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wokkaboy
19-12-2013, 05:11 AM
Its always a nice surprise to get a new Pit Bull box from the post, even bigger surprise when its a new model kit and you have only seen 2 photos on the Pit Bull website. Wow I'm amazed how good these 6 string bass's look, some big differences from the IB-5 kits. First impressions was stoked to see a spalted maple cap on the headstock and 2 truss rods. The neck weighs about as much as 2 guitar necks and is super chunky up the heel end. On the back of the neck some nice touch 5 pieces of maple with 2 darker dividing pieces might have to clear the back of this neck. I'm up to wudtone colour suggestions, from memory colours I have available are: golden rod, burning sun, carmine gypsy, azure lagoon, dark onyx, cherry flamenco, tiny bit of amber. I was thinking about a burst on the cap, possibly cherry flamenco and golden rod, still not sure. Got 3 other projects on the go so I should try and finish them but think this baby will jump the queue. This is probably the sexiest PBG kit I've bought (of about 30 odd kits) The basswood body looks good and the cap blend line is very smooth. Overall if there is one of these kits left find the money ASAP, best xmas present I bought myself !
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/9vd05-2013-12-18-13.50.13.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/ro1x6-2013-12-18-13.50.39.jpg

wokkaboy
19-12-2013, 05:16 AM
pics of the lovely headstock, shape varies from the IB-5 and I love the new shape. Also pic of the back of the neck looks amazing
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/su2j7-2013-12-18-13.50.58.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/o561v-2013-12-18-13.51.44.jpg

wokkaboy
19-12-2013, 05:22 AM
back of the headstock and another angle of the lovely cap.
I can't wait to get home and start sanding this baby.
The ash strat won't even get a look in sideways. Looking at the nut groove widths the strings may be same top strings as the IB5 - ie B E A D G and must be a lighter bottom string maybe high B
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/57b4a-2013-12-18-13.52.16.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/lw218-2013-12-18-13.53.23.jpg

gavinturner
19-12-2013, 05:33 AM
Wow Wokka, that's bloody awesome! The spalted caps are amazing and I love the colour down the back of the neck. God I wish i had the cash for one of these right now! totally envious! I can see why it will jump the queue. There's nothing about this kit that I don't love!

cheers,
Gav.

wokkaboy
19-12-2013, 05:40 AM
Yes Gav, the photos don't do this beast justice, would love to see photos of the other lucky forumites to lock in one of these babies, its making my heart beat faster just thinking of this build complete, I might even go a cherry/burning sun burst and cherry over the back/sides of the body.
Also the control cavity is recessed unlike the IB-5 so that was the deal/no deal to buying this animal.
It may even sway me to the deep end after about 23 years of guitar playing !!

Gavin1393
19-12-2013, 05:44 AM
Awesome! Mate, this has got Dark Tease written all over the body, Amber on the cap? Have to go now....see if there are any left!

wokkaboy
19-12-2013, 06:23 AM
Gavmeister thats a good suggestion Dark tease body and amber cap, I'll have a think about it while I'm sanding tonight !
There was one of these kits left Monday night so be quick !

adam
19-12-2013, 06:55 AM
Yes, there's still one left, but hopefully we'll have more in February/March.

Edit - actually there may be a couple more available. Some guys had ordered the IB-5S, which is what I thought these kits were, so I was surprised when they turned up and they were six strings. I'm just waiting on them to advise if they want the 6 string, as it is not what they ordered.

lawry
19-12-2013, 07:08 AM
Hey Woks. When I saw these on FB on the weekend I had to have one (it's on its way) but I'm not going to start it until the humidity settles in Mackay. Reading your post and seeing the mock build has got me buzzing in anticipation. My thoughts were for burning sun on the cap and Colombian gold on the back. Not sure about the neck. I may leave it natural and let the wood stripes do the talking. I am also pretty sure I'm going to rip out the frets. I think is is a good idea that you start on this straight away so I can use your build as my reference :-) Man, it looks so cool it's smoking.

lawry
19-12-2013, 07:11 AM
Forgot to say that normally a six string bass has a high C so that the whole guitar is tuned in fourths.

