Mic's First Build - TLB-4M.

Ordered myself a stock tlb-4m in preparation of my first order, a custom tlb-4m which will be here in a few months.

Package arrived in Britain just in time for our nationwide lockdown. Postie delivered it today so can't wait to get cracking.

Will put up pics later, but after a quick inspection, basswood body is very smooth as is, one machine mark I can see. Routing and neck pocket very well done.

Neck is maple, frets are looking good, edges will need a very small bit of work.

Quick dry fit of the neck into body and its like a hand in a glove, back of neck where finger board and neck glue together has a tiny glue spill which stops the neck and body joining perfect so will remedy that.

Iverall I'm very very impressed with the quality.

Good news. The kits aren't perfect, and you really need to spend a fair bit more if you want a kit that's guaranteed good enough for a nautral or stained + clear finish, but most are good enough for that.

I'm planning on a stained finish I think, was looking at Crimson staines, do you have any experience with them?

No, but others here have.

I will also need help with the pickup wiring as the diagram doesn't appear on the guides section of the website unfortunately. Don't think itl be too hard as it's only one pickup and the control harness is already wired.

The wiring could be a slightly harder than it first would seem, as the kit includes a 3-way switch (unlike the original Precision/Telecaster bass). So it's probably got a similar arrangement to the Fender Esquire with direct and fixed tone settings. We'd need to see a picture of the rear of the control plate for sure. Something like this (the standard Esquire arrangement):

Attachment 34225

Will get a pic up tomorrow. Wiring will be the only sticking point for me as I've noclue. But everything else I should be half competent

I've asked Brendan to see if he can have a look and maybe get a diagram added for the bass, but with the various CV19 restrictions, it may be a short while. But a photo or two would certainly help in the meantime.

Welcome and looking forward to your build progress

Pictures are a bit of a night mare to do on the phone so will need to work something out so sorry for the limited amount.

Will get the electronics up shortly