This week’s build is the Yanofsky Guitars SBV5-SR bass, built by the man himself, Steven Yanofsky. Here is a bit about the build in his own words:
Hi, this bass was a special order from a Mexican Rock star, he wanted a bass in black and white, the rest was up to me.
This bass features a Guanacaste body, which has a spectacular grain pattern, and it’s super light, the top is Ash, flame Maple neck and Ebony fingerboard with pearloid inserts with plastic binding, and carbon fiber rods.
Active electronics, features a Aguilar OBP3 preamp 9v, Pickups are Gemini from UK, which were developed for this project, they are splittable humbucker, in single coil mode they are similar to a Jazz pickup, and in humbucker mode , similar to a thunderbird pickup. in passive mode includes passive tone.
Hipshot tuners and ETS bridge from Germany.
First let me say that this looks like very good craftsmanship; you build well and you use a nice combination of natural wood tones combined with the black ash top. Your selection of hardware is very nice and the layout of your controls looks very nice also.
Now for some critique which is intended in a constructive way.
The shapes of the body and headstock are an uneasy mixture of curves and straight lines. The lines of the outer edges do not flow in a harmonious way and that detracts from the overall aesthetic of the instrument.
I am a luthier also and I understand that art is subjective, so what is not pleasing to my eye may be pleasing to your eye. In that light I congratulate you on your bass build and wish you much success.
Me parece um bom trabalho, ao olhos é lindo mas enfatizo na mistura de linhas retas e curvas que é um tanto exagerado mas gostei muito, parabéns pelo trabalho. Outra coisa boa e bem bacana são as misturas das madeiras combinativas entre si. O atual dono deste baixo é considerado uma pessoa de sorte.
The shape is distracting to me – if only all the edges were curved… to me the mixture does make it look somewhat like it was intended to be consistent and smooth lined but perhaps it was in error. Overall the shape is otherwise one I like.
Now with the pickups – I’m absolutely intrigued with the selection. My favorite bass is my Vintage Thunderbird. My next favorite is my Jazz. Nothing sounds as good as my Thunderbird until I really need that jazz bass specific tone. That you accomplished a configuration that allows for both tones in one bass is something that I would appreciate.
Overall it’s lovely. If you ever want to do another with this configuration in mind but with smoother lines I think it would be worth pursuing.
I’m very pleased you used this Guanacastle wood, since I’m familiar with it and I had never seen a bass body built from this particular wood. You point out it’s a light one, but I know too that it’s really hard to work with since it’s very sturdy and “spicy”. I would like to know more details about how the process of working with this material was and some insights about the shaping of this beautiful bass. Thanks!
Do you have a left-handed version of the guitar. What is the basic cosr of the guitar?
My first impression was “Wow this is a beautiful bass.” I lovely piece of art. As I left the picture on the desktop for a while I began to notice that the neck looked like it was placed as an after thought. I know that an instrument made with such precision would not possibly have any after thoughts. The lip where the truss rod adjustment is, just glares (that could be the way the picture was exposed.) It seems that the wood tone could have been blended a little better. The most important thing is that the customer loves it and that it improved his or hers musicianship. Great job.
The bass is beautiful just beautiful, some people want to stay with tradition I say be a game-changer this is a beautiful design
That is an absolutely gorgeous bass and I think the guy that gets to play it is one lucky fellow!
Thanks for taking your time to comment, you are right when you tell that the body is a combination of curves and streight lines, but this is not completely truth, in the pics this caracteristic is enhaced by the angle and the cutout of the pictue, there are no “streight” lines, but is true that some lines are streighter in some parts of the body like the horns.
Thanks again!!!
Indeed, the “cutout” was obvious. Aside, the guitar is sharp. I especially like the blackened effect on the ash and the neck heel relief. fwiw…a low cost “studio” photoshoot alternative is to elevate the work in front of a curved flat black or grey backround ( the back of linoleum flooring works well as it accepts paint well and can be easily rolled up for storage) and photographed in a natural light setting. Again, the guitar is beautiful.
Great looking bass and love the shape, it’s different which I like. Good job!
Hello – beautiful instrument! One possible change – the highest string is at too sharp an angle off the nut. Over time it could crack. Why not add a metal post halfway up towards the tuner to cut the angle down and take the horizontal strain off the nut. As to the other guy with the straight and curved lines – this is a show instrument and not for the bass player that sits in the back and hides. Its showy – yet a very fine instrument – and perfect for the guy who can really play and wants to be in front of the band and noticed!!!
Lovely… I just wonder and hope it doesn’t have a neck dive…
I do want to give it a try….
Lovely bass IMHO. The unique rhomboid body shape really works for me – I think due to the subdued color palate and massive chrome pickups. The top grain is perfect! So much for looks – if those electronics can emulate a T-Bird and a Jazz both this will be a great sounding bas as well. Congrats on a great build!
Very nice, I love it..
Someone’s going to be very delighted…
The headstock reminds me of my musicman Bongo,. Though.
Very unique and beautiful bass build in my eyes. I love the shape and your style as it is not a copy of other basses, but an original! Good for you! Keep on being original and great job!
How did the musician for whom you built it like it?
Looks like a beautiful build , great looking and tons of playability. Wish I could hear what it sounds like .
I’m planning on a build here soon, but I’m in need of inspiration for a two piece bridge as the center piece for this build.Thanks for the inspiration.
I love the simplicity of the build; not too much bling and easy on the eyes.( silk to the eyes)
It most certainly has a unique look to it, can’t think of anything that comes anywhere near its general look. In all honesty a Beut build.
Would love to hear it played in all its different ‘modes’. A Bass for all styles of music. Deffo winner .
I like things that are different. This looks like something I’d like to play. To see how different it might be.
Perfect Bass!