Hi from a newb , and a 100 questions for a five string build - FRETS.NET2024-03-28T19:42:32Zhttp://fretsnet.ning.com/forum/topics/hi-from-a-newb-and-a-100-questions-for-a-five-string-build?commentId=2177249%3AComment%3A160488&feed=yes&xn_auth=noYea I like being the local Sp…tag:fretsnet.ning.com,2016-05-17:2177249:Comment:1606042016-05-17T07:24:20.737ZRussell Kingeryhttp://fretsnet.ning.com/profile/RussellKingery
Yea I like being the local Spector guy, I've seen a few local bands with a bass player using one, but they are pretty rare. I went to their website and looked at their present price list and they are steep! Which keeps the prices up on the older ones. And the 8x10 is a permanent fixture where I usually play! No one wants to move that monster anymore. I've got a TC 2x12, and a Trace Elliot 1x15 that I use when playing out. I used all Trace gear before I bought the Orange. Very good sounding…
Yea I like being the local Spector guy, I've seen a few local bands with a bass player using one, but they are pretty rare. I went to their website and looked at their present price list and they are steep! Which keeps the prices up on the older ones. And the 8x10 is a permanent fixture where I usually play! No one wants to move that monster anymore. I've got a TC 2x12, and a Trace Elliot 1x15 that I use when playing out. I used all Trace gear before I bought the Orange. Very good sounding gear, but all of it was heavy. Now I can move it all by myself and set up in two trips.<br />
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Good luck on your bass design! When I bought those 30 some books, it was because I thought I wanted to design and build guitars! I've got notebooks full of designs. But, the more I got involved, it turned into repairs and hot rod work, and now that I've got the Spector, I know I could never build one as great! Perhaps if I had access to a full blown woodworking shop I may try my hand at some of my ideas, but in the mean time I'll just watch and cheer you on! So I'm waiting on your step by step photos! Best of luck Yeah man
those Spectors basse…tag:fretsnet.ning.com,2016-05-16:2177249:Comment:1604902016-05-16T10:56:57.395ZPatrick northeyhttp://fretsnet.ning.com/profile/Patricknorthey
<p>Yeah man</p>
<p>those Spectors basses look lush, funnily enough my scale drawing i have done for my build looks very much like a Spector shape , at the time I was thinking pleasing lines no sharp edges or points and hands up a little bit Warwick ish , I do like the look of the Spector basses nice lines and the natural finish ones are gorgeous.</p>
<p>I have to say i knew nothing about Spector's bass before you mentioned them good to know your not a sheep like me and bought a fender or two I…</p>
<p>Yeah man</p>
<p>those Spectors basses look lush, funnily enough my scale drawing i have done for my build looks very much like a Spector shape , at the time I was thinking pleasing lines no sharp edges or points and hands up a little bit Warwick ish , I do like the look of the Spector basses nice lines and the natural finish ones are gorgeous.</p>
<p>I have to say i knew nothing about Spector's bass before you mentioned them good to know your not a sheep like me and bought a fender or two I wish people would do some research before buying thier insruments.</p>
<p>There are hundreds of great guitar manufacturers around the globe making very good quality instruments and struggling to stay in business because the sheep are buying Fender and Gibson im one of them to my shame.</p>
<p>I suppose many people buy them because they think they will sound like thier hero im guilty of that too , I can't imagine how frustrating it must be to a Luthier making first class guitars or basse and not even being noticed.</p>
<p>Bit of a rant there............</p>
<p></p>
<p>So yeah incouraging news reguarding my 75 jazzer get it restored sell it and buy myself a decent bass. Sounds like a nice rig you have there i assume you have a Roady to carry that 8x10 cab around.</p>
<p>Im using a TC electronic RH45 through a 2x12 cab, a great sounding cab but a bit much for my needs I wish id bought the 2x10 cab lighter and more HI Fi sounding. Anyway my rid has enough power I had a chance to here it at an open air jam session a while ago another guy used my gear and I could here it half a mile away just the bass lol.</p> I would think a '75 would hav…tag:fretsnet.ning.com,2016-05-16:2177249:Comment:1604882016-05-16T05:10:11.389ZRussell Kingeryhttp://fretsnet.ning.com/profile/RussellKingery
I would think a '75 would have a great resale about now? Certainly many thousand pounds. They sure do demand a good price on eBay. I think he was just trying to make you think it wasn't worth it, so he could get it cheap and resell it for a tidy profit. The movie quote was Master Yoda, in the second Star Wars movie. But you're right, it does sound like an old Bruce Lee movie, perhaps that's where George Lucas stole it from?<br />
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I love to tell the story of my NS-2 Spector. I owned the less…
