Iceman Bass Guitar - first build

[HeadBandGuy]

Hi all,
So, i am going to start my build diary. (sort-of)
I have an unboxing video over on my youtube page, and am trying to keep it all updated on my website too.
i have bought the kit from DIY Guitars, as the deal was awesome, and can support a local aussie guy at the time too.
my website is www.headbandguy.com
I am trying to vlog, and do many things over there.
anyway, i have done a mock build, finally and have noticed a very tiny (1-2mm) gap between the next and the body.
I am aware of the gap of the fretboad to the body, but that tiny gap to the body, should i leave, and continue to measure up for the bridge and strings, or do i need to remove tough amounts of wood to make the distance minimal(er)

another thing, the backing plate on the neck appears to be slightly out with the pre-drilled holes.
if i line up, i will be able to centre it, but im guessing it shouldnt be that close to the holes.

any advice would be great.

cheers.

[wazkelly]

Cool looking axe HeadBandGuy.

Recently built a 5 string Explorer Bass with bolt on neck and same FB Gap overhang as per these shots. No big deal and not much can be done about it. As for the neck plate maybe substitute it for some counter sunk ferrules?

[wazkelly]

Love the natural colour. If it were mine I would just clear finish it.

[wokkaboy]

Hey Headbandguy, glad you finally started the build with a mock build, good idea. With the small gap between the neck heel and neck pocket I'd sand the heel and the pocket till you get a tight fit. Keep checking the fit so you don't oversand.
Those neck screw holes are pretty much the same alignment on most kits are out by a bit. Don't worry once you drill the screw holes and drive the screws in they will centre in the countersunk part of the plate. Put plenty of pressure on the screw head and best use a phillips head driver in a cordless drill if you have one.
Once the neck is screwed in place you can align and place the bridge in the correct position

[HeadBandGuy]

So I got around to my mock build on Sunday Night!...
...Some year and a bit later!...
There was a large gap in the neck joint.
bought a flexi-drive tool, that had some sanding possibilities to it, and SUCCESS!
Got that joint pretty darn tight (I think so anyway)
got the measurements all lined up from the bridge to the 12th fret, and looking pretty sweet overall.
I was a little worried with the Neck bolts going in straight, as they appeared to be drilled slightly off centre.
ALL was good! sdcrrewd them into just the body to begin with, including the plate, and they went in straight and even.
I was paranoid all the way through the construction of it all, but it turned out very well in the end.
I should never have doubted the guitar or myself, and for so long!
Now to wire up everything and get that going before we paint and make look pretty!

[wokkaboy]

looks good HBG, wow I was going to say 17 months since my last post before yours ! Glad the mock build worked out well. No point doing the wiring till the finish is done. If you do it know you will have to de-solder the earth wire and pickup wires to paint it !

[wazkelly]

Cool shape. Never seen an Iceman Bass before.

[Simon Barden]

There have been Iceman basses in the Ibanez range on and off since 1984. Currently not in production.

[wazkelly]

OK, hasn't been on my radar so was not aware of what they offered either past or present.