Scratch bass build- "The Folly"

[FrankenWashie]

Re the top horn- it will be hollowed, so I want it to have some area to work with.

I've rejigged the headstock to an offest profile, but to be honest I prefer the May/Gibson style. Offset makes it look like a Washburn. Methinks I'll be keeping my own counsel.

Yeah, I see what you mean. Does seem a tad bit Washburn that way. Your May head seem much better by comparison. Really interested to see the hollowing shots😁

[Fretworn]

It also depends on what sort of tuning machine you go with. I'm assuming they won't be elephant ears, as that what seem counterintuitive to the design.

[wazkelly]

Prefer the Arrow shaped headstock too.

[Bass Guy]

It also depends on what sort of tuning machine you go with. I'm assuming they won't be elephant ears, as that what seem counterintuitive to the design.

If I could afford them I'd get these...

[Bass Guy]

It's been a case of All Quiet On The Tasman Front re this build thread recently, but I have been beavering away. Hopefully I can get these photos to upload from the new phone I can barely understand...

First shot is the body prototype cut out. This is all done in cheapo pine before I start butchering decent timber.

#2 is the contouring for the leg and belly cuts. So far the body is very well balanced, but we'll see what happens once the neck is on.

#3 shows the final chambering pattern about to be transferred to the body. Hogging out has commenced and a top is being prepped- also in cheapo pine.

The body is hopefully going to be still made of Tassie Blackwood, but I spied a slice of sycamore which might be used for the top.... once the prototype has proved instructive.

Stay tuned!

[FrankenWashie]

Noice, that shape really is unique and the chambering fascinates me. I watch on with great interest,

[Bass Guy]

And just like that it all goes pear-shaped. Thanks to father's well-intentioned attempt at helping by suggesting tools, the body blank has been ruined by application of a hand router with the wrong shaped bit and an electric plane.

Body blank #2 gets constructed tomorrow. Glad it was just cheapo pine or I'd be killing people by now.

[wokkaboy]

bummer BG but on the bright side you have learnt alot with the first body and it's not expensive timber

[FrankenWashie]

And just like that it all goes pear-shaped. Thanks to father's well-intentioned attempt at helping by suggesting tools, the body blank has been ruined by application of a hand router with the wrong shaped bit and an electric plane.

Body blank #2 gets constructed tomorrow. Glad it was just cheapo pine or I'd be killing people by now.

I have an electric plane. It came with a suite if AEG cordless power tools from a green edifice that shall not be named. I had used it once when sizing wood for a test neck. It shall never be powered up again.

I have a no. 6 hand plane and a Japanese block plane, these I use often and sharpen regularly. They work well.

Pine and routers can be troublesome, it has a tendency to bind and tear easily. When close to the edges or a thin wall, you really have to allow yourself more safety margin I have found. Easier to fix up final edges or profiles with sandpaper and a block or files and rasps.

[Bass Guy]

Been a trifle slack on the uploading front but here are some facebook pics of the progress thus far:

#1 shows the chambering templates I've made for the body- when the "real" timber is ready for the sacrifice. This was fun, in the loosest sense of the word.

#2 shows the neck in very early progress. I anticipate this is hoing to tale a while to get right, so I'll be taking it slow and steady on this bit.

#3 shows the top prototype with markings for the soundholes. Deliberately striped markings to match the Thylacine theme.