PDA

View Full Version : Lawrys IB-6S Fretless



lawry
02-01-2014, 09:53 PM
Happy new year all.
Just got back from holidays a couple of days ago and looky what was waiting for me at the post office! I had always intended to do a 6 string fretless and when these became available I jumped at it. Now... I have only built two kits previously and this will be a significant challenge for me so I'll be asking for a lot of advice. Especially from you Wokka, seeing how you're build is quite a way in.
So, I put everything together and it fits pretty well with one minor concern. The height of the neck heel is a bit low in the pocket and There is a small gap too. I don't know whether to leave it or try and do something about it.
The spalted cap is drop-dead gorgeous but there are quite a few pits and glue marks on it. The cap is VERY thin, so do I just ignore the pits? And what about getting rid of the glue? I really can't afford to sand too much on the spalt.
As this is going to be a fretless bass I removed the frets after watching heaps of you tube videos and reading several articles. In the end they came out easily and I am happy with the result. I intend to fill the slots with a jarrah veneer.
That's it for now. The humidity is pretty high in Mackay at the moment so I will have to keep it in the air conditioning for a while.
Please, throw every bit of advice you have at me.
Cheers,
Lawry

Straight out of the box.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/zegx7-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/75u61-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/s4047-image.jpg

lawry
02-01-2014, 09:59 PM
These are the imperfections. Neck heal, pits and glue.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/4488a-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/w79k8-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/36rih-image.jpg

lawry
02-01-2014, 10:06 PM
And finally, mock build and the fret(less)board.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/a808s-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/140h1-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/si985-image.jpg

gavinturner
03-01-2014, 12:55 AM
Looks beautiful lawry. I'm no expert, but from what I've read around the place imperfections seem pretty commonplace in spalted veneer. This is of no practical use to you i know, sorry. Great job with the frets though - they seem to have come out very cleanly! Very interested to see how you fill them. Much too fiddly a job for me..

chers,
Gav.

wokkaboy
03-01-2014, 02:15 AM
Hi Lawry,
nice looking cap, some nice spalt lines and grain. Well done removing the frets cleanly ! Dingobass glues pot plant labels to fill the fret slots, think Tim has done this as well on his fretless midnight YB4 bass.
As to the cracks/dips in the cap, there's not much you can do, they do fill a bit with wudtone and clear, but they do come up looking like a feature, attached below is a pic of my cap after 4 coats of amber and 3 coats of clear. It isn't an issue, almost gives the cap character.
As to the gap in the neck heel I think there's 2 options. Option 1 to shim the neck so it is level with the body but this may effect the string height and not sure if there is an angle in the heel or if its level with the body ? Option 2 is to find a small piece of spalted maple and glue it ontop of the bare wood on the heel. I know its a bummer to lose the grain of the neck but may be the best option. It's hard to tell in the photos whether this is a level gap.
In the meantime I'll remove the hanger from my body and post a close up pic of my heel/body fit.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/he606-2014-01-02-10.48.11.jpg

wokkaboy
03-01-2014, 02:34 AM
Lawry, pics of my heel/body, my heel is slightly lower than top of the cap but shouldn't be an issue.
As for glue on the cap I'd try and sand some of it off with 180 grit paper or possibly a light use of a steel brush. Once you have colour coats on it will more than likely not be that obvious and will almost blend into the wild grain of the spalted cap. I had some similar glue on my cap and you can hardly see it now.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/5q629-2014-01-02-11.26.49.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/01z2t-2014-01-02-11.27.30.jpg

lawry
03-01-2014, 06:26 AM
Thanks for taking the time and effort in your response, Wokka.
Looking at your neck heal fit, the heights and gap seem identical to mine in size and location. It certainly isn't an 'oh my god' discrepancy so I think I will leave it alone like you have. You only really notice it if you're pedantic (like we tend to be on our builds). As for the pits in the spalted cap, I'm happy enough to leave them too because it would just destroy it if I were to try and fill or sand them. As you say, it has character. This is a gorgeous beast of an axe and I'm really looking forward to starting it in earnest, but that's not really possible given the current summer climate. Deep breaths and patience are what is required. Thanks again mate.
Cheers.

lawry
03-01-2014, 06:29 AM
Thanks for taking the time and effort in your response, Wokka.
Looking at your neck heal fit, the heights and gap seem identical to mine in size and location. It certainly isn't an 'oh my god' discrepancy so I think I will leave it alone like you have. You only really notice it if you're pedantic (like we tend to be on our builds). As for the pits in the spalted cap, I'm happy enough to leave them too because it would just destroy it if I were to try and fill or sand them. As you say, it has character. This is a gorgeous beast of an axe and I'm really looking forward to starting it in earnest, but that's not really possible given the current summer climate. Deep breaths and patience are what is required. Thanks again mate.
Cheers.

AJ
03-01-2014, 10:02 AM
Looks amazing that cap lawry! Did you use a soldering iron or normal iron to heat up the frets before you removed them?

lawry
03-01-2014, 10:25 AM
Hi AJ. Just a bit of heat from a soldering iron with a blob of solder on the end for better heat transfer. However, I don't think there was any glue there anyway.

And just noticed the double post above. Dunno how that happened. Must be getting senile.

jarrod
03-01-2014, 04:01 PM
An option for your pits is to mix a little of your stain with timber mate. There is that much colour change in beautiful cap like that i dont think the timbermate would be visible

lawry
03-01-2014, 09:38 PM
Thanks for your input Jarrod. I had thought the same thing but I don't know if I'm game in case I make a mess of the look. I'm still mulling it over but it's certainly an option.
Cheers.

lawry
05-01-2014, 10:28 PM
I have ordered a preamp to go inside this build to make it active. A five knob wonder (sounds rude when I put it that way); Bass, Mid (sweepable concentric), Treble, Balance (between pups) and Volume. And I just got an email saying it's is on it's way. Woohoo!
8-)
http://guitarfuel.com/Guitar_Bass_Preamps.php

Bass Guy
06-01-2014, 01:10 AM
Thanks for the link, lawry. I was wondering how involved it would be to get an active system for my projects, and for this price I am thinking very strongly this would be the way to go.

