Author Topic: Maybe... (Read 520 times)

mike1762 · « **on:** April 04, 2010, 09:36:04 AM »

I MIGHT have some unexpected funds coming my way; therefore, I'm considering having my Uber Bass built. At heart I'm a cheapskate, so I don't know if I would actually pull the trigger. But here's my idea:

32, Right handed, 4 string Balance K Heart Omega

Neck: Classic taper. Crown peghead w/bevels. Center Ebony lam off-set from 2 Purple Heart lams with Maple veneers. The rest of the neck would be Spalted Maple.

Body: Spalted Maple body off-set from a Coco Bolo top and a Vermilion back with Purple Heart veneers. Tummy/Elbow contour.

Electronics: Series PUPs with a Superfilter for each PUP then a Pan and Volume.

Bells/Whistles: MOP ovals. Inlaid logo w/shell. Inlay of my wife's tatto at the 12th fret. Brass plates, covers, and hardware.

My goal is a punchy sounding bass that is aestheticly pleasing from all angles (thus the Spalted Maple body). I don't know... what do you think?

artswork99 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 04, 2010, 09:47:49 AM »

I love it! Sounds fabulous, go for it.

sonicus · « **Reply #2 on:** April 04, 2010, 10:06:13 AM »

It sounds like an intriguing design plan both as a player in the geometry and from the electronics package in mind. I will be watching for your up dates and will be looking forward to learning more about this Bass as its creation unfolds and is realised .

Sonic Regards !

mike1762 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 04, 2010, 10:29:46 AM »

I wonder if there is any of that quilted Coco Bolo left from Flax's Scarlet??? I'm not sure if I would want bookmatch to center or not. I like the looks of neck lams showing on the top, but I wonder what Spalted maple would look like adjacent to Coco Bolo. Are there any examples anywhere around here?

keith_h · « **Reply #4 on:** April 04, 2010, 11:09:04 AM »

Spalted maple is very soft and needs special treatment. I don't think it will work as a body wood. If I am missing what you are proposing please let me know.

Keith

mike1762 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 04, 2010, 11:21:28 AM »

I didn't know that... so Spalted Maple and Un-Spalted Maple have different characteristics (other than looks)?

sonicus · « **Reply #6 on:** April 04, 2010, 11:41:48 AM »

Here is a link that may be of help;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spalting#Commonly_Spalted_Woods

mike1762 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 04, 2010, 12:32:39 PM »

So much for my Spalted Maple neck idea!!! In that case I would use regular old Maple (maybe Flame Maple) in the neck. If Spalted Maple is a bad idea for the body, Macassar Ebony might give me the look I was going for or maybe use Flame Maple here as well... or some kind of Burl. With the chambering and neck-through construction, I can't imagine that the body is contributing much to the tone; therefore, I would want to do something visually interesting with the body/sandwich.

elwoodblue · « **Reply #8 on:** April 04, 2010, 12:52:53 PM »

This black and white ebony looks alot like spalted maple.

There is an example of a finished bass in the thread.

mike1762 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 04, 2010, 01:10:24 PM »

Thanks... I remembered that piece of wood, but couldn't find it. That would definitely achieve the look I was going after.

How insane would it be to have a neck built out of Black Ebony, Purple Heart, and this Black & White Ebony?

mike1762 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 05, 2010, 05:33:51 AM »

Mica:

1) What tonal characteristics does the Black & White Ebony have? You had mentioned in the above thread that the density seemed less than black ebony.

2) Do you have a long enough piece to make a neck? (Basically the neck recipe from Will's latest bass except PH instead of Vermillion and this B&W Ebony in place of the Maple).

3) My understanding is that the neck recipe is responsible for most of the tonal characteristics of a neck-through bass. Would that much ebony even be a good idea?

keith_h · « **Reply #11 on:** April 05, 2010, 12:06:10 PM »

Mike,
Don't forget the weight factor of the woods as you plan this out. A couple of pounds might not sound like much until it is sitting on your shoulder for 3 or 4 hours.

Keith

mike1762 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 05, 2010, 01:40:31 PM »

I exchanged Emails w/Will about this idea... that much Ebony would translate to WAYYYYY more low end than I would want. I guess I'm back to a more traditional neck recipe of: Maple, PH, Maple veneer, Ebony, Maple veneer, PH, Maple. Too bad about the Spalted Maple thing... that would have been a cool looking neck.

I hear you Keith, but I think my days of 4hr gigs are behind me!!!

keith_h · « **Reply #13 on:** April 05, 2010, 03:54:07 PM »

Who said anything about gigs? ;-) There are those marathon I must play it sessions when you first get the bass not to mention jams or recording sessions.

I wish you well on your path to a new bass.

Keith

tbrannon · « **Reply #14 on:** April 05, 2010, 06:17:15 PM »

Mike,

I see you mentioned Will in the post above. I'm assuming that's Will Gunn... I can't recommend him highly enough. He made the process of planning and ordering my custom very easy. Fantastic guy to work with.

Toby