See the business listing for this bass builder here
The feature bass for this week is a simple idea that turned into something wonderful.
Builder Abraham Stankovic from www.asguitars.com writes:
This instrument was inspired when a customer called me about a custom build and he heard about me through a mutual friend. I had been building on the side for years, but had just recently taken some time to focus on building. The only ideas he had at first were some basics, he knew he wanted a single cut with clear access to the high frets(this would end up having 27 frets on a 34″ scale). The customer wanted to use some of the specs he liked from his Warwick Thumb but change many other characteristics. What we kept the same most notably was the string spacing(extra wide) no radius fretboard and adjustable nut that wound up being one of the most difficult parts of the build to dial in. After going over many options for wood choices he decided on coco bolo for the carved top, red heart in the center and purple heart for the back. The neck is a 7 laminate sandwich of these same woods. The fretboard, pickup cover, bridge and tailpiece all carry out the same striping theme of the neck which carries out through the entirety of the instrument including the truss rod cover. I make pickups as well in order to keep the symmetry of an instrument and after making many sets I have found a process that is very sturdy even though the bobbins are made with some wood parts. I initially made a set of single coils, but being used to the noise cancelling of humbuckers the customer decided to go with a quieter setup so I then made a set similar to a split p design but both mini bobbins in one case. The bass is active with a Bartolini NTMB+F preamp that the customer wanted a toggle to replace the blend knob. The frets are stainless(yes, a bit more of a pain). Since the bridge was mostly made of wood and the saddles were not connected to each other I made the tailpiece in two pieces with a steel bar inserted with string holes drilled in it for strength and also to create the string link to run to ground. I made the knobs with the same woods and used Sperzel locking for the tuners. I mainly build guitars but can do a bass to any specs desired, if you want to check out some of my other work i recently started a Twitter @ascustomguitars and instagram asguitars with many in the works to be posted and finished soon.
Well done!
Want YOUR bass to be featured for Bass of the Week?
Submit yours now using our easy web form
Absolutely gorgeous. The wood combination is stunning and I actually like the shape although the solid upper and lower horns have never been my favourite. The way you’ve balanced it makes it very pleasing to look at. Did you filch the saddle inserts from another bridge or were you able to find these as a parts accessory? Beautiful bass.
The saddles look like Warwick which can be purchased separately from the manufacturer
Needs a big pink Troll displaying this one! Wild-looking bass!
Some very nice original ideas. Love the look of the Flying V with reverse Fender headstock in the final picture.
A very nice build. I am curious as to how much it weighs (with all that Purple Heart and Wenge). I like the idea of wood used to make the bridge and tailpiece It produced a more organic sound. I also like the access on the treble side. If I saw this bass at NAMM, I would wnat to play it to see if it sounds a good as it looks…
Thanks to everyone for the nice comments, if you would like to see more builds you can check out @ascustomguitars on twitter and ascutomguitars on instagram. I can answer any questions you may have.