Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Alembic Basses & Guitars => Topic started by: terryc on June 18, 2011, 03:36:13 AM

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: terryc on June 18, 2011, 03:36:13 AM

Okay I am going to make a wood backplate, obviously not continous 'cos I didn't have the original wood. So the vaneers arrived  today, there are some nice vaneers here BUT which one would you people choose?
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/107325.jpg)
  Here is a pic of the back of the bass to give you an idea of the colour.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/107326.jpg)
  Construction will start soon.....

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: serialnumber12 on June 18, 2011, 03:59:59 AM

that maple matches the neck.

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: chuck on June 18, 2011, 05:35:53 AM

None of the above, Get a piece of quarter sawn cheery, Just my opinion.
 
Chuck.

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: dlbydgtl on June 18, 2011, 06:13:53 AM

Mahogany, with some clear polyurethane to darkin it a bit.

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: jseitang on June 18, 2011, 06:31:50 AM

oak with mahogany rim.

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: sonicus on June 18, 2011, 11:04:23 AM

HI Terry, I already know that you have wood working skills however I would choose to make a brass cover.  If I were to choose wood I wood likely go for the Birdseye Maple with multiple coats of synthetic finish rubbed out nice.  Have fun with your project.
 
    Wolf

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: terryc on June 18, 2011, 12:27:48 PM

Thanks for suggestions guys the final choice will be a surprise but sonicus comes close!!
Brass...well I did think of that but a brass plate 175 x 105 x 3mm would be very heavy adding to an already heavy bass!

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: terryc on June 19, 2011, 11:25:31 AM

OKay I have started the build.. Here is the set out of the woods
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/107464.jpg)
  This is sizing up the pieces with a card template I drew from the backplate
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/107465.jpg)
  Measuring the thickness with an electronic caliper
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/107466.jpg)
  First glue application
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/107467.jpg)
  Second glue application to next veneer
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/107468.jpg)
  Clamps in place
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/107469.jpg)
  Okay I will leave this to set for a couple of days and update you later  Oh yes, this sign was bought for me by my son
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/107470.jpg)
  And this is my work bench....
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/107471.jpg)
  Mica..do you think I qualify for a job at Alembic..please!!!

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: jacko on June 20, 2011, 02:48:27 AM

Was that a Father's day present Terry? My son bought me the book 'Bass Guitar for Dummies'. Wonder if he's trying to tell me something.  
 
Graeme

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: terryc on June 21, 2011, 09:31:41 AM

Graeme..no he bought me that last year..I always seem to fix his car for him. Anyway..the next phase Removed plate from clamps...an afterthought was that I should have put clingfilm between the scrap wood, the glue had gone onto them, managed to prise it apart with no damage using a Stanley knife
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/107586.jpg)
  Placed original plate for outline and screw holes
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/107587.jpg)
  I drilled the holes prior to cutting the shape, easier to clamp on the pedestal drill
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/107588.jpg)
  Cut the rough shape with jigsaw
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/107589.jpg)
  Shaped the edges with Dremel rotary tool with sandpaper bit
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/107590.jpg)
  Test fitting..perfect..
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/107591.jpg)
  Sonicus..I agreed with your choice for the birds eye maple. Okay next step is the finish..call back soon

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: artswork99 on June 21, 2011, 09:35:56 AM

Cool!

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: sonicus on June 21, 2011, 10:23:02 AM

Terry , Very Nice!    I am really quite happy that you liked the birds eye maple. Very cool .  I will watch for your finish process.

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: afrobeat_fool on June 21, 2011, 11:09:52 AM

Terry, How tight is that fit? Will the finish enlarge the plate?  
 
 
Nick

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: mica on June 21, 2011, 11:55:07 AM

Cool project! Don't forget to shield the inside of the plate after you apply the finish.

