See the business listing for this bass builder here
The builder of this bass was given the instructions to make it look like a Rickenbacker, and this is what he came up with. The end result? Something pretty darned good.
Builder Roy Epps writes:
I have been a wood worker for many years and I started building guitars about 10 years ago just for fun. I have now finished over 40 guitars. I enjoy building guitars more than any other wood project. I have never sold a guitar and typically give them away to people at Church or other places that do not have the money to afford a decent guitar. I have gotten better over the years and now have a list of people asking for a guitar. A friend of mine at work asked me if I could build a bass for his nephew. I told him I would and asked what he was looking for. All I got for a response was that he liked the shape of a Rickenbacker. Based on that I sketched out what I thought was the basic shape and began this build. It is a through body bass with a Maple center and two pieces of Purple Heart covered by Walnut. The body follows that same theme with Quilted Maple on the top sandwiching a layer of Purple Heart and then a book matched piece of Walnut on the back. Fret Board is Rosewood.
The pickups are EMG active pickups that I found at Best Bass Gear and they sound great. The first guitars I ever built took me years to build because I was always afraid to take the next step for fear I would ruin something. If you have never built a guitar I would encourage you to give it a try. It is very satisfying to see something you built get played in front of many people. The people at Best Bass Gear are full of good advice.
Well done!
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Great work Roy. Love my Epps.
SW
Very nice – well done.
Mmm, walnut & purpleheart… That walnut back is to die for! Fantastic looking bass.
Nice!!!!
You are making me consider walnut for my next build. Stunning! Great work.
Looks better than a Ric Roy most likely sounds better as well 🙂 Well done Roy!!!!
Beautiful!!!! Many bass players would love to have a bass like this one!!!
How do I get one? Gorgeous!
Wonderful piece of craftsmanship! I have wanted a ric style bass for many years, I have a real 1980 Ric I purchased new, but the idea of something like yours is making me lust after a custom made one, Great Work!
great work!!! Beautiful instrument
You do have a gift! This one is just as awesome as the others you’ve made!
Very nice work!!! I would pay you for it.
Beautiful workmanships. Keep it up.
Excellent job, Roy
Your wood selection is awesome!
what did you use for the truss rod? rick used a double truss.
Fantastic job Roy!
Beautiful!
She’s a beaut Clark!