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I would like to make an acoustic bass using the OLF SJ mold and pattern I received from John at Blues Creek. Apparently, Martin also uses the same body for their jumbo guitars and basses, and just adjusts the neck, bracing, and everything else to the appropriate scale length.

Does anybody have any suggestions for a bass plan that would work well with the OLF SJ size? I am trying to get the best volume/tone from the guitar without having to amplify it. Any advice on this project would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

John    John Elshaw38592.597349537

Keeping in mind I have zero experience with ABGs: My concern would be that it'd be a tad, well, small. As you say, same bodies for jumbo guitars, but a regular SJ is more like a curvy version of an OM, size-wise, than anything else, isn't it? I've seen some truly massive ABGs built, up to 18", although I'm not entirely conviced bigger soundboards are necessarily the way to go. There's the whole helmholtz resonance thing to deal with as well.

I'd go check the various ABGs people have posted to the MIMF about; it's a topic that has come up quite often in the past, and someone seems to post a new one every few months.

John, other than a stand-up bass, I doubt if you will be happy with the volume of any acoustic bass without a pickup.

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Don Atwood
Arlington, VA

Actually Don,

I've played quite a bit of acoustic basses and there is a huge difference between volumes of well built compared to cheap basses. I think the volume is rather good on a bunch of basses, given the correct context if it's played with other acoustic guitars. I think many bass players forget what a bass guitar is and end up trying to crank up the volume and play it like a lead or solo instrument. The best players know how to blend in and make the rythem section jam without overpowering.

Cheers!

John

I've been thinking about building a bass as well. Only I will probably use a J-200 size body. Keep us posted on your progress.

JoshJosh H38593.4315277778

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Josh House

Canadian Luthier Supply
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House Guitars - Custom Built Acoustic Instruments.
http://www.houseguitars.com

I'll be watching with keen interest as well. An acoustic bass is a luxury (for a non-pro musician, like me) that I would never be able to afford, so I plan to build one.

One major consideration is scale length. I'm hoping I can figure out a scale length less that 34", that will still have a decent bass punch. John, what scale length do you plan to use?

Dennis

Edit: By the way, here is William Cumpiano's take on an acoustic bass guitar, and it ain't pretty:
http://www.cumpiano.com/Home/Articles/Special%20interest/Acb ass/acbass.htmDennisLeahy38593.4304513889

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Dennis Leahy
Duluth, MN, USA
7th Sense Multimedia