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Bass Guy
30-08-2013, 09:00 AM
Happy happy joy joy! The next project was awaiting me at the post office. Not many feelings better than cracking open the next Pit Bull box...

This bass will be for my 12yo son Davis (Gollum is his nickname- he looks like he's made of string and twigs) as he declared an interest in learning bass.

First thing I notice is the maple cap. Oh my lord it's gorgeous.

Second thing I notice is the nut. There's a weird overhang past the nut which looks a littlle messy, but I think I can trim it back without too much trouble.

First question is how heavy can I be sanding this? As it's a lammy top, is there a specific routine?
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/4tq79-image.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/4t2jq-image.jpg

Tim
30-08-2013, 09:42 AM
Gollum bass ..my precious
Knock the nut of and put a bone nut in easy fix:)
From what I have read and heard the top is a lammy top , so only thin so sand carefully.
One of the other forum members may be able to confirm this.
What colour are you thinking for the gollum bass, oh and great choice for a learner bass.

WeirdBits
30-08-2013, 10:26 AM
That is one nice cap. It may just be a shadow, but it looks like you may need to give that first fret a few taps.

Are you planning on adding something special to the headstock, like maybe Gollum in elvish script (http://derhobbit-film.de/rune/runes.php?fsize=50&write=000000&back=ffffff&font=2&text=Gollum)? There are lots of fonts and generators (http://derhobbit-film.de/rune_generator.shtml) available online.

A two tone 'burst, right, what colours?

Bass Guy
30-08-2013, 10:41 AM
Two tone burst in Columbian Gold outer, Butterscotch inner.

Not sure about headstock inlays yet.... He may grow out of the Gollum nickname, or find it embarrassing at school, so the thinking caps are on...

He really likes pandas, so that might be something....

Analyst69
30-08-2013, 10:49 AM
I really like these HB4 kits and that cap looks great.

Really look forward to seeing the Columbian Gold/Butterscotch burst.

Good to give the Gollum thing a bit of thought. I was called Gilligan at school, which didn't stick forever (probably wouldn't care if it had), but I certainly had friends who grew to hate their nicknames.

Bass Guy
30-08-2013, 12:58 PM
Slight rethink on the Butterscotch. Apparently it is unsuitable fior maple, so I will use Saffron instead.

Bass Guy
30-08-2013, 01:10 PM
Also, which way do I sand the top to bring out the flame?

Andyport
30-08-2013, 09:43 PM
Sand with the grain, NOT with the flames.
That is, in the direction from the neck cavity to the tail. Not across the body.
Well thats what I did on my LP-1 and the ES I'm currently building....works for me.
Easy mistake to want to follow the flames though.
Also, the cap is fairly thin so go easy, especially around the edges.

Scott J.
03-09-2013, 10:55 AM
Hi Bass Guy,

The "weird overhang past the nut" ... I had the same thing on my SG. It seems that rather than cut a slot they notch the end of the fingerboard for the nut but then (for some reason) don't cut off the "overhang" either square or flush.

However with a very fine-tooth saw and much visual confirmation after every couple of passes I was able to trim it down without going into the headstock ... but then I'd removed my nut and had clear access (which made it easier).

Note: As DB confirmed for me, the PitBull nuts are unique in their sizing ... they don't quite match up with the standard nut sizes from any of the major manufacturer's (and all of them different to each other too!). So if you do intend to upgrade the standard plastic nut to something better (bone, brass, tusq, graphite, etc.), I'd suggest getting your new nut first and then trim to its size.

BTW - VERY lovely flame-top on your HB! ... cant wait to see it all varnished up!

Humphrey
03-09-2013, 08:27 PM
Hi,
You will have a lot of enjoyment with this bass. My one ( HB 4S )was my first ever ( pix on photo thread ) and I had the veneered face to deal with. So I simply applied base coats and then non glossy ageing top coats. Time will now mellow it even more.
I agree, the face is very thin ( unlike the HB 4S so take it easy with 280 or finer.
There is a bloke on Ebay that makes very good truss rod caps with your name or whatever you want engraved into the face. You might like to get one done for your son. About $13.00 delivered and you choose the style etc.

Humphrey
03-09-2013, 09:30 PM
Yes, sand very lightly top to bottom not with the tiger stripes.

Good luck

Bass Guy
03-09-2013, 10:42 PM
Thanks folks, I shall begin it in earnest this weekend. :D

Tim
23-10-2013, 09:10 PM
Howis the gollum bass going bass guy

Bass Guy
26-10-2013, 12:16 AM
Hi all,

Sorry I've been out of the loop recently, but there's been "stuff" at home to contend with that got in the way. Looking at selling the house right now, so I doubt there will be any progress on the projects until the move is done and dusted. Once said dust has finally settled I can add to it by beginning sanding through the Christmas break.