Please let us know how it goes once it lands. Cheers.

jarrod
06-01-2014, 01:39 AM
Geeze Lowry that is gonna be one sweet axe mate,

lawry
06-01-2014, 02:25 AM
@Eliot. Sure will man. In fact, I'll be telling everyone :-)
@Jarrod. I have high expectations on this build. Probably higher than my skills can handle. But I'm buzzing already.

dallasn
08-01-2014, 08:22 AM
Hi Lawry,

Thanks for the link for the 5 knob active system. I've ordered the SBK-3. For under 50 bucks and already assembled...it's bit of a no brainer. I'll be posting some pics of my IB-6S shortly. I'm up to clear coat no.8 and now will be letting it cure for 3-4 weeks.....just in time for the active harness to arrive.

Cheers,

lawry
08-01-2014, 08:55 AM
Cool Dallas. Looking forward to seeing and hearing it. Can't come soon enough 8-)

lawry
12-01-2014, 10:09 PM
Got a bit if work done on the beast yesterday. You may recall that I'm keeping it in the air conditioned workshop at work because the humidity is pretty high at home during the wet season.
Anyway, I sanded the body and neck with 180 and 240 (which took about 3 hours) and today I hope to finish the sanding to the point of readiness for the Wudtone (which is on it's way). The cap is really thin so I can't 'sand, sand, and then sand some more' (sorry DB). There are some machining and glue marks on the cap that will just have to stay there and some little pits too, but they don't look too bad in reality. There was also a circular ding mark on the back of the neck that I had to seriously sand. Then I had to sand the rest of the neck so that you couldn't feel the flat spot. There's still a very small circle left but It now looks like a swirl in the timber. And even though the body is just basswood, there is some really nice grain in it. I have decided on Burning Sun for the spalted parts and Hot Auburn for the body. Still haven't decided if I'll put the Hot Auburn on the back of the neck or just clear coat it. I'm open to suggestions on this.

These are the glue and machine marks. They become obvious when wetted.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ry716-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/pb76b-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/6l1lt-image.jpg

lawry
12-01-2014, 10:10 PM
And here's some of the body grain.

lawry
12-01-2014, 10:14 PM
Oops. Forgot to attach the photos.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/62674-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/q9em6-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/389dt-image.jpg

jarrod
13-01-2014, 04:54 AM
Marks don't look to bad Lowry. There either gonna be enhanced the stain or there gonna disappear

lawry
13-01-2014, 06:40 AM
Yeah, I agree Jarrod. And I think I'm actually not too concerned by them anymore. As long as I do a reasonable job with the Wudtone I think it'll look awesome.

crundes
14-01-2014, 05:40 AM
The Grain on that thing looks amazing Lawry! Looking forward to seeing the results after you apply Wudtone. I checked out your build diary for your first build in Dark Tease, the finished product looks fantastic :)

gavinturner
14-01-2014, 07:38 AM
Looking great Lawry! The grain is fantastic. Not sure about the blems you noted - I can't find them. Should be a spectacular build when complete! Watching with interest man!

cheers,
Gav.

lawry
14-01-2014, 09:36 AM
@Tim - thanks for your words on the Viking. The Dark Tease turned out well and I learnt so much during that build (with lots of forum advice) that the second build was noticeably better. I'm hoping for the same quantum leap with this one.
@Gav - you're probably right. I'm starting to think I might be a bit paranoid. There are so many excellent builds on this forum setting the bar pretty high. That's not a bad thing, but it does keep the pressure on. And that includes you!

lawry
15-01-2014, 02:38 AM
Managed to find a supplier of veneer so I ordered some maple for the fret fill. That way I can pretty much stain it to whatever shade I want. If you are interested, I got it here...

http://www.topveneer.com.au/

Also cleaned out the slots ready to go.

But the most exciting thing is that the active electronics arrived today. Turns out there is plenty of room in the cavity and the only modification needed to make the PCB fit is a bit of dremeling (is that a verb?). The picture tells the story.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/qt3l2-Neck-and-dust.JPG
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/5ug4z-Preamp.JPG

jarrod
15-01-2014, 03:09 AM
That's heaps of room Lowry, man this things gonna be special I can sense it already

wokkaboy
15-01-2014, 03:51 AM
Lawry, looks good, are you saying the PCB will hit the cavity cover? How proud is it, I'm a bit worried there isn't much more depth left in the pot recesses

lawry
15-01-2014, 06:07 AM
Hey Wokka.
The PCB is a little wider than the pot recess, so I'll need to make the pot recess more 'square' with a dremel router bit for the PCB to sit in. If I get time I'll do that tomorrow and post a pic for clarity.

wokkaboy
15-01-2014, 06:14 AM
ok thanks Lawry thats an easy mod. I was more concerned about the height of the PCB with wires attached at the top touching the cavity cover. Have you worked out where each of the 5 pots will go ?
Also interested where you plan to mount the battery and what method. My build has gone too far to start routing new cavities for a battery

lawry
15-01-2014, 07:04 AM
Reckon I'll put Volume and Balance in the top two holes, and Bass, Mid, Treble in the bottom three.
As for the battery, I'm hoping it will fit in the cavity as well using one of these clips from Jaycar (crappy screenshot pic).
But I won't know until I've fitted the electronics.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/8wiu7-image.jpg

wokkaboy
15-01-2014, 07:08 AM
ok thanks Lawry that sounds like a good idea, look forward to seeing how you go. I got the painful wait of the pre-amp arriving in the mail

lawry
16-01-2014, 02:21 AM
Found a bit of time to do some work at lunchtime.

First pic shows the pot recesses as came with the body.
Second pic is after a bit of routing to make the PCB fit.
Third pic shows the preamp assembly and battery installed into the cavity on its edge.
Fourth pic shows the battery on it's back.

There is enough room to have the battery lying down or on its side. There is tons (or is that tones) of space for the whole thing.
No extra battery cavity required.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/pwi2t-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/2x833-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/311vf-image.jpg

lawry
16-01-2014, 02:22 AM
Pic 4
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/97429-image.jpg

wokkaboy
16-01-2014, 02:48 AM
looks good Lawry, so your master volume with the main PCB will be centre of the bottom 3 holes by the looks. I didn't realise there's a 2nd smaller PCB.
Any idea where the 2 humbucker earth and active wires go, presume to the main PCB ? There is enough space behind the battery for these to come through the cavity hole near the battery.
One other query can't remember if the pre-amp comes with a output jack, I noticed there are 3 wires going to the jack, do we need to solder all 3 wires to a stereo jack ?
sorry mate electronics is not my strong point, you seem to know alot about it !

lawry
16-01-2014, 04:06 AM
Hey Wokka.
Ask as many questions as you like about electronics. It's my job.