Timsan
19-12-2013, 07:28 AM
That looks seriously amazing. Once I'm down the track with my first build, I hope I can get my hands on a lefty one of these. Looking forward to seeing how this goes!

Gavin1393
19-12-2013, 07:34 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from lawry on December 18, 2013, 16:08
My thoughts were for burning sun on the cap and Colombian gold on the back. Not sure about the neck. I may leave it natural and let the wood stripes do the talking.

Not sure I's use Columbian Gold on a Bass Wood Guitar. Now Ash! That would be just the thing for Colombian Gold.

WeirdBits
19-12-2013, 10:41 AM
That is a sweet looking kit Woks, can't wait to see what you do with it.

lawry
19-12-2013, 11:16 AM
Hey Gav. Why wouldn't you recommend Columbian Gold on basswood?

wokkaboy
19-12-2013, 01:33 PM
Take two. The kit Photographed on the website was still at Adams so he was kind enough to let me swap kits. These pics show how much more figure the cap has. This is just a wipe of turps no sanding
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12zh8-20131218_215927.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/hbu2y-20131218_220028.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/l352d-20131218_220114.jpg

wokkaboy
19-12-2013, 01:37 PM
Whoops double post. Can't wait to see pics of your kit lawry should arrive by end of the week

wokkaboy
19-12-2013, 02:14 PM
Damn the images didn't come through on my phone, trying again on the PC,
take two the second kit, untouched, just a damp rag with turps applied.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/ho588-2013-12-18-21.59.26.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/t7t68-2013-12-18-22.00.28.jpg

wokkaboy
19-12-2013, 02:17 PM
one more pic, see the flames in this one
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/nghuy-2013-12-18-22.01.14.jpg

Brendan
19-12-2013, 02:38 PM
Does look amazing Wokka - great buy. I think the Minister for Finance would become the Minister for War if I got me one of these!

Gavin1393
19-12-2013, 03:26 PM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from lawry on December 18, 2013, 20:16
Hey Gav. Why wouldn't you recommend Columbian Gold on basswood?

It is very BROWN on basswood, the gold doesnt come through....

robin
19-12-2013, 07:08 PM
Wow Warren, that is drop dead gorgeous. If it was me I would be tempted to leave it as natural as possible. This is going to be one stunning build.

I'll be watching this build with baited breath.

Cheers
rob

wokkaboy
19-12-2013, 10:07 PM
Yes Robin after seeing it after turps ragging think I'll clear the whole thing. Maybe one light coat of Amber on the cap

gavinturner
20-12-2013, 06:39 AM
Dare I suggest a few coats of Tru-oil to give you the slight amber colouring and to get into the figure and enhance the chatoyance? Then clear over the top... No, No, you are right. I would never suggest such a thing. ;)

cheers,
Gav.

wokkaboy
20-12-2013, 07:01 AM
haha nice idea Gav, the thought crossed my mind but I'd rather not spend the xmas break in the naughty room, I've spent about last third of the year there and its wearing thin !
I'll have a word to wudtone guru DB and see what he suggests, might do one coat half gloss/half amber, then many top gloss coats over that. The body back/sides I'm still unsure as its basswood. The neck will definitely be clear at this stage

lawry
20-12-2013, 07:54 AM
Hey Wokka, what do you mean by 'turps ragging'?
Is it just going over the wood with rag soaked in turps so you can get a look at the grain or something?
I haven't heard the term before.

wokkaboy
20-12-2013, 08:01 AM
Hey Lawry, yes thats it wiping the grain with a rag soaked with turps cleans any dust and raises the wood grain. It's more effective than water to look for glue or any machine marks left in the timber

lawry
20-12-2013, 08:12 AM
Cool. Thanks Woks. I'll use it when my kit arrives. This forum is great for finding out techniques like this. Cheers.

pablopepper
20-12-2013, 09:55 AM
That's a fine looking instrument there, too many strings for me, but wow, that top.

