Advice needed for first time bass build

Posted by OldNick on October 17, 2012 at 3:11pm

I've been asked to build a five string type one bass cigar box guitar.  I've built/played CBGs and Lap steels, but never a bass.  In fact, I'm totally in the dark when it comes to these puppies, so I need a little guidance.

The guy I'm making this for plays in a reggae band.

Any and all suggestions are welcome, particularly regarding these items:

 

-what is a type one bass?

-what would be the suggested string height and spacing?

-suggestions for electronics, and best places to buy them

-differences in fretting a standard guitar and a bass

-other stuff that someone with my lack of knowledge about basses should be aware of

thanks in advance.

nick

You need to be a member of Cigar Box Nation to add comments!

Join Cigar Box Nation

Email me when people reply –
Follow

Replies

  • OldNick November 12, 2012 at 10:43pm

    finished the bass. came out pretty well. pictures here:

    http://www.cigarboxnation.com/photo/albums/5-string-bass-11-12-2012

    • eK > OldNick November 14, 2012 at 12:03am

      +1 w/Yellowbelly Flatt. That does look like one very nice bass machine.

      Any chance of hearing some sound clips?

    • Marmelade > eK December 5, 2012 at 4:51am

      I have just read thru this post. I'm impressed, nice work !

    • Yellowbelly Flatt > OldNick November 13, 2012 at 4:34am

      From the photos it looks like a real good build. 

  • eK October 24, 2012 at 2:55pm

    Note: regarding the earlier comment about a truss rod: it's not an option. You absolutely must install one if you don't want a neck you'll be able to shoot arrows off of in about 12 months. Fortunately, they're readily available and reasonably priced (about $20-25) from several sources. Basses use the 24" size.

    If possible, get one of the 2-way adjustable types to allow for correcting the neck bow in either direction. Also don't forget to see what tool you'll need to adjust it. It's essential you use the correct type and size wrench or you'll risk damaging the truss rod.

    Good video here that explains what it's all about if you're not familiar with truss rods. And another vid here where a pro builder walks you through what's involved in installing one.

    • OldNick > eK October 25, 2012 at 8:33am

      Thanks.  I'm well aware of the neck tension issue, as well as installation/use of truss rods.

    • eK > OldNick October 26, 2012 at 11:59pm

      Apologies. Didn't know you did.

    • OldNick > eK October 27, 2012 at 10:33am

      no reason to apologize for trying to help.  FYI,  I use Stewmac's "Traditional Truss Rod Kit".  It's cheap and I can cut it to size to fit whatever I'm building.  Only one way adjustable though.

      http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Truss_rods/Adjustable_truss_rods/Tradit...

  • eK October 24, 2012 at 2:38pm

    there is nothing that I know of that is vitally specific to a bass used for reggae that is different from other styles of music. Like anything else it's all down to personal preference.

    Sounds right to me. About the only thing that can be said for reggae's sound is that it is dark and thick by design.

    For practical purposes that usually means flat wound strings, a short scale (30") neck (optional - to get that bouncy tubby woody quality), low tone settings - although it's usually better to do it on the amp and leave the tone on the bass somewhere in the middle, cranked up bass tone settings, a tube amp head, and 15" speakers in a ported cabinet.

    It's not just the instrument that makes a reggae bassline sound like a reggae bassline. It's the instrument, the amp, the settings, and the player. I've heard pros produce that lovely sound using every bass you can think of, ranging from a an vintage P-Bass to a brand spanking new Rickenbacker 4003.

    I think if you just build the nicest sounding bass you can that favors the low end you'll do just fine.

    Note: a 5-string bass is not that easy a thing to build. Even if it's a conventional 5-string you're building from a kit. I give you credit for being willing to take on that level of challenge on your first bass build.

    • OldNick > eK October 25, 2012 at 8:34am

      So I should use P-Bass pickups as opposed to J-Bass pickups, correct?

This reply was deleted.