Advice needed for first time bass build

I've been asked to build a five string type one bass cigar box guitar.  I've built/played CBGs and Lap steels, but never a bass.  In fact, I'm totally in the dark when it comes to these puppies, so I need a little guidance.

The guy I'm making this for plays in a reggae band.

Any and all suggestions are welcome, particularly regarding these items:

 

-what is a type one bass?

-what would be the suggested string height and spacing?

-suggestions for electronics, and best places to buy them

-differences in fretting a standard guitar and a bass

-other stuff that someone with my lack of knowledge about basses should be aware of

thanks in advance.

nick

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by OldNick on October 27, 2012 at 3:33am

no reason to apologize for trying to help.  FYI,  I use Stewmac's "Traditional Truss Rod Kit".  It's cheap and I can cut it to size to fit whatever I'm building.  Only one way adjustable though.

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Truss_rods/Adjustable_truss_rods/Tradit...

Permalink Reply by OldNick on November 12, 2012 at 4:43pm

finished the bass. came out pretty well. pictures here:

http://www.cigarboxnation.com/photo/albums/5-string-bass-11-12-2012

Permalink Reply by Yellowbelly Flatt on November 12, 2012 at 10:34pm

From the photos it looks like a real good build. 

Permalink Reply by eK on November 13, 2012 at 6:03pm

+1 w/Yellowbelly Flatt. That does look like one very nice bass machine.

Any chance of hearing some sound clips?

Permalink Reply by Marmelade on December 4, 2012 at 10:51pm

I have just read thru this post. I'm impressed, nice work !

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