I'm sure I'll learn something in the process.

Here are some pics to start with....

[MadAudio]

The "art shot"....

[whyseye]

....maple fretboard?

[MadAudio]

Here's the first thing that makes me go hmmmmmmm...

This is NOT a string-through-body design after all. So what are these wells for?

[MadAudio]

Originally Posted by whyseye

....maple fretboard?

Fretboard and neck are the same piece of maple, and unfinished at that. The fret markers are nice and flush though, and most of the fingerboard area is smooth. There are two or three spots that could use some fine sanding.

[32-20-Blues]

Originally Posted by MadAudio

Here's the first thing that makes me go hmmmmmmm...

This is NOT a string-through-body design after all. So what are these wells for?

They look like they could be routed areas for individual saddles. I'll try to find a picture.

[32-20-Blues]

Okay, Mad Audio, I think this might be what you're looking for:

[MadAudio]

Originally Posted by 32-20-Blues

Okay, Mad Audio, I think this might be what you're looking for:

Oooooh, individual bridges! That's actually pretty cool, and would certainly fit in with the paint job on this beast! Thanks, man - well deserved greenies for you!

[ido1957]

Sweet looking DIY bass Mad.....and the price is great

[32-20-Blues]

Originally Posted by MadAudio

Oooooh, individual bridges! That's actually pretty cool, and would certainly fit in with the paint job on this beast! Thanks, man - well deserved greenies for you!

Why thank you, MadAudio, that's very generous.

Of course, Light and Muttley are gonna take a look at it in the morning and tell me I'm wrong. (Although this time, i don't think I am)

[MadAudio]

Originally Posted by 32-20-Blues

Why thank you, MadAudio, that's very generous.

Of course, Light and Muttley are gonna take a look at it in the morning and tell me I'm wrong. (Although this time, i don't think I am)

Does Leo Quan make indy saddles?

[muttley600]

Originally Posted by 32-20-Blues

Why thank you, MadAudio, that's very generous.

Of course, Light and Muttley are gonna take a look at it in the morning and tell me I'm wrong. (Although this time, i don't think I am)

Nope I believe your right on the money mate. I don't do basses as you know but that looks about right.

The first thing you need to do is establish exactly where your string length ends on the body. That will dictate the type of bridge/saddle arrangement you can get on it. A very soft pencil or better still a chalk line will help. Measure from the nut back to the body. Then you can set your bridge to allow for some forward and backward adjustment when its in place. String length is the FIRST consideration on any stringed instrument. Everything else is designed around it.

Nice looking project by the way good luck with it and keep posting pics..

[muttley600]

Originally Posted by 32-20-Blues

Okay, Mad Audio, I think this might be what you're looking for:

What instrument is that taken from? I'm not a bass guru at all but love all things strings. I'd like to take a closer look as a friend of mine was discussing something similar a while back for a project he had in mind.

[32-20-Blues]

Originally Posted by muttley600

What instrument is that taken from? I'm not a bass guru at all but love all things strings. I'd like to take a closer look as a friend of mine was discussing something similar a while back for a project he had in mind.

Here's the link, Muttley: http://www.veilletteguitars.com/deta...ut_retro.shtml

It's a type of bridge/saddle arrangement that I've been seeing more and more in the guitar magazines recently.

[RezN8]

Check yer PM for info on Action Music (located near EFC metro). They'll have parts for yer bass and they've always been super helpful with that kinda stuff.
Cheers. -Rez

[Zaphod B]

Very cool, MadAudio!

[true-eurt]

How is the bass coming along Madz...?

[timthetortoise]

*scuttles onto bass*
*poops*
*scuttles away frantically*

[MadAudio]

Originally Posted by true-eurt

How is the bass coming along Madz...?

It seems to have some crab poop on it.

[MadAudio]

Originally Posted by muttley600

Nope I believe your right on the money mate. I don't do basses as you know but that looks about right.

The first thing you need to do is establish exactly where your string length ends on the body. That will dictate the type of bridge/saddle arrangement you can get on it. A very soft pencil or better still a chalk line will help. Measure from the nut back to the body. Then you can set your bridge to allow for some forward and backward adjustment when its in place. String length is the FIRST consideration on any stringed instrument. Everything else is designed around it.

Nice looking project by the way good luck with it and keep posting pics..

Thanks for the reply. Sorry I didn't acknowledge it sooner, but it will help me get started. I imagine this will not be a quick build, but I will keep this thread updated.

BTW, it seems the common term is 'single string bass bridge." At least that's what yielded the best Google hits!

[MadAudio]

Originally Posted by RezN8

Check yer PM for info on Action Music (located near EFC metro). They'll have parts for yer bass and they've always been super helpful with that kinda stuff.
Cheers. -Rez

Got it, thanks! I checked out their website, too. I can get there pretty easily.

[timboZ]

Mad, what do you think of the neck.
I am thinking of getting the same neck for an old bass body I have.

[capnkid]

That looks like an Ibanez body.

[bogdon]

that's very cool!

[MadAudio]

Originally Posted by timboZ

Mad, what do you think of the neck.
I am thinking of getting the same neck for an old bass body I have.

I like it, but it's hard to tell without strings!