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View Full Version : Telecaster Bass scratch build by Dingobass..



dingobass
08-04-2013, 08:14 AM
OK, Most of you have heard me raving on about stuff on the forum for quite a while now, so I thought it was about time I showed you all what goes on in the Man Cave of Lutherie when I am not putting together Pit Bull kits.

Before I start, I just want to say that this build is ALL Adam's fault.
He got me building so many Teles that I have fallen in love with them.

Miss Fiona, my long suffering and o so patient other half reckons that I am talking about them in my sleep! :P

So, as I am a Bass player I thought why not build myself a Tele Bass? I might get to keep this 'cause Adam doesn't own a Bass amp.... yet.

Over the next few weeks I will document and share with you how I, Dingobass builds a Bass :D

First up, a rundown on timbers I will use for this project.

Body : African Mahogany, one piece blank.
Neck : Canadian Rock Maple
Fingerboard : African Ebony

Now where to start?

First I mark out the centreline and profile of the body onto the blank. This gives me a feel for where everything will go and allows me to choose the nicest grain patterns.

Then I find the centre of the neck blank and mark out the neck and headstock profile and tuner positions.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/q8986-IMG_1530.JPG
Next I drill pilot holes for the tuners and then drill them out to the full size.
I drill the holes first so if I screw up i can re align the rest of the neck. (Always do your holes and body routs BEFORE you cut the body or neck shape!)
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/228zw-IMG_1530.JPG
You will notice that I use four clamps and have a scrap piece of ply under the neck. The ply stops the holes tearing out around the edges when the drill comes through.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/jt2g5-IMG_1536.JPG

dingobass
08-04-2013, 08:20 AM
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/y4n98-IMG_1534.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/v64t1-IMG_1539.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ie67m-IMG_1537.JPG

dingobass
08-04-2013, 08:26 AM
Next step is to rout the channel for the Truss Rod.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/g7937-IMG_1544.JPG
I use a two way type, this means I can adjust back bow or front bow. Makes keeping necks straight a breeze!
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/8y3i2-IMG_1543.JPG
After the truss rod rout is complete, i lower the face of the headstock with my trusty router.

Then I dress it up on the bobbin sander and start the curve to the fingerboard end.
I will finish shaping this profile by hand with my trusty razor rasps after I have glued the fingerboard on.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/o7f02-IMG_1546.JPG

keloooe
08-04-2013, 08:26 AM
This will be noice!!! I'm yet to visit the Man Cave, great time for me to get a glimpse!

dingobass
08-04-2013, 08:33 AM
Then I re mark the headstock profile, taking care to ensure it is squared up to the tuner holes!
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/urs5p-IMG_1547.JPG
Next step is to rough cut the neck and headstock from the blank.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/mfkxl-IMG_1549.JPG
Later I will dress this up with a profile template and my router so I will have a nice clean and crisp edge.
And finally for today, a visual tease of how she will look!
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/2b5cy-IMG_1550.JPG

pablopepper
08-04-2013, 08:58 AM
Huh! A telecaster bass that's going to look like a telecaster. I can't recall ever seeing one before.

For anyone who doesn't know, the original telecaster basses put out by Fender look more like a precision bass with an odd pickguard.
http://www.guitarphotographer.com/More%20vintage%20guitar%20photos/vertical/1971-tele-bass-blonde.JPG
I've always thought these were weird looking, missing the defining feature of the tele, the single cutaway.

This sounds very cool DB! Consider my interest well and truly piqued. :D

Gavin1393
08-04-2013, 09:26 AM
Stop please! my poor heart can't take anymore today! :)

This is going to be a great thread DB! How long do you think it will take to finish. I'm only asking because I need to drop by your man cave and would like to do so before this Tele is taken from your cold dead hands as per a previous thread....

dingobass
08-04-2013, 09:28 AM
Yep, Fender have not long re issued the Tele Bass, now it has the same body shape as the Tele Guitar.

The original TB was in fact a Precision but with Humbuckers and the Tele headstock.
I never was a fan myself, but the thought of building a proper Tele shaped Bass got my juices flowing :D

dingobass
08-04-2013, 09:30 AM
Quote from Gavin1393 on April 7, 2013, 18:26
Stop please! my poor heart can't take anymore today! :)

This is going to be a great thread DB! How long do you think it will take to finish. I'm only asking because I need to drop by your man cave and would like to do so before this Tele is taken from your cold dead hands as per a previous thread....

