box bass build

hi new member here.

I've got a box 9''x7''x21'', dark wood not sure what kind. I used some warped wooden panel to make an arched top for it which slots right in to two existing grooves. also lots of unknown hardwood plank, all old furniture.

so, making a cello sized bass, fretless and 3 string. The neck will be really short to avoid having to use a truss rod; about 7-8 frets, and should be angled over the top like a viol fingerboard. There will also be a high, carved bridge and tailpiece of some kind. And a piezo in there somewhere.

I've spent two days puzzling over the best way to make a proper neck heel: stacked bits of wood.. metal bracket.. whole neck and heel carved from one piece of wood.. I've been looking at double bass construction and there's always a tongue and groove thing going on which aint possible with this box.

I'm expecting a lot of tension so going with a big steel shelving bracket. It'll last long and look rugged. Any tips or warnings before i do it tomorrow?

(pics coming soon)

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Replies

  • so.. here it is , still in the experimental stages. I like to leave things unfinished to see what happens; where the weak points are, what to change etc.

    the bridge is rough, needs remaking. there's no nut; just guiding screws. I want a curved fingerboard eventually.. lotsa stuff.

    sounds fantastic when i slide a note though, and that's what matters

  • I made a bass out of a Torano box, and it is a 34" scale. I turned two 1x2s on their sides and laminated them together. I just cut the neck and made the heel part of the neck stock. It is a neck through design, so far it seems strong enough without using a truss rod.

    http://www.cigarboxnation.com/photo/100-0119?context=user

    • thanks dan, if this thing falls apart i'll try it your way

      • bump

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