Marcel's RCM-4F (PBG build #3)

[wazkelly]

I try to do something different with each build too and good to see you didn't do a traditional black on this build. Maybe outdoor shots from different angles might help to show off the flames.

[Marcel]

That's true Waz... An RC with a flame top isn't traditional to start with so why should I stick with traditional colours...

Hopefully over the next few days while I take the mandatory mental rest breaks away from Reaper it will get assembled and strung up... then all the imagined truths will become known facts ...

[Marcel]

A few days is a bit of a lie...lol

Got it together and strung up... Still needs intonation and nut to be done, and I now know the electronics work fine. Annoyed that the setting of the neck wasn't perfect in that the bridge now needs to move about 2mm South for the strings to align perfectly with the neck, but that would mess with the JB PU as the bridge in its current position has the strings pretty close to spot on.

As Waz suggested I to some photos in the late afternoon sun. It certainly looks different under strong light...

Also a photo of the back of the headstock... I know others have had issues fitting the tuners on RC kits. Luckily mine just fit...

[Simon Barden]

Looking good, Marcel.

It may be worth investing in some knurled bridge saddles, such as these Allparts ones. https://www.realparts.com.au/bridge-...et-nickel.html
This allows you to re-position your strings slightly rather than move the bridge. These are the original '50s P-bass style saddles. I reckon you'd only need about 1mm of adjustment to make it look OK.

[wazkelly]

Looks great buddy.

[Marcel]

Thanks Simon & Waz.

I'll be looking into what I can do with the saddles to get the strings straighter if playing it is an issue. The more immediate problem is the tuners. They work but damn it when winding up the tension that you think the bearings feel like they are plagued with arthritis. Smooth for half a turn then gritty for the next three turns, then stiff, then gritty, then..... whatever.... And greasing them made no difference. New tuners are on top of the list!! Followed by a set of flat wound strings to replace the kit strings...

Also need to find or build me a bass amp... The 160W 12" Washburn loaded cab is fine, however my AC15 amp build is just way to bright to double as a test bass rig. Funny thing is that on the RC and at even only 15W it can still easily make my tin workshop shed on its 10" concrete slab do those rattle and buzz noises that they are famous for....

[wazkelly]

Stock Bass Kit Elephant Ear Tuners are rubbish and Real Parts have some decent USA made ones for $48 for a set of 4 in line but 2 a side ramps up to $78 for Gotoh's which are currently out of stock. Here is the link and it could be worth having a look on eBay too for whatever else is out there.

https://www.realparts.com.au/tuning-...et-nickel.html

[Marcel]

One of the first things I looked at after clicking on Simons link was to check out that exact tuner that you just posted Waz. And I've spent most of the evening looking for a decent chrome/Nickel 2+2 set on Ebay. I've found one set of Schalers for $120 and that's about it. I'll keep looking, they have to be out there....

[wazkelly]

Schallers are good but usually more expensive where the Japanese Gotohs are just as good and considerably cheaper.

[Marcel]

Hmmm ...

Grover 142C being the 2+2 is what I need, but at AU$99 +AU$30 for Postage is not a very likely winner.

Grover 142C4 being the 4 in line is for a JB build is the same price.

Might get the 8R2L free postage set out of Hong Kong for $43 and hope for the best and bin the rest ...