Pau Ferro jazz bass

[ghotiphry]

Resurrecting this build thread, because stuff!

Wiring.  Simple as can be, straight out of the diagrams for stock jazz bass.  Except for my quick connect system.  Pickups are Nordstrand NJ4 single coils.  This whole thing is a "back to basics" stock style jazz bass.

I had a couple bridges knocking about.  I tried the gotoh first.  I like the look, but couldn't dial it down to get the correct action.  Rejected.  Again.  This probably goes to ebay.

Went with a babicz without a home as I had replaced it previously with a badass II.  Black instead of chrome, but I think the black works well.

And the neck plate.

 

[ghotiphry]

So without much more to speak of, here's the completed bass.

 

[Cagey]

Nice! Great job on the wiring. I like the Babicz bridge, too. Good design on those. Overall, a beautiful instrument! That Pau Ferro looks good enough to eat!  :icon_biggrin:

 

[ghotiphry]

Thanks, Cagey!  I think going with a full jazz style pickguard was the correct thing to do.  Yeah, that PF top really shines.  The pickguard doesn't detract.  And in the end it just looks right.

And I just realized I forgot to add the Warmoth metal letters to the headstock.  One last detail?

 

[Logrinn]

Really sweet.
Is that a special finish? I thought that for bodies with nice tops you could only get clear as an option but that goes for the backs well.
Looks great!

 

[ghotiphry]

Thanks, Logrinn!  Yeah, I think usually you are correct, for custom bodies.  However, that body showed up in the showcase like that.  I think I nabbed a "special" job where someone wanted to show of his/her chops.  (Same as my alpine white '54 precision with black binding.  Can't get one custom made like that.) 

I've kinda moved on to the mooncaster phase of my existance (I've got designs on my third) but I couldn't pass on that body.  It's almost a trophy bass for me at this point.  It's one of those pieces you pull out when you say, "hey, wanna see something special?"

 

[bagman67]

She's a beauty.  Another fine fish fried up by Ghotiphry.  Long may she thump!

 

[rgand]

Oh, man, that is outstanding! What a fine, fine bass. I love that top with the white and black. Damn nice job.

 

[ghotiphry]

Thank you guys!  Somebody say "fish?"

 

[Verne Bunsen]

Good grief, outstanding! I always wanted to vote for a bass for GOM.

 

[stratamania]

That looks really good... :icon_thumright:

 

[ghotiphry]

Thanks guys!

Good grief, outstanding! I always wanted to vote for a bass for GOM.

Looks like you will get your chance!    :toothy10:  Yeah, I think this is worth submitting!

 

[BigSteve22]

Damn Brother, you make me wish I played bass! Another gorgeous instrument, very fine indeed!  :headbang:

 

[Axkoa]

For some reason I've always preferred P-Bass aesthetics over J-Bass...but something about that bass is making me change. Awesome bass :hello2: :bass:

 

[4Stringenator]

ccasion14:
That is just killer looking!

 

[pscates]

Chiming in late, but yes...that looks really nice. I'm usually not a fan of wood grain instruments (I love metallics and flake finishes), but this is an exception!

And, yes...the pickguard was the right choice on this, for several reasons.

And I agree...there should be something on the peghead, as it just looks "unfinished" without. Of all things needing a "credit line", this is it. Sign your work! Whether it's of your own design or go to that Bennett guy for a custom, old-school spaghetti-style logo (those always look sharp on Fender-styled instruments), etc. Or if you want to give Warmoth a (deserved) shout-out, they make that super easy too. But, yeah...it definitely needs something there in that big space (and, no...not "Fender").

 

[ghotiphry]

Thank you everyone for the kindnesses.  Yeah, pscates, I like to give credit where credit is due, usually in the form of Warmoth's minimal and very attractive metal letters.  Warmoth did all the heavy lifting for me.  It's done (the metal letters, this time in black), but I didn't take a pic of it.

Dangerous Doug did some mountable tags for me that are just awesome.  Here's a pic of Doug's plates.

 

[pscates]

Ah, there it is. Finishes it off nicely! Such a nice-looking bass.

Seeing home-built/assembled guitars with nothing on the headstock is just one of those longtime "nails on a chalkboard" things with me...I always think "put SOMETHING there! A Donald Duck sticker, if nothing else!"  :toothy11:

And, it's been my experience, that something NOT "Fender" (legal/ethical issues aside) is actually MORE of an attention-getter/conversation-starter. People expect to see "Fender" on such an instrument, so when you throw them a curve (with "Warmoth", or your own design/logo), that's where the fun starts. I've had several cool, fun discussions - and even a few friendships - springing up from just that simple thing.

"Dude, what is that?!?"

"Ah, thanks for asking! Well, the body and neck are from this company in Washington called...".  :icon_smile:

There's always at least one guitarist in the crowd at any gig you play, and they're usually eager to talk shop, especially if they see something unexpected/novel (I'm the same way if I see someone playing a guitar or bass that I can't quite figure out/recognize; I HAVE to know the story/details, especially if it's something they built/assembled themselves).

 

[Cagey]

Hehe! Yeah, it never fails.

[youtube]-l5tpY6SXMc[/youtube]​

 

[pscates]

Never quite had it that bad (knock on wood). I'd run away if I did.

I suppose you could always just print out a spec/build sheet, keep a few in your gig bag and hand it out to anyone getting on your nerves too much. "Here's everything you want to know...you're talking TOO MUCH shop. Beat it!".  :icon_tongue: