-
Happy happy joy joy! The next project was awaiting me at the post office. Not many feelings better than cracking open the next Pit Bull box...
This bass will be for my 12yo son Davis (Gollum is his nickname- he looks like he's made of string and twigs) as he declared an interest in learning bass.
First thing I notice is the maple cap. Oh my lord it's gorgeous.
Second thing I notice is the nut. There's a weird overhang past the nut which looks a littlle messy, but I think I can trim it back without too much trouble.
First question is how heavy can I be sanding this? As it's a lammy top, is there a specific routine?
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...tq79-image.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...t2jq-image.jpg
-
Gollum bass ..my precious
Knock the nut of and put a bone nut in easy fix:)
From what I have read and heard the top is a lammy top , so only thin so sand carefully.
One of the other forum members may be able to confirm this.
What colour are you thinking for the gollum bass, oh and great choice for a learner bass.
-
That is one nice cap. It may just be a shadow, but it looks like you may need to give that first fret a few taps.
Are you planning on adding something special to the headstock, like maybe Gollum in elvish script? There are lots of fonts and generators available online.
A two tone 'burst, right, what colours?
-
Two tone burst in Columbian Gold outer, Butterscotch inner.
Not sure about headstock inlays yet.... He may grow out of the Gollum nickname, or find it embarrassing at school, so the thinking caps are on...
He really likes pandas, so that might be something....
-
I really like these HB4 kits and that cap looks great.
Really look forward to seeing the Columbian Gold/Butterscotch burst.
Good to give the Gollum thing a bit of thought. I was called Gilligan at school, which didn't stick forever (probably wouldn't care if it had), but I certainly had friends who grew to hate their nicknames.
-
Slight rethink on the Butterscotch. Apparently it is unsuitable fior maple, so I will use Saffron instead.
-
Also, which way do I sand the top to bring out the flame?
-
Sand with the grain, NOT with the flames.
That is, in the direction from the neck cavity to the tail. Not across the body.
Well thats what I did on my LP-1 and the ES I'm currently building....works for me.
Easy mistake to want to follow the flames though.
Also, the cap is fairly thin so go easy, especially around the edges.
-
Hi Bass Guy,
The "weird overhang past the nut" ... I had the same thing on my SG. It seems that rather than cut a slot they notch the end of the fingerboard for the nut but then (for some reason) don't cut off the "overhang" either square or flush.
However with a very fine-tooth saw and much visual confirmation after every couple of passes I was able to trim it down without going into the headstock ... but then I'd removed my nut and had clear access (which made it easier).
Note: As DB confirmed for me, the PitBull nuts are unique in their sizing ... they don't quite match up with the standard nut sizes from any of the major manufacturer's (and all of them different to each other too!). So if you do intend to upgrade the standard plastic nut to something better (bone, brass, tusq, graphite, etc.), I'd suggest getting your new nut first and then trim to its size.
BTW - VERY lovely flame-top on your HB! ... cant wait to see it all varnished up!
-
Hi,
You will have a lot of enjoyment with this bass. My one ( HB 4S )was my first ever ( pix on photo thread ) and I had the veneered face to deal with. So I simply applied base coats and then non glossy ageing top coats. Time will now mellow it even more.
I agree, the face is very thin ( unlike the HB 4S so take it easy with 280 or finer.
There is a bloke on Ebay that makes very good truss rod caps with your name or whatever you want engraved into the face. You might like to get one done for your son. About $13.00 delivered and you choose the style etc.
-
Yes, sand very lightly top to bottom not with the tiger stripes.
Good luck
-
Thanks folks, I shall begin it in earnest this weekend. :D
-
Howis the gollum bass going bass guy
-
Hi all,
Sorry I've been out of the loop recently, but there's been "stuff" at home to contend with that got in the way. Looking at selling the house right now, so I doubt there will be any progress on the projects until the move is done and dusted. Once said dust has finally settled I can add to it by beginning sanding through the Christmas break.
Fear not, I shall be keeping an eye on the boards and passing comment when I can. Got a lot of catching up to do! ;)
-
Hope things are settling down. Last I heard the naughty corner had moved well north of the city :)...
