See Steven’s business listing here
The feature bass this week concentrates on ergonomics to make for a great bass to play sitting or standing.
Bass builder Steven Yanofsky writes:
This is my first fretless build, the body is based on a previous build I made, with some modifications, the shape was design considering ergonomics, trying to make it more confortable to play it in standing and sitting positions, for example the upper horn is longer than other basses, to bring the neck closer to the player and as a result, more confort playing the lower notes. I wanted to give this one a modern look, with some classic shapes, and i always liked the combination of Wood with grey Stone, so i tried to mimic this, painting it grey, but enhacing the grain.
The body is mahogany back with an ash top, which gives it a very nice even tone, and not as heavy as all ash body, the neck is 2 piece maple, one piece walnut with ebony veneer, carbon fiber inserts, double action truss rod, 6 bolts to maximize stabilty.
I designed the fret guides, in a way that can be follow easily, but still letting see that the ebony fingerboard was born fretless. The pickups are Nordstrand Big Singles with a passive 2 vol, one tone circuit, wich sounds great, but I designed the control cavity to allow an active circuit. Tuners are Gotoh which I think are nice and reliable at a good price, bridge is Schaller also very nice. The pickup covers are made of one piece ash block, carved with a router. The finish is polyurethane with a light satin nitro coat.
I hope you like this bass and let me know any comment, good or bad so i can improve my building skills.
Well done!
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Fantastic looking bass! I love the two tone wood look and the short fret markers. Very unique, I would buy this based on looks alone. Great job!
What a beautiful design! Very inovative and elegant! I would prefer the back in appearing wood.
Excellent idea excellent concept I just would have had the pickup closer to the bridge a little nap beautiful
I love that neck! Thank you for sharing!
Absolutely Beautiful Bass
I love this bass. The stone look with the wood looks great. I agree with Charles about putting the pickups a little closer to the bridge. Maybe bring both pickups back about an inch. Also I also would like the back to stay the wood color as Danilo said. These are all just personal prefrences, and does not take away the fact that it is truly a magnifacant bass the way it is. I want one. LOL. Good Job. Ron Ledford
It’s a masterpiece! Would love to hear a sample 😉
I think you nailed it!
Very interesting design, beautiful execution.
I agree with the others questioning pickup placement, but would love to hear it ,as is, before rendering a verdict.
Overall a wonderful contribution to the art.
nice lookin’ bass…but why the markers?
nice choice of wood.
Wonderful design and execution. I love the matte gray against the natural wood. The idea of partial fret position markers is great. The passive electronics are a great fit for a fretless bass.
Beautiful instrument!
I like everything about it!
Are you able to make this same bass left handed?
Thank you very much, yes i can build a left hand version, let me know if interested.
An individual masterpiece. Nicely laid out and though there is some concern about the pickup placement the Nordstrands will more than compensate. Would love to hear it wiggle through a clean amp.
She looks hot mate great job
I would love to hear her
Have you made a fretted version too?
Thank you, i build a couple 5 string fretted basses very similar in shape, but this is the first one with this concept.
Thank you all for your very positive comments, you made my mama proud, i whant to explain the pickup placement that appears to be the more controversial topic on this project, yes the pickups are more neck oriented because the customer wanted a more bassy tone on this instrument, but the result is excellent with lots of punch and well defined notes.
This pickups are amazing.
Thank you again for taking the time and comment, this is important to me.
Steven
Man that’s gorgeous! And I love the slate look in back! Would you do a six?
Yeah! You rock, man. If the bass sounds half as good as it looks you’ve got a winner!
Would love to play one. It’s truly a beautiful piece of work. I’ll check for a web site. I’d be interested in all the specs and a price sheet.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/w3pzue7f3zuvfqt/Feb._23-007.wav?dl=0
Here is the link so you can hear the bass, first sample is bridge pup, second neck, and third both pickups, tone 90% to the back.
This ecorded using i Rig recorder direct.
Let me know your comments.
Thanks again
Looks great add a 3rd pick up at the bridge…
Thats quite possible the most beautiful bass Ive ever seen. The contrasting wood tones really sets it off. Great job….
It looks great, it sounds great, and it plays great!! I would not change a thing. Congratulations, Steven. I predict that you’ll be owning one of the best bass guitars factories of the world!!!