4 string fretless project

[greywolf]

I'm finally getting back into the shop after a long break.  Stating off with a 2" billet of Lacewood , double hand book matching for a matched set of fretless  bass and guitar . Took about 2.5 hrs to do the hand sawing .  A good summer workout indeed.

 

[Cagey]

Is Lacewood so easy to get that you can use it for carcasses? Seems like a waste, but I don't know. I've never tried to buy it. I'm not sure I've ever even seen it for sale around here.

 

[greywolf]

Body blank wise it worked out to $75 per set , which is pretty reasonable .

I got it from Gilmer

 

[Cagey]

I'll say. I think that has to be imported from Australia.

 

[fdeo666]

Wow that's nice and superb project of the table looking very attractive and hard working..What is the length and width of the table?How much time are spend to make this table?Bench Scales|Prime Scales

 

[greywolf]

the body proportions are similar to an Alembic "Darling"  . http://www.alembic.com/prod/littledarling.html

 

[Pelagaard]

Will this one be a Carvin neck-thru as well?  And what's the plan for the electronics?

 

[greywolf]

Yes ,Carvin ,  they make very nice necks.  Electronics are  Bartolini narrow soapbar  at the bridge and full size at the neck , with 3 band Bart pre amp .

the edge of the lace wood shows a very nice tiger stripe

 

[fretless]

nice !

 

[Jack Michaelson]

Yes!

 

[drewfx]

That looks killer!  :hello2:

 

[greywolf]

Moved the heel of the neck about 1.5" closer and smoothed it out
Did some fitting and got the first piece of the back epoxied on.  92 F in the shop and humid , A/C would be so nice !

 

[greywolf]

The back is all glued on  ,  I'll be using left over walnut from my LPS project for the center laminate.  Then I'll lay the Redwood burl on top .

The shape still needs a bit of refinement , but that will come when all the layers have been bonded .

 

[greywolf]

The walnut center is on and shaped , and the burl top is rough fitted . 

 

[Cagey]

Lookin' good! How are you going to clamp that up?

 

[greywolf]

I do 1 side at a time and put 15lb dumb bells in the middle

 

[greywolf]

A  "nut to nut" comparison with my Jazz fretless.  As you can see the new one has a petite body and superior access ( plus a 2 "fret" longer neck) .

It almost feels like a guitar , despite the full 34" scale.

 

[greywolf]

control cavity cut and routed for the cover , using Stew mac templates

I'll route the pickup cavities and wire channels this week , then laminate the top on and do final shaping.

 

[Pelagaard]

I have no doubt that you know exactly what you're doing, but that upper horn looks like it'll snap of you look at it funny never mind trying to support the weight of the bass on it.

 

[greywolf]

With the triple laminate ,especially the walnut and redwood it is very strong .  The last one I built like it has been on tour with Copper into Steel for 18 months and shows no issues at all.