The main PCB is soldered to the MID/SWEEP pot not the volume.
The pups connect to the smaller PCB which is mounted on the Balance pot.
There is an output socket included and connected but I had stuffed it into the jack hole (musta hurt!).
So... this is how I'm going to set out the controls (looking at the front - neck to the right)

BALANCE - VOLUME

BASS - MID/SWEEP - TREBLE

Cheers

wokkaboy
16-01-2014, 04:14 AM
thanks Lawry (can I please call you Lozza ? I worked with a Lawry and that was his nickname)
Ok well that is making more sense the way you installed each pot. So is that why you have routed a small channel for the output jack to fit to the outside, looks like there's some wood removed inside the jack hole.
My pre-amp kit was posted yesterday, so hopefully it will be here in a week or so. Be good to enter our IB-6S for GOTM in a different month !

lawry
16-01-2014, 04:41 AM
Call me whatever you like (most people do 8O ). With your building skills you will have no problems making this fit. Really keen to see one of these finished and you're at the head of the pack. You get to set the benchmark!

wokkaboy
16-01-2014, 04:51 AM
cheers Lozza, can you remember how long it took to come from US once it was posted ?
I'm pretty well finished the body/neck, maybe one or 2 more clear coats

lawry
16-01-2014, 05:21 AM
Ordered it on January 5th and it arrived January 14th. So 9 days from USA to Mackay. Not too shabby really. Sometimes it takes me longer to get stuff from Sydney!

wokkaboy
16-01-2014, 05:56 AM
thats pretty quick from US, thanks Lozza, I suspect it will take a bit longer to get to way over the west !
Give me time to finalise everything else

gavinturner
16-01-2014, 10:36 AM
Looking great Lawry. I know nothing about this pre-amp business. Well, I know what one is but not how they fit into the wiring of a guitar. Will be really great to see how it sounds! Ths is a really inspiring build. Keep it up!

Cheers,
Gav.

lawry
17-01-2014, 05:15 AM
Another step forward today. The maple veneer I ordered to fill the fret slots has arrived.
Originally I was going to use Jarrah but decided it was too dark.
Anyway, I cut a bit off to try it out in the slots and it fits absolutely perfectly.
And I should have enough left over to do another ten guitars I think!
The pics are a bit dodgy cos they were taken on my phone.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/3661p-Veneer.JPG
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/74auc-Frets-on-board.JPG

wokkaboy
17-01-2014, 08:09 AM
excellent Lozza you must be happy with that ! Looks fantastic

lawry
17-01-2014, 08:40 AM
Yeah. Really pleased Woks. I'm just about to shoot through for a couple of weeks so won't be able to do anything. It's nice to leave on a good note but I'm itching to get stuck into it. I'm also expecting the Wudtone to arrive any day, so when I get back I should be able to make some serious progress. A question for you... How did you do your spalt without getting any spill/bleed onto the sides?

DanMade
17-01-2014, 08:45 AM
Those veneers look a treat. Don't you love it when something just fits.

The fingerboard should look good with the maple filling the fret slots.

lawry
17-01-2014, 09:13 AM
Totally agree Dan. And couldn't have asked for a more perfect match in thickness to gap.
I've also knocked out the nut in readiness for finishing the fret(less)board and I am wondering if I should update it with bone or a Tusq.
So here's a question for you all... What are your opinions and experiences with these?

Brendan
17-01-2014, 09:34 AM
Bone for tone according to DB. Also if you're going eau naturale for all the other bits - why not that one as well.

DanMade
17-01-2014, 09:53 AM
Brass for class.

jarrod
17-01-2014, 11:28 AM
+1 for the Brass , put a brass one on my tele and oooooohhhhh sustain baby

wokkaboy
17-01-2014, 02:17 PM
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from lawry on January 16, 2014, 17:40
A question for you... How did you do your spalt without getting any spill/bleed onto the sides?

Hey Lozza, to stop the spill/bleed you could paint tape up the sides but that was too much work so I just was careful ragging the spalt stain on. I made it easier choosing a darker colour for the sides/back in case any did spill, but best thing to do is have a clean rag dipped in turps ready to wipe away any runs from the spalt that go down the sides, you usually have at least 5 seconds to wipe it off. I always did the spalt top before the sides/back so the sides were dry and easy to wipe off spills. Practice doing headstocks and necks different colours helps ! Might help to use a fairly small rag on the edges to limit the spills.
Thanks for putting up photos of the pre-amp pot layout, mine should arrive when you are away so I hope to get closer to finishing my IB-6S possibly end of this month but I won't rush it.

lawry
17-01-2014, 09:23 PM
Thanks Wokka. Really want this to be a classy axe so I'm going to ask a lot of inane questions in order to make this happen. Watch this space, there are more to come.

stan
18-01-2014, 09:18 AM
Coming along very nicely Lawry

lawry
20-01-2014, 12:33 AM
Got a further query about the nut.
I can understand that brass/bone/Tusq/etc. are probably better than the basic plastic for transmitting the vibrations through to the neck, but surely that would only apply to an open string. Once the string is fretted (or fingerboarded in this case) the nut plays no part in the loop. Given that a fretless is less likely to sustain anyway (because of the damping effect of the finger) is it really worth upgrading the nut on this guitar?

DanMade
20-01-2014, 04:46 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from lawry on January 19, 2014, 09:33
Got a further query about the nut.
I can understand that brass/bone/Tusq/etc. are probably better than the basic plastic for transmitting the vibrations through to the neck, but surely that would only apply to an open string. Once the string is fretted (or fingerboarded in this case) the nut plays no part in the loop. Given that a fretless is less likely to sustain anyway (because if the damping effect of the finger) is it really worth upgrading the nut on this guitar?

On first thought I had to agree about it only affecting sustain on the open strings. But you got me thinking.
The way I see it is this. When you pluck a string the vibration has to dissipate somewhere eventually. When you fret a string with your finger, most the energy would dissipate into you finger and the bridge. Though a certain amount of that energy would still travel the entire length of the string, as I see it.
So any energy that does make it to the nut would still be effected by the nut material

It probably doesn't make a huge difference when not playing open strings, but all string contact points are vital piece's when searching for sustain and TONE.

