Started my first bass build attempt.  Some concerns and questions as I've only built 4 string guitars so far:

1: I've made the headstock the same thickness as my guitars - 1/2" thick.  Will this be strong enough?

2: I don't feel I need to go with a full 34" scale.  Thinking of "3/4" scale which is 30" I believe.  Any thoughts?

3. I drilled the holes for the tuning machines so that the string goes through the center of the post, which I can see won't make it 'in line' with the string.  I should have offset so the string goes straight from the nut to the inside edge of the tuning post.  Do you think this is a deal breaker as the angle won't be straight?  Will be using a bone nut.

4. I'm going with lowest 3 strings - EAD - any suggestions on gauges?  No truss rod planned.  Mahogny neck with a maple fingerboard.

5. I've got a Gitty 4 string single coil guitar pickup (part # 54-020-01) with pre-wired harness with tone, volume and jack - will that work for a 3 string bass or should I order something different? If so, do I center each of the 3 strings between the 4 magnets?

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  • My suggestion is use the biggest box you can find, a cutlery chest or similar might give the sound a lot more room to bloom.
    Also consider using real fat strings and shortening the neck even more than 30"....
    A regular bass string can do low e on 30" basses, although it's a little flabby. But if you had a low b from a five string set you can get to low e at even guitar scale length ;)
  • My advice is to use a ready made truss rod. They are cheap and they work well. A solid steel bar will give you some additional strength: they can help as long as they are deep enough, but wont give you any adjustability. A solid steel bar will still bend and will be pretty heavy compared to an adjustable rod. Using a piece of shelf support channel doesn't sound too clever...they are usually full of slots which could take away the strength...plus you'll have to route out a substantial amount of timber to install it. Use a proper truss rod.

  • I haven't tried it on a bass, but I put together and experimental 12 string. I was able to find 1/8" x 1/2" steel flat bar which I mounted in a saw kerf. The box pulled itself apart but the neck never bent.
  • With the cigar box basses I've built I've used two-way acting truss rods...it's a heck of a long neck, even at 30" scale it's a good 20% longer than a regular guitar, and the neck's increased tendency to bend will be greatly increased...so you do need to make sure the neck has got enough meat in it to counteract the string tension.

    • Hi guys, at last some none else who wants to build a bass CbG,I've been thinking of it too but concerned about obvious tension probs.I really would appreciate any help and advise.

  • Here's some pic's.... always love pic's!  You can see the alignment of my penciled in strings.

    photo 1.JPG

    photo 2.JPG

    • Additional question while I'm thinking about it... I have some medium fret wire (from Gitty). Do I need to use heavier wire for a bass? I'm also trying to figure out a truss rod as we'll. I've got plenty of tools to work with, but don't want to order a ready made adjustible truss rod. I think I have some of the u shaped channel used for book shelves. Will epoxying a length of that under the fretboard work?
      • Any takers on answers to the other questions? I need to know if I need to order new parts... Namely fret wire (is medium/medium "meaty" enough? Also will this 4 pole mag pickup work for a 3 string? I still haven't decided about a truss rod - May just laminate a strip of maple down the center of the neck.
        • I built this one: Full scale CBG bass  2 1/2 years ago using maple with an oak center strip and oak fretboard without a truss rod at 34" scale. The neck is a deep D profile.

          I talked to the owner last night and he says there is no noticeable bending of the neck so I would tend to think you will be okay at 30" and 3 string. Get good wood and do a proper glue up.

          • Thanks for those ideas.  I'll have to figure out if I can use the same neck as it already has the headstock glued on at the scarf joint.  Another question:  Will a 1.5 inch wide fretboard be enough room for 3 bass strings?

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