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New photos of the box so far. I'm hoping to close it this weekend and get it bound.
Black Limba via the Zootman. I really love working with it. I wouldn't hesitate to use it again.
Its going to be a 4 string bass with a maple neck laminated with a couple solid strips of coco.
The body shape is a Grand Auditorium style with a few more MM of depth.





Not very exciting yet, but its always fun to share.

-j.

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“If God dwells inside us like some people say, I sure hope He likes enchiladas, because that's what He's getting”
-jack handy

Looks great, j!!! Nice and clean and I love that zoot!

What other changes to you employ when making a bass?...besides only needing 4 slots in the nut and four holes in the bridge. That really shows my ignorance on this.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Coolness...

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"I want to know what kind of pickups Vince Gill uses in his Tele, because if I had those, as good of a player as I am, I'm sure I could make it sound like that.
Only badly."

MAN! I love that wood!
VERY nice clean work too!

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

There's a whole sleu of factors to take into consideration with the Bass. Most of them I won't even have an inkling of until its done, I'm sure. Its Tony Carroll's line about experience, there.
The neck and scale seem to be the largest factor right now with the bass. Making the bracing work with the bridge plate, the bridge, how they meet with the X's...all that. Its a 34" scale, so the bridge location is a world away from my other guitars.

Here's the bracing all done up. I'm a little fearful (maybe not fearful, but hesitant for sure) of posting this, with all the bracing bru-ha-ha going on in other threads. I've run the design by several reputable folks here on the forum, though, and I've gotten the "Thumbs Up", so I proceeded...but feel free to point out critical errors here.



The bridge plate is a bit larger than I prefer. I've moved the X a bit more toward the lower bout, adjusted the angle slightly, etc., but the plates still a bit big. I'm carving some of it away tonight in my final effort of cleanup prior to closing the top.
Its got a great tap tone to it and a little bit of sustain...it still sounds a little tight, but I hesitate to continue to whittle away. The carbon fiber laminates in the X's add a whole other dimension to it. Plus its HECK on chisels....ugh. I've never spent so much time on a sharpening stone!

Anyway....thanks for lookin.

-j.j.Brown39031.5730208333

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“If God dwells inside us like some people say, I sure hope He likes enchiladas, because that's what He's getting”
-jack handy

Very nice!! Now get the rest together so we can see the whole thing!!

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Peter M.
Cornerstone Guitars
http://www.cornerstoneukes.com

Tres ich'in! Love the look of that wood! Carbon EATS even HSS! It's tough to work!

   Bass guitar that's the one with the really big strings right?   

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Billy Dean Thomas
Covina, CA

"Multi famam, conscientiam, pauci verentur."
(Many fear their reputation, few their conscience)

Very nice work J. Can't wait to see it and hear it when it's done. You are going to bring it by and play it aren't you??

Kevin

Goodness gracious me. That's a stunna!!

Its going to be just luscious when you are done. What are you going to bind it with?

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Aoibeann

Very nice work, J. Gotta like those X-braced sides!

Some real nice dark & orange streaked cocobolo are going on for bindings!

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“If God dwells inside us like some people say, I sure hope He likes enchiladas, because that's what He's getting”
-jack handy

Thanks for noticing those, Carlton! They're a real bear to notch and to get the angles on the kerfing cut. It's the second one I've done that way. I'm planning on modifying it next time to avoid cutting so much kerfing.

-j.

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“If God dwells inside us like some people say, I sure hope He likes enchiladas, because that's what He's getting”
-jack handy

Yeah, I may have to do that, Kevin! Good to see you on the forum!
-j.

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“If God dwells inside us like some people say, I sure hope He likes enchiladas, because that's what He's getting”
-jack handy

Looks wonderful. I wish my work was that clean. Great job, I can't wait to see it finished.

Homeboy

J.
Very Nice
Thank Black limba is very cool!!!
I see a different back bracing. Whats the scoop on that??

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Andy Z.
http://www.lazydogguitars.com

I know nobody else feels this way, but that wood is hot! That is going to look terrific.

Gorgeous wood J., and very neat work!

Fantastic work so far J!!!

I too really like the Limba (the wood, not the dance...)

I really like your centre strip as well. Nice touch!

Keep us posted!

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I'd like to be able to prove, just for once, that money wouldn't make me happy...

j - very nice. On your top cross brace, why is it carved down to nothing behind the cutout, since it looks like it
would clear the cutout OK? I'd think you'd want that support there. (But what do I know - I've never built a cutout.)

I also think the limba is georgeous. I have a really nice set from the zootman waiting, and I'm working on an electric bass right now that has limba body wings. I'd love to get that one done, but the builds for other people get in the way.   

Jim

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Jim Kirby
kirby@udel.edu

jt-
On the transverse brace, right? The outline of the edge of the top is still about a 1/2" proud of where the guitar is actually going to be. Add to that about 5mm of kerfing, and suddenly its riding right next to it. The long section about 1/10th of an inch tall actually rides the edge of the cutout there. It does look a little goofy, but I just closed it up yesterday and its fairly tight. I actually had to pull it after the first attempt and carve a little more.
Thanks for the question, though, it always pays to double check my own calcs and work.
-j.

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“If God dwells inside us like some people say, I sure hope He likes enchiladas, because that's what He's getting”
-jack handy

J,

I haven't had a chance to hear it since it has been closed up. What does it sound like? Inquirying minds want to know!

I should correct myself. Closed as in "Got the top on". I'm starting on Bindings tonight. We'll see how far that gets me.
Sounds good so far. Loud...a bit 'o sustain. I'd love to be able to get it bound and start on the neck before the Woodworking show.
-j.

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“If God dwells inside us like some people say, I sure hope He likes enchiladas, because that's what He's getting”
-jack handy

Love that black limba. Great work!
Doug