Does that make sense to anyone else. It did In my head.

lawry
20-01-2014, 05:03 AM
Hey Dan. I appreciate your reply and I think I can see what you're saying. But the pups are only interested in the bit of string vibrating above them, and if the nut is out of the loop (because there is a finger on the board) then the tone of the string can't be influenced by the nut. Well, that's how I see it.
Actually, this thread may be getting just a bit academic because I'm thinking of putting on a brass nut purely because I think it will look cool!

DanMade
20-01-2014, 05:41 AM
Yeah we don't want to start a Tone war.lol.

Now you got me thinking again though.

Gavin1393
20-01-2014, 05:43 AM
Probably only aesthetic for a bass guitar since the brass / bone/ Tusq nut will only produce an advantage on open strings. I typically use brass on my electrics where the bridge is also metal. I will use bone or Tusq on acoustics because the saddle is also bone or Tusq, and since there are going to be open strings on your standard chords it makes sense. Not so much on a bass, but then I'd get rid of plastic nuts simply because they wont ring or sustain as well as the other three options!

lawry
20-01-2014, 06:48 AM
@Dan. Tone Wars. LOL. Love it. Battle of the axes.

@Gav. Thanks very much for your post. The way you have stated things makes lots of sense (not surprisingly). I'm thinking that a brass nut is the way to go from a quality perspective so I reckon I'll go that way. Plus, as mentioned, I reckon it'll look cool. And in the end, that's what's really important! 8-)

stan
20-01-2014, 09:11 AM
Whilst the nut might only affect open strings, I'd still go for something that gives the tone you want, because you will still play open strings at least occasionally.
Apparently brass gives the brightest sound, bone the most mellow of the three and tusq and composites are somewhere in the midddle

lawry
31-01-2014, 01:09 AM
Well here's an update I wasn't expecting.
Just got back from two weeks holiday in Victoria and we have landed bang into a cyclone. Before we went away we cleaned up the place 'just in case' so fortunately everything's pretty secure. The cyclone is due to cross the coast in about 12 hours and the winds are pretty wild already. There are also a few trees down and minor flooding occurring around town too. Still, it's only a category 1 and it's about 250-300 kilometers away so shouldn't sook too much. Probably in for a wild night though. And I was looking forward to getting some work done on the fretless when we got back :-(
Bugger!

WeirdBits
31-01-2014, 02:53 AM
Protect the bass! Good luck mate, hope it's not too rough.

wokkaboy
31-01-2014, 03:52 AM
thats not good news to return to Lozza, as Weirdy said make sure the bass is safe !
I've seen pics in Townsville has some mini flooding too.
Hopefully it blows over pretty quick and you are building on Friday sometime

lawry
31-01-2014, 05:14 AM
Thanks for your concern, guys. For the bass that is.
It should be fine, it is at work in a new building only 12 months old (new Mackay Base Hospital - biomedical engineering department). So as long as I'm not flooded out I may still get in there tomorrow or the weekend.
Cheers.

vh2580
31-01-2014, 05:53 AM
Starting to ramp up in Townsville now. gonna be a fun evening.

stan
31-01-2014, 06:14 AM
stay safe guys, all the best

lawry
31-01-2014, 07:58 AM
@Stan. Thanks man.
@Tony. We've already had one blackout for an hour. Gotta admire the linies that ago out in that crap and work on the bitey wires. Where abouts are you in TVL?

vh2580
31-01-2014, 09:40 AM
Hi Lawry
Special type of guys,them and the SES, Im out at Deeragun,
Mackay seems to have copped a lot more rain and wind than us so far.
reckon well start knowing about it in about three - four hours.
Gone Cat 2 so buckle up and stay safe.

AJ
31-01-2014, 09:41 AM
Stay safe you guys

Brendan
31-01-2014, 10:18 AM
Lads stay safe and may your axes be dry after it all blows over... Yes, the Orange People are special kinda guys and gals to go out when the weather's the worst - storms, cyclones, floods and to top it all off run searches and traffic details during bushfires in the heat of summer. Where would we be without them?

gavinturner
31-01-2014, 11:13 AM
@lawry - hope everything is ok with you and yours. Stay safe.

Cheers,
Gav.

crundes
31-01-2014, 11:57 AM
Hope all is well Lawry, stay safe!

lawry
31-01-2014, 10:00 PM
Wild night last night but all is well. Cyclone Dylan crossed the coast at Hideaway Bay (about 1.5 hours drive away) and gave us lots of wind but not too much rain. At its peak the wind was deafening and I could feel the house shaking but it was nowhere near as bad as some we've been through. So... apart from a bit of a clean up of tree litter all is good. The next big event is at 11:00 am today when the high tide and storm surge combine. The tide is going to be 6.4 meters with another 1 metere storm surge on top of that, so the lower lying areas will definitely go under. We live about 100 metres from the beach but on a rise, so we won't be affected. Might go rubbernecking though :-)
Thanks to all for your well-wishes.
@Tony. How did you fare?

Cheers

vh2580
31-01-2014, 10:29 PM
Hi Lawry,
Really well mate. The dip at the last minute down took a lot off,(almost a non event) Always rougher south of the eye.
They got over 400mm in the Pioneer river catchment last night so I thing you guys may catch a lot of water coming down the river backed up from the storm tide.

wokkaboy
31-01-2014, 11:59 PM
good luck Tony and Lozza with the wild weather, stay safe and best of luck, sounds like the worst of it is over

lawry
01-02-2014, 10:37 PM
Was hoping to go into work and do a bit of building on the fretless yesterday but couldn't get in because the only road out of where I live was cut off by the high tide, storm surge and winds. Hopefully it will be open today, I'm itching to make some progress.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/8wbz1-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/m0k5r-image.jpg

Andyport
02-02-2014, 06:27 PM
Far out Lawry, some wild looking weather you got there.
The weather has been holding up my build as well. We are heading for 42 here today (Port Lincoln, SA).
Way too hot to be out in the shed mucking around with guitars!

