Rooks RCA-4!!!

Got the truss rod cover to fit!!!

https://i.imgur.com/UhJgf9bl.jpg
Not yet screwed in, just set in place.

Didn't even need to reprint. Simon's post about sanding kinda stuck in my head so today while stuck on a problem at work, I started aggressively sanding the edges. Looked kinda grim for a bit, but I realized that if I sanded fast enough, heat built up to melt a bit of the plastic in on itself to hide the plastic latticework. Not perfect, but that's kinda the theme of this build! LOL.

Also sanded back and restained the headstock. I used a minwax wood conditioner and it really helped the wood dye to cover evenly and was a lot easier to make a burst effect.

Next up I will be glueing the neck.

Made a little fret protector to ensure I don't crush the frets when I clamp.

https://i.imgur.com/F61r6X4l.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/FHYqtwNl.jpg

Cool idea for the fret protector, but it will probably end up useless unfortunately. Your clamping will look closer to this http://i.imgur.com/NIWZ6Jih.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pablopepper

Cool idea for the fret protector, but it will probably end up useless unfortunately. Your clamping will look closer to this http://i.imgur.com/NIWZ6Jih.jpg

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No joke, I just spit out my mouthful of beer laughing when I read your post.

You're probably right! But I'm using my dang fret protector no matter what! I cut my finger while making it and dammit, it's gonna get used! LOL.

Also-- I forgot how cool your bass looks! Such a great build!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rook

No joke, I just spit out my mouthful of beer laughing when I read your post.

You're probably right! But I'm using my dang fret protector no matter what! I cut my finger while making it and dammit, it's gonna get used! LOL.

Also-- I forgot how cool your bass looks! Such a great build!

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You could always place it flat side down on the rear of the body when you clamp the neck in place. That way it’s being used, and protecting the guitar, just not in the way you had envisaged.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FrankenWashie

You could always place it flat side down on the rear of the body when you clamp the neck in place. That way it’s being used, and protecting the guitar, just not in the way you had envisaged.

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Too true. Too true...

Just caught up with this build and like what you have done, particularly the 3d printing.

Having used Tru Oil on all of my 6 builds it does have a habit of dragging the stain around when 1st coat is applied with a rag, hence why I brush on coats 1 & 2, then revert to rag and after 6 - 8 coats start the wet sanding. Also need to let any water based stain dry out for several days too so that there is no latent moisture repelling the oily based Tru Oil.

Cheers, Waz

Quote:

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Originally Posted by wazkelly

Just caught up with this build and like what you have done, particularly the 3d printing.

Having used Tru Oil on all of my 6 builds it does have a habit of dragging the stain around when 1st coat is applied with a rag, hence why I brush on coats 1 & 2, then revert to rag and after 6 - 8 coats start the wet sanding. Also need to let any water based stain dry out for several days too so that there is no latent moisture repelling the oily based Tru Oil.

Cheers, Waz

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Thanks, dude.

Yeah, the 3D printing is great. Still learning, but it has opened my mind to a lot of possibilities in my other interests. It really has very few limits. Which is very exciting.

NECK GLUE!

Neck is glued! And clamped!

And despite the naysayers, I used my weird fret protector thingy. Even if it was un-needed!

https://i.imgur.com/ySDRm8Jl.jpg

Been about 8 hours and seems to be seating nicely. Tried to put a nice, even pressure throughout.

At first clamping the glue was all over the place! Squishing everywhere. The directions said a heavy coat... Maybe it was too heavy?!

Lots of squished out glue to clean up!

I have been really stressed about this part. I really hope it works as intended. I have no idea how I could re-do this section.

Seeing it clamped together has made me very excited. It looks like a real bass. And I still have high hopes for this build.

Fingers crossed...

Would love for this instrument to be my go-to bass to play.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rook

NECK GLUE!

Neck is glued! And clamped!

And despite the naysayers (pablo!) I used my weird fret protector thingy. Even if it was un-needed!

https://i.imgur.com/ySDRm8Jl.jpg

Been about 8 hours and seems to be seating nicely. Tried to put a nice, even pressure throughout.

At first clamping the glue was all over the place! Squishing everywhere. The directions said a heavy coat... Maybe it was too heavy?!

Lots of squished out glue to clean up!

I have been really stressed about this part. I really hope it works as intended. I have no idea how I could re-do this section.

Seeing it clamped together has made me very excited. It looks like a real bass. And I still have high hopes for this build.

Fingers crossed...

Would love for this instrument to be my go-to bass to play.

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WOOHOO! Looking good Rook! good even pressure at front and back of Tenon, should be a good tight joint.

