New Builder - Hello from Houston, Texas!

[MusicStudent1]

Hello everyone,

I've been playing electric guitar and electric bass for over 30 years. I've always been into hard rock and heavy metal music. A year or so ago, I obtained and learned the bass instructional book/CD, "Extreme Metal Bass" by Alex Webster of Cannibal Corpse. It's hard-core, advanced, and designed for a 5 string player. I de-tuned my 4 string to BEAD and learned the whole book...

Well, that just doesn't cut it! I need a new bass to do this justice. In the spirit of hard-core metal, I must BUILD one!!!! The plan is to build an EX-5, gloss black (because it looks cool - an elegant instrument of a more civilized time!), natural neck back (because as a player preference, I like a smooth, flat neck finish.)

I'll post photos of the EX-5 "Extreme Metal Bass" instrument once I get off my butt and get working on it. I have respect for you guys who've built numerous instruments. I should've gotten into this sooner.

Sincerely,
MusicStudent1

[Dedman]

Black is always a good colour choice

there may be 1 or 4 more around here :P

[wazkelly]

EX5 was my 1st build and a fairly easy kit to start with.
Standard kit Pickups sound ok but lacking in output and suggest either adding belcat preamp for about $20 before spending $200 or more on high quality soapbar replacements.
Cheers, Waz

Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk

[cork sniffer]

Black is always a good colour choice

Agree but caution, make sure you use "dark black" :-)

[dave.king1]

I have serious lust for that little number in the middle Deady, but I would swap the scratch plate to white as my old VI was

[MusicStudent1]

EX5 was my 1st build and a fairly easy kit to start with.
Standard kit Pickups sound ok but lacking in output and suggest either adding belcat preamp for about $20 before spending $200 or more on high quality soapbar replacements.
Cheers, Waz

Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk

Thanks for the advice, Waz. This bass may get upgraded over time with better pickups, bridge, nut and tuners. I’m already thinking about starting out with a Schaller 3D bridge and not even drilling holes for the stock bridge. With the Schaller, you can even adjust string spacing.

Actually, 99% of my playing is either unplugged or via a tiny practice amp at low volume. I play to maintain body, mind, and spirit! The thought of playing live again is kind of scary. Practicing with a metronome in the guest bedroom and drinking a cups of coffee on a Saturday morning...well, that’s almost heaven!

[MusicStudent1]

Black is always a good colour choice

there may be 1 or 4 more around here :P

Wow! By pure coincidence, I have a 1960s knockoff of your Jaguar type guitar in the middle. I bought it from eBay for $75.00, destroyed, with a wrinkled, buckled sunburst paint job. That’s on my list for restoration at a later date, though. For now, I’ll be happy just getting this kit together!

[captainleeward]

WOW those are some nice axes what a collection. good job music student 1.

[Andy40]

Howdy Partner. (texan greeeting? - don't shoot me i'm an aussie) and welcome to the forum