Looking forward to see how these builds go, so will wait with baited breath.
-
Time's wingéd chariot doth move swiftly 'gainst the tides.... and before we know it, Gollum's birthday will be here. Hopefully I can get it done in time...
To whit: the neck is now stained (with leftover Hot Auburn base). Top coat to follow when dry.
Also the top of the body is sanded and coated with one application of HA base to pop the grain. This will be cut back before applying the sunburst.
Liking it so far... :D
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...k5ev-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...jan9-image.jpg
-
looking good bassguy, good to see you back in the building phase. Love hot auburn its a cool colour. Look forward to updates. What colours you got planned for the sunburst and back/sides ?
-
Looking sweet Eliot! Beautiful flamage that Hofner Bass - beautiful flamage!
-
@wokka- I chose Colombian Gold outer and Burning Sun inner.
-
wicked Bassguy that colour combo should work well. Quite a difference in colour shades so blending the burst will be a challenge but sure you will be up for it !
-
Nice kit, mate. The flaming looks fantastic. Can't wait to see how it goes. My Dad is a bit of a Beatles fan, and I'd thought of doing one of these for his birthday (he's 65 in November).
You should get a decal done up for the headstock that simply says, "Precious".
-
Cut back the top to leave the flame, ready for the application of sunbursty Wudtone, when the mailman sees fit to deliver it.
Also used up the last of the Hot Auburn on the back- undecided yet whether this gets the sunburst treatment.
And finally, put on first coat of neck top coat on the neck.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...9hdh-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...8226-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...fo27-image.jpg
-
looking good bassguy, I think the cut back hot auburn should pop the grain and look sweet with the burning sun over it. Tell the postman you need the wudtone delivered Friday for the weekend !
So only one hot auburn coat on the neck ? looks deep enough the colour
-
Yes, happy with the faux-mahogany look the neck has. Was toying with giving it a sunburst look as well, but common sense prevailed... ;)
-
so is the headstock been stained ? haven't seen a pic, do you mean you were going to burst the headstock ? you should, it will really compliment the burst on the cap !
-
No, I have sprayed the headstock jet black, as per the old Höfner basses. I will get a decal made in Höfner style script that says Davis (being Gollum's real name) and inlay a MOP bass clef into it.
-
sounds like a good plan bassguy !
-
Neck is finished. All that's missing is the MOP bass clef inlay, and that can wait until after the move.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...m532-image.jpg
-
Great job on the frets bassguy! Interested to see what the inlay looks like.
cheers,
Gav.
-
Looking great E! Noice job on it all - I'm sure the Gollum will love it!
-
Sunburst Wudtone kit arrived today! Huzzah!!
This is the first application of deep coat Burning Sun. Once this has dried I will apply a second coat around the perimeter of the body, leaving the arched areas lighter.
Looking amazing already... :o
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...cb48-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...hu9a-image.jpg
-
looking sweet Bass Guy, that flame cap is really popping well, looks like the rubbed back coat of hot auburn really paid off.
Is the back also burning sun ? whats the plan for the sides, same colour as the back ?
-
Yes, Burning Sun on the back. But I am going to do the sides in Colombian Gold flat.
-
Colombian Gold on the sides. Should make a great contrast.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...gdkv-image.jpg
-
Starting to look very impressive now.
I'm seriously entertaining doing a flamed cap guitar one day.
Seeing how beautifully your bass is coming along is keeping that fire stoked.
-
those tones looks great together BG!
-
Damn, Eliot. That is looking so hot. The colours compliment each other beautifully.
-
Looking sweet Bass Guy...
-
Really great bassguy! The top coat really suits the colour in the flamed figure. Beautiful. I also like the columban gold on the sides. Very classy. This is going to be a gorgeous bass!!
Cheers,
Gav.
-
Second application of Burning Sun deep coat, this time on the outer edges of each "arch". Depending on how it dries, I might go for one more application.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...g007-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...k3en-image.jpg
PS: I know that I have schmutzed all over some of the binding- this will be scraped clean once all the Wudtoning is over.
