Finally working on 77-829 again

[gtrguy]

I am finally getting around to working on 77-829 again, what with the lockdown affording me the time. I just finished crafting some aluminum standoffs on my TAIG micro lathe for the PF6 card (it didn't have any) and took this shot just before crimping one onto the board, using my Unimat milling machine as a press. I custom turned a bit of steel to fit into the standoff end and do the pressing with.


I enjoy this kind of stuff. Now on to more wiring work.

[gtrguy]

It's on!

[pauldo]

David, you mentioned the Unimat in a different thread.  Is it like a tabletop mill?

The standoffs look nice.

[David Houck]

Nice work!!

[gtrguy]

Yes, the original Unimat is a vintage small lathe and mill made in Austria from the mid 1950's up to the mid 1970s and sold here in the US by EMCO. There are still many for sale and also on EBay. Newer versions were made up to 1990.
There are tons of uses for them and lots of attachments. I use my Taig and Unimat to make small precision parts. I also have a JET (China) 9X20 lathe and a vintage Atlas (USA) 10X42 lathe and I use them for bigger machining. Here is a pic of my small setup.

[pauldo]

 

[goran]

Wow that's so great what you did and put it to use again.

[gtrguy]

I was working some more on the bass yesterday when I picked up this Mexicanos $20 circa 2000 coin I happened to have sitting on my desk, and discovered that it is an almost exact fit for the pickup selector opening. A coin like this would make a good cover plate for those who had moved their PUP selector knobs.

[gtrguy]

I put some strings on it after polishing the nut, just to see how it still plays. The action and playability are great. The electronics will take some more time, though.

[xlrogue6]

When I worked at Alembic Tom Fowler's Series came through the shop--it had a coin filling the original PU selector hole. Don't remember what kind of coin, though.

[mario_farufyno]

I love that Zappa's band with Tom, his work in that "era" is trully amazing. That coin looks great on the Bass, David.

[gtrguy]

    I started wiring up a new pickup selector switch today. This is one of those jobs where 99.9% of those who need one should just get one from Alembic (I think they sell pre-wired ones?) but I have the time and like the challenge of working on small parts. I also have 3 sets of visors with LED lights and in various magnifications!
 

[pauldo]

I recognize the level of dexterity and skill required to do that and applaud you. 
I would end up with a giant soldered ball-o-mess.

[edwardofhuncote]

I'm also enjoying your thread. I'll add, that 'fan' headstock is very cool. I didn't know about this one... I was thinking of your Zebrawood Series. Was #77-829 a Custom build?

[gtrguy]

Yep, it's pictured on Alembic's history page. Believed to have been ordered by Iron Butterfly's bass player, but for some reason never picked up when it was finally done.