| Author | Message | ||
| rusty_the_scoob
New Username: rusty_the_scoob Post Number: 1 Registered: 6-2008 |
I'm planning to have my dad build a custom 5-string bass body with the "tribute" bat wings and a bolt-on neck. The wood arrangement I've picked is attached. I may switch the uppermost maple layer on the wings to Maple/Purpleheart/Maple for even more detail. I'd like to get him started on the body laminates and have chosen woods based on this site. How thick should each layer be?  | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 6670 Registered: 5-2002 |
The thickness of the body is to some degree related to the type of electronics you use. So you want to make sure you have room for your electronics. The standard body depth for neck through Alembics is 1.50". For the set neck Alembics it's 1.75". The depth on a Brown Bass is 1.75", which is the depth on older Series basses; this extra depth allow the Brown Bass to be retrofitted with Series electronics. | ||
| elwoodblue
Advanced Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 354 Registered: 6-2002 |
Welcome to the club Rusty ! ...and please keep us posted with your project. cheers | ||
| rusty_the_scoob
New Username: rusty_the_scoob Post Number: 4 Registered: 6-2008 |
Thanks guys! I plan to build an Alembic/Fender/Irwin thingy... definitely won't rival some of the things I've seen here. Hmmm, I don't have my electronics picked out yet but I've been planning on an overall thickness of 1.75"... it's what I'm used to. It sounds like that will give me some flexibility. How thick should the Coco Bolo top and back be? I really have no idea... 1/4"? 1/2"? | ||
| rusty_the_scoob
New Username: rusty_the_scoob Post Number: 5 Registered: 6-2008 |
I should mention - I want the Coco Bolo sound, not just looks, and since I'm building it with a bolt-on neck (Alembic Blasphemy, I know... sorry!) I get the impression it'll have a tonal effect with a Mahogany core.... | ||
| keurosix
Advanced Member Username: keurosix Post Number: 331 Registered: 10-2005 |
Hi Dan, Welcome to the club. I think a 1/4" thickness is what would be most common for an exotic hard wood solid body electric guitar top. This may also be dictated by the thickness available from the wood supplier, unless dad has an industrial planer that can turn any board thickness to dust. Practically any thickness would be feasable. Have you considered a set neck? I know that bolt-ons may be easier to manufacture, but a set neck when glued to the body becomes one with said body, and imparts an altogether unique and specific tonality. Alembic even has a few set-neck models, and I for one can attest to their sonic abilities! Are you going to put Alembic electronics in the guitar? The Activator circuit is really top quality and furnishes the classic Alembic low-pass filter sound. Available in a few different classic pick up configurations, and also a few different control options. Worth considering for any boutique custom built guitar! Keep us posted, and especially with pics! Kris | ||
| keurosix
Advanced Member Username: keurosix Post Number: 332 Registered: 10-2005 |
Dan, Have you chosen an aftermarket bolt-on "Fender" type neck? That would explain why you are bolting on, anywhoo. | ||
| rusty_the_scoob
New Username: rusty_the_scoob Post Number: 6 Registered: 6-2008 |
1/4" sounds good to me... that seems about right. Warmoth offers laminate tops in 1/8" and it looks too thin. I have chosen but not yet ordered a Warmoth Small Gecko 5 neck. It's 35" scale which will be new to me, but should be less of a gamble on how the B string will come out. http://www.warmoth.com/gecko/gecko.cfm?fuseaction=include_gecko5_necks | ||
| elwoodblue
Advanced Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 380 Registered: 6-2002 |
rusty, in case you didn't see this thread...looks similar to what you have in mind (substitute mahogany for vermilion)... david's custom |