In case you were wondering Wokka, I used just the top coat on my IB1 neck and it worked great. Looks and feels lovely.

Brendan
20-12-2013, 12:28 PM
Go the dip Wokks - get rid of those horrid marks on the front.... Nothing like Nitro to fix that sort of muck up.

wokkaboy
21-12-2013, 01:02 AM
--> Pablo, cool cheers might try just the clear top coat on the neck
--> Brendan, not sure I understand what you are saying mate ? Aren't you a fan of spalted maple caps ?

Fretworn
21-12-2013, 01:17 AM
The tuning machine holes look un-balanced to me. I kind of want them to be more evenly spaced. How does it look with the tuning machines in place? I'd want to move the centre tuning machine on the bass side so it was half way between the outer two.

Gavin1393
21-12-2013, 02:12 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on December 20, 2013, 10:02
--> Brendan, not sure I understand what you are saying mate ? Aren't you a fan of spalted maple caps ?

Woks, reckon there might be bit of BAS envy in that Nitro Advice. Or perhaps Brendan heard Gav(Turner) come into the Naughty Room with a fresh load of Christmas Cheer!

wokkaboy
21-12-2013, 02:53 AM
--> Fretworn, attached is a pic I roughly placed the tuners in the headstock to make sure there was no clash with the gaps being narrow up the top but all good. I don't mind the staggered spacing, but everyone is different.
--> Gavmeister, think you may have a point there, there's no lack of christmas cheer in the naughty room. Still waiting for DB to hook up the dam wifi - might be waiting a while !

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/jd890-2013-12-18-15.32.02.jpg

Brendan
21-12-2013, 03:04 AM
Woks yep, just some BAS envy... That spalted top is the bomb... :).

wokkaboy
21-12-2013, 03:27 AM
all good Brendan, there will be more of these IB-6S kits available in two or three months so start saving for one NOW ! I know its a bad time of the year with spending for xmas !

lawry
21-12-2013, 06:28 AM
OK. So apart from Wokka and me, who else bought one of these kits? Really want to see these things come together. It'll be a bit of an exclusive club at the start but I reckon membership will grow reasonably quickly once everyone can see what they look like.

Fretworn
21-12-2013, 08:26 AM
Quote from wokkaboy on December 20, 2013, 11:53
--> Fretworn, attached is a pic I roughly placed the tuners in the headstock to make sure there was no clash with the gaps being narrow up the top but all good. I don't mind the staggered spacing, but everyone is different.
--> Gavmeister, think you may have a point there, there's no lack of christmas cheer in the naughty room. Still waiting for DB to hook up the dam wifi - might be waiting a while !

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/jd890-2013-12-18-15.32.02.jpg

Having seen this I think they are definitely too close together. It looks like, if the tuning machines for the E & A strings are parallel, the "ears" on the tuning machines will touch. I might be wrong, but that is the impression I get from that photo.

wokkaboy
23-12-2013, 03:31 PM
got enough time to sand the body enough for first coat, this is before the coat
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/a37qq-2013-12-22-22.58.48.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/a385i-2013-12-22-22.59.06.jpg

wokkaboy
23-12-2013, 03:37 PM
after a light coat of amber on the cap and original mixture for sides/back
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/ntl27-2013-12-22-23.52.40.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/w84x4-2013-12-22-23.54.04.jpg

wokkaboy
23-12-2013, 03:44 PM
another angle. Plan to sand a bit more and get a second coat on and get some daylight pics - stay tuned
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/1vp7r-2013-12-22-23.53.20.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/1p5y1-2013-12-22-23.55.25.jpg

gavinturner
24-12-2013, 12:24 AM
The amber on the spalted cap looks amazing Wokka. Just beautiful. Is there no binding on this baby? I didn't notice before..

