Alan's RCA-4 Build

[Alan]

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

[wokkaboy]

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

[Alan]

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 !

[Dedman]

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.

[wokkaboy]

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

[Brendan]

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...

[Alan]

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

[Andy40]

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

[Alan]

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

[Alan]

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 !