I reckon you will have about a week before I am onto the Wudtone stage Gavin....

Bass Guy
08-04-2013, 09:55 AM
Squier have a pawn-shop bass out in a Tele shape, and it looks fantastic! DB's will be far better, no doubt!!

robin
08-04-2013, 09:57 AM
Hey DB we have a few things in common.

1. Bass Player
2. An initial dislike/ambivalence of the Telecaster
3. A growing love affair with the Telecaster (I have already ordered a Tele kit and the next kit after that will also be a Tele)

So I also will be following this thread with great interest.

cheers
rob

GlennGP
08-04-2013, 10:01 AM
Watching this nice and closely. I thought the same thing as Pablo - a Tele bass that actually looks like a Tele? Awesome!

keloooe
08-04-2013, 09:28 PM
Quote from GlennGP on April 7, 2013, 19:01
Watching this nice and closely. I thought the same thing as Pablo - a Tele bass that actually looks like a Tele? Awesome!
All of a sudden you got interested there Glenn!

dingobass
09-04-2013, 06:40 AM
Day two.

Today I made the template for the neck pocket and pickup routs.

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/18x3a-IMG_1551.JPG
It is a really good idea to make this a one piece template, that way you know everything is going to line up! :P
I use a chunk of 6mm ply, first I rough cut it out and then finesse it with my razor files.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/15z39-IMG_1553.JPG
Then I clamp it to the body and the fun begins!
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/fkdgp-IMG_1554.JPG

dingobass
09-04-2013, 06:47 AM
Now for the routing.

First up I rout the neck pocket, I usually rout this out a couple of millimetres deeper than I need.
This is to allow for a couple of passes through the drum sander later on.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/rymj0-IMG_1557.JPG
Then I rout the pup cavities and control cavity, again a few mil deeper than I need.

When I am happy that I have these right, I cut out the profile of the body and give it a preliminary run on the bobbin sander to refine the shape.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/o4g96-IMG_1558.JPG

Usually I would make a profile template, but as my mega long router bit is cactus I had to go the long way round :?

Next job is to do a preliminary fit up of the neck!
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ibyut-IMG_1560.JPG

wokkaboy
09-04-2013, 06:53 AM
cool looks orsome DB, can't wait to see some wudtone on the body
So assume being a bigger body you have to make your own scratchplate same shape as a tele guitar but bigger ?
will you use the control panel from a tele guitar ?

dingobass
09-04-2013, 07:32 AM
No scratch plate... Not a fan of 'em!

I will be making my own control plate, but you will have to wait and see :D

keloooe
09-04-2013, 07:39 AM
This is going to be awesome when finished...
Wait, it's a DB creation, so there's no ending to the awesomeness!!!

wokkaboy
09-04-2013, 07:41 AM
might be a good idea if there's no scratch plate to paint in big lettering your 1800 phone number DB ?

Would certainly make the pests day !

Bass Guy
09-04-2013, 07:44 AM
What pickups do you have in mind for this one?

keloooe
09-04-2013, 07:52 AM
Quote from wokkaboy on April 8, 2013, 16:41
might be a good idea if there's no scratch plate to paint in big lettering your 1800 phone number DB ?

Would certainly make the pests day !
Haha, yer, but instead use Pyrography like Stui did!!! :P

dingobass
09-04-2013, 08:26 AM
Quote from Bass Guy on April 8, 2013, 16:44
What pickups do you have in mind for this one?

I have a pair of EMG HZ's lounging around in my box of assorted bitz, so I will throw them on board with CTS pots and an oil in paper cap.

keloooe
09-04-2013, 08:46 AM
I literally just read on how to make a PIO cap, looks and sounds pretty easy!!!

stui
09-04-2013, 10:06 AM
Quote from keloooe on April 8, 2013, 16:52

Quote from wokkaboy on April 8, 2013, 16:41
might be a good idea if there's no scratch plate to paint in big lettering your 1800 phone number DB ?

