first bass build

Posted by Patrick on April 28, 2017 at 10:29pm

Hey folks.  Thinking of building a CBG bass and I have a question or 2. 

Does it matter what kind of magnetic pickup I put in it?  I mean is there one specific for basses?  Also, does the 3 or 4 string matter? 

Also do I have to use a hardtail bridge or can I use a tail piece with a floating bridge like most CBG's? 

thanks for the input.  I'm not a real experienced builder and I know nothing about basses.  But I want to built one. 

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Replies

  • BrianQ. November 8, 2018 at 5:08pm

    Yes there is a difference between bass & guitar pickups, cbgitty has an economical 3/4 string pickup that’s worth trying (black enclosed 4 pole pickup). You can use any kind of bridge you want, even a bolt? but if you want maximum control over action/ intonation then you’ll want a hard tail bridge. Really the only difference between bass & guitar is scale length & string size & obviously tone, so really you’re just building a guitar with a longer neck & bigger strings. 3 or 4 strings, preference really, but if you’re doing a 4 string,you’ll need a truss rod unless you’re going with weedwhacker strings. Hope I’ve helped, there’s gonna be plenty of experience chiming in soon. Good luck

  • Phil Farabough November 8, 2018 at 3:15pm

    A full 4 string bass has a fair amount of tension on the bridge as well as the neck joint because of its length. These 2 areas need to be strong.

    Have no exp with floaters. Cant advise there. 

    Any bass pickup will work. But choose wisely. Semore Dunkin is a industry standard. For simplicity and first build I would go with a P setup.

  • bemuzic May 8, 2017 at 7:39am

    I have a video of a 2 string bass I made....though I didn't know what I was doing, so it may be of limited use, lol! However it's still in one piece and plays well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3IF12BZ-LA

  • Where's Uranus? April 29, 2017 at 1:10pm
    I'd say no on the pickup issue. If the strings are metal covered and the pickup is magnetic you are fine, I built a bass out an old strat copy, and kept the original pickups, does D0 (octave below standard bass E) just fine.
  • Brian Revels April 29, 2017 at 12:42pm
    Do think about string tention. That will depend 3 to 4 strings. Are you using nylon or steal strings? This comes into play with the pickup as well. Will it have frets?
    • Patrick > Brian Revels April 29, 2017 at 1:48pm

      I'm not sure I know the difference between nylon and steel strings.  Total beginner.  I'm assuming the nylon are for acoustic?  I want to go electric on this one.  And yes it will have frets

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