JB-4M - First Build!

[glenwilliam]

Hi all!
Glen here from Brisbane.
Today I start my first ever guitar build - the JB-4M.
Unboxed it last night and had a little look and it got me excited like a little kid! (I'm 38).

This afternoon after stopping off for some supplies I rushed home to get started on this thing. First things first - a quick layout to make sure I have all the bits and pieces. Check.

Also a small cameo from Harrison. He is very excited

.. And a quick mock build to see if it looks like an actual bass guitar. Check.


First tasks for me tonight are to get a start on shaping the headstock. I'm going for the traditional Fender Jazz Bass shape. Next will be to replace the stock nut with the bone nut that I ordered with the kit. Wish me luck!

[DarkMark]

Receiving my first kit was the first thing I’d been looking forward to in a very long time (pushing mid 40yo). Looking forward to see this progress. Have fun!

[Brendan]

Can understand the excitement! I do tend to leave the nut until later - when I'm doing the setup - by then you have the neck on and can look at if it needs any adjustments for height.

[Simon Barden]

Yes, almost always best to leave the nut replacement until the end.

[glenwilliam]

Thanks for the tip about the nut, guys. I will leave it until the end

[Gary B]

Good luck with the build Glen.
I forsee one of these kits in my future so will be following with interest.

[RocknRolf]

Ow yeah excitement, and when you finish your first, you find reasons for a 2nd!

About the nut. I took the nut out before finishing, as you may have to gently tap it out. This could damage the finishing in the process. So I took it out an replaced it after finishings.

Have fun!

[Brendan]

When you get to the bridge bit - there's a good tutorial done up by Dingobass - former resident luthier.

[glenwilliam]

Thanks for the continued tips, guys.
Spent a little time over the weekend shaping the headstock. I don't have a great workspace or a lot of tools so definitely an amateur job! I used a coping saw, a couple of different files and some sandpaper. I'm pretty happy with the outcome considering it's my first build with no real woodworking experience since high school and having done it all by hand


Is it perfect? No, but I'm pretty proud of myself!

[Simon Barden]

That's nice.

Most people use a coping saw, files and sandpaper, so welcome to the club!