Would certainly make the pests day !
Haha, yer, but instead use Pyrography like Stui did!!! :P
If he wants to pay for a return airfare from Melbourne ill do it for him... For a small fee of course 8-)

keloooe
09-04-2013, 10:17 AM
Hey Stui, wanna play the LP when it's done??? :P

stui
10-04-2013, 12:54 AM
Quote from keloooe on April 8, 2013, 19:17
Hey Stui, wanna play the LP when it's done??? :P
As much as I'd love to drive around, playing different guitars, I'm a new dad now mate. Don't think I'll have much time on my hands for a while!

dingobass
10-04-2013, 09:19 AM
OK, now to reclaim this thread from the highjack.....

Day three. Late start, 3 pm...

Time to break out the mega long drill bit and drill holes for wires. Easy! 8-)
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/b5815-IMG_1567.JPG
Then the real fun begins. Shaping the headstock and neck heel prior to shaping the neck.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/430ke-IMG_1564.JPG
I start with a combination of half round and flat razor rasps... Did I mention these guys before? serious bit of kit.
These rasps make all others look like nail files... I digress...
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/x40i8-IMG_1563.JPG
Once I have the basic shape and profile sorted out, I can go in with the spokeshave.
That will be tomorrows story.

keloooe
10-04-2013, 09:29 AM
Who cares about the rasps, the drill bit got my attention!!!
Dude, massive drill bit you got there, how long?

dingobass
10-04-2013, 10:00 AM
410mm of hole boring glory, Pest :D

Gavin1393
10-04-2013, 11:33 AM
Loving your work DB! Feeling inspired. Necks from SM? Where did the body come from?

dingobass
10-04-2013, 01:22 PM
All components of this build are from SM 8-)

GlennGP
10-04-2013, 08:23 PM
Quote from dingobass on April 9, 2013, 19:00
410mm of hole boring glory, Pest :D

Dude, that's not a "bit", that's a "lot"!

keloooe
10-04-2013, 08:47 PM
410mm??? Wow...
Are ya going to use Gavmeister's burst idea, or are you going to use a different colour?

keloooe
10-04-2013, 08:48 PM
Quote from GlennGP on April 10, 2013, 05:23

Quote from dingobass on April 9, 2013, 19:00
410mm of hole boring glory, Pest :D

Dude, that's not a "bit", that's a "lot"!
Yea, that's what I said when I saw that!!!

dingobass
10-04-2013, 09:24 PM
Still undecided as to the colour scheme, I have added the Gavmeister's idea to the list!

The body has got a really nice subtle grain, the thing with African Mahogany is you never really know what is lurking under the surface until you apply the first coat.
It has a tendency to surprise you with some pretty amazing figure.

So, given this, it may end up with a colourless finish... 8-)

Yep, the drill bit is a unit!
I spent about an hour on the inter web trying to track one down. Guess where I found it?
Yep, at my favourite shop, NOT...... Bunnings..... Go figure.

keloooe
10-04-2013, 10:03 PM
Dude, I laughed so hard when I saw the bit...

WeirdBits
11-04-2013, 09:00 AM
Telebasster or Dingocaster?

You're making it all look too easy, DB! ;)

keloooe
11-04-2013, 09:57 AM
DB makes everything look easy!!

dingobass
11-04-2013, 12:41 PM
Day 4.

Finger board profiling and final neck shaping..

The first job was to run the Ebony fingerboard through the drum sander to get it dead flat. Too easy!
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/6m84c-IMG_1571.JPG
Next comes the time consuming part, radiusing the finger board.
Out with my trusty 16 foot radius sanding beam and on with 80 grit, then 120, 220 and finally 340
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/9777o-IMG_1572.JPG
after 30 minutes and a sore right arm, the board has a nice even radius.
Next up is preparing the neck for gluing the board.
A quick once over with 80 grit paper to make sure there is a good tooth and we are ready to go.
I run a strip of binding tape up the centre.
This is to prevent any glue fouling the truss rod and making it impossible to remove if ever it fails.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/5xo92-IMG_1575.JPG

dingobass
11-04-2013, 01:06 PM
A nice thick application of glue and we are set to place the board.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/eaxk9-IMG_1576.JPG
After ensuring it is on straight, a whole butt load of clamps are required to hold it in place!
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/syn1j-IMG_1578.JPG
Whilst I wait for the glue to go off I worked on the return curve of the neck.
The Ebony inlay you see is actually a plug.
This was not part of the original design, it is a work around... Dufus went too far when routing the truss rod channel... Looks good though :P
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/1frd3-IMG_1579.JPG