Fear not, I shall be keeping an eye on the boards and passing comment when I can. Got a lot of catching up to do! ;)

Brendan
26-10-2013, 11:43 AM
Hope things are settling down. Last I heard the naughty corner had moved well north of the city :)...
Looking forward to see how these builds go, so will wait with baited breath.

Bass Guy
09-01-2014, 05:25 AM
Time's wingéd chariot doth move swiftly 'gainst the tides.... and before we know it, Gollum's birthday will be here. Hopefully I can get it done in time...

To whit: the neck is now stained (with leftover Hot Auburn base). Top coat to follow when dry.

Also the top of the body is sanded and coated with one application of HA base to pop the grain. This will be cut back before applying the sunburst.

Liking it so far... :D
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/lk5ev-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/xjan9-image.jpg

wokkaboy
09-01-2014, 07:44 AM
looking good bassguy, good to see you back in the building phase. Love hot auburn its a cool colour. Look forward to updates. What colours you got planned for the sunburst and back/sides ?

Brendan
09-01-2014, 01:42 PM
Looking sweet Eliot! Beautiful flamage that Hofner Bass - beautiful flamage!

Bass Guy
10-01-2014, 12:58 AM
@wokka- I chose Colombian Gold outer and Burning Sun inner.

wokkaboy
10-01-2014, 02:01 AM
wicked Bassguy that colour combo should work well. Quite a difference in colour shades so blending the burst will be a challenge but sure you will be up for it !

Timsan
10-01-2014, 03:52 AM
Nice kit, mate. The flaming looks fantastic. Can't wait to see how it goes. My Dad is a bit of a Beatles fan, and I'd thought of doing one of these for his birthday (he's 65 in November).

You should get a decal done up for the headstock that simply says, "Precious".

Bass Guy
10-01-2014, 07:04 AM
Cut back the top to leave the flame, ready for the application of sunbursty Wudtone, when the mailman sees fit to deliver it.

Also used up the last of the Hot Auburn on the back- undecided yet whether this gets the sunburst treatment.

And finally, put on first coat of neck top coat on the neck.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/39hdh-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/68226-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/efo27-image.jpg

wokkaboy
10-01-2014, 07:26 AM
looking good bassguy, I think the cut back hot auburn should pop the grain and look sweet with the burning sun over it. Tell the postman you need the wudtone delivered Friday for the weekend !
So only one hot auburn coat on the neck ? looks deep enough the colour

Bass Guy
10-01-2014, 07:30 AM
Yes, happy with the faux-mahogany look the neck has. Was toying with giving it a sunburst look as well, but common sense prevailed... ;)

wokkaboy
10-01-2014, 07:33 AM
so is the headstock been stained ? haven't seen a pic, do you mean you were going to burst the headstock ? you should, it will really compliment the burst on the cap !

Bass Guy
10-01-2014, 07:39 AM
No, I have sprayed the headstock jet black, as per the old Höfner basses. I will get a decal made in Höfner style script that says Davis (being Gollum's real name) and inlay a MOP bass clef into it.

wokkaboy
10-01-2014, 09:32 AM
sounds like a good plan bassguy !

Bass Guy
11-01-2014, 08:37 PM
Neck is finished. All that's missing is the MOP bass clef inlay, and that can wait until after the move.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/sm532-image.jpg

gavinturner
11-01-2014, 09:22 PM
Great job on the frets bassguy! Interested to see what the inlay looks like.

cheers,
Gav.

Brendan
13-01-2014, 02:42 PM
Looking great E! Noice job on it all - I'm sure the Gollum will love it!

Bass Guy
16-01-2014, 03:43 AM
Sunburst Wudtone kit arrived today! Huzzah!!

This is the first application of deep coat Burning Sun. Once this has dried I will apply a second coat around the perimeter of the body, leaving the arched areas lighter.

Looking amazing already... :o
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/1cb48-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/2hu9a-image.jpg

wokkaboy
16-01-2014, 03:58 AM
looking sweet Bass Guy, that flame cap is really popping well, looks like the rubbed back coat of hot auburn really paid off.
Is the back also burning sun ? whats the plan for the sides, same colour as the back ?

Bass Guy
16-01-2014, 04:11 AM
Yes, Burning Sun on the back. But I am going to do the sides in Colombian Gold flat.