cheers,
Gav.

wokkaboy
24-12-2013, 02:03 AM
--> Gav, no binding, would have really set it off if it did. Not too worried the cap makes up for it. Should get 2nd coat of amber on the cap later

wokkaboy
24-12-2013, 03:56 PM
got another coat of amber on the cap and back/sides coat. Started the ash strat haven't thought of a name for that and the orange ST1 is 4D mates Denno's 1st clock CL3
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/rbalt-2013-12-24-00.28.27.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/1u2h6-2013-12-24-00.34.17.jpg

gavinturner
24-12-2013, 09:40 PM
Drool. So jealous of that spalted cap :)

cheers,
Gav.

wokkaboy
26-12-2013, 01:44 AM
got 3rd coat of amber on the cap, and probably final colour coat, also got the neck sanded and a coat of amber on the headstock and a coat of clear on back/sides of the neck. This is one of the best necks I've seen on a PBG kit
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/5cuwq-2013-12-25-10.34.32.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/9q239-2013-12-25-10.35.28.jpg

wokkaboy
26-12-2013, 01:50 AM
pics of the back of the neck just after the clear coat
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/59005-2013-12-24-23.51.53.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/4lnc4-2013-12-24-23.51.35.jpg

stan
26-12-2013, 09:38 AM
that is a great looking axe, nice work

Timsan
29-12-2013, 12:37 AM
Stunning, mate. Love your work!

Bass Guy
29-12-2013, 03:19 AM
Ooooo mama...

wokkaboy
29-12-2013, 08:17 AM
Got fourth and final coat of Amber on cap and last two coats body back and sides have been a Walnut stain to get a darker look. Neck got second clear coat on back and headstock second coat of Amber should be final. Then ready for decal logo and clear
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/5gbu5-20131228_170652.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/0t5w6-20131228_170607.jpg

gavinturner
29-12-2013, 09:02 AM
Looks amazing Wokka. Can't wait to see it with the clear on. Love the contrast with the Walnut.

Cheers,
Gav.

wokkaboy
30-12-2013, 02:24 PM
it was really late in the day when I took these pics but first clear coat on body and about 3rd on the neck, pretty happy with progress, I'll take some better pics tomoz after another coat
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/486p3-2013-12-29-18.36.31.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/q726x-2013-12-29-18.39.02.jpg

Gavin1393
30-12-2013, 03:12 PM
Looking good Wokka!

dallasn
03-01-2014, 06:21 AM
Lovely work Wokka....well done!!!! I'm currently working on an IB-6S myself and whilst the cap on it is nice, it is NO WAY NEAR as figured as yours. Luck of the draw I suppose. Anyway, yours is looking great!!!!

lawry
03-01-2014, 07:17 AM
Hey Dallas. Have you started a build diary? I'd love to see how yours is coming together.
Cheers.

wokkaboy
23-01-2014, 12:19 AM
It's been a while since I updated this build diary, so got a nice surprise from the postman and my pre-amp kit arrived today (may have been yesterday and got misplaced at work) so 8 or 9 days postage from US is very respectable ! I haven't got any recent photos of the body/neck but they are close to complete, 8 coats of clear and the last wet sanded to 1500 grit, last coat I'll wet sand to 2000 grit and put the last clear coat on. Then mods to the control cavity to fit the PCB of the pre-amp, like Lawry has done.
Then possibly a trip to DB's for help with a bone nut, then assembley time !
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/7e5pu-2014-01-22-09.14.33.jpg

jarrod
23-01-2014, 01:02 AM
Great stuff Wokka. Gota love getting goodies from the postman hey

wokkaboy
23-01-2014, 01:34 AM
@ Jarrod, yes any package from the postman brightens up my day as most the time its unexpected. I'm looking forward to a build with very little soldering !