Gavin1393
11-04-2013, 01:56 PM
DB, the masking tape idea to prevent the glue from gluing the truss road to the body might be improved on by this tip from my friends at Australian Luthiers. I'm wondering how with squeeze out you would prevent the glue from spilling into the routed slot? They recommend using cellophane tape, trimming the edges close to the routed slot, then spreading glue onto the neck with the cellophane in place. Then wipe the TOP of the fretboard with a slightly damp cloth and apply the fretboard to the neck. You don't remove the cellophane. Dampening the top of the fretboard apparently counteracts any stress put on the underside of the fretboard by the wet glue - otherwise the fretboard being wood will do what wood does and will try and 'curl'. Well that's the theory anyway!

dingobass
11-04-2013, 02:38 PM
Hmmm, I will try the cellotape method next time. :D

On the rare occasions that I use Rosewood finger boards I do give them a wipe with a damp cloth.
With Ebony I don't bother as it is so hard that by the time the moisture from the glue has penetrated, the glue has pretty much set.
One of the many reasons I love Titebond so much, 30 minutes clamp time and she goes no where!

keloooe
11-04-2013, 08:54 PM
30 mins??? Wow.....
1) Apply glue
2) Clamp it down
3) Have lunch
4) Have a coffee
5) Come back and it is ready to go!!!

dingobass
11-04-2013, 09:58 PM
You are pretty well on the money there Pest.
Of course you still need to leave it for at least 24 hours before applying any stress, but you can at least carry on with shaping and sanding.

Gavin1393
11-04-2013, 11:14 PM
Yeah! The 30 minute glue time has its advantages and then disadvantages.....ever tried gluing the fretboard to an acoustic neck....getting it perfectly lined up and clamped without it moving about can be trying! Then of course there is the SM method of clamping the back and the soundboard to the sides.....usually arounf 18-22 clamps are needed and unless you have prepared the clamps ahead of the gluing process you tend to run out of time!!! But in truth, i'd never use anything else! Certainly not the cr@p that the other shop sells!

dingobass
12-04-2013, 12:35 PM
Day 5.

Now that the body is done and sanded, time to finish the neck.

First up, cut the nut slot.
I clamp my trusty 16foot radius sanding block as a square edge to guide the saw.
After setting the depth stop i carefully cut the slot depth.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/p0yzq-IMG_1588.JPG
Next up is to chisel the cut out.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/c499a-IMG_1589.JPG
Then I file the cut out flat and make sure the nut is sitting flush and square.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/z9v7z-IMG_1590.JPG

dingobass
12-04-2013, 01:06 PM
Now for the side dots.
With my fretless builds I put the dots on the actual note, or where the fret would normally be.
First thing to do is to mark out the scale. To do this I clamp my long rule and mark the positions with a white chinagraph pencil. The rule is placed against the inside edge (fingerboard side) of the nut
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/7ljhk-IMG_1591.JPG
Then I drill using a brad point drill, this gives a flat bottomed hole.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/2mb44-IMG_1593.JPG
Then I press the Paua shell and White Mother of Pearl-(for the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 12th "fret")- in and apply a drop of thin superglue to each. The thin superglue "wicks" around each dot and they are there forever.

After filing the dots down and sanding up to 800 grit and buffing with steel wool, job finished!
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/qbw31-IMG_1596.JPG

Bass Guy
12-04-2013, 01:35 PM
Gorgeous neck n this bass, DB! I am wowed by this thread!

dingobass
12-04-2013, 02:22 PM
Thanx Bassguy :D

I just want folk to see what I do, and to try and de mystify the art.
Honestly, any one with a few tools, a bucket load of determination and very basic wood working skills can build from scratch.

My very first scratch build was created with just a drill, a coping saw and a few manky old chisels as my tool kit.

