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Bass Guy
08-02-2014, 03:13 AM
Oh boy here we go... what have I let myself in for??

I remember seeing this design in Guitar Magazine in the late 80s, and marvelling at the ergonomics of it. So this will be getting an appropriately garish finish- most likely a swirl. We will see.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/04q8j-20140207_114534.jpg

wokkaboy
08-02-2014, 03:20 AM
yes I think these axes should remain in the 80's BG, not a fan of the shape, who designed the body ! I don't mind the headless neck but I would only build one of these if they were super cheap ! sorry mate !

WeirdBits
08-02-2014, 03:31 AM
This will be interesting. Is that pickguard slightly thicker than usual, or does it just look that way because of its square edge?

Bass Guy
08-02-2014, 03:38 AM
@weirdbits, it does seem a bit thick. Not unlike the guy building it!

@wokka, the design is by Steve Klein (hence why I call this project Clavin. Crap puns abound). Klein has also designed for Taylor guitars one of the loveliest acoustic bass guitars I have ever played.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/6zs12-image.jpg

Bass Guy
08-02-2014, 03:40 AM
Have to giggle at the message on the bridge unit....

Bass Guy
08-02-2014, 03:46 AM
???
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/1uuzt-image.jpg

WeirdBits
08-02-2014, 03:59 AM
Is that message a heartfelt nod to the 80's or unknowingly ironic?

Also, looking at your first pic, is there some wiggle room in the neck pocket? It looks like neck will need to yaw a bit to the left to line up with the bridge correctly.

wokkaboy
08-02-2014, 04:07 AM
yes agreed Weirdy that neck doesn't look very aligned.
The grain on the basswood doesn't look too bad, hows the grain on the back/sides, any glue marks ?
I do like the look of Klein's acoustic bass !

Bass Guy
08-02-2014, 04:29 AM
There is a lot of wiggle room on the treble side of the neck (see photo) so I may have to shim it a bit.

Grain schmain, it's getting the enamel treatment! ;)
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/87vpv-image.jpg

wokkaboy
08-02-2014, 04:41 AM
so you talking about a swirl effect, have you done this before BG ?
That neck pickup route looks a bit rough but will be covered no doubt

Bass Guy
08-02-2014, 05:19 AM
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/?page_id=42&mingleforumaction=viewtopic&t=178

My one previous effort...

adam
08-02-2014, 05:21 AM
Here's some inspiration for you BG... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9ZskibclgU

Bass Guy
08-02-2014, 05:35 AM
Hehehe I trust you mean the song and not the substance itself... ;)

Lou had a penchant for weird guitars... Should try and catalogue a gallery of his choices.

lawry
08-02-2014, 09:14 AM
Hey Eliot.
I'm with Wokka on this one. I've never been a fan of headless guitars either but, hey, horses for courses.
However, the acoustic bass looks pretty cool. How did it sound?
I've vacillated over getting one for many years but think they might struggle to keep up with an acoustic 6 string, so I didn't see the point. Keen to know your thoughts/experiences though.

Bass Guy
08-02-2014, 09:28 AM
Acoustic Basses- hoo boy, where to start?

The Taylor/Klein bass was lovely to play (I was playing the fretless version) but lacking in presence. Which is the big issue with ABGs. Sure you can plug most of them into a PA or amp, but it then is no longer truly acoustic. Plus it was about 9" thick at points.

The Ovation Nikki Sixx signature model was ok as an acoustic instrument, and unbelievably good plugged in. It is up to you to decide if it was worth $7,000.

In my less than humble opinion, you cannot beat the Martin BC15E. All solid mahogany body, and LOUD! The first time I played one I plucked the open A string and laughed. It will cost you about $3,000 but it is worth every cent. For the budget conscious, the Sigma range is damn good value for less than $1,000.

Avoid 5string ABGs- I have yet to find one that is able to project the low register adequately, and this includes the sadly disappointing Warwick Alien.

Does any of this help? :)

lawry
08-02-2014, 11:22 AM
Hey Eliot. Yep, it helps. I now know I have nowhere near enough $$$ to buy an acoustic bass that has enough throw.
Good write up, man. Thanks

Brendan
08-02-2014, 02:50 PM
WRT acoustic basses - made a dumb call when I was younger and a DINK. Bought myself a cheap acoustic bass (Monterey). Pulled it out the other day and took ~1mm off the saddle nut - action still enough to warrant an Arnie movie (down from Red Dawn). One day I'll take it to Gav's and let him tell me how unfixable it really is... Then I might need to flog it off to some poor unsuspecting person like I was... Until then it's just taking up way too much room. Loved the sound, but playability...

Bass Guy
16-02-2014, 11:20 AM
First (and probably only) coat of grey primer, ready for the swirling process.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/o979q-image.jpg

Bass Guy
16-02-2014, 11:23 AM
Neck almost finished with one coat of Aged Vintage Yellow, and one top coat of Colourless.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/l7595-image.jpg

lawry
16-02-2014, 10:01 PM
Now I've got an idea on how you're going to do the swirl. You just give that round table a spin and squirt it from above, right?
;-)

Bass Guy
17-02-2014, 01:35 AM
Neck complete, body primed for swirl. Next weekend's job.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/9p83u-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/6946v-image.jpg

Fretworn
18-02-2014, 01:21 AM
I wondered whether you would do the elbow contour, but you obviously decided not to. I usually don't like body elbow or tummy contours on guitars, but the Klein is one guitar I think could benefit from them.

http://www.edroman.com/guitars/Klein/images/Kleinberger878.jpg

Bass Guy
18-02-2014, 05:56 AM
Hadn't even thought about that. When I tested it for positioning I wasn't particularly perturbed by the extra body, but it does look rather nice with it angled off like that.

Might bust out the sander and respray where needed....

wokkaboy
18-02-2014, 06:12 AM
would be much more comfortable to play with an elbow contour, means you will have to sand back that corner and re-prime it

golfnerd59
16-08-2017, 12:31 PM
Hadn't even thought about that. When I tested it for positioning I wasn't particularly perturbed by the extra body, but it does look rather nice with it angled off like that.

Might bust out the sander and respray where needed....

Hey Bass Guy...did you ever finish this?