Cheers
Andy

lawry
02-02-2014, 09:15 PM
Can't argue with that statement, Andy. 41 is damn unpleasant and you don't want to get sweat drops all over the guitar. Although, it may evaporate before it hits the bench. Sorta like virga. I think you'd be much better off drinking beer.

lawry
03-02-2014, 05:29 AM
Huzzah! Finally got to do some work on the fretless.
Have put the deep colour coat of burning sun onto the spalted cap of the body and headstock. Man that stuff is thirsty. It soaked up so much colour that I don't think I'll put on another coat. Some of the glue and machining marks are a bit evident but I can't sand anymore without going through the cap. Still, it looks pretty damn good. Also cut out the required maple veneer strips and glued them into the fret slots.
Here's the body and headstock.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/880l3-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/9rbx9-image.jpg

lawry
03-02-2014, 05:32 AM
And here's the fingerboard. I haven't sanded back the veneer yet because the Wudtone is still damp. Still, you get the idea.


http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/kn04v-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/cv0k7-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/stp9h-image.jpg

VanHaydn
03-02-2014, 06:08 AM
Very Nice BrO!! Love it!

gavinturner
03-02-2014, 08:52 AM
Looking really great Lawry! Can't wait to see the clear on there - the figure will deepen considerably. You picked a great colour to go with. Awesome job!

cheers,
Gav.

Brendan
03-02-2014, 01:38 PM
Looking great Lawry - that Burning Sun is really dark! At first glance I thought it was Mahogany!

AJ
04-02-2014, 12:18 AM
looking fantastic Lawry, you or-ta be quite chuffed with it

wokkaboy
04-02-2014, 12:23 AM
Lawry looking the goods, I agree with Brendan the colour looks very dark for burning sun but the colour really suits the cap - good work. What colour you going to do the back of the neck and back/sides of the body ?
I'll get you the measurement of my bridge placement tonight. Can't wait to play mine again !

crundes
04-02-2014, 06:00 AM
Looking great Lawry! How do you go about shaping the fret markers without damaging the body? Just steady hands and a stanley knife?

crundes
04-02-2014, 06:03 AM
And by body I mean fretboard. oops.

lawry
04-02-2014, 07:38 AM
@Wokka. Yeah, the burning sun deep colour coat is indeed very deep and I don't think I want it any deeper. It will be interesting to see how it looks with the base coat on. My hopes are that it ends up looking similar to how clouds burn at sunset.
@Tim. After removing the frets I used a coping saw to give the slots a flat bottom. I then used a scalpel against a steel ruler to cut the veneer strips and inserted them into the slots. After that I used some thin CA glue to hold the veneer in place and when it dried I used the scalpel blade to cut off the excess veneer flush with the fingerboard.

lawry
04-02-2014, 07:51 AM
Forgot to say that the back and sides are going to be Hot Auburn and the neck will be clear. Although, I am still undecided on whether or not to make the neck Not Auburn too.

wokkaboy
05-02-2014, 01:34 PM
Lozza my distance from centre of 24th fret to front edge of Bridge block is 214mm plus or minus 1mm. This should give you about 431mm (Nut to 12th fret distance) from 12th fret to forward B string saddle. I'd recommend clear neck. The grain is too nice to darken

lawry
08-02-2014, 09:40 AM
Thanks for the update Wokka. It has been stored under 'useful information'. And I reckon I will keep the neck untainted.

Also had a couple of cool things happen today.
Firstly, my bone nut has turned up (thanks heaps DB). I'll start doing some setup with that tomorrow.
Secondly, I sent a design to the guy who made my previous TRCs, scratch-plates and neck plate. He made me a truss rod cover with an intertwined bass and treble clef mounted on a rosewood base. The bass clef is gold MOP and the treble clef is white MOP. The whole thing has been rubbed up with beeswax for a nice satin sheen and it looks fantastic.
Woohoo!
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/jiof4-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/l0s53-image.jpg

Bass Guy
08-02-2014, 09:42 AM
That TRC is just beautiful! Great design, and great execution!

This is becoming droolworthy!!

Bass Guy
08-02-2014, 09:43 AM
Oh, and the whole bass is beautiful too!

WeirdBits
08-02-2014, 10:43 AM
That TRC is gorgeous, soooo well done. And, is that the Vox Pathfinder you gutted holding up DB's nicely crafted nut?

lawry
08-02-2014, 11:29 AM
@Eliot. Yeah. I reckon it'll look great on the bass. I like the idea of the intertwined clefs because the 6 string covers both the bass and treble registers.
@Scott. Yep. That's the valvified Vox Pathfinder alright. Well spotted.

Brendan
08-02-2014, 02:31 PM
Looking great Lawry!

gavinturner
08-02-2014, 08:24 PM
Wow Lawry, that truss rod cover is beautiful!

cheers,
Gav.

wokkaboy
09-02-2014, 02:01 AM
Lozza can you please Facebook message me the details of the bloke who made the TRC, that is amazing and will be the icing on the cake. Also I can recommend DB's bone nuts as mine has one

lawry
09-02-2014, 03:34 AM
Hey Woks,
No need to PM you.
I got my stuff from John Duff at Labels Extreme here...

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Labels-Extreme/199747240152802?ref=ts&fref=ts

I've been 'extremely' happy with the work he has done for me and he is not expensive.
Tell him 'Lawry' sent you. ;)

lawry
09-02-2014, 03:45 AM
A minor update (that's 'a minor update' not 'Am update' - bit of muso humour there)
Bought some thin superglue this morning in preparation for coating the fingerboard (the sanding's done). And late yesterday I put the first base coat of Burning Sun on the body and headstock. All being well They will get another coat tomorrow arvo. Also put the first neck coat on today. I've decided to go with a clear neck cos the grain is pretty cool and I don't want to lose the subtleties of it.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/38q63-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/4o3md-image.jpg

gavinturner
10-02-2014, 11:58 PM
Wow Lawry, the grain on the body is really coming to life with the base coats! Beautifully done and a perfect choice. Clear on the neck is also the way to go IMO - contrasts nicely with the body and allows the contrast in the neck timbers to come to the fore. Can't wait to see it with the clear coats on!

cheers,
Gav.

wokkaboy
11-02-2014, 12:24 AM
looking good Lozza, that burning sun looks superb, can't wait to see it after clear coats and the neck clear is the best choice.
It will look a treat with the black hardware on.
I got to find the time to play mine to set the neck in, took it to DB's yesterday for some neck tweaks, its playing pretty well now

Andyport
11-02-2014, 11:42 AM
Beautiful Lawry...gotta love that Burning Sun!
Really looking the goods. Will follow this build every step of the way.

