5 string Explorer bass kit

[dhomer]

I bought this kit largely because one of the bands I'm involved with is a 50's rock show band, and visual is VERY big.. I'm about to get going constructing this bad boy... Have already acquired a lot of what I'm going to outfit this with. The original nut is going bye-bye, would have had to file a LOT to get it set up correct. Got a Graph tech TUSQ XL PT1412-00. Yes, its slightly wider than the neck at that point, but I also wanted the B and G strings to sit a little closer to the edges like my Fenders. Got a set of Hipshot HB6MG 3/8" ultralite tuners, they'll slide right in, and its a huge upgrade. I have Hipshot kick ass bridges on my Fenders, and this one's not going to be any different. The string to string width is adjustable enough, so that's not an issue. My Fenders also got retrofitted with Audere preamps, and I'm very happy with those. Got a Classic pre with the 3-knob setup (vol/blend, 400Hz, 800Hz, treble and bass). might have to modify the control cavity to make it fit, we shall see.. Haven't settled on pickups yet, but the routs are very close to the EMG40 size. Quite a few choices in that configuration.

One thing I will address, the body isn't totally flat. I will be making a fixture so that I can plane it down using a router. The initial plan was to go black/white with this, but since I'm going to have to plane this down some, I'm going to get some 1/8" thick mahogany for the top and possibly stain the neck to match. the back surfaces of the body will be a solid color yet to be determined.

I build high end bass cabs as a side business (greenboy AB), so I have a pretty well equipped shop. Woodwork is what I do...lol.. One of the things I found out this is crazy light. Haven't yet put this together far enough to determine strap balance, but if needed some weight could be strategically added underneath the mahogany top..

Also have been doing some research on finishes, and being in the US I can get Varathane Ultimate waterbased polyurethane. Some guitar builders here have used this quite successfully, and drying time is much quicker than some of the traditional ways of finishing.

As I get going on this, I'll post pics with the progress...

[FrankenWashie]

Welcome on board mate, look forward to seeing how this build pans out for you. Best of luck with it!

[wazkelly]

Welcome to the forum dhomer.

EX-5 was my 1st build and it is not light once you get all the hardware on. Longest beast I have ever played and neck droop/dive is prevalent if you use the traditional 'top' strap button position. I ended up relocating strap lock button to the neck plate, similar to where it would be on a SG and that helps with providing a better balance which is all due to the length from where it hangs to high G end of the headstock.

EMG40's are the right size (approx 105 mm x 40 mm) and were on my initial shopping list but wanted passives and bought a pair of Custom Bensons which sound great and did coil splits all round to provide some Fender type sounds. Build diary link is in my signature if you want to check it out.

Surprised the body on yours was not flat as both my Explorers were identical, other than neck pocket, pickup routs and control cavity positions due one being Bass and the other 6 string guitar.

Will be interested to see how yours comes to life.

Cheers, Waz

[dhomer]

I have started on this, the body has been planed flat, the the 1/8" mahogany has been glued on the top. I routed a small chamber between the bridge and the bottom edge, and epoxied in several packages of lead fishing weights. Many years ago I scratch built an Explorer-style instrument, and balance was issue #1. Drilled holes in the backside and loaded with lead back then. This time you can't see it.. Also made the control cavity larger to fit the Audere preamp and the battery. Also made a slight body contour on the backside (I gained some weight over the years...lol..) One thing to note. although the EMG 40 is close, the Bartolini CF is an exact match size-wise. Got a set of Bart CFSJ's on special order, the only way you'll get'em. Also attached a thin mahogany veneer to the headstock. It's where I'm at this moment, I have pictures, but I need to figure out some things.. Be back..