crundes
23-01-2014, 04:30 AM
The finish is looking Fantastic Wokka! Really shows off that cap nicely. Nice pizza oven in the background by the way, was that your project before guitar building?

wokkaboy
23-01-2014, 04:42 AM
@ Tim, the pics of the IB-6 are from late December, its got a nice gloss clear coat on it now. Thanks for the comments. Pizza oven was a side project last year, from June till about August, my 4D buddy Wayne helped me. They are like guitar building if I built another one I've learnt so much from building the first !

lawry
23-01-2014, 06:18 AM
Excellent Wokka. Is the clear coating Wudtone or something else? I reckon you'll be finished in a week or two, no? I have ordered a brass nut but am still not sure whether to use it or get a bone one. Maybe you can ask DB to make an extra one when he does yours. At least that way I know it will be a quality finish.

wokkaboy
23-01-2014, 06:24 AM
@ Lawry, the clear coats are TO, I have been in the naughty corner for a while so might as well stay there ! haha I wanted a high gloss finish with minimal effort and curing times. I'll post some pics soon.
I'm seeing DB on Sunday about a bone nut, shall I suggest he makes a spare one while my neck is there ? When do you go away Lawry ? I might have some questions regarding the pre-amp where you put each pot. From memory bass/treble/mid on the bottom and master volume and balance on the top 2 holes ?

crundes
23-01-2014, 10:23 AM
Looking forward to seeing pics of the gloss coat. And now that I've seen the results of TO on your kit I want to use it on my build even more! Bugger, first guitar in and I'll already be in the naughty corner...

gavinturner
23-01-2014, 10:43 AM
Wokka, the TO looks awesome on the amber. A great combination for maple veneers of all kinds. Great work. Love what you've done with the neck as well. Just gorgeous.

cheers,
Gav.

wokkaboy
23-01-2014, 10:48 AM
cheers Gav and Tim,
I'll get some photos soon, hope to wet sand to 2000 grit tonight and get final 50/50 TO coat on, taking your advice Gav on your florentine build to try and get a smoother mirror finish without the streaks.
The neck has just been cleared, the timber joins were awesome out of the box !

VanHaydn
23-01-2014, 02:15 PM
Great looks good

I have your old bass now..

cheers

Haydn

lawry
24-01-2014, 10:18 AM
Hi Wokka. I have been in touch with DB and he is going to make me a bone nut the same as yours but suitably lowered for the fretless. So, hurrah. Wotta guy.
I'm already on hols but am managing to scrounge some wifi now and again to keep up to date. And the way you described your preamp is how I'm going to install mine.
Thanks for the goss on TO. I was interested but I'm going to use satin. Looking forward to more pics.
Cheers.

wokkaboy
24-01-2014, 03:01 PM
@ Lawry, good stuff about DB making you a bone nut.
@ Lawry couple of questions please about the pre-amp kit:
1) there was 2 pots with white/yellow/blue wires, any idea which is the master volume pot ?
2) what is the pot connected to the large PCB ? the supplied knob doesn't seem to fit on that, any idea what type of knob you need as there is 2 controls an upper and lower collar that turns ?

@ Hadyn, yes I did compare my original kit photos with your kit and the spalt and grain lines were identical. It is still a stunning looking kit.

Got time tonight to make the minor mods for the pre-amp kit, very happy how it all fits in and the biggest concern the cavity cover does fit flush. Also Lawry my output jack fit through the hole without any mods required.
The battery seems to be retained by wires pushing up against it but I'll try and figure out a more secure method.
So next 2 days should get final coat of clear on and will be ready to assemble soon.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/4c04i-2014-01-23-23.41.26.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/45xo0-2014-01-23-23.42.53.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/p84xt-2014-01-23-23.44.26.jpg

WeirdBits
24-01-2014, 03:21 PM
Sounds like you'll need a stacked concentric knob, but there are a couple of variants (like CTS style etc) so it depends on the specific pot you've got. Realparts sell some like this (http://www.realparts.com.au/knobs/metal-knobs/concentric-stacked-knob-black.html) and this (http://www.realparts.com.au/knobs/metal-knobs/concentric-stacked-mini-knob-black.html).

