Collecting wisdom for acoustic bass

[jread]

I'd like to start planning out my next project. I have a handful of bass players wanting me to get on building a bass and I'd like to solicit ideas here. I've seen some neat projects by here such as JLT's tenor a few years ago. Anyone have some wisdom or gotcha's I can learn from while planning my next project? My thoughts so far:

I feel I'd like to make my standard dreadnought but converted to bass. Maybe a cut-away. 4 string, not sure what my nut and saddle width would be, I guess I should figure out what strings I'll be using and do some math unless there is a design out there that I can follow. Thinking mahogany back and sizes under a spruce top. Assuming 5/16" bracing maybe far less scallop than my usual builds but again not sure. I assume bass strings have higher tension but now that I think about it, I don't know!

What do you all think? Would a pretty standard Dred design work just modifying the nut, fretboard, and saddle widths? Should I consider different thickness for top? Standard headstock angle? Would love to hear if anyone has taken on a project like this. If it goes well, I have about 5 or 6 players chomping at the bit. Likely, I'd put in a pickup so also wondering if passive design would work like K&K but I can look up those later.

Cheers. Hope everyone is doing well. Here's a shot of my current build just because I know you all love pictures. A 00 with red spruce over black cherry. Both are from Diane's secret West Virgina mountain stash. Not related to the bass. Just sharing. Note the dragonfly inlay over what was a decent sized dent I managed to put in as I was fitting in the neck. Derp! But you know what? I love it.

IMG_7789.jpg

[CherryLine]

That sounds like a great project. A dread style acoustic bass with a cutaway can work well if you beef up the bracing and maybe use a slightly thicker top. First step would be picking your strings so you can plan nut width, bracing, and tension. K&K style passive pickups should be a solid fit too.

Also, The Guitar Fabrik offers acoustic kits if some wants to check out. It could save time on layup and routing stuff.

https://theguitarfabrik.com/us/products ... apele.html

Love the dragonfly inlay on your build. That kind of charm makes it unique. Excited to see how your bass turns out!

[tippie53]

I had documented a bass that was designed off the OM body with a scale length of 27.5 So a search you will find it

[jread]

I had documented a bass that was designed off the OM body with a scale length of 27.5 So a search you will find it

oooh. An OM body might work well too. It would be more comfortable likely for the players. I didn't even consider scale length. Thanks for the note!

Found your thread: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=10156

Very nice project! I'm extra motivated to get started.

[jread]

Love the dragonfly inlay on your build. That kind of charm makes it unique. Excited to see how your bass turns out!

thanks! I'm looking forward to it. I don't want to get ahead of myself but I need like 4 or 5 of these things. haha.

[MaineGeezer]

There are those bass guitars used in mariachi bands:
https://worldofmusicality.com/guitarron ... ent-facts/

[jread]

There are those bass guitars used in mariachi bands:
https://worldofmusicality.com/guitarron ... ent-facts/

oh no you didn't.

[MaineGeezer]

I'm guessing it's possible to play something other than mariachi music with one. Just like it's possible to play music other than "Lady of Spain" on an accordian.... ;-)

[JLT]

I've already written up pretty much all I had to say in the "Tenor Bass" thread (a misnomer, since it turned out not to be a tenor bass, but a bass with conventional tuning and a 24-1/2" scale length). But I might point out a few things here:

If you have have a body that's dreadnaught size or smaller, you'll need a pickup. I've heard several "acoustic basses" by several different manufacturers and have yet to hear one that wasn't drowned out when it was played along with a couple of other instruments. I use the JJB passive pickup with good results, although running it through a pre-amp is useful for shaping the sound to your liking.

The guitarrón can get away with dispensing pickups because of its size. The only other alternative I've seen is a cello played without a bow, like an upright bass, by a friend of a friend of mine. If you're not going that route, pickups are mandatory.

My current bass is the Hofner-clone I built. I like the scale length... longer than a dreadnaught but not as long as a conventional 34" bass guitar. And not heavy, like standard basses. I think your friends would be happier with the 30" scale length than a 25".

I haven't played the acoustic bass in a while, since the Hofner clone is more comfortable. What I might do eventually is build a small bass like the "U-Bass" since it seems to be a good compromise. They use special strings, of course, but I've liked the (amplified) sound they make. The body is about the size of a parlor guitar, which I already have a mold for.