I would think a '75 would have a great resale about now? Certainly many thousand pounds. They sure do demand a good price on eBay. I think he was just trying to make you think it wasn't worth it, so he could get it cheap and resell it for a tidy profit. The movie quote was Master Yoda, in the second Star Wars movie. But you're right, it does sound like an old Bruce Lee movie, perhaps that's where George Lucas stole it from?<br />
<br />
I love to tell the story of my NS-2 Spector. I owned the less expensive Spector, and thought I'd never want another bass! But a friend told me there was a Spector at a local pawn shop. So, I went to see it, and was very impressed, so I offered $200, and they accepted it before I got it out of my mouth! So I got it home, and it didn't work. No sound. But it was just a bad battery terminal. I replaced the battery terminal, and it worked great! It's neck through, a 1989 model actually made in Indonesia. It sold new for a thousand dollars. But, if you look at what NS-2's sell for now! Wow they are $4000 and $5000! New, a model like mine is probably worth about $1600, but I wouldn't sell it for a penny less than $2500. There is one now that looks exactly like it on eBay in white, that's asking that much. But all that is just bragging rights, I wouldn't sell it for anything. It is so "Me". I played music tonight, through my Orange Tiny Terror, 500 watt head pushing an Ampeg 8x10 cabinet. Pure joy! Playing that bass you bet it cuts through the mix! Every finger noise is evident, bright and beefy, just a bit of grit on the lagging edge. Just a 3 piece band, so much fun playing classic rock. One of my favorite songs is Rock Candy by Montrose, a nice little bass piece. Music like that is what makes life worth living!<br />
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But yes, a '75 Jazz is well worth all attempts to restore. A very valuable piece to be sure! To keep it as original as possible, if you have to put it back original, is where its value is. And strangely enough, the more scratches and wear on the paint adds character. Russ
was that a Bruce lee mov…tag:fretsnet.ning.com,2016-05-15:2177249:Comment:1603932016-05-15T18:09:58.702ZPatrick northeyhttp://fretsnet.ning.com/profile/Patricknorthey
<p>Russ</p>
<p>was that a Bruce lee movie by any chance lol, as much as I hate Fenders oops sorry love hate fenders im not ready to take on my old one just yet.</p>
<p>I wouldnt mind in the future to maybe post it to the right guy if its worth the investment. The dick in London had the opinion that what is the point in spending money on a 75 jazz bass , I don't know I thought it was worth the investment to restore it I was sure id get my money back and more if I were to sell it .</p>
<p>Russ</p>
<p>was that a Bruce lee movie by any chance lol, as much as I hate Fenders oops sorry love hate fenders im not ready to take on my old one just yet.</p>
<p>I wouldnt mind in the future to maybe post it to the right guy if its worth the investment. The dick in London had the opinion that what is the point in spending money on a 75 jazz bass , I don't know I thought it was worth the investment to restore it I was sure id get my money back and more if I were to sell it .</p> Wow you have been around the…tag:fretsnet.ning.com,2016-05-15:2177249:Comment:1604872016-05-15T17:52:50.610ZRussell Kingeryhttp://fretsnet.ning.com/profile/RussellKingery
Wow you have been around the block with that neck issue. As you collect your tools to perform this bass build, perhaps you'll have what you need to fix that neck? I watched a few people on YouTube remove a fretboard with a standard steam iron, seemed to work OK. But I'll confess that straightening a neck and replacing a fretboard is not something I'm experienced with, there are others here on this group who know their way around this type of repair and may be able to talk you through it? I…
Wow you have been around the block with that neck issue. As you collect your tools to perform this bass build, perhaps you'll have what you need to fix that neck? I watched a few people on YouTube remove a fretboard with a standard steam iron, seemed to work OK. But I'll confess that straightening a neck and replacing a fretboard is not something I'm experienced with, there are others here on this group who know their way around this type of repair and may be able to talk you through it? I don't blame you for not working with a man who won't give you a ballpark figure, whether it's working on a car or a guitar. Any shop that wants that kind of money for a '65 Fender has slipped a few notches, I've seen them on eBay for half that. But there is no hurry, the key to good Lutherie is to take your time, and make each move with deliberate confidence. As they say in the movies, "There is no try, only do" Hi Russ
Thanks again as usual…tag:fretsnet.ning.com,2016-05-15:2177249:Comment:1605882016-05-15T11:32:43.912ZPatrick northeyhttp://fretsnet.ning.com/profile/Patricknorthey
<p>Hi Russ</p>
