Uptown's JB-5RF

[Uptown Mike C]

Hi everyone! I just received my kit today. I have test fitted the neck to the body. I am impressed with the quality of the fit. I am looking forward to this journey. I am undecided as to how to finish the body, neck and head stock. I will be posting as I get things started. So until than...I wish everyone Happy Holidays! Be safe and Enjoy!

[churchie]

Nice

I look forward to seeing the fretless JB

[Uptown Mike C]

Merry Christmas to everyone! This will be my first build. Any info and help will be greatly appreciated. I am thinking about using a dark ink stain on the basswood body and a clear finish on the neck. Any recommendation on an ink would be appreciated. Thanks ! Happy Holidays to everyone!

[Fretworn]

Welcome Mike.

Start a build diary, and ask as many questions as you need. Someone here has usually already worked through any issues you may come across.

[Uptown Mike C]

Thank you! I am looking forward to starting.

[Uptown Mike C]

Today I brought the material to finish the bass. Sanding paper, stainable wood filler, stain and Tung oil. I was told to use abrasive pads instead of steel wool due to the residue of steel wool. Any comments on the differences and which method is the best?

[Uptown Mike C]

Question... how much of a space should be between the neck and the body of the bass. while dry fitting the neck to the body I have a gap of about 1 mm. How do I correct this?

[ThreeBbass]

Question... how much of a space should be between the neck and the body of the bass. while dry fitting the neck to the body I have a gap of about 1 mm. How do I correct this?

Hi Mike,
where is the gap (can you post a pic?)
You might find that the gap will be covered with the scratch plate, so possibly not a big problem.
If you really want to make the neck fit perfectly, you may need to get out the Dremel and very carefully work on the neck pocket.
I had to do a similar thing on a P bass that I built, have a look at the P bass thread link in my signature below. There are a couple of pictures.

My first build was also a JB-5RF ... I still love it! Hope you have a great time building yours!!

[Uptown Mike C]

Hi Mike,
where is the gap (can you post a pic?)
You might find that the gap will be covered with the scratch plate, so possibly not a big problem.
If you really want to make the neck fit perfectly, you may need to get out the Dremel and very carefully work on the neck pocket.
I had to do a similar thing on a P bass that I built, have a look at the P bass thread link in my signature below. There are a couple of pictures.

My first build was also a JB-5RF ... I still love it! Hope you have a great time building yours!!

Thanks for the response and I will check out your link.

[Uptown Mike C]

Hi Guys I ran into another problem with the fit of the bridge. It appears that the string spacing on the bridge is off from the Pick up spacing. So I ordered the hipshot 5 string bass bridge. will post a picture when the bridge arrives.