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: terryc on June 21, 2011, 12:04:59 PM

Okay people, here is a taster, first application of polyurethane
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/107602.jpg)
This is sprayed inside my 'portable spray booth'  a box which folds down after use, the green you see is the result of spraying old lawnmower parts which I am re building(Qualcast Suffolk Punch for you UK guys)
 
Afro..the fit is just negative of snug so the finish shouldn't be a problem, if it is I will cut it back
Mica...yep I will shield the back after completion

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: pauldo on June 21, 2011, 04:03:35 PM

Friggin' far out!
That is awesome Terry - and even more so that you posted the whole deal here. Very cool - 8-)

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: jacko on June 22, 2011, 01:09:35 AM

looking pretty cool Terry. I'll be interested in seeing the lawnmower when it's done too.
 
graeme

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: mario_farufyno on June 22, 2011, 09:20:03 AM

Just for curiosity sake (i'm terribly late to give my opinion now), but which wood is the top made?

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: terryc on June 22, 2011, 10:33:54 AM

The top of the bass???  bubinga
The top of the plate - bird's eye maple(with some flame as well)

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: georgie_boy on June 23, 2011, 09:10:12 AM

Where did you get the woods Terry????
 
 
george

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: terryc on June 23, 2011, 10:28:03 AM

georgie I got them from here
http://www.woodveneeruk.co.uk/products.php?cat=12 (http://www.woodveneeruk.co.uk/products.php?cat=12)
 
Okay all finished, these pics were taken on a white background but I am going to leave it cure for a few days then install it on my bass and take a pic to show what it is like against the bass
I used extra thick aluminium foil for the back

(http://alembic.com/club/messages/393/107772.jpg)
 
 
here is the front

(http://alembic.com/club/messages/393/107773.jpg)

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: mario_farufyno on June 23, 2011, 02:35:36 PM

Thanks Terry, I've just asked about the Bass Top because I thought it would be nice to match it with back plate (but this maple you choosed is awesome and your job ended neat, congrats!)
 
(Message edited by mario farufyno on June 23, 2011)

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: terryc on June 25, 2011, 05:00:43 AM

Installed onto bass..looks pretty good methinks
I have some burl walnut there so I may make another one!!!
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/107905.jpg)

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: sonicus on June 25, 2011, 06:33:50 AM

Terry, I think that the results of your efforts have paid off with a one of a kind backplate that accentuates your already outstanding Alembic Bass .  To my eyes It looks excellent , first class !

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: lbpesq on June 25, 2011, 10:11:44 AM

Very cool!
 
Bill, tgo

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: serialnumber12 on June 26, 2011, 04:44:17 AM

with that nice peice of wood you must now turn your back to the audience!

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: growlypants on June 28, 2011, 04:39:20 PM

Fantastic job!!

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: mario_farufyno on June 30, 2011, 05:57:02 AM

It looks like my Rogue's Top, now I need to make one of those! Outstanding job

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: David Houck on July 04, 2011, 05:37:48 PM

I agree with Bill; very cool!

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: jack on July 05, 2011, 09:53:41 AM

I'm just trying to figure out where to put my order in!

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: terryc on July 05, 2011, 02:37:06 PM

Okay people..many thanks for all the great comments, if you all decide to have a go then I hope my 'build record' helps you out.
Jack...sorry but I would need the original plate to match up the screw holes but you never now I could be persuaded!!!
Anyway I have made another and the face veneer is burl walnut, I have just rough cut it tonight and I will shape it off tomorrow with the Dremel tool, I will post a pic when it is completed.
Again thanks for all the comments

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: David Houck on July 05, 2011, 03:07:46 PM

Jack; the prices on the sign do seem pretty reasonable.

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: jack on July 06, 2011, 08:02:02 AM

Dave - now that's funny!

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: georgie_boy on July 06, 2011, 09:47:36 AM

Great job Tel!!!!
 
George

Title: Build record - wood backplate for MK Signature
Post by: terryc on July 07, 2011, 11:37:53 AM

Second one in burl walnut, needs another cutback with fine grade sandpaper and final coats.
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/108682.jpg)
 
Comments???