FINISHED!! 32" Jazz Bass

[swarfrat]

MUCH improved. Knock that last cusp and I'd be alot more excited about the warhead.

 

[Cagey]

I agree. That really improves the thing.

I might not have removed the point at the top of the curl on the right, but knocking back that round-off at the tip is perfect. It's a little long otherwise. Also, breaking the edges is great. Softens things up, and adds a bit of spice that says "custom".

 

[Fat Pete]

That's really nice work and exactly the kind of personal detailing that makes going custom so much more rewarding than buying off the shelf. I think it suits the 'vintage' style body better than the stock Warhead.

That said, I think the Warhead's just fine as it is - on the right instrument. It seems a shame to me that there isn't enough flexibility in the licence agreement to allow Warmoth to use the Fender headstock shapes on the short scale necks.

 

[Cagey]

Are we talking about bass or guitar headstocks? Because they'll do short-scale guitar necks with Fender headstocks. I just checked it, but I didn't bother with the bass necks.

 

[swarfrat]

They make conversion guitar necks with Fender headstocks, but AFAIK the 7/8th necks with the heel closer to the bridge, Bass 6 necks, and anything else that won't fit the nominal "Fender Standard" aren't allowed to have the Fender Lic headstock shapes.

 

[Fat Pete]

I meant the basses. It's not really an issue for me because a short scale W is a looong way down the list. Still seems a shame though.

 

[Cagey]

It's purely a matter of taste, but I think the Warhead is much more attractive than Fender's shapes, even though it is derivative of them.

 

[deejaysham]

You know, cagey. I'm almost in agreement with you. I still like elements of the fender shape but now that I've made this hybrid the fender does really seem bulbous and exagerated, compared to the sleeker lines of the warhead. If it weren't so iconic, it'd probably look weird if a new bass came out with that headstock shape.

 

[Cagey]

That's me. I don't have anything against most Fender headstocks, other than the Tele and CBS parts. Especially the CBS parts. They look like a poorly conceived pizza peel, and for no good reason. What's all that wood up there for? Then Tele headstocks look like some kinda droopy dick.

They can keep 'em. The Warhead just looks more sleek, unobtrusive and practical.

 

[deejaysham]

The last step today before finishing, painting the waterslide decal.

If anyone else is doing this I can highly recommend holding the decal up to a window and looking for any thin paint or missed spots. They're very hard to see when looking at the sloppy backside of the decal that you paint but they jump right out in the light. Once it's solid like this you're good to go, but there were several pinpoints of light I could see before and dabbed with paint to fill in.

The final painted version still ain't pretty but it will be once it's on the headstock and this backside is against the wood.

 

[ihavenothingprofoundtosay]

Absolutely beautiful! 

 

[deejaysham]

Today I got a much welcomed surprise from the guitar shop that was doing final setup on my finished build. I was there to pick it up within minutes of their call! IT IS DONE!!!!!

And the verdict is... drum roll... I absolutely ADORE this bass. The 32" scale is phenomenal as a guitarist, the body is so comfortable, the Sadowsky electronics sound incredible, the hipshot tuners were absolutely worth the extra cost (15 bucks I think) to have Warmoth NOT drill the Schaller set-pins, and MJT did a perfect job getting the Lake Placid Blue just right and the neck feeling oh so comfy! All in all, a home run.

Image porn to follow...

 

[deejaysham]

Oh and this fact is pretty cool too... Light wood... medium scale... and a chambered body all add up to one hell of a light bass and feels wonderful.

 

[Cagey]

'Tis a fine thing you have there, Mr. Sham! Very attractive, and I'm really surprised at that weight. I would have expected at least a couple more pounds out of the thing.