NOT a J bass

[ghotiphry]

Yes, I'm strongly considering this:

or this:

The difference is in the necks.  (and I'm playing with knobs, dome vs. flat, and pickups)

The first would be a custom tele bass neck, maple, 21 frets, steel rods.  (it's a mockup)

The second is quartersawn (with what looks like a nice quartersawn pattern) maple, standard jazz headstock, 20 frets, graphite rods, in the showcase, and about $50 more.

I can't decide between the two.  I can get them both done with SS6100 frets and clear satin nitro.  They both have their advantages and disadvantages.  Any opinions as to anything that should tip me over the edge?  Any major advantage to quartersawn?  I don't have experience with the graphite rods, should that tip the scales?

Can Warmoth possibly recut the showcase headstock to a tele?  That would likely do it.

It's a 54 P bass body, but with a split P pickup.  I kinda like that, actually, even though it's not historically accurate.

 

[TBurst Std]

Is the showcase neck already finished? If so, no recut.

 

[ghotiphry]

No, it's not finished yet.

 

[Fat Pete]

Gotta be worth a call. We know they will re-cut some headstocks.

 

[rgand]

They recut headstocks for me twice. There can't be any finish on the neck but otherwise, I think you're good to go. I like that Tele headstock with it.

 

[Cagey]

I've had a number of headstocks recut, but they've never been finished so the issue never came up. In any event, not all headstocks can be recut. For example, once you're down to the Tele headstock, you're stuck with it. But, I know Jazzmaster, CBS and Stratocasters can be reduced to Warheads, and probably Teles. Used to be a $45 adder, but the last time I did it they charged me $60.

As for the advantages of quartersawn wood, you get straighter grain patterns and the wood is substantially more stable. Warmoth properly seasons the wood they use, so improved stability is not as much of a selling point, but there it is. Since the grain is aligned more uniformly, I gotta think it affects the "tone" of the thing, but it's impossible to say how much or whether it's a postive/negative difference. If it was me, I think I might feel a little better with quartersawn in the case of a bass neck becauase of its length. After all, they put stiffening rods in bass necks for a reason. Quartersawn wood results in a lotta waste, which is why it costs more. I doubt it's worth the cost for guitars, but for bass? I think I could see it.

 

[ghotiphry]

I decided to make this happen, with the quartersawn neck.  Some more decisions to make, but this one will be passive.  Also a departure from my usual build, no battery!  Warmoth will cut the headstock to tele bass shape: it's $65 now.  I've got that "I just spent a lot of money" guilty feeling happening right now.

 

[rgand]

I'm looking forward to this build. This is a cool look you're going for. Congrats.

 

[Cagey]

Good for you! You're gonna love it!

I've got that "I just spent a lot of money" guilty feeling happening right now.

It's called "buyer's remorse". It'll go away. You have nothing to be remorseful about and once you see it, well, you know how that goes... :laughing7:

 

[ghotiphry]

Thanks guys.  Well, I already have the tuners.  And the bridge.  And the strings.  And the strap locks.  And the neck inserts.  Not to mention the pickguard screws.  Ya gotta have somewhere to put those 'guard screws, right?

I just need a pickup set.  And the pots 'n stuff.  And knobs.  And something from Doug, as soon as I figure it out.  I'm thinking a black plate with a cutout, shows the white of the body through it.  Just trying to puzzle out a design.

Just for reference:

I'm thinking a pair of these titanium knobs.  Just 'cause they're really freaking cool.  I updated the last pic to show what I think they'd look like.

 

[Cagey]

I do like those knobs. Where'dja find 'em?

 

[ghotiphry]

Here, man.

https://artistryintitanium.com/Ti-Guitar_Knobs.html

 

[BigSteve22]

As I've been known to say before, "nice knobs"! But OMG, they cost as much as the Bill Lawrence pickups I bought for my Tele build. I thought I was a little overboard, spend $25 on a Rutters switch tip, but you're a wild man, Bro! I salute you, and thank you for making me feel better about my own indulgences.
:cool01:

 

[ghotiphry]

Well, BigSteve, if I'm gonna do it, I'm gonna do it.  It's already shaping up to be "one of those builds" ya know.  I've been accumulating those top notch parts for just such an emergency.  Like a pristine BadAss II bridge and the Fender Deluxe tuning machines.  I figure, hell, why stop now.  Let's make it something special.

 

[Cagey]

Well, they're not consumable, so it's a one-time expense. And they are sharp...

 

[rgand]

And something special it will be. Cool stuff, there.