I think the fret protector was a good idea. As FW said, even pressure all over the join, not just in the neck pocket. You don't want a big gap to fill between the neck and the body at the join.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FrankenWashie

WOOHOO! Looking good Rook! good even pressure at front and back of Tenon, should be a good tight joint.

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Thanks man! I appreciate it!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Simon Barden

I think the fret protector was a good idea. As FW said, even pressure all over the join, not just in the neck pocket. You don't want a big gap to fill between the neck and the body at the join.

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Thanks, Simon!

Neck is glued and in place and ready to assemble!

The finish on the back of the guitar has some glue and clamp damage to deal with.

https://i.imgur.com/7Z3deKVl.jpg
The pattern is actually from the cloth I had laid down to protect the finish. Lol. Live and learn. The picture actually makes it look way worse than it is, a quick wet sand should solve it.

I also need to apply some more true oil to where the neck meets the body. I was overly cautious when I was applying the first coats and there are some areas of bare wood that still need finishing.


Once that is completed, it's on to the electronics!

I ended up picking up a pre-wired harness at a local guitar show. It's set up like a Les Paul, Volume-Tone-Volume-Tone and a 3way switch. It seems to be a nice quality. And best of all, it is pre assembled so I will only need to solder the pick-ups and ground wire.

Here are a few pics.

I just wanted to check to see if anyone sees any reason why I shouldn't use this harness?

https://i.imgur.com/C7HVTv4l.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ro4DciWl.jpg

Finally, I have a question about shielding and grounding.

Is this a one or the other type thing? Or is it cool to do both?

The pots connect directly to the pickguard, so I assumed shielding tape was needed, but I was also planning to solder a ground wire to the bridge. Electronics are a bit of a mystery to me so I guess what I am asking is this:

Is this a terrible plan that will end with me electrocuted and my guitar on fire?

Pots are all 500k which shouldn't be an issue as that kit comes with a neck humbucker (best suited to 500k) and a single coil bridge PUP which are usually best suited to 250k. Only difference might be a slightly brighter or more top end in the bridge PUP which may not be such a bad thing to have.

Grounding is most important as if not grounded properly there may not be any sound transmitted, plus ground wire to under bridge helps with reducing noise when your hands are off the strings.

Shielding is advisable usually on the bottom & sides of the control cavity and some reckon on the underside of scratch plate too which is quite common on Strat's. Personally, I have not bothered with shielding back of scratch or control plates with zero buzzing or noise issues. You could always do a few sections then plug in and see how things are and whether it needs more shielding to eliminate any unwanted noise or buzzing.

Cheers, Waz

Quote:

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Originally Posted by wazkelly

Pots are all 500k which shouldn't be an issue as that kit comes with a neck humbucker (best suited to 500k) and a single coil bridge PUP which are usually best suited to 250k. Only difference might be a slightly brighter or more top end in the bridge PUP which may not be such a bad thing to have.

Grounding is most important as if not grounded properly there may not be any sound transmitted, plus ground wire to under bridge helps with reducing noise when your hands are off the strings.

Shielding is advisable usually on the bottom & sides of the control cavity and some reckon on the underside of scratch plate too which is quite common on Strat's. Personally, I have not bothered with shielding back of scratch or control plates with zero buzzing or noise issues. You could always do a few sections then plug in and see how things are and whether it needs more shielding to eliminate any unwanted noise or buzzing.

Cheers, Waz

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Waz, thanks, for the info. Much appreciated.

Got cavities taped up and the underside of the pick guard covered. Not exactly sure where on the underside of the bridge to attach the ground wire, but I doubt it matters too much as long as it is secure.

Gonna drill pilot holes for everything that needs to be screwed in this eve and then Friday I'll break out the soldering kit and get this thing wired.

Thanks again!

For the bridge earth wire suggest stripping it back so that about 1" or 25 mm is exposed and 'tin' it with solder as the bridge will sit on top and wire is held in place after bridge has been screwed down tight.

Also need to sand back underside of the bridge so that any shiny coating (chrome) has been removed as this helps to create a better contact with the earth wire.

Cheers, Waz

Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk

WIRING

So it turns out wiring is pretty hard. LOL.

I made a little cardboard work area:
https://i.imgur.com/FVo8Z0jl.jpg

Got all the pots accessible and everything in place:
https://i.imgur.com/Vzmmsz3l.jpg

But my soldering skills are, shall we say, subpar.

Took me a long time to be sure everything was in the right place, but eventually I got everything connected.

Then I plugged it in and...

Nothing. Not even a hum.

Checked and double-checked my work. Can't see where I went wrong. Pretty frustrating. I have only ever wired one other instrument, and that one was a test of my patience, but in the end it worked.

I've decided to have a guitar tech friend take a look at it. Hopefully he can spot where I went wrong.

