am going to build an upright bass. Does anyone have plans or information that may help especially with scale length, tuning machines, use of piezo and any other helpful information? If you can point me in the right direction it would be a help e.g. stings, neck dimensions
I have decided on a hybrid acoustic / electric double bass with the fret board tilting back at about 20 degrees.
I have a few questions
1 What strings are best to use. I am thinking of a 3 or 4 string model. I believe that weed eater line (grass trimmer) line can be used. If so what size or is there an alternative
2. Can normal guitar machine heads be used with the holes reamed out?
3 Is it easier to play than a CBG because I am struggling to learn the CBG
4 Any other help or tips
5 Are both the bridge and nut made out of wood?
I have posted this entry in another forum and received a good response. Any further information would be helpful.I am using a thin sided box approximately 18 x 12 x 6 inches. I can get one larger if required.
Replies
Here is some information I shared on another post, hope it helps
http://www.cigarboxnation.com/forum/topics/electric-upright-bass?co...
You can go here for starters! I hope to make one someday soon. I have the tuners, now just have to score the washtub and negotiate with family members over allotted space for such a big instrument.
http://dennishavlena.com/db.htm
When I built my very basic stand up bass, I used strimmer line (from B & Q) but I really can't remember the sizes that I used.
I have used ordinary guitar machine heads with these strings and I didn't have to enlarge the holes.
Bass is my 'first' instrument and I have been playing the instrument for 40 years. In many ways it is easier to play but it can also be very difficult to play well.
The nut and bridge are traditionally made of wood.
I used an exceedingly small box which I chose to make the instrument 'unusual' and used a piezo disc/ The amplified sound was good.
As ever, make it strong.