<p>Thanks again as usual you have been more than informative and please keep me posted on the installation of the Seymour Duncan pickups im sure it will be interesting your oppinion . I may well go for the EMGs as they are more user friendly in terms of installation plug and play.</p>
<p>Iv taken note reguarding earthing and isolating hum , my 75 jazz bass has an issue with hum and as you mentioned once you put your fingers on the strings it stops , im also in the process of…</p>
<p>Hi Russ</p>
<p>Thanks again as usual you have been more than informative and please keep me posted on the installation of the Seymour Duncan pickups im sure it will be interesting your oppinion . I may well go for the EMGs as they are more user friendly in terms of installation plug and play.</p>
<p>Iv taken note reguarding earthing and isolating hum , my 75 jazz bass has an issue with hum and as you mentioned once you put your fingers on the strings it stops , im also in the process of making some changes to that bass replacing the neck , which is taking far too long as i have had some set backs.I bought a Mighty mite maple neck which fits the pocket perfectly so that was a good start but had a little disaster spraying it, the spray gun started choking and spluttering and fooked up the fretboard so I had to take it all off, now iv been waiting 8 weeks for some tru oil to arrive whick looks like its not going to happen.</p>
<p>So I thought id go ahead and drill out the pocket for the micro tilt washer/ plate what i didnt realize is the truss rod goes nearly to the end of the neck and has a quire block on the end , so when i drilled into the desired location the bit buckled around all over the place. Its not very pritty but working I also had to cut the threaded screw down as well, luckily the retaining screws miss the truss block.</p>
<p>Im not too upset the neck is only a temporary neck until I decide what my best option is with the original neck which has been messed around with. Someone in the past has put an ebony fretboard on and made it fretless, Im not sure if i should get a Luthier to get it back to the original design with maple and inlays and binding or just try and get another 75 neck, a replacement neck could be as much as £750 is it worth it and would it be cheaper to get a luthier to do the work.</p>
<p>I was in a famous guitar st in London called Denmark st , I tryed to talk with a Luthier there and he wouldnt give me an idea of the price not even a ball point estimate one of his quote was how long is a piece of string , im sorry to say but it just made me feel suspicious and that he was a dickhead , I got the impression he wasnt gonna be honest , im sure this is not normal behaviour and people like him give Luthiers a bad name , I suppose because he worked in a famous place he had his head up his own ass also not a place id recommend to go and buy a guitar they are push thier prices sky high eg £13.850 for 64 p bass is that right come on your havin a laugh its only a fender.</p>
<p></p> I've used Seymour Duncan pick…tag:fretsnet.ning.com,2016-05-15:2177249:Comment:1604842016-05-15T09:14:27.323ZRussell Kingeryhttp://fretsnet.ning.com/profile/RussellKingery
I've used Seymour Duncan pickups almost exclusively on guitars of late, but this P bass I'm working on now is the first one I've used a Duncan Bass pickup on. So soon I hope to know what that sounds like. I do see they make a pickup for Steinberger, but have never heard one. Both of my Spector basses have EMG pickups, both are active as well, and I wouldn't dream of changing them! My NS-2 has a P-J setup, and my NS-2000 has wide soap bars. Both have great control of the frequency range top to…
I've used Seymour Duncan pickups almost exclusively on guitars of late, but this P bass I'm working on now is the first one I've used a Duncan Bass pickup on. So soon I hope to know what that sounds like. I do see they make a pickup for Steinberger, but have never heard one. Both of my Spector basses have EMG pickups, both are active as well, and I wouldn't dream of changing them! My NS-2 has a P-J setup, and my NS-2000 has wide soap bars. Both have great control of the frequency range top to bottom and the NS-2000 has the tiny EMG circuit in it, that offers two knob, bass / treble boost or cut, very simple and effective tone control. I know Duncan and others make active bass pickups, but few have the experience to compete with EMG, they have a great variety of offerings, and should be on your list to check out.<br />
<br />
I've got a few books on winding your own pickups, if you really want to go totally home made! Bobbins and magnets and wire will run you about the price of medium range pickups, especially if you're only making one or two. if you can learn the specs of the custom pickups you like, you may be able to come close. I considered starting a hot rodded pickup company at some point in history, but the competition is steep, and there are many new entries into that market, but I may try my hand at it if just for my own projects. As with everything else, so much to know about pickup winding, and it's hard to beat a man at his own game. Meaning companies like Duncan, and EMG. Exotic pickup makers or should I say very high priced makers, can be mean to deal with, lots of shielding and special tone circuits may be required. While Duncan and EMG have great wiring diagrams and circuit schematics to help the novice deal with their installs, and even telephone support! Something to consider.<br />