lawry
24-01-2014, 08:54 PM
Hi Woks. Like Scott says, you'll need to get a concentric knob for the mid/sweep pot. As for the other pots, look at where the wires join the main PCB, the pot functions are screen printed on it. And the jack on mine fitted through the hole just fine too. The rough bit you saw on my photos was how it came.
To the pics... Man, it's looking fantastic. Such a gorgeous beast. Really looking forward to getting back into mine. Very envious of where you're up to!

pablopepper
25-01-2014, 12:20 AM
That is looking the business Wokka. The top is beautiful. My suggestion for an easy battery holder would be a strip of double sided velcro like one of those little straps you use to keep your cables looped. Hot glue one of those in and you have a secure battery.

VanHaydn
25-01-2014, 01:36 AM
:(

lawry
29-01-2014, 05:30 AM
Hey Wokka. Any update on this? I'm living through other people's builds at the moment and this is on the top of the list. 8-)

wokkaboy
29-01-2014, 05:35 AM
Hey Lozza,
I got the bone nut cut and fit on Sunday and a fret level, sorry haven't done much more since I got 6 builds on the go at the moment. I should get time later this week to start assembling it, I'm pretty happy with the finish and the pre-amp mods. Scratch body builds always takes priority over kit builds but I'll get back onto the IB6S soon.
VanHaydn has a sound demo of his IB6S in his build diary with a passive setup sounds great

lawry
29-01-2014, 05:54 AM
Yeah had a listen to it on my iPad but, of course, the 1/2 inch speaker doesn't do it justice. I'll have a proper listen when I get home.

wokkaboy
29-01-2014, 06:27 AM
no not much bass comes out of an ipad speaker. It sounded pretty chunky on my PC speakers, sounded at least as grunty as my IB-5 bass

VanHaydn
29-01-2014, 09:00 AM
Its as good as my through neck active 5 string on my sound system anyway and they are yamy studio speakers to what you hear is what it is, just cant vary the tone as much, back pickup is nice and midzy front is warm and fat...

01-02-2014, 12:33 PM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on December 18, 2013, 23:14
Damn the images didn't come through on my phone, trying again on the PC,
take two the second kit, untouched, just a damp rag with turps applied.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/ho588-2013-12-18-21.59.26.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/t7t68-2013-12-18-22.00.28.jpg

hi guys, great job on these builds as always. Just want to mention. Please be careful popping
turps/naptha or any paraffin based derivative onto wood that you are then going to finish with Wudtone.

Any such spirit/petroleum based chemicals will create a barrier, especially to the high dye deep colour coats. This will limit the intensity of colour you end up with. Tempting as it is, better to sand with 240 grit, don't use any kind of liquids on the wood pre applying Wudtone.


kind regards

dingobass
01-02-2014, 01:00 PM
Great tip, thanks Andy :)

Gavin1393
01-02-2014, 04:15 PM
Andy, by liquids I assume you mean 'solvent' liquids? We have recommend, particularly with basswood, that a light rub with a water damp cloth is great for raising the fluffy grain of basswood before cutting it down with 220/240 grit.

wokkaboy
02-02-2014, 05:27 AM
ok got the bridge screwed in, since the photos the neck is screwed in, forgot to copper shield the pup cavities so I'll do that and the control cavity then wire it up should have sound by tonight !
Also got to straighten the MOP truss rod cover kindly donated by DB only just covers the 2 truss rod channels.
Stay tuned should have completed photos later tonight.
Thanks Andy for the tips re using turps before applying wudtone. I'll use a cloth with water next time. Its the best way to remove any dust before staining
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/35v29-2014-02-01-09.44.59.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/a4wt0-2014-02-01-09.45.12.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/9bc22-2014-02-01-09.45.28.jpg