Cheers
Andy

Timsan
12-02-2014, 06:10 AM
She's gorgeous, Lawry. The grain is amazing! Looking forward to seeing more.

lawry
14-02-2014, 11:18 PM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on February 10, 2014, 09:24
looking good Lozza, that burning sun looks superb, can't wait to see it after clear coats and the neck clear is the best choice.
It will look a treat with the black hardware on.
I got to find the time to play mine to set the neck in, took it to DB's yesterday for some neck tweaks, its playing pretty well now

Pity it's such a long way from NQ to WA or else I'd be round to DB's too. Maybe I can fax it to him for a tweak ;-)

Pretty keen to know what tweaks were done for fine tuning (pun intended). One thing about a fretless is that microtone cockups are user based, usually indicating that more practise and less ego is required 8-)

Gavin1393
15-02-2014, 02:53 AM
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from lawry on February 14, 2014, 08:18
Maybe I can fax it to him for a tweak ;)

I get every post sent to me via e-mail and I scan through at speed looking to see if there is someone who needs my help.....

I now need help / counseling myself...

I misread the above as faxing DB for a twerk.....Oh! the imagery!!! I feel traumatized.

lawry
15-02-2014, 05:18 AM
LOL. Now I have an image in my head that I could do without. Thanks for sharing that, Gav. :-?

lawry
16-02-2014, 09:28 AM
Had a bit of fun today working on the bass.
Put another coat of burning sun on the cap (4th one) and it's really starting to shine. The picture shows the sun shining on part of it and it really does burn.
I also put eleven coats of superglue on the fingerboard but will put another 4 or 5 on before I buff it.
And finally, I'm not fussed with the black plastic cavity cover that came with the kit so I used the remaining veneer sheet (from the fret slot filling) to make a 4 ply panel and I'll make a cover out of that. Once I had glued the veneer sheets together with Titebond I put the whole thing under a few batteries to keep it flat until it dries.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/a04m9-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/j748p-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/o5270-image.jpg

Bass Guy
16-02-2014, 10:12 AM
Loving it Lawry! This is going to be a glorious bass.

lawry
16-02-2014, 10:39 AM
You'll have to pop around for a play, Eliot. I'll leave the light on for you.
Shouldn't take too long, it's only about 4,500 kilometers as the crow flies.
Oh, and bring one of your cool basses with you. And cake! :-)

Andyport
16-02-2014, 08:39 PM
Looking excellent Lawry...the fingerboard is coming up a treat.
Top job.

lawry
18-02-2014, 05:24 AM
OK - I'm hoping DB will read this...
Got a question about the nut. What gap height do I need between the strings and the fingerboard at the nut on a fretless, DB? I've done some web-crawling and it varies between 1-2mm or 0mm. I am not prepared to use any of this info as gospel as I don't know what's knowledge and what's opinion.
Thanks in advance for your input.

wokkaboy
18-02-2014, 06:00 AM
looking sensational Lozza, never knew you coated fretless fingerboards with superglue !
Look forward to seeing the control veneer plate Loz, should look excellent

Gavin1393
18-02-2014, 08:35 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from lawry on February 17, 2014, 14:24
OK - I'm hoping DB will read this...
Got a question about the nut. What gap height do I need between the strings and the fingerboard at the nut on a fretless, DB? I've done some web-crawling and it varies between 1-2mm or 0mm. I am not prepared to use any of this info as gospel as I don't know what's knowledge and what's opinion.
Thanks in advance for your input.

Oh, for DB.....

Ok - I'll let him explain the intonation offset and how this relates to string height..... :)

lawry
18-02-2014, 10:32 AM
Sorry Gav. Didn't mean any disrespect. I just automatically thought bass:DB.
I understand that the higher the string at the nut then the more effect it has on intonation on the notes at that end. What I am hoping to find out is what is a good height for the strings at the nut on a fretless. After all, my fingers are going to be the biggest problem for intonation.
I am more than happy for you to give me the low down (poor pun I know, but it had to be said)

Brendan
18-02-2014, 10:57 AM
Good question Lawry - was wondering the same myself...

gavinturner
18-02-2014, 12:15 PM
Awesome job Lawry! Man that fretboard looks amazing. I didnt know about the superglue either. A great tip if I ever find myself doing a fretless. The body is also looking stunning. This is going to be one glorious bass when you are done! Amazing.

Cheers,
Gav.

Gavin1393
18-02-2014, 01:18 PM
First thing to make sure of is a very straight neck. With a fretted board you will usually look for a slight bit of bow in the neck. Not the case with fretless. Ideally you want the strings lower and as close as you can get to the fretboard without creating a buzz. For slap bass you would want to go a little higher. The straighter the neck, the lower you can go in terms of string height , the better the resulting tone or as the vocabulary of the day goes, the MWAH factor!
The second point is to consider the string height, string thickness and the effect of string height on intonation. The last piece in the set up will be the height at the nut. As you reduce string height, the scale length will effectively shorten, you may need to adjust the saddles to keep the bass intonated correctly. Get the saddle height set and then begin work on the nut. Typically ( on a fretted guitar) you would be looking to be slightly above the first fret in terms of the nut. Again, depending on how low you want to go, you could comfortably go almost down to the fretboard and get great tone on the open strings.
Its pretty much personal preference but as a starting point, grab your trusty "fretted" bass guitar and measure the distance from the fretboard to the strings and then subtract the height of the fret! You can take this measurement at the nut and indeed at any of the markers all the way up the neck.

Hope this serves as a guide!

lawry
19-02-2014, 01:44 AM
Bleed in' hell, Gav.
I came looking for advice and ended up with a manual. Thanks very much for the detailed explanation. Hopefully I don't make a cockup of it.

wokkaboy
19-02-2014, 01:52 AM
Lozza, sounds like you better disregard my bridge measurement as it may be different for a fretless bass.
Will depend on the nut height by the sounds of it.
I know nothing about a fretless bass so you better wait for instruction from Dr Bass aka DB - hey the initials work !
Woohoo I just clocked 1500 posts !

lawry
19-02-2014, 04:33 AM
Congrats on the 1500 Wokka. Quite a milestone.
I think I'm nearly at the end of the easy stuff and starting to get into uncharted territory for me. Reckon it'll be even slower going from here on. And I still haven't finished the Wudtone.

wokkaboy
19-02-2014, 05:17 AM
cheers Lozza. I thought about fretless for this build but didn't want to make it any more complicated. I may try a fretless on a 4 string bass.
You will get there Lozza, just plug away and don't rush the build !