Feels a bit like I'm cheating by having someone else parachute in and help, but I'd rather a working bass than one that just looks pretty.

So close at this point, yet so far...

Post some pics of all the wiring if you like, maybe we can spot the issue and save the favour from your guitar tech friend.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by WeirdBits

Post some pics of all the wiring if you like, maybe we can spot the issue and save the favour from your guitar tech friend.

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I actually dropped the bass off at his house last night for him to peek at when he gets a moment.

But thank you so much for the offer. Very cool of you. If my friend doesn't have much luck, I may take you up on it.

Thanks again!

Your finish looks great, the colour scheme perfectly suits that RCA. The 3d printed parts turned out really nice as well!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by trv

Your finish looks great, the colour scheme perfectly suits that RCA. The 3d printed parts turned out really nice as well!

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Thanks, man!

I'm almost completed. Just been struggling with the electronics. Looks like it is sorted. Just need a little free time to assemble the beast and see. Excited to finally hear this thing.

FINISHED (Mostly!)

The electronics are finally working thanks in large part to a local guitar tech. Turns out it was wired correctly - for the most part - but I used such long wires that once they were jammed into the cavity they were crossing and shorting everything out. At least that is what I am told. Whatever it was - it is now fixed!

Still need to take some time to finesse the set-up, but it already plays quite nicely. Sounds chunky and aggressive. I am pleased.
I'll play it as-is for a week or two, figure out what bothers me, and then make adjustments from there.

Here are the upgrades:
Upgraded electronics
All Parts Rickenbacker Bridge
Seymore Dunkan 1/4 Jazz Bridge Pick up.
Custom polished aluminum Jass Ric surround (I had http://www.fretsonthenet.com/ make it for me)
Strap Locks
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky strings
Chrome knobs (The 3d printed oven knobs, just didn't look right in the end.)
3D printed truss rod cover

And here are FAR TOO MANY PICS!

I took some in the shade and some in the sunlight. Almost looks like a different guitar based on the lighting conditions.

Without further ado -- here is the RAVIBACKER:

https://i.imgur.com/N2AZWV9l.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/PfzADeql.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/sZCGgccl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ygZb0zcl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/vR6w2bPl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/7K6D5fZl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/fADfTfkl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Q21vJezl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/YOLFgAVl.jpg


MORE:

https://i.imgur.com/xJnqNzQl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/DizrHRel.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/DgbQe8yl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ruADJqsl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/aV6GaNGl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/YP3Q8cYl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ORJWJ6al.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/YuIXcyHl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/lDZZufll.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/BFjY2Lzl.jpg


BIG THANK-YOUS to everyone who offered their wisdom and support. Especially, Simon - Thanks, man! You were a tremendous help!

I'll post a sound clip when I get a chance! Thanks for looking.

It looks superb. You must be really pleased with it.

The nut slots look like they could be a bit deeper as the 1st fret action is on the high side, but I'm sure you'll sort that out.

Well done!

Thanks, Simon! Yeah, I am pleased. I was pretty worried for a bit that I ruined it when I had the staining/tru oil problems, but it all worked out in the end. Relieved and happy.

And you are right, the nut needs some TLC. I need to do some research - messing with a nut seems scary!

I have a minor fret buzz issue on the A string around the 11th fret as well. The intonation is close but not spot on, so that needs a look too. No major issues and nothing a good set-up can't solve. Just waiting to see if anything else bothers me before I take strings off and dive back in.


Thanks again!

Lowering the nut slots will lower the overall action, so you may find then that you can raise the saddles a bit.

Wow, look faboulous, well done!

Looks beautiful, well done!

Hi Rook, that looks tremendously good ! well done with the build. the finish, the burst, everything looks pro

cheers
Guvna

Wow that really looks super, well done!

Well done indeed. GotM?

Great feeling once it is finally done. Even better when it looks as good as that and also sounds good too. Can't wait to hear a sound clip.

Cheers, Waz

Looks great Rook! Well done

Great looking instrument. I really like this bass.

Lovely bit of kit that, fantastic job Rook!

Absolutely flawless. Beautiful, beautiful work!

Beautiful work Rook, looks stunning.
Wayno.

Top work!

Really really nice.

https://i.imgur.com/ygZb0zcl.jpg

Sonic Mountain, Wayne.Mumford, trv, FrankenWashie, DarkMark, JohnH, wazkelly, Hardcoretroubadour, VonScott, Guvna19, Andyxlh, and Fretworn THANK YOU SO MUCH for the positive feedback. It completely made my weekend!

Rook you really have done a great job. Superb looking bass , the finish is beautiful :-)

Thanks Gary! I loved your ric build. Thought you nailed the stain and color choice. Looks like we both ended up with instruments we like!