<br />
And odd combinations can sometimes produce unexpected results. i have been weary of choices customers have made in their pickup choices, but in the end, most often it turns into something nice! i can only recall once that it didn't turn out so great. Although I have seen many poor installations that made it sound bad, but once I fixed it all was well. My personal touch for pickup installation is to line the cavities with copper tape, they make magnetic paint for the same purpose but I prefer the tape. You can solder directly to it, and it's a lot thicker and seems to work better. I ground all cavities together, shield all cables and just go overboard on grounding everything, using a decent sized wire for ground as well, and most of all, ground the bridge! I hate a guitar that hums until you touch the strings! And it's dangerous, a poor ground will shock the crap out of you when you touch your microphone. Power from the amp has insuffencient ground back to its own circuit, so it grounds through you, and you touch the mic and it goes through you to a better ground in the mic, most unpleasant. I use a decent 16 or 20 gauge ground wire to the bridge, and make sure all bridge saddles are conductive. Sometimes what seems to be raw metal is actually clear coated, and may require sanding where the strings contact it. I can't stress enough proper grounding of the bridge. And don't forget to cover the backs of the cavity covers, to seal the electronics from all the stray magnetic fields on a sound stage. At least half of the hot rodding I do is for people who tried on their own and failed to observe these details.<br />
<br />
But I'm sure by the time you get to that point of your project you'll know what kind of pickups you want, and the advantage of active pickups is the ability to boost and cut each frequency band, while passive pickups can be just as awesome, they can only cut the treble in their tone circuit.<br />
<br />
I hope I've said something that was helpful? Best of luck!<br />
<br />
Russell Hi Russ
yeah I thought the bo…tag:fretsnet.ning.com,2016-05-14:2177249:Comment:1604832016-05-14T11:25:49.401ZPatrick northeyhttp://fretsnet.ning.com/profile/Patricknorthey
<p>Hi Russ</p>
<p>yeah I thought the body shape was ugly when i first saw it but I think iv got used to it or maybe just ignor the shape cos i love the tone so much. Your right about hardware costs i was looking at Babicz bridges ummm sooo nice but out of my price range £130 for a fiver not this time.</p>
<p>As for pickups id like to try and achieve the same sort of spec / tone as the Janek bass but if its going to be rediculously expensive then its not worth it on a first build, having said…</p>
<p>Hi Russ</p>
<p>yeah I thought the body shape was ugly when i first saw it but I think iv got used to it or maybe just ignor the shape cos i love the tone so much. Your right about hardware costs i was looking at Babicz bridges ummm sooo nice but out of my price range £130 for a fiver not this time.</p>
<p>As for pickups id like to try and achieve the same sort of spec / tone as the Janek bass but if its going to be rediculously expensive then its not worth it on a first build, having said that I don't want to put in a couple of P or J bass pickups I have two jazzers and have a love hate relationship with them.</p>
<p></p>
<p>WARNING dont get me going on the subject of Fenders.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Reguarding tools your right this is a good idea and money saving making your own tools and is also quite satisfying too , I am also going to buy a radius beem they are quite cheap on flee bay I saw a nice one made from Mohogany, a fret dressing file too but not from Stu mac expensive.</p>
<p>Sorry back to the subject of pickups on a future build id like to try a couple of things for types of tone , one is a Wal bass sound British made basses with thier own unique pickups, if you didnt know each pickup has two round bobbins per string and some sort of unique active circuitry, resolting in a tone that sounds like nothing else. Mick Karn of Japan, Mark king for a while, and that Guy something Lee played them , expensive basses but they are unique and well made and hold thier value.</p>
<p>Another tone im interested in is the Steinberg bass L2 Devo's bassist Gerald Casale played one and I aways noticed how the bass cut through the mix well , also jean jacque burnel of the Stranglers played one on the odd track which again sounded very different from thier normal stuff.</p>
<p>I think Seymour duncan do a Steinberg pickup I have no idea how good they are.</p>
<p></p> Patrick,
I watched your video…tag:fretsnet.ning.com,2016-05-13:2177249:Comment:1601012016-05-13T08:38:35.413ZRussell Kingeryhttp://fretsnet.ning.com/profile/RussellKingery
