Qolabear’s HBB-5 bass build

[Qolabear]

I couldn’t find any recommended way to install the sting ferrules, but they went in relatively easy with a little persuasion from the handle of the screwdriver…hitting them no harder than I’d “shlappa da bass” imitating Flea back in the 90’s.

Chicka chicka bow...



Now I’m installing the tuning pegs. A lot of people in the forums recommend using a screw wax (insert any number of jokes here), But I’m just using my wife’s lip balm partly because it’s here and partly because it’s kind of cool and alternative… Sort of like Eddie Vedder just chillin in a city park in Seattle circa 1991; y’know, before things blew up.



I have read horror stories about these small screws breaking into the wood if they’re not lubed up, so you’ll need to scrounge up some lip balm!


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[Qolabear]

Overkill with humbuckers but if it makes you feel good, job well done.

Just have to wonder how tight the PUP's were in the holes before adding copper tape? If tight like on my EX-5 they may want to peel back the copper tape on the vertical sides.

The pick ups were quite tight before the copper tape, and as I installed the copper that’s exactly what I was thinking… There’s no way they’re going to fit now! Live and learn…


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[Qolabear]

The pick ups were quite tight before the copper tape, and as I installed the copper that’s exactly what I was thinking… There’s no way they’re going to fit now! Live and learn…


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Lately I have been struggling with getting the wiring to work properly. Part of this is my novice soldering skills, and part of this is that the pit bull wiring diagram for this model just doesn’t seem to work. With some advice from this forum and chasing down alternate diagrams on line I am still working on the wiring. In the meantime, I chose to replace the plastic control cavity cover with a wood version I mocked up using scrap wood in the garage. I used the same stain and finish as I did on the rest of the body.





I also chose to pick up some black brass volume and tone knobs. I found the stock knobs to set too high, and they didn’t have the same feel that I’ve grown accustomed to on my other guitars.



In the same spirit as the black knobs, I chose to put the tuning keys on barbeque skewers, and then spray paint them black. These they’ll match the volume knobs which I think is a nice touch.







I’m now moving on to addressing the action and the frets, once I sort out this goddamn wiring.


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[Andyxlh]

Wow nice! Soon we will have 2 of these finished and in circulation!

[Sonic Mountain]

Nice work with the tuning pegs, cool mod. The FC looks pretty neat too.

[ChefBrianNYC]

Looking great!! Love the tuners! (I may have to "borrow" this idea!)

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[DarkMark]

I’m joining the chorus of approval for your tuners. Good looking guitar and good looking car.

[wazkelly]

Nice touches on those couple of mods which look great.

[Qolabear]

Today I finally got back to figuring out the wiring. Thanks ChefBrianNYC for helping there!! The wiring diagrams provided on the company’s website don’t work. I’ll just leave it at that! After I got the wiring done it was just a matter of assembling everything and installing a new set of strings.

Here are some vanity shots. I will post a video of how it sounds ASAP…










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[ChefBrianNYC]

Super sweet man! Can't wait to hear it!