We last left off with routing the control cavity, and now it’s time to move on to routing the pickup cavity. Below: What we’ll be using. Two clamps, the body template, router and body block (in progress.) Below: The layout of pickup route drawn on body. While it is not necessary to draw in the … Read more
In this step we finish up (yes, really!) the routing of the control cavity – and this is where we see all three bits get into action. Below: Using the second bit (3/4-inch), adjusted for next pass. Below: Pass with 3/4-inch bit completed. Below: Adjustment made using same bit for next pass. Below: Pass completed. … Read more
In this build step, we continue on with the routing of the control cavity. Above: The photo shows that the first pass is now completed. Below: Setting up the router bit for the second pass. Below: Performing the second pass, using two 1/4-inch passes at this stage. Below: The two passes have been completed. Below: … Read more
In this build step, we start the routing of the control cavity. Below: Tools to be used. A drill, screw gun, router, 3 router bits, 1 chamfer bit, center punch and 4 pick guard screws. Note that the body is clamped to table. Below: A closer look at the bits to be used. While … Read more
This is a continuation of part 1. In this step, the control cavity routing template is finalized and completed. Below: A jigsaw with scroll cut blade is used to cut out the template. Below: The top portion has been cut with the jigsaw. Below: The remainder being cut. Below: Material removed and rough template … Read more
When people hear the word “template,” the idea comes to mind that a template is fabricated so it can be used more than once. In the guitar building world, it is actually normal to fabricate one-use templates. Unless the same guitar is crafted over and over again, a seasoned builder over time can easily fill … Read more
Below: While the neck is clamped securely in place, the neck itself is used as a template guide, and at this point we stick the template physically to the body using double-sided tape. The tape being used is carpet tape. 3M brand carpet tape is recommended, but if that particular brand is not available where … Read more
In this part of our build-a-bass series, an example of how to route a neck pocket into body is done using a 5-string layout with a short neck. Even though this is atypical compared to a standard 4-string body with long scale 34-inch neck, the process is still the same when it comes to getting … Read more
At this point, we’re completing the back side of the neck pocket template, and then tidying up and completing it before putting the template to good use. Above: Gluing in more scrap pieces to finish the end of the template. This is done to complete the back side. While the front side looks fine, the … Read more
Check for tightness of fit. The ideal fit is as tight of a fit as possible without binding. It is okay if the template fits too tightly as excess can be removed later on, whereas if it fits too loose, the neck will never achieve a proper fit. When the neck is fitted into the … Read more