Patrick,<br />
I watched your video clip and the maker's page. That is an interesting body style, I don't see why it would be any more difficult than a more traditional looking bass? I have seen a few around similar to it, and his burl top is right awesome!<br />
I've been working on a bass restoration / hot rod project for a friend, just a standard Fender P bass. Hardware has run me close to $400. For Seymour Duncan pickups, Hipshot tuners, Babicz bridge, all new pick guard and electronics and every screw…
Patrick,<br />
I watched your video clip and the maker's page. That is an interesting body style, I don't see why it would be any more difficult than a more traditional looking bass? I have seen a few around similar to it, and his burl top is right awesome!<br />
I've been working on a bass restoration / hot rod project for a friend, just a standard Fender P bass. Hardware has run me close to $400. For Seymour Duncan pickups, Hipshot tuners, Babicz bridge, all new pick guard and electronics and every screw or strap pin, it adds up! Plus it did require a few specialized tools. Luckily I had already collected most of them. Or made them myself. I've made my own leveling beam, radiusing block, fret end dressing block, they were more time consuming than most of the guitars I work on. Next time I'll just buy a radius block, they aren't that expensive. So just me personally, if I'd spent that much just for hardware, and maybe several hundred hours into an instrument, I'd want to be fairly sure of success!<br />
<br />
I know what you mean about being blinded by science, those videos from David Collens on Temperament were very eye opening for me as well! That's the kind of stuff people have to go to college to learn!<br />
<br />
Looking at the Gwizdala bass, it seems he has some movable pickup arrangement too? With those burl blanks on either side of his pickup in the factory picture, and a much different pickup pattern in the video. I guess there is always more than one way to skin a cat?<br />
<br />
Russell Kingery Hi Russell
Thanks ever so muc…tag:fretsnet.ning.com,2016-05-12:2177249:Comment:1601912016-05-12T08:38:17.895ZPatrick northeyhttp://fretsnet.ning.com/profile/Patricknorthey
<p>Hi Russell</p>
<p>Thanks ever so much for putting so much effort and research into my build and pointing out the pickup placement. I have to admit I feel like i have just been blinded by science ,( Thomas Dolby) lol, I have to take my hat off to you guys I admire your dedication and passion im very greatfull to you all .</p>
<p>As the timber has come for free so far and the hardware and electronics will be the only cost involved I thought it wouldnt matter if I did fail on my first build ,…</p>
<p>Hi Russell</p>
<p>Thanks ever so much for putting so much effort and research into my build and pointing out the pickup placement. I have to admit I feel like i have just been blinded by science ,( Thomas Dolby) lol, I have to take my hat off to you guys I admire your dedication and passion im very greatfull to you all .</p>
<p>As the timber has come for free so far and the hardware and electronics will be the only cost involved I thought it wouldnt matter if I did fail on my first build , but from the impression I get from the people here this is unexceptable and there shouldnt be any reason to fail , this has changed my thinking on the whole process.</p>
<p>Going back to the subject ( pickup placement ) there is an interesting clip on youtube by ( Dave's world of fun stuff ) he's a bass and guitar tec he demonstrates a sliding pickup on rails on a Westone bass , you hear when the pickup hits the sweet spot as he slides it back and forth interesting.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pH1G9Ot85c" target="_blank">sliding pickups</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>The bass I am trying to build is based on this bass </p>
<p><a href="http://fodera.com/janek-gwizdala-signature-imperial/" target="_blank">janek gwizdala bass</a> im hoping i will have the budget for the pickups and active circuitry and that its not going to be rocket science to wire it all up, not my strong point and yes probley more than I can handle but if I can get a wizard to help I will , having said that Im currently living in Israel and its hard to find people that take pride in thier work quality is none existent.</p>
<p>Here is another clip of Janek demonstrating the TC Electronic RH450 amp with his Bass I love this tune and his tone very bright , warning if you are a rocker skip this clip it wont be your cup of tea.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0pMfjGnsjw" target="_blank">Tone clip</a></p>
<p>Im sure my Bass will not sound the same because of the wood and hardward, but for now i at least hope to </p>
<p>achieve the same feel. Hopefully in the future I will be able to clone his bass and achieve the same tone , I may well chance things along the way in order to make life easyer with my current build.</p>
<p>May the 4s be with you</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>