Gavin1393
19-02-2014, 05:56 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on February 18, 2014, 10:52
Woohoo I just clocked 1500 posts !

Well done Wokka, 10 to go to the big 2000 for me, actually including this one I'm down to single digits! Gulp - We have no lives beyond this forum!

wokkaboy
19-02-2014, 06:08 AM
@ Gav well done mate your posts number looks more like a year date. We obviously don't have a life !
Since Pest has been quiet last part of last year I've overtaken him as 2nd highest poster, I'll never catch you Gav !

lawry
19-02-2014, 08:41 AM
@Gav & Wokka: you mean this ain't living?
OK. Put the deep colour coat of Hot Auburn onto the body and man did it soak up. I guess I should have expected the end grain to go a deep colour but it has gone almost black. I'm OK with it but it's lost all the beautiful grain on the sides. Don't think I'll put on another coat, just get stuck into the base coats. And the cavity cover seems to be coming up OK. We'll see.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/4f3er-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/4w9ye-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/z3rnh-image.jpg

wokkaboy
19-02-2014, 10:00 AM
Hey Lozza I love that darker colour, thats about the shade of my build.
Also love the control cavity cover, what sort of wood is it ?
Should blend in well with the grain of the back.
If you think the sides are too dark then I'd sand it back a little and apply base coats

good luck !

Brendan
19-02-2014, 12:42 PM
Looking great Lawry - as for Gav - we learn from the best!

Gavin1393
19-02-2014, 02:10 PM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Brendan on February 18, 2014, 21:42
Looking great Lawry - as for Gav - we learn from the best!

Thanks Brenden and Wokka. Only 10 to go for you Brenden before you join the 1000 club. Pest are you still inviting?

Timsan
22-02-2014, 08:48 PM
Looking good, Lawry.

Wise move - I only did one deep colour coat on my LP. Any more and it would have been way too dark!

lawry
22-02-2014, 09:17 PM
Hey Tim. In hindsight it was best to do only one coat. I had wondered if I was being hasty, but no. I've put 5 base coats on now and it's looking really hot but I haven't posted any pics because I keep forgetting to take the camera with me. I hope to get another couple of coats on over the weekend so will get some shots soon.

lawry
23-02-2014, 05:46 AM
OK. So now there are 6 base coats of Hot Auburn on the body and I think I like it how it is so I'll let it dry and then start on the satin finish. The other stuff done today was to shave the nut that DB made so that the strings will be just off the fingerboard and then make a decal for the headstock. I can't fit the normal size decal I use between the machine heads so I made a curvy one to sit at the pointy end of the head.
I'm really pleased with how this is turning out.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/00m4u-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/94xna-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/ru2gk-image.jpg

Brendan
23-02-2014, 07:09 AM
That's looking very hot Lawry - the headstock itself is amazing!

adam
23-02-2014, 01:27 PM
Looks amazing Lawry. At first I thought the factory had botched those tuner holes, but they are actually perfectly aligned with the shape of the headstock.

jarrod
23-02-2014, 03:26 PM
Thats just dam hot Lowry. Seriously nice work

gavinturner
23-02-2014, 05:09 PM
Beautiful Lawry - another amazing axe! This one is going to be a work of art. Love it.

cheers,
Gav.

lawry
23-02-2014, 09:05 PM
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from adam on February 22, 2014, 22:27
Looks amazing Lawry. At first I thought the factory had botched those tuner holes, but they are actually perfectly aligned with the shape of the headstock.
Hi Adam. I was a bit unsure myself, especially after similar comments were made on Wokka's thread, but a mock build put my mind at ease. This is a fantastic axe and I intend to make it my standard gigging bass instead of the 5 string Schecter fretless I normally use. I would encourage bassists out there to build one of these (not necessarily go fretless). BG this means you ;-)

stan
23-02-2014, 11:54 PM
a pro job mate, very nice

Brendan
24-02-2014, 06:11 AM
Quote from lawry on February 23, 2014, 06:05
I would encourage bassists out there to build one of these (not necessarily go fretless). BG this means you ;-)

It's on the list Lawry - rest assured. Still got a couple of others to go first though...

lawry
02-03-2014, 04:51 AM
Well, it's done. The last coat of satin has just gone on the body, so when this dries it's on to the assembly. I've put a few coats on over the last week and now I've run out. I decided to upload one final pic of the spalted cap after seeing how the sun was catching the Wudtone and making it glow exactly the way I was hoping.

And this is why it's called Burning Sun...
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/9a0ym-image.jpg

Bass Guy
02-03-2014, 04:56 AM
Hehehehe... Like Brendan it's on the wishlist...

lawry
06-03-2014, 11:36 AM
Got to start on the assembly after work today. Hurrah! Put in the copper shielding and attached the neck.
Tomorrow, all being well, I'll get the bridge mounted and maybe the electronics. I haven't put any copper in the control cavity yet cos I need to see how the active setup fits and I don't want to cause any shorting.
With luck, it will be ready to go for the weekend. That'll give me one week to get used to playing it before the a gig on the 15th.
Woohoo.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/97aa8-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/9326g-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/n5662-image.jpg

WeirdBits
06-03-2014, 11:47 AM
Looks great Lawry, can't wait to see and hear it finished.

gavinturner
07-03-2014, 04:54 AM
Beautiful Lawry. Cant wait to hear her deep dulcet tones. Both you and Wokka used an active setup on this model. Is it necessary to get the best out of it?

cheers,
Gav

lawry
07-03-2014, 10:12 AM
@Gav. Personally, I love active electronics in a bass. I like the extra colour you can get for your sound. You can go really fat or sharp and bitey. These electronics also have a sweepable mid so you can get a nice scooped sound if you want it. This being a fretless though, I will want a nice fat mwaah.

lawry
07-03-2014, 10:20 AM
Got a little bit more done today and am nearly done.
Mounted the bridge and pups, loaded the electronics and attached the control cavity cover. It looks heaps better than the black plastic one even if it was a bit short due to the shape of the veneer I had left over. Still, I like how it's looking 8-)
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/66l1g-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/0b57w-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/0774p-image.jpg

DanMade
07-03-2014, 10:28 AM
Looks good. The control cavity cover was deffinatly worth the effort.