lawry
02-02-2014, 06:09 AM
Looking damn fine Wokka! Really looking forward to more pics later.
Got some questions about where you placed the bridge.
What is the distance from the 24th fret to the front of the bridge block (not the saddles)? I want to use you as a cheat sheet.
How did you work out that distance?
In other words, how did you know how much compensation to leave?
Cheers

stan
02-02-2014, 09:47 AM
looks cool wokks, one of you nicest looking builds

gavinturner
02-02-2014, 10:52 AM
Amazing work Wokka. Just beautiful. The finish really suits the spalt - love it!

cheers,
Gav.

wokkaboy
02-02-2014, 04:30 PM
that was hard work getting wiring done with too much copper shielding making contact with various bits, but overall very happy with the sound. Lots of setup to do yet, will take a while to learn how to semi play this beast, big fingers are a good start
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/79vy9-2014-02-02-00.33.18.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/2e79t-2014-02-02-00.34.09.jpg

wokkaboy
02-02-2014, 04:44 PM
here's the bass corner getting to know "one more string" each time !
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/2b811-2014-02-02-01.11.24.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/nz7gx-2014-02-02-00.35.19.jpg

wokkaboy
02-02-2014, 04:57 PM
last photo, I'll trim the 3 day growth once I get the nut slot depths correct.
Lozza/Tony hope you guys got through all the floods and winds. Loz I'll get you the dimensions you need for bridge placement, I just worked on same distance nut to 12th fret = most forward position of the saddles so you have the full length of the saddle travel to move south
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/902h7-2014-02-02-00.34.31.jpg

wokkaboy
02-02-2014, 06:57 PM
here's a quick preliminary sound test with very little setup, note this is played through a guitar amp and the operator is not a bass player ! haha
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVsD5dRnRX4&list=UUe2KjOivvBO5V_AV6fEpxYQ&feature=c4-overview

lawry
02-02-2014, 09:37 PM
Yes! That is brilliant! It's a bit hard to get the full sound because the depth of the B is hard to capture I guess.
So... What do you think of the preamp? I've used tone monsters before and I reckon they're pretty damn good for the price. Quiet and lots of range. But I'm keen to know your impression - especially since I recommended them to you. I hope you're still talking (forum-ing) to me ;-)
It's a magnificent looking beast Wokka and I am so envious that yours is ready to roll while mine sits sadly awaiting a drop in humidity for the next phase. Although, I hope to do some more on it today in the comfort of the air-conditioned workshop at work.
Congrats.

wokkaboy
03-02-2014, 01:11 AM
cheers Lozza, yes the pre-amp is excellent, gives such a wide range of sounds. I'll record a video soon showing the different sounds from each pickup.
I had earthing issues took a while to troubleshoot but in the end think the earth wire wasn't making contact with the bottom of the bridge. I had to make a few alterations to the copper shielding, especially the main circuit board is close to the cavity wall and was shorting out.
Can't wait to spend some more time playing it. Takes some time to get used to the wide neck !

DanMade
03-02-2014, 05:26 AM
What a beast Wokka. The top looks wicked and sounds cool too.

I thought the baritone was a stretch to play, that beast must be a real workout.

gavinturner
03-02-2014, 09:49 AM
Wow Wokka, you really rock those sunglasses. Great job! The bass looks and sounds just awesome. I would love to hear how the pre-amp imfluences the output from the instrument. Is there a way to compare with and without somehow?? Fantastic work dude. GOTM March perhaps?

cheers,
Gav.

