So I'm building this bass...

[Gordo]

Holy Crap!!! I'll take it you've done this a time or two? Starting to look really nice.

[STYX]

Holy Crap!!! I'll take it you've done this a time or two? Starting to look really nice.

Why, thank you! And welcome to the forums, too!
This is my first build and I am sometimes surprised at how well things have worked out so far.

Currently working on the body binding:

[STYX]

Hooray, the board seems to be working properly again!

Looking like a proper instrument now. (click for higher res)

Since this picture I've drilled holes to mount the bridge (see below) and for the control pots.


I am quite pleased at how the binding has turned out:

Invisible join is invisible! (2 pieces of binding join in the same place as the wood)

And a smooth body/neck join.

Currently working on:
Filing the nut.
Marking out the control cavity while still trying to decide on the shape.
Pickup position is marked and will probably be routed this weekend.
The neck (again!). I've had to reshape it once before to go from a D to more of a C shape. Then with the fretboard glued on it was way too thick. It's now down to an inch including fretboard at the nut, so it'll still end up quite chunky.

[Boxbie]

Wow, that's an amazing amount of work you've done!!

[STYX]

From last weekend:

And this weekend's work: routed control cavity with cover and trussrod cover (still a little rough around the edges)

If you're following this thread, it may soon be moved to the Guitar Tech & Projects forum

[STYX]

The last weeks were spent mostly filing the neck, which has a strange D profile now. At least it's consistent along the neck, so it's going to stay that way. I am getting so tired of filing and sanding - hours of work and no obvious difference.

Saturday was spent drilling all the remaining holes for strap buttons, etc.
Also, two last major chances to f___ thinks up: the wiring tunnel from pickup to control cavity and from bridge to control cavity (for grounding).

First attempt: the hole on the right. Due to the space the power drill needed, the angle was very steep and if I had continued the drill would probably have exited the back of the body before hitting the control cavity.

Second attempt: drill from the control cavity in the direction of the pickup (hole on the top left of the control cavity), which came out just where it should (hole on the left, pic above)

Then the easy one, from bridge to control cavity - shorter distance, more space. I clamped a piece of waste wood to top of the body, so the drill could dig in at such a shallow angle. Misjudged it somewhat, so the hole went a bit beyond the bridge outline. This is currently being fixed with filler.

Very happy that everything has worked out so well. Now there are just a few gaps to be filled in and everything sanded down in preparation for painting. The only other thing still to do is filing the nut. Feels like I'm finally on the finishing straight

[hazefuzz]

what size is the binding, look very nice

[STYX]

http://ilovefuzz.com/download/file.php?id=9697&mode=view

what size is the binding, look very nice

That's 2.3mm x 6.35mm. I started off around the fretboard and headstock with 1.02x6.35 but then realised it wouldn't stand out enough around the body (considering it's going to be completely black).

[dubkitty]

the binding on a Custom is also broader on the body than on the fingerboard and headstock, so you're correct for your design inspiration as well. i really admire your work...for a first project that's really awesome.

[STYX]

Thank you for the kind words dubkitty!

Current state: All taped off and ready to go

Weather doesn't look too good this week for painting, though the sun is out right now, so I'll give it a try.

[masked elwood]

looks fucking fab!
hard to believe it's your first build. damn fine work.

[metalmariachi]

Updates....

MM

[STYX]

looks fucking fab!
hard to believe it's your first build. damn fine work.

Thanks! That means a lot coming from a connoisseur of fine guitars such as yourself!

Updates....

Incoming...

In preparation for the finish I of course consulted the internet. The internet told me that
- for woods like Maple and Alder no grain filler is necessary
- you can use nitro without a sealer/primer

and surely one can of paint is enough, right?

DON'T TRUST THE INTERNET, KIDS!

Since lacquer has no grain filling ability to speak of, where the wood has been cut across the grain (the horns mainly) suddenly there were lots and lots of tiny little holes visible. Tried covering them up with epoxy, with no success. Instead I focused on the face of the body and, after finishing the can of paint, the wood grain was still visible. Suddenly realised that sanding the paint might get a better result, which actually worked - a nice flat black finish.
Since then I've bought two more cans of black nitro (just to be on the safe side) and have gone back to filling holes with the good old sawdust & glue combination along with a lot more sanding:

(pictures from a few days ago)

There are still a few dings and scratches that I want to fill, but I'm starting to settle with the fact that the finish won't be perfect. Anyway, lessons learned for next time, right?

[metalmariachi]

I’ve done a number of walnut gunstocks and a tung oil finish on a quilted maple bass body yup no filler needed just lots and lots of coats and sanding LOL.

For solid color, get some glazing compound and sandable primer at advance auto.
It will make the process go a lot smoother (no pun intended).

MM

[STYX]

Black finish reaching an acceptable level. Second paint can feeling a bit light.

I've decided the binding WILL be revealed again this bank holiday weekend!

Ooohhhh I can't wait!

edit:

Just had to take a peek, the rest will go tomorrow.

CIMG3629.JPG (38.86 KiB) Viewed 3611 times