Custom Bass Questions

Allright, I've had a killer idea pop into my head concerning a custom bass project I've been fiddling with, and I need some help figuring out exactly how I go about making this idea into something I can plug in and rock with.

Here's the basic idea-- a bass with an inlayed 'pickguard'. I know inlay and pickguard don't exactly add up, but you know where I am going with this. recess the 'pickguard' to where it is flush with the rest of the guitar body, find a way to secure it without the traditional screwheads all the way around it for an extremely clean looking never been done before (to my knowledge) bass guitar.

My master plan includes using a piece of quilted maple for the inlay, probably from the stuff they use for acoustic guitars....any bright ideas??

Norvll

 

Figure out the shape you want to use for the inlay. Make a template from that shape 1/16th larger. Mount the template to the top of the bass, set your router for the appropriate depth and route it!

 

I know about the inlaying part-- and that's the look I want; it's just the access to the pickups, knobs, etc. that is the problem. This isn't going to be a rear routed job....

 

Well, lets see. You could try rabiting the cavity under the pickguard so that you have a 1/8th or larger edge to play with. Maybe try some velcro to hold it down. or recess magnets in the "lip" of the cavity and line the back of the pickguard with steel so it just sticks in place.

 

sounds good-- I was also thinking of using the knobs screws that have to be there anyway anlong with the bridge to help secure it; along with the rabbiting you suggested. Provided I get TIME to mess with it, I'll post the fished project. It may be a while though..... all work and no play make jack a dull boy.

 

I'm still brainstorming this-- rabbit the side opposite the knobs, set the knobs in place with a piece underneath the inlay, and use the nuts on the knobs as a way of securing the inlay and still having access. And again, I'd also do the same type setup with the bridge....

 

I wouldn't do that with the bridge. You would be losing mass at a critical point that would probably cause considerable tone loss.

 

I don't quite understand.... so you're saying not to route out for the pickguard beneath the bridge?

 

Exactly. Maybe you could post a drawing of approximately where you are routing to give me a better idea. Could be that we are talking about two completely different things .

Here's some pics of the last bass I did just to give you something to look at

Bass

 

I'm still just getting ideas, I've also got to decide whether to just route an existing body, or try to make one from scratch....

 

I think we're talking about the same thing-- I was going to route out under the bridge. I was going to replace what I routed with the "inlayed" pickguard. In theory (and provided I do it right) the thickness would be the same as if I hadn't routed it-- would this still cause the loss of tone quality etc.; like you referred to?

 

Are you going to be close to the pegs/footings of the bridge? I would stay away from that area. It is a major tone transfer point. Its where a lot of your sound comes from. You may be able to do it and have no issues. For me personally, I avoid it like the plague. Draw a picture of the layout and where you are going to route.