Barney
03-02-2014, 10:07 AM
I want me one of these!!!

wokkaboy
04-02-2014, 01:03 AM
@ Dan, yes it is a workout to play, wish I had bigger hands !
@ Gav, think the only way to compare sounds would be to wire it up with supplied hardware and record it, then compare it to the pre-amp setup. The kit comes with 3 capacitors so not sure why you would need 3 tone pots ! The pre-amp gives a really good range of sounds and you can even wind the bass up even further.
Here's a couple of pics in late afternoon daylight
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/49sx2-2014-02-02-18.34.31.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/r7478-2014-02-02-18.56.54.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/3os0y-2014-02-02-18.36.57.jpg

wokkaboy
04-02-2014, 01:07 AM
couple more pics of the back
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/lmhvq-2014-02-02-18.57.25.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/jg7z8-2014-02-02-18.57.41.jpg

wokkaboy
04-02-2014, 02:38 AM
@ Lawry I have a wiring question please, I think I've done the wrong thing but where the pup and ground wires have to be soldered to the balance pot circuit board the holes are tiny and when I wound both pup earth wires together they were too thick to get into the hole so I drilled out the hole so they could fit. Do you think now these wires aren't in fact earthed now ? I ended up soldering another wire to the pup earth wires and earthed them to a earthed pot, but now and then I'm still getting some interference. Not sure if theres other issues causing this like the main circuit board or other pots being shorted out on the copper shielding

lawry
04-02-2014, 08:17 AM
Hmmm. Bit hard to say Wokka. Usually there is a reasonable bit of meat on pads and eyes where connections are made but you may have overdone it. I can have a look at mine tomorrow when I'm at work and check out the tracks. I'm not sure how many layers are in the PCB but I'd be surprised if it is more than two. I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

lawry
05-02-2014, 02:32 AM
Hey Woks.
Had a look at the PCB and as long as you didn't drill out more than the pad diameter all should be OK. There is a small track adjacent to the pad/hole and if you didn't drill into it I can't see that there should be a problem. You can also pick up an extra earth point from the back of the volume pot (black wire) or either of the two larger holes in the centre of the PCB (the ones with the brass 'bushes' through them).
If you are getting a bit of hum/noise, check the continuity between your bridge/strings and the output jack ground (do you have a multimeter?). You should be seeing a very low resistance of just a few ohms (way less than 10) and this way you can verify that your earthing integrity is OK. If it's a lot higher you will need to check the contact of the bridge wire or solder joints.
Hope this helps.

wokkaboy
05-02-2014, 04:10 AM
Cheers Lozza, that helps. I only drilled a 1.5mm hole so its not huge and was big enough for both pup earth wires. Sure there is contact with the pad. I might add an earth wire to the volume pot to be sure. If that doesn't stop the slight crackling I can borrow a multimeter to check resistance of the bridge earth wire.
Where do I have to put both points of the multimeter to for this method ?

wokkaboy
05-02-2014, 04:53 AM
Love it when you get surprise deliveries from the postman. The concentric stacked knob turned up and looks about the same size and style as the other knobs. Will complete the look now, won't be missing a control knob.
One other thing Lozza you will probably have to put the balance pot closer to the hole that the pup wires come out of - there wasn't enough wire length for this pot to go on the top rear position.
Was it 24th fret to front of bridge block measurement you wanted ? I'll do this tonight. I tried to put my bridge more rearward so I had more intonation to play with, so with top B string wound forward most position = nut to 12th fret measurement, so I have about 20-25mm movement backward from there
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/t1192-2014-02-04-13.44.47.jpg

lawry
05-02-2014, 05:53 AM
Hey Wokka.
Firstly, I'm glad your knobs have arrived. It should make it look complete.
Now, put the meter between the bridge and the output jack earth and see how much resistance you get.
And, yeah, distance from 24th fret to front of bridge block would be great. Thanks.

wokkaboy
05-02-2014, 06:46 AM
cheers Lozza, I still have my electronics L plates on. I have alot to learn.
I'll post the bridge distance in your build diary tonight

wokkaboy
06-02-2014, 02:16 AM
got the concentric stacked knob on and it looks complete now. Matches pretty well too.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/a8964-2014-02-04-23.06.47.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/3nrak-2014-02-04-23.07.09.jpg