Satin black 5 string bass

[ghotiphry]

Hi guys.  I've been out of town for the last two weeks.  While I was gone my 5 string satin black body came in!  Now I gotta round it all out.

I haven't pulled the trigger on a neck yet.  Crap, they have a birdseye maple in the showcase.  Two issues that I see.  Gloss finish and nickel frets.  But jeez, just look at it.

 

[ghotiphry]

Current plan is to wait and find an original BadAss V chrome bridge somewhere.  I found a black one, but I think I'd prefer chrome.  Failing that I'll probably go with a KickAss.  I bought an Omega (4 string), and the E string is a little tight for the hole in the bridge it goes into.  I can see an issue if the hole is the same size for the low B string...

Other than that, it's all up in the air.  I haven't even decided on single coils or noiseless yet.

 

[rgand]

Those square markers look really good with that body. I have to agree on the chrome. All black would be too much. The chrome accents will help.

 

[BigSteve22]

That neck does go nice with that body. Are those the style tuners you intend to use?

 

[ghotiphry]

That neck does go nice with that body. Are those the style tuners you intend to use?

They are.  I found a set of these on ebay for a 5 string bass.  Limits the tuner routs to 17mm, but I like them larger anyway.

 

[ghotiphry]

I'd like to solicit opinions.  Is the birdseye too much?  Is this better?  Just maple, still the right tuner rout, satin finish, no binding.  Black blocks and 4+1 head stock are a must.

versus this?

 

[bagman67]

I think the birdsey works great, particularly since the rest of the axe is so subdued.

 

[ghotiphry]

Thanks, Bagman.  Your opinion is the only one I value, anyway.  ccasion14:

 

[BigSteve22]

Thanks, Bagman.  Your opinion is the only one I value, anyway.  ccasion14:

In that case, my worthless opinion will be kept to myself! (But, just in case you were kidding, I like the Birdseye too...)  :icon_jokercolor:

 

[rgand]

I like the birdseye neck for two reasons. Like mentioned by bagman, the guitar is clean and can handle a more intricate grain on the neck. Also, that neck looks in the picture to be slightly darker and that also goes well with the rest of it.

 

[ghotiphry]

Thanks guys.  You know I value your inputs as well.  A beer also:  ccasion14: ccasion14:

Yeah, I'm leaning towards the birdseye.

 

[Tipperman]

You're fine going with the birds eye in my opinion. I think it looks great with that body.

 

[Axkoa]

I don't think it's just the birdseye that's catchy, the black binding really suits it as well!

 

[ghotiphry]

Thank you everyone.  Beers all around.  ccasion14:

Pulled the trigger on that birdseye.  Also decided on pickups (Fralin single coil), an Audere preamp (a little simpler than others I've done) and think I have a line on a BadAss V.

By the way, BestBassGear is having a 10% off sale this week.  Coupon code spring17.  For those who are interested.

 

[rgand]

Good move, pard.  :icon_thumright:

 

[ghotiphry]

I have a few "just arrived" pics.  That birdseye is really a sight to behold.  Beautiful neck.  I'm liking the satin black body very much.

 

[Axkoa]

Oh my god. That neck. Only problem is that it's gloss.

 

[ghotiphry]

Oh my god. That neck. Only problem is that it's gloss.

Yeah.  I know.  That's the one thing the non-birdseye maple neck had going for it that this one didn't have - a satin finish.  I'm going to ease the gloss on the back of the neck and let the rest develop naturally.

 

[ghotiphry]

The back ain't too bad either.

 

[Cagey]

Keep your hands washed and/or get your doctor to prescribe one of the statins, and a gloss finish won't present any problem at all.