Hello

[Craig Regan]

Here is the latest.

I have decided to set up the bass, before the finish process, to avoid scratches and dents.

Made the saddle, nut and fitted a sound post; then fit a bridge and proceeded to string it up.

Most of the nuts I have seen have wider spacing between the E and A strings and then the spacing gets smaller between the D and G string. This set up would work better on my beveled fingerboard (layout issues), but, I will try using 10 mm between every string as stated in the "Luthiers Corner".

[Craig Regan]

With only one string on the bass, I could not resist plucking out the first note....


Then I let my son try it with a bow.

[Craig Regan]

A boy and his bass.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Craig Regan

Here is the latest.

I have decided to set up the bass, before the finish process, to avoid scratches and dents.

Made the saddle, nut and fitted a sound post; then fit a bridge and proceeded to string it up.

Most of the nuts I have seen have wider spacing between the E and A strings and then the spacing gets smaller between the D and G string. This set up would work better on my beveled fingerboard (layout issues), but, I will try using 10 mm between every string as stated in the "Luthiers Corner".

The string spacing should always be measured from center to center and never between the strings. That will space the string wider on the lowers and narrower on the uppers. With center-to-center spacing, the pencil line only being spaced, the lower strings will looks closer than the uppers but in reality, the centers in which you place your fingers will be even.

[Craig Regan]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

The string spacing should always be measured from center to center and never between the strings. That will space the string wider on the lowers and narrower on the uppers. With center-to-center spacing, the pencil line only being spaced, the lower strings will looks closer than the uppers but in reality, the centers in which you place your fingers will be even.

Yes, Center to center!

[Craig Regan]

Bass Inspection.

[Craig Regan]

I would rather get the next three strings on the bass then sit at the computer.

Here are some progress pictures from the last 2-3 weeks. Enjoy them.

[Craig Regan]

The $3.99 end pin reamer.

[Craig Regan]

Neck fitting.

[Matthew Tucker]

Hi Craig I only just caught this latest update!

The bass is looking great. You must feel pretty chuffed about it. Well done!

[Craig Regan]

Here is a link, to hear (and see), the bass playing a G major scale.

It may not be the optimal sound clip. The strings are an old set, of thin Corellis, and the recording device, is a $99 digital camera.

Just the same, Its good to hear it making some real musical notes.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35577594@N02/3510711677/

[Matthew Tucker]

You're endpin reamer is better than my one. Sheesh they're expensive if you want a real one!

I don't quite understand the box contraption you have clamped to the neck. What's that?

[Craig Regan]

Originally Posted by Matthew Tucker

I don't quite understand the box contraption you have clamped to the neck. What's that?

Basically, its a press clamp (see picture), installed in a customized frame. It was designed to give me finger tip control of the clamping pressure, without struggling with clamp alinement.

I do not know how others clamp their necks in place, this was my solution. It took 10 hrs to design and build the fixture and only 5 minute to glue the neck in place. A good example of why this project has taken so darn long.