This started as discussions out of my Rick-man build thread, It is going to be different enough that it probably deserves it's own build thread, even though I anticipate largely building the two at the same time.
I think that between my EUB that I finished last year, my Spector, and the Rick-man - the only thing missing from my bass arsenal is a good P-Bass. I've never cared particularly for Fenders and their copies. I've always admired single cut designs, but never had the inspiration for my own until a few weeks ago when I decided that somewhere between a violin bass, a mandolin, and a Les Paul body style there existed something that could be really cool.
Here's the plan:
Single cut carved top P-Bass
Top: Bookmatched crotch grain walnut
Back: to be determined, but I am planning a maple fillet under the walnut, the back may be more maple, or mahogany
Neck: this is my first bolt on. Neck will be at least a 5 piece laminate of maple and either mahogany or some other wood. There will be a top laminate of walnut to match the body with a reveal to show the laminated neck. I've ordered some Rosewood to make the fingerboard from. I plan on keeping it pretty simple, but I may decide later to bind the fingerboard.
Tuners: Gotoh, GB-707s
Electronics: I plan on putting a Seymour Duncan Quarter pounder 5 string pickup. I am looking for some 60mm sliders to use as a passive volume and tone circuit that will be tucked into the top side horn. If that doesn't work, I may wind up putting pots there, but completely recessed into the body.
Finish will be clear poly or shellac (I really liked the way it turned out on the EUB)
Did I mention the templates? I've watched a few videos on doing the carved top, and I'll probably need a whole bunch of templates to pull it off!
I think that between my EUB that I finished last year, my Spector, and the Rick-man - the only thing missing from my bass arsenal is a good P-Bass. I've never cared particularly for Fenders and their copies. I've always admired single cut designs, but never had the inspiration for my own until a few weeks ago when I decided that somewhere between a violin bass, a mandolin, and a Les Paul body style there existed something that could be really cool.
Here's the plan:
Single cut carved top P-Bass
Top: Bookmatched crotch grain walnut
Back: to be determined, but I am planning a maple fillet under the walnut, the back may be more maple, or mahogany
Neck: this is my first bolt on. Neck will be at least a 5 piece laminate of maple and either mahogany or some other wood. There will be a top laminate of walnut to match the body with a reveal to show the laminated neck. I've ordered some Rosewood to make the fingerboard from. I plan on keeping it pretty simple, but I may decide later to bind the fingerboard.
Tuners: Gotoh, GB-707s
Electronics: I plan on putting a Seymour Duncan Quarter pounder 5 string pickup. I am looking for some 60mm sliders to use as a passive volume and tone circuit that will be tucked into the top side horn. If that doesn't work, I may wind up putting pots there, but completely recessed into the body.
Finish will be clear poly or shellac (I really liked the way it turned out on the EUB)
Did I mention the templates? I've watched a few videos on doing the carved top, and I'll probably need a whole bunch of templates to pull it off!
