Alan's RCA-4 Build

Hi All

This is start of my first ever build. Chose the RCA-4 basically 'cos I couldn't afford a genuine Ric ! Chose the ash version for the grain as I wanted a translucent finish - not sure how that will pan out. If it doesn't I can always revert to a solid colour later. It's going to be blue, as all my other guitars are blue (Hofner violin bass, Washburn EA65, G & L Asat). I did a mock build as soon as I opened the case, and since then I've spent 5 days sanding - currently down to 280 grit, so perhaps a couple more days and then ready for the stain. Had to buy this from Wudtone UK, as it can't be shipped from Aus, but I guess it guess it goes on the same as your stuff. More to follow

looking good Alan, does the neck heel fit into the neck pocket ok ? It's not fit flush in your mock build pics.
5 days sanding I hope that's no more than 2 hours per session or you will have sore arms.
Which wudtone did you get azure lagoon maybe ?

should look excellent over that ash grain

You've done this before ! - yeah 2 hours is exactly right, correct again with azure lagoon, hoping it comes out like the photos. The neck does fit OK, quite tight in fact which is why I hadn't got it in properly in the photos, bit nervous with things at first didn't want to get it stuck. I am learning now !

The big trick is not to rush. I get a lot done quickly but I have a lot of free time. Just take your time, stop and ask questions and you'll be fine.
Would love to see a pic of that blue Hoff bass, I plan on doing one soonish.

no worries Alan, sounds like you should sand the sides of the neck pocket a little so the heel isn't too tight. Check the fit regularly so you don't take off too much. You still want the fit to be fairly firm

Sounding great! Wudtone is a good product, so you should get a good outcome. As you hang around, you'll see that Wokka's a bit of the furniture around here and has built something like 60 odd guitars and basses, so has a bit of experience...

Guessed as much ! Doubt I'll be building that many. But he does have some good tips, In fact everyone has been very helpful

Nice kit Alan. Once you've built it, you'll probably like it more than any genuine Ric!

You're right, it already feels like my favourite bass. Hope it sounds as good as I think it should.

Hi, here are some pictures of my Hofner. The pickups are wired as per the original models, which takes a bit of getting used to. ie
Neck on = Bridge off, Bridge on = Neck off, to mix the two you have to switch both off !