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rusty_the_scoob
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Username: rusty_the_scoob

Post Number: 1
Registered: 6-2008
Posted on Saturday, June 14, 2008 - 4:02 pm:   Edit Post

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? My Body Wood Plan
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 6670
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Sunday, June 15, 2008 - 8:14 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Monday, June 16, 2008 - 6:35 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Monday, June 16, 2008 - 9:02 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Monday, June 16, 2008 - 9:20 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 - 1:04 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 - 1:07 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 - 4:43 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 - 1:00 pm:   Edit Post

rusty, in case you didn't see this thread...looks similar to what you have in mind (substitute mahogany for vermilion)...
david's custom

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