The most important things are patience, more patience and then PATIENCE!.....

I am a Boilermaker by trade, a Stone Mason by profession and a Luthier by choice.

I guess what I am saying is, if you set your heart to it, anything is possible!
By sharing what I know with all on the forum helps all of you to achieve your dream axe, then it is well worth it and I will continue to do so.

I have learned so much through helping members sort out their problems and challenges and I am so grateful of this as it enhances and develops my knowledge and skill base :D

keloooe
12-04-2013, 09:15 PM
Well said DB, and great idea with the side dots!!!
Going to look awesome at the end, I'm not a bass player or a Tele player and im loving it!!!

dingobass
14-04-2013, 12:01 PM
Day 6. Nut and control cavity plate and other bitz...

First of all, I cut the bone blank down to the approximate size needed and I mark out the position of the E and G strings.
I usually mark the E string in 4mm from the edge of the fingerboard and the G string 3mm.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/wmh80-IMG_1602.JPG
Now I break out my trusty 16 Foot radius gauge and mark the curve onto the blank. At this stage I am not concerned about the overall height of the nut as this will be adjusted later.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/p3dj9-IMG_1605.JPG
Once I have filed the curve, I check it against the gauge to make sure it is correct
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/2u9kf-IMG_1606.JPG

dingobass
14-04-2013, 12:09 PM
Once I am happy with the result, I mark out the string spacing with my Stewmac compensated nut markingouterer rule.
The idea of this rule is it has spacings that are staggered, so you end up with even string placings at the nut. Ie, it compensates for the differing thickness of each string.
This does make for a more comfortable set up for the player.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/x3vhi-IMG_1610.JPG
Now i can file the string slots with my gauged nut files.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ge2n1-IMG_1614.JPG
Next job is to rough in the profile of the nut.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/e6of1-IMG_1616.JPG

GlennGP
14-04-2013, 12:22 PM
Fascinating stuff, DB. I'm enjoying this one, and anticipating a big finish!

dingobass
14-04-2013, 12:26 PM
Now it is time to mark out and drill the holes into the copper control plate.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/1z9a5-IMG_1598.JPG
Holes drilled, slot filed out with jewellers file and cleaned up ready to go!
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/qb0s1-IMG_1599.JPG
whilst all this was going on, I have applied a colourless coat and a base coat of Carmine Gypsy as a very subtle burst. This has dried so I can do a mock up build and get every thing fine tuned before I finish the Wudtone finish.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/w82v5-IMG_1618.JPG
So that is it. The next few days will be spent fine tuning the neck, nut and finishing my super secret wiring-(for now that is) and completing the Wudtone finish.
There will also be some shell inlay, which shall be revealed in the final photo shoot!

I know this has been a brief over view on how DB builds his Basses, but if I had posted the minutiae this would be the longest thread in history and most probably put you all into a coma :D

This build is dedicated to you, the forum members. Thank you all, you have all taught me more than I have taught you!

Bass Guy
14-04-2013, 03:13 PM
Oh, DB that is awesome! I'd love to play it when it's finished!

keloooe
15-04-2013, 02:21 AM
Wow DB, that looks beautiful!!!
I really wanna play that now!

dingobass
23-04-2013, 09:19 AM
The day draws near when I will unveil the Tele Bass...

Wudtone finish is now at the top coat stage, and the black hardware is on it's way.....

wokkaboy
24-04-2013, 10:06 AM
Quote from dingobass on April 22, 2013, 18:19
The day draws near when I will unveil the Tele Bass...

Wudtone finish is now at the top coat stage, and the black hardware is on it's way.....


So DB you going to make the community family wait till it's finished?
How about a progress pic? I got some lessons from the pest

dingobass
24-04-2013, 11:03 AM
Quote from wokkaboy on April 23, 2013, 19:06

Quote from dingobass on April 22, 2013, 18:19
The day draws near when I will unveil the Tele Bass...

Wudtone finish is now at the top coat stage, and the black hardware is on it's way.....