Brendan
07-03-2014, 11:18 AM
Lawry - spot on job with the cover - in fact it's all looking great! Good luck with GOTM when it comes around!

gavinturner
07-03-2014, 11:55 AM
Gorgeous Lawry. Love your cover - awesome job. That's the kind of attention to detail that wins GOTM! (But you'll have to beat Pest first!!) ;)

Cheers,
Gav.

keloooe
07-03-2014, 07:52 PM
Yes Lozza, ya gotta beat the Pest! But still, awesome cavity cover, looks great with the finish!

Fretworn
08-03-2014, 01:30 AM
I can't tell from that pic, but do you have some sort of battery clip there, or planned? You'd hate to have a moving battery mess up those wires.

wokkaboy
08-03-2014, 02:12 AM
Hey Lozza, I have'nt seen this build diary for about a fortnight but thats looking fantastic, well done on the progress and as others have said that control cover really blends in well. Love the truss rod cover and logo really look the part with the spalt lines.
Once you have this setup everyone at your gig will be envious of this beast ! Colours have come up really classy.
Be careful with the copper shielding in the cavity the main PCB was close to the cavity wall on my build and was causing some shorting problems.
Best of luck and can't wait for a sound demo and yes the pre-amp model you recommended sounds fantastic !

lawry
08-03-2014, 11:30 PM
@Fretworn. Geoff, the battery is just in a bit of bubble wrap in that photo to see how it fitted. It is now held in place with a Velcro dot glued to the body and a stick-on dot on the battery. Seeing how the battery should last about 1000 hours the packet of dots should last me a while.
@Wokka. Decided against the copper in the control cavity for exactly the reasons you mentioned. Good thing you've entered in March GOTM cos I'm finished now and ready to go. I'll upload some sounds soon. Your bass looks fantastic man, nearly as cool as mine ;-)

Here are some teasers.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/vwvv0-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/g6w6u-image.jpg

lawry
09-03-2014, 07:49 AM
Well all.. This is probably the last diary update on this build.
I have setup the beastie's action, intonation (if that's possible on a fretless), compensation and pickup height.
And now I have just finished playing it for the last 2 hours to the point where my left hand and forearm ache from working the extra width. But... It is such a cool machine to play. 8-)
I never thought than one day I would be able to say I made a 6 string fretless. I look like the Cheshire Cat at the moment. :D
I now have one week to get it comfortable under my fingers before the band plays for a Headspace fundraiser here in Mackay.
This has been a long build for me with a lot of new territory involved and I want to thank everyone who offered advice and encouragement. I would also like to thank everyone who watched as it progressed and left comments. This community rocks. You helped me make this killer bass a reality.
Thanks and Cheers.
Lawry

zeromick
09-03-2014, 08:59 AM
This thing looks amazing, really, really nice job man!

Fretworn
09-03-2014, 09:26 AM
Very pretty. Excellent job.

Brendan
10-03-2014, 01:49 PM
Quote from lawry on February 15, 2014, 18:28
I also put eleven coats of superglue on the fingerboard but will put another 4 or 5 on before I buff it.


Lawry,
What sort of superglue did you use for the fretboard? About to do one here and have never done it before.
Cheers.

jarrod
10-03-2014, 02:13 PM
Stunning lowry simply stunning

crundes
10-03-2014, 11:20 PM
Looks amazing Lawry! You must be stoked with the finished product :-)

lawry
11-03-2014, 12:29 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Brendan on March 9, 2014, 22:49

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from lawry on February 15, 2014, 18:28
I also put eleven coats of superglue on the fingerboard but will put another 4 or 5 on before I buff it.


Lawry,
What sort of superglue did you use for the fretboard? About to do one here and have never done it before.
Cheers.

Hi Brendan. You need to use very thin superglue, not the normal stuff you buy at a hardware store. You can buy Hot Stuff (I think that's the brand) from Carba Tec but I got mine at a local hobby shop. Apparently model makers use it all the time.
Cheers

lawry
11-03-2014, 12:31 AM
To all who have posted with kind comments, I thank you. Please keep them coming, I love the adulation.
But seriously, thank you for your words, it is much appreciated.

wokkaboy
11-03-2014, 01:29 AM
Lozza well done on a stunning build, glad I wasn't up against this, it is sounding fantastic, sure you will be proud as punch playing it at the gig in a week.
Whats the next build you got planned ?

lawry
11-03-2014, 01:49 AM
Thanks Wokka.
Actually, I have thought about building a dulcimer or psaltery because I don't have either of those and they could be fun. What about you? You must be running out of models to try by now.

gavinturner
11-03-2014, 08:17 AM
I keep coming back to look at her Lawry - she's a thing of beauty!
I want to own this guitar so badly..

cheers,
Gav.

Brendan
11-03-2014, 10:54 AM
Thanks for that Lawry - I've got some StewMac #10 that I might just give it a go...

lawry
16-03-2014, 11:51 PM
The Big Gig.
So how did the maiden voyage go I hear you ask. Well, it started out as a night of trepidation because I had to get through a whole night of gigging on a guitar with an extra string and slightly smaller scale length. So I came up with a back-up plan. I took my usual bass and kept it in the car in case I got a bit overwhelmed and the extra neck width started getting too much work. As it turned out I needn't have bothered. It took about 20 minutes of actually concentrating on my fingers but after that I suddenly realised I was just playing without thinking. By the end of the first bracket I was kicking back enjoying the show, checking out the crowd and singing harmonies like it was my old faithful. And the sound was so phat and clean at the same time. Those Tone Monsters have so much colour. I also had three guys come up and ask me about the guitar (they were all bassists who wanted to know about the six string). When I told them it started out as a kit they were blown away. Even more so when they saw it was fretless.
So... it's settled. This is now the number one gigging axe. What a hoot!

gavinturner
17-03-2014, 12:01 AM
Well done Lawry! Glad to hear how happy you are with it. Would have loved to be at the gig and hear her thump!

cheers,
Gav.

WeirdBits
17-03-2014, 01:25 AM
Fantastic Lawry, glad it went well! I hope you had a stack of PBG business cards in your pocket ;)