Bass Guy
16-01-2014, 08:37 AM
Colombian Gold on the sides. Should make a great contrast.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/8gdkv-image.jpg

maxaxe
16-01-2014, 08:38 AM
Starting to look very impressive now.

I'm seriously entertaining doing a flamed cap guitar one day.
Seeing how beautifully your bass is coming along is keeping that fire stoked.

stan
16-01-2014, 09:04 AM
those tones looks great together BG!

lawry
16-01-2014, 09:39 AM
Damn, Eliot. That is looking so hot. The colours compliment each other beautifully.

Brendan
16-01-2014, 10:01 AM
Looking sweet Bass Guy...

gavinturner
16-01-2014, 10:43 AM
Really great bassguy! The top coat really suits the colour in the flamed figure. Beautiful. I also like the columban gold on the sides. Very classy. This is going to be a gorgeous bass!!

Cheers,
Gav.

Bass Guy
17-01-2014, 06:57 AM
Second application of Burning Sun deep coat, this time on the outer edges of each "arch". Depending on how it dries, I might go for one more application.


http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dg007-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/8k3en-image.jpg

PS: I know that I have schmutzed all over some of the binding- this will be scraped clean once all the Wudtoning is over.

wokkaboy
17-01-2014, 08:08 AM
looking the goods BassGuy, sure go another coat !

Bass Guy
18-01-2014, 09:46 AM
First coat of Burning Sun Base coat. Once this is dry, the bursting will commence.

Editors note- spot the not-so-deliberate mistakes.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/4kxtm-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/0s5fz-image.jpg

Brendan
18-01-2014, 09:52 AM
Ouch - that's hot mate - looking great!

gavinturner
18-01-2014, 11:22 AM
Man BG that flame top is looking amazing!

Cheers,
Gav.

Bass Guy
18-01-2014, 11:50 PM
First ever sunburst attempt. I did it on the back so that if it was truly ghastly it wouldn't be seen... :D

However it's turning out nicely, not as forceful as I had anticipated but more of a vintage violin look. Which given the instrument is appropriate...

Pest was chasing a colour combination a while back for a violin look- I think I may have found it.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/9l2m6-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/pidh7-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/g81xi-image.jpg

Bass Guy
19-01-2014, 11:01 AM
Front sunburst. Again it's very subtle.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/1xe3z-image.jpg

maxaxe
19-01-2014, 11:11 AM
Stradivarius - eat your heart out 8-)

Bass Guy
19-01-2014, 10:07 PM
And we're done.

It's not the "true" two-tone sunburst that I had originally envisaged, but I have grown to prefer the antique violin look that we have now.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dm37p-image.jpg

gavinturner
20-01-2014, 10:21 AM
Gorgeous BG. That flame maple is just amazing, and your subtle burst just enhances it. Great job on the back too!

Cheers,
Gav.

AJ
20-01-2014, 11:10 AM
really nice

Brendan
20-01-2014, 01:53 PM
Continues to get better Eliot! The Gollum should be totally stoked!

Fretworn
21-01-2014, 01:12 AM
Looking great.

crundes
21-01-2014, 11:42 AM
The Bass looks great! Shaping up very nicely.

Bass Guy
22-01-2014, 04:30 AM
Couldn't resist- I put another coat of CG around the edges and blended it in with the deep coat of Burning Sun. NOW it's done.

Three shots of the finished finish (?) with freshly scraped binding. Now awaiting the top coat application.

I was sent two bottles of Gold Highlights with the Wudtone kit, but won't be using them. Any takers? DB, would you like me to,send them back?
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/73bdd-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/i2xu1-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/2d0l2-image.jpg

wokkaboy
22-01-2014, 04:43 AM
thats the way to go BG, the darker burst looks heaps better, good job, this will be a stunner after clear coats.
I got a heap of leftover highlights which have probably gone off. DB may want you to send back a highlights or for the cost of postage leave it in your fridge

gavinturner
22-01-2014, 07:24 AM
BassGuy, you've added another layer of awesomeness. The burst on both the front and back looks perfect now. I love how the darker edges of the burst have also darkened up the flame maple figure underneath them. Rather than hide the flame beneath the burst, the figure pops all the more. Brilliant! Love it dude..

cheers,
Gav.

adam
22-01-2014, 07:34 AM
Nailed that sunburst BG. One of the best we've seen.

Bass Guy
23-01-2014, 09:27 AM
And that, gentle reader, is that- the Wudtoning is done. Second and final application of satin coat done and dry! This warm weather has its benefits.

Now for the fun bit- wiring and gluing.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/g3dqb-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/hpui1-image.jpg

gavinturner
23-01-2014, 09:31 AM
OMG. Superb finish BG!

cheers,
Gav.

