This is a continuation from part 2. Below: A look at the contour cut before cutting begins. Note the pronounced edges; these will be rounded off. Below: Filing is about to begin. Below: The cut after filing (approximately under a minute of filing was required to get this shape). Below: View of upper horn. Note … Read more
This build step is a continuation from part 1 where more finalizing of the body shape is done. Below: The body is clamped to table using scrap blocks Below: A look at how sharp this corner is presently. We will be blending this so that everything appears round(er) when finished. Below: The rasp is used … Read more
In this first part of this build step, we shape some more using a combination of both hand and power sanding with the goal of finalizing the overall shape. (Note: Since this step is split into parts, the tools shown will be shown over a series of articles.) Below: The body with rasp sitting on … Read more
For this step, there are basically two ways of getting it done. The first way is by hand, and the second way is using what’s known as a roundover bit. What will be shown here is how it’s done using the latter. Below: This is where we left off last time. All the body edges … Read more
In this build step we shape out the forearm contour. This contour is not absolutely necessary but many bass players like it because it makes for a more comfortable playing experience whether seated or standing. Below: Guitar body, Surform file, 80-grit sandpaper, adjustable F-clamp, small sanding wood block for use as caul. Below: The line … Read more
In this build step, a contour is cut on the back of the body. This is a cut seen on many different basses and offers additional comfort when playing sitting or standing. Below: The tools used. Smooth cut files, rasps, surform shaver, microplane, colored sanding blocks, 80-grit sandpaper, sliding arm clamp. Below: Rear body contour … Read more
In this build step, the only tool used is the spindle sander with drums of varying sizes to be able fit the sander everywhere that needs to be sanded. Below: Spindle sander used with 80-grit sandpaper. Seen here is, for this particular table, the largest 3-inch drum. Below: A look at the upper waist of … Read more
In this build step, the treble side rib is cut. A mistake was made where the cut wasn’t exactly flush so a chisel (not seen in the first photo below but seen later on) had to be used. Where wood is concerned, sometimes (or rather oftentimes) things don’t always go according to plan, so you … Read more
This is a continuation of part 1. The remainder of the body is being cut out. Below: Continuing to cut around the lower horn. Below: Beginning to cut the neck area. The cut distance from the pencil line has been purposely increased from a 1/16″ distance to 1/8″; this keeps the standing rib from breaking … Read more
In this build step, the band saw is put to use to cut more wood excess away from the body to get it closer to its finalized shape. Below: Showing the body before cutting starts. The larger wood excess has been cut away previously, and in this step we’re slimming it down even further. No … Read more