So DB you going to make the community family wait till it's finished?
How about a progress pic? I got some lessons from the pest


Yep. No spoilers :D

Actually, I would have posted a progress pic today but I ran out of day... Been busy working on a few commissions and a Beatle Bass or two.. Yes Gavin, I have started sanding your Bass :P

Gavin1393
24-04-2013, 11:07 AM
Yeah! So kind and thoughful of me knowing how much you love to sand!

wokkaboy
24-04-2013, 12:11 PM
Quote from Gavin1393 on April 23, 2013, 20:07
Yeah! So kind and thoughful of me knowing how much you love to sand!
Yes What's the deal Gav why is DB building you a bass? I'm still
Convinced DB Sands axe bodies in his sleep he puts sanding on par with bunnings sandpaper haha

Gavin1393
24-04-2013, 12:27 PM
Because he's such a cool dude! 8-)

wokkaboy
24-04-2013, 12:35 PM
Quote from Gavin1393 on April 23, 2013, 21:27
Because he's such a cool dude! 8-)
You just scored 10 DB browny points Gav! You probably have too many 6 string projects Gav. What's DB charge to build a bass? Would 2 or 3 cartons of coopers cut it? Haha

dingobass
29-04-2013, 09:18 AM
OK Guys, I know the suspense has been killing you all....

You will just have to hang in there for a few more days 8-)

The Wudtone finish is complete, all that remains is for the new bridge to show up.. it would have been here last Tuesday if not for a minor stuff up with packing my last order from Stewmac... but I forgive them as this is the very first time they have ever got my order wrong and they were so apologetic it was almost embarrassing 8O

So stay tuned, the great unveiling will happen early next week :D

keloooe
29-04-2013, 09:27 AM
If only SM got the order correct... Now we have to wait longer, THE SUSPENSE IS KILLING ME DB!!!

Also, are routers easy to use and control???? And is there a different alternative to using one???

Gavin1393
29-04-2013, 09:48 AM
No, no and No......

keloooe
29-04-2013, 09:49 AM
Damn, damn, and guess what??? $#!T!!! :D :P

dingobass
29-04-2013, 10:01 AM
Well Pest, Routers are not to difficult to use... the most important thing is to have a very healthy respect for them as they can be a dangerous tool if mishandled.

To tell you the truth, my router scares the crap outta me, and I have got a really good one with all the safety gadgets you could imagine...

The thing is to make sure the work piece is securely fastened down and the router bit is properly seated and the collet is TIGHT.
Nothing is quite as scary as having a router bit fly out at several thousand revs per minute.

I had one do this to me once, lucky for me it went away from me and the Man Cave window was open 8O .

The bit in question still resides on my neighbours roof.... Lesson learned.

Gavin1393
29-04-2013, 12:04 PM
What a shitty neighbour for not fetching it off his roof and returning it to you!

keloooe
29-04-2013, 08:09 PM
I almost had a scroll saw blade fly at me once last year... Almost sliced my left hand (my dominant had) clean off!!! Lucky the blade stayed in the saw!!!

pablopepper
29-04-2013, 09:18 PM
Haha, routers can be terrifying! I use them almost daily at work and I still have a healthy fear of them (and all of my fingers to prove it). Nothing like a couple of tungsten blades spinning at 30,000 rpm to put a little scare in you. :D

Gavin1393
30-04-2013, 04:34 AM
At least I recognise the warning signs now "that I need to just do this one 'almost perfect' part ever so slightly and it will be just perfect....". It's usually after hearing this voice in my head that I put the Router away knowing full well that it has a mind of it's own and is preparing to make a run for the exit but only after ripping a hole in the guitar body, spewing wood and sawdust everywhere (it usually aims for your eyes so that you cannot figure out which direction it ran off in).
I know DB has mentioned the Drill Bit that sits plotting his demise while observing his every movement from the vantage point of his neighbors roof...
Routers just cannot be trusted to remain faithful!

wokkaboy
30-04-2013, 06:18 AM
Quote from Gavin1393 on April 29, 2013, 13:34

Routers just cannot be trusted to remain faithful!


yer routers are scary machines I'm with you DB my heart rate doubles when I use one of these. I'm terrified of ruining the wood and myself !

