Hey,
So the long awaited school project is upon us. Basically I work there and work with some kids, and I play bass at the weekly services. But I also run a band - and the kids want to play bass. And long story short the only bass I have is very expensive and I don't want to take it to and from work all the time.
So... here's the build idea as it goes so far.
I've ordered a JB-4 kit (Maple neck!). Pics of the fit will go up as soon as it gets here. What we're going to do is dismantle the control plate and throw it away. And using chisels (the kids, not me) we're going to cut out a swimming pool for a PB style pickguard
I've gone ahead and bought a red tortoise shell P bass pickguard, which is where the three knobs will go. We'll be drilling an input (hopefully the kids, we'll see how permission goes) down the side of the guitar, more like a modern guitar.
From there we'll be expanding the top pickup
I'm hoping it all goes smoothly with some chisels and gouges because I don't feel like getting a router (no $$ anyway). Hopefully the basswood is soft enough. If it's too hard then I'll be doing it by hand over some weeks.
From there we'll have some upgrades, some toneriders most likely. Or maybe one quarter pound and one tonerider. Everything else will stay stock.
As for the design I'm letting the kiddos have a go at designing what they think might look nice on paper. Depending on how they go (i.e. I get anything at all that seems doable) then we'll go ahead and probably paint the guitar, as opposed to stain it. Something memorable for the class for the year. If not paint - then sharpies over primer.
Anyway - I'm looking forward to it. It'll also be my first passive bass and a real memento for me . Not sure if we'll get pics of the kids having a go at the soldering etc (due to permissions) but we'll have a go anyway. :)
If all else fails - I'm just going to go for a cream P bass.