AJ
23-01-2014, 09:35 AM
stunning!

adam
23-01-2014, 09:48 AM
Looks almost Stradivari... you've really outdone yourself with this one BG.

wokkaboy
23-01-2014, 10:45 AM
beautiful finish BG, this must be one of your best finishes. Gollum will be stoked !

Bass Guy
23-01-2014, 10:51 AM
Thank you everyone, I am quite disproportionately proud of this one as I went into it with quite a bit of worry and trepidation about getting the sunburst right.

Gollum can't wait to get his mits on it- he's been privy to its progress. Photos to follow.

lawry
24-01-2014, 09:19 PM
When you're finished, can I please have it?
Signed,
P. McCartney.

Bass Guy
25-01-2014, 01:51 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from lawry on January 24, 2014, 06:19
When you're finished, can I please have it?
Signed,
P. McCartney.

Only if you re-learn right-handed, Paul...

Bass Guy
05-02-2014, 08:09 AM
Yay, the move is all done (almost) and I can set about finishing the Gollum bass. Here it is with hardware attached and ready for wiring.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/80843-image.jpg

gavinturner
05-02-2014, 09:14 AM
Beautiful BG

Cheers,
Gav.

Brendan
05-02-2014, 03:25 PM
Looks great Eliot! Nice work! Think it needs a name on the headstock like Precious!

wokkaboy
06-02-2014, 01:55 AM
sweet looking bass BG, hopefully the wiring shouldn't be too hard, not sure how much is pre-wired.
Does that pickguard need mods so it fits flush against the pup surrounds ?

Bass Guy
06-02-2014, 09:38 PM
@wokka- yes it does officially, however I am going to see how/if the pickguard gets in Gollum's way before modding or replacing it.

crundes
07-02-2014, 07:24 AM
Amazing finish Bass Guy!

Bass Guy
13-02-2014, 10:51 AM
Should be ready for Friday. Strings are on and settling the top. Will do the final set-up and wiring on Friday. Then I will do the final photos for the March GOTM.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/mmc2f-image.jpg

Brendan
13-02-2014, 10:54 AM
That looks fantastic Eliot! Nice work!

Bass Guy
13-02-2014, 10:55 AM
Even found a hard shell case for it on ebay!
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/jhe2i-image.jpg

maxaxe
13-02-2014, 11:06 AM
Oh man, the whole deal really is the business 8-)
You'd have to be thrilled with the outcome.

Bass Guy
13-02-2014, 11:13 AM
I'm very pleased with it- I will be thrilled once Gollum cranks out a couple of riffs on it!

Brendan
13-02-2014, 11:26 AM
The so called box and dice!

I see it now has nassty little pocketses...

WeirdBits
13-02-2014, 11:37 AM
Nice.

dingobass
13-02-2014, 11:51 AM
Noice one Bassman :)

Rip the speed humps off the neck and she would be perfect :P

Bass Guy
13-02-2014, 12:06 PM
Hahahahaaaaargh I was waiting for that, DB! :D

gavinturner
13-02-2014, 01:04 PM
Wow BG, absolutely fantastic result. GOTM for sure.

Cheers,
Gav.

wokkaboy
14-02-2014, 12:37 AM
well done BG, probably one of your best builds. Gollum must be stoked to own this beast !

Fretworn
14-02-2014, 01:39 AM
Awesome job.

jarrod
14-02-2014, 05:54 AM
Looks fantastic man , I have watched with interest as this will be my next build

lawry
14-02-2014, 11:00 PM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from dingobass on February 12, 2014, 20:51
Noice one Bassman :)

Rip the speed humps off the neck and she would be perfect :P

Can't argue with that. Those things only slow you down.

Great build, man!

Bass Guy
16-02-2014, 06:04 AM
The face says it all. One happy Gollum!
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/141r7-image.jpg

adam
16-02-2014, 06:47 AM
Hey, great shot Bass Guy. He does look genuinely chuffed.

Brendan
16-02-2014, 10:49 AM
Great guitar - Gollum has every reason to be chuffed!

BTW - That's not a pick that I see?

Bass Guy
16-02-2014, 10:52 AM
It is a pick- I am teaching him both pick and fingerstyle from day one.

It took me years to get used to playing with a pick. I now use a thumbpick when playing so I can switch between the two.

Brendan
17-02-2014, 12:36 AM
Agreed - still find it hard to go to a pick - much rather the feel of the strings on my fingers!

bassdude
27-04-2022, 08:04 PM
Enjoying the build journey & will refer to this often once I embark on my own HB-4 (building soon).

Peter