We had a close call with a bit in a dremel came loose and flew across the workbench through a glass of champagne and ended up about 6-7m away. Luckily we were both wearing safety glasses as glass went everywhere, so now we keep the bent bit in view of the workbench as a reminder to keep work safe !

dingobass
30-04-2013, 07:19 AM
Allrighty then.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you the Telecaster Bass from the Man Cave of Lutherie!
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/038wu-IMG_1619.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/13w7d-IMG_1622.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/57duo-IMG_1623.JPG

dingobass
30-04-2013, 07:20 AM
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/zw9aj-IMG_1624.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/x1239-IMG_1625.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/3w385-IMG_1629.JPG

keloooe
30-04-2013, 07:30 AM
WOW WOW WOW!!!! that is just so awesome!!! i couldn't type my reply here, too many colourful words, when I get to perth someday i gotta play that!!!
Love the copper plate, has a bit of camouflage with the mahogany!

Gavin1393
30-04-2013, 07:51 AM
I'm taking points off for not putting your name on the headstock! :)

Awesome work mate! Looking forward to hearing it - love the Howling Dingo on the fretboard!

dingobass
30-04-2013, 08:19 AM
I like a nice clean headstock, hence no name....

The Dingo on the fingerboard is all I need to put on my builds! 8-)

keloooe
30-04-2013, 08:43 AM
Well, you could have at least put your name somewhere, like maybe signing the body, placing a blank decal over it, then the Wudtone???

stui
30-04-2013, 09:36 AM
Beautiful DB! Love the grain on the neck, love the howling dingo inlay, and the copper control plate gives it a really unique look.

If I played bass guitar i would be lusting after this hard :P

dingobass
30-04-2013, 11:01 AM
Quote from keloooe on April 29, 2013, 17:43
Well, you could have at least put your name somewhere, like maybe signing the body, placing a blank decal over it, then the Wudtone???

Pestybitz, the Dingo inlay is my signature! 8-)

Brendan
30-04-2013, 02:30 PM
DB - almost got me across to the fretless side with that baby... How hard is the inlay to do like that? It looks pretty darn special and will certainly make your basses stand out from the pack (sorry had to do it). Love the worn look, with the weathering in the copper.
What sort of strings are you using?

dingobass
30-04-2013, 09:58 PM
Quote from Brendan on April 29, 2013, 23:30
DB - almost got me across to the fretless side with that baby... How hard is the inlay to do like that? It looks pretty darn special and will certainly make your basses stand out from the pack (sorry had to do it). Love the worn look, with the weathering in the copper.
What sort of strings are you using?


Hey Brendan,

Inlay is not that difficult to do with the right tools.
A Dremel with the Stewmac Router base and a couple of fine down cut spiral routing bits to do the rout, a jewellers saw and a Mother of Pearl blank.

First up you cut the design out of the blank then hold it down on the workpiece with a piece of double sided sticky tape and trace around it with a chinagraph pencil.

Set the depth of cut on the Dremel to just under the thickness of the shell, hold your tongue the right way and start to rout out the shape.

It doesn't matter if you go slightly larger than the inlay as when you fill the rout with glue, in this case black super glue (again, from Stewmac) this small gap will be filled.

Then I sand the inlay down flush with the fingerboard with my radius sanding block.

Next step is to get some sanding dust off a scrap piece of Ebony, brush this into any remaining gap and add a few drops of thin Stewmac super glue.
This makes any gaps disappear!

Then another quick sand with the radius block using 800 grit then polish it all up with 0000 grade steel wool and apply a thin coating of Axe Wax.


The strings are Ernie Ball flat wounds. I have an intense dislike of round wound strings on Fretless as they tend to chew the finger board up and they also sound terrible when you start doing slides! :P

Gavin1393
30-04-2013, 10:22 PM
Hey DB

Glad to read that you are still alive and that your Tele-bass isn't hanging on a wall somewhere in HighGate....

WeirdBits
01-05-2013, 08:07 AM
DB has taken precautions...

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/7qq31-DB_tele_sign.jpg

keloooe
01-05-2013, 08:32 AM
Ha!!!! Damn that is funny!!!

Gavin1393
01-05-2013, 08:56 AM
Classic Scott!!!

dingobass
01-05-2013, 08:59 AM
BWAHAHAHAHAHA!

Gold :D

Thanks for the laugh Mate, I needed that! :P