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New guy, new build

Hi all, this is my first post. Glad to join you.

So I have a kind of a big box I’m starting with (about 18.5” x 11” x 4”), so I am going to try to build a full sized bass. I have a spare neck already, so I don’t have to build one. I’m hoping it will be pretty straightforward, but you know how that goes.

Anyway, my question is mostly about aesthetics. The box is really a blank slate, so I’m trying to find some inspiration on tarting it up a little. So far, I’ve considered waterslide decals, or some kind of decoupage using old family memorabilia. I guess I’m just looking for ideas, advice, and/or feedback. Thanks for reading,

dave

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Permalink Reply by Southern Ray on August 31, 2020 at 9:32pm

Welcome, Dave!

I really like the looks of the wood. I'd smooth it as much as possible and put some kind of oil, true oil, linseed, etc. on it and call it a day. If you want a decoupage, image or something like it on the face, C.B. Gitty can transfer images to wood. Not sure of specifics.

Looking forward to watching this build!

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Permalink Reply by Dave on September 1, 2020 at 1:39am

Since I am a Pittsburgh boy in the blood, I was thinking of attaching (somehow) some old Pittsburgh map artwork to cover the entire front. Not too original, but might increase the salability around here (if I decide to sell it).

I also have a friend who is a tattoo artist, and I was thinking of asking him to go crazy on it, but I don’t know if he would have time for my project.

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Permalink Reply by Tim Pannabecker on September 2, 2020 at 2:24pm

Hey Dave,

you are creative and I can’t wait to see your sweet bass. BTW ask as you go through the process if you have a questions, there are many brilliant builders on this site and we like helping the newly addicted. I am building 3 now. I let the project evolve and do not plan it completely from the beginning, so it marinates sometimes. Many here know exactly what they want to build and build it according to plans.

There are no rules have fun, build, play Repeat

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Permalink Reply by Southern Ray on September 1, 2020 at 6:30pm

You certainly have some good ideas there. If this is your first build, you really outta keep it. Just something I've always thought someone should do for themselves. Whatever you decide, good luck on this build!

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Permalink Reply by Dave on September 6, 2020 at 8:56am

Well, I’ve gotten started looking for parts. I have a pretty good collection, as I believe in never throwing anything away :-)
Here’s a couple pics of my junk pile so far. I don’t know what that iron bar used to be, but to me it’s looking like a bridge!

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Permalink Reply by Ken Vickerson on September 6, 2020 at 10:30am

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Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on October 8, 2020 at 11:05am

When I made my BO Diddly tribute guitar, I used a silverware box. The top turned out to be Masonite on my box, so I made mine a neck-tru construction to give it some strength. I have pics of the inside if you want to see them.

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Permalink Reply by Dave on October 8, 2020 at 1:11pm

Yeah, I would love to see them! I’ve made some changes to my plan for this bass. I found that the bottom of the box was far more interesting than the top, which is pretty plain. So I remove the top and flipped a over! It’s going to be significantly less bulky this way. Will try to get some pictures soon.