Bat Bass Rises-The Completion Of A Great Series I

[sonofa_lembic]

Sure it is a whacky one, but I swear it is the best short scale Series 1 I have ever come in contact with.  This bass has been deemed the Bat Bass, but also called "Western", and even just plain ugly, but in person, none of that matters.  It is quite beautiful....or at least it is now that I have taken care of the mis matched cavity covers, bad setup, and incorrectly adjusted circuit gains.  It is no wonder why this bass sold three times in just a few months.  Once I got the bass on my bench, I discovered and corrected all of the issues, and what came out the other end was the best sounding SS Series 1 I can ever remember playing.  The bass is mint and a pleasure to play.  Last night until 1:30am I put the final touches on it by making the carbon fiber cavity covers.  They are light weight, fit the look of the bass, and beautiful!  The Bat is back baby!

[lbpesq]

Really like the CF backplates.  How difficult is it to work with CF?

Bill,tgo

[sonofa_lembic]

The worst part of the carbon Fiber is the itch.  Best to have good dust collection, a respirator, and a full body suit.  The carbon fiber plate is available in various thicknesses on Amazon, so it is easy to get, and only about $35.00 for a good sized plate large enough (500mmx400mmx2mm) to do this entire set of covers.  It cuts very well with a fine blade on a scroll saw, and is very easy to finalize the shape on a belt sander.  It drills well, and was easy to control the depth of the cut for the bolt head bevels.  It is also much stiffer than plastic and does not require sealing on the edges if sanded cleanly.  I really love the look of it on this particular bass since it has so many black accents.  You can get it in matte finish like I used, or gloss.  It comes with plastic film on it to protect the surfaces while working it.  A win all the way around, but I am still itching where I was not protected.  LOL.

[edwardofhuncote]

What can you drill it with? I'm asking, because I use rod stock (from LMI) for reinforcement on warped upright necks after straightening. I'd like to drill a hole at each end for an anchor point.


Carbide, I guess? 

[sonofa_lembic]

A good wood bit will work.  Just make sure it is not too worn.  I used a scroll saw to cut my plate, and by the end of my cuts, the teeth were all but worn off of my saw blade.
I am not sure you want to drill a hole in rod stock.  The fibers travel linearly in one direction, and are not strong if twisted or pulled on.  You should research it before you take on a major job like that. 

[edwardofhuncote]

That's a great point I hadn't thought about... and might not be much benefit anyway. The stock I use is only 1/4" × 1/2" × 18".

*and the splinters from this stuff are a MISERABLE experience on the next level past bamboo shoots.

Congratulations on the Bat Bass. I wondered where it would end up next. That neck layup is a winner all day in my book!

[sonofa_lembic]

Thanks!  The bass just needed to be in the right hands to get it working correctly.  It is a great one.

[rv_bass]

Love that bass! 

[sonofa_lembic]

Thanks!  Heading out to tonight's gig at the Heritage Square Music Festival now.  Taking the Bat Bass!

[garyhead]

You need to find a Batman logo patch for your strap! 

[kilowatt]

I imagine that working with the dust from the carbon fiber is similar to fiberglass particles. An old time insulator once told me you can put baby powder on your exposed skin, and wear a good mask, and you will be much happier. I have used his suggestion many times, with great results. May be worth a try with the carbon fiber.

Regards,
Pete

[sonofa_lembic]

I used to do a lot of fiberglass lay up, and this carbon is an order of magnitude more itchy, almost to the point of painful.  The good thing is it is not toxic. 

[pauldo]

Agreed the carbon fiber looks very nice on the Bat (and the suggestion of a Batman logo).  Congratulations!

[BeenDown139]

not to hijack the thread much further. 

just outta curiousity said the old retired geezer who still has access to the company shop with 2 big CO2 + fiber laser engravers and all the support do-dads - can you engrave/cut that carbon fiber stuff with an IR laser? without causing a hazmat situation? or an explosion?

i do plastic, stainless steel, brass, glass and painted metal all day long in these things, my work's in half the electrical panels in this town plus in all the public access areas in the new airport councourses.  it's more fun than a plasma cutter and a whole lot less messy.  but i digress...

freaking awesome bass!  just shows to go ya that one man's trash is another man's treasure. i've had a couple of series I's pass thru my hands that i just couldn't bond with.  the next owner down the line was pleased as punch with it so i'll call that a win-win.

[sonofa_lembic]

I can't say whether a laser will work well with CF, but I suspect it would.  Remember CF is electrically conductive in case that matters.  The resin used in CF should be similar to that used for fiberglass, so probably not any more toxic when burned by the laser. 
Yes, this Series I was a good fit for me.  I like the shape, and I am not afraid of the eccentric design.  It looks great on stage anyway.  What I really like is a smart use of woods for great tone, and the very light weight for a Series bass.  A well balanced great player that sounds better than I ever thought it could as a short scale.  I did the first half of my gig last night with a different bass with EMG's in it, and then switched to the Bat Bass.  There was no comparison, and the Alembic literally destroyed the other bass.  This one is a winner for sure.