To Chamber Or Not To Chamber?

[lbpesq]

I am getting ready to start my second bass build (I picked up another set of Alembic P-Bass split PUs, so a-building I  must go!).  Thinking about a Warmoth body this time.  They offer both solid and chambered bodies.  I know squat about chambered bass bodies, but I'll wager someone around here can give me the skinny.  So, with all apologies to Willy S., To Chamber or Not To Chamber, That Is The Question?

Bill, tgo

[edwin]

It depends. I think that chambering has a very different effect with a bolt-on vs. a set neck or through body. In general, I like chambered bodies, but the benefits can be subverted by not so great wood, etc., and I seem to like them better on set neck and neck through basses. No scientific reasoning, just they way they seem to respond to me. Best thing to do is just play a bunch and see what you like.

YMMV, etc.

[sonicus]

For a " Fenderish " bolt on ,  I would chose un-chambered . With some of the Alembic designs I can see the logic for implementing a chambered design although I have had thoughts on the possibility of an un-chambered  neck through Series I/II Elan/ Jazz  type custom in recent times . ( with a point )

[cozmik_cowboy]

Do they do ƒ-holes? I'm digging the idea of a Precision Thinline......

Peter

[lbpesq]

Peter, the thought is intriguing but, alas, only the Tele bass bodies can be ordered with an f-hole.  (Is it "an f-hole", or "a f-hole"?  -  I know you're supposed to use "an" in front of a vowel, but "an f" just sounds better than "a f").

Bill, tgo (the grammatical one?)

[Zut8083]

Bill,

It sounds like you are well underway to having a pretty neat bass; best of luck designing your body configuration.  But, are you familiar with USA Custom Guitars (http://www.usacustomguitars.com/bodies/bass/)?  I have not heard of them as extensively as I have Warmoth, but they do apparently make a Jazz body with hollowed wings and the sound hole you mentioned, and in several wood options. 

Alternatively, have you heard of/do you care about Moses Graphite necks (http://mosesgraphite.com/products/electric-guitar-bass-necks/)?  They are the only alternative vendor, other than a recycled Modulus J neck, that I know of to those companies who make exclusively wooden necks.  There must be others and graphite may not be your thing, but I thought I'd bring it up.  Good luck with your build.  Cheers.

-Zut

[lbpesq]

USA has limited wood choices - they don't have Black Korina which I prefer for bodies - and are not currently taking orders, anyway.  I have two Moses Strat necks and one Tele neck.  They make a good product, but I prefer the Modulus neck I have on one of my main players.  Also, my experience dealing with Moses turned into quite an ordeal  Another option for graphite bass necks is Status - they tend to get better reviews than the Moses neck.  The Status, like the old Modulus necks are hollow, the Moses necks are solid.  I use a few different small builders for my necks.  This latest build will use a purpleheart fingerboard over flame maple neck made by Hilimire Guitars.  I get them unfinished, then level, crown, and polish the frets, make a nut, and finish the necks myself.


Bill, tgo

[edwardofhuncote]

...Is it "an f-hole", or "a f-hole"?  -  I know you're supposed to use "an" in front of a vowel, but "an f" just sounds better than "a f".

Bill, tgo (the grammatical one?)

I've been thinking about it... (since I really didn't have an educated opinion on chambering)


I think the 'a' vs. 'an' rule should be applied whenever certain phonetic vowel sounds occur in Americanized English. Even made-up words like we have here.


Looking forward to your next build. As a grumpy old upright bass player, I second the favoring of f-holes. Even a faux one.


~Gregory (who woke from a dead sleep only moments ago, wondering if maybe they really should be called an s-hole.)

[keith_h]

I get them unfinished, then level, crown, and polish the frets, make a nut, and finish the necks myself.

Bill, tgo

Have you considered post law employment at Alembic? You seem to be getting plenty of OJT.