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Step 4Creating a Neck Blank:
When I ordered this project off the menu of my mind I decided that I would start with making the neck. The neck is by far the most crucial aspect of the bass guitar, or any stringed instrument for that matter.
Without a proper neck design your instrument will no doubt sound like a deep voiced street bum Be-bopping to the 40oz in his hand that he's forgotten has been empty for hours. So in other words much care will be important on the construction of the neck and all of its components..................................So now that these words have sunk in, (maybe) lets start with what you will need for the neck.
1. Choose a hardwood that is pleasing to you. Do not dare use plywood which should be fairly obvious. Try to choose a Hardwood that is not extremely hard or one that is more towards the softer end of the Hardwood spectrum. The acoustical aspects will vary depending on what wood you use so do your research and choose wisely. Hardwoods vary in price depending on the dimensions and condition of the wood. You will need enough wood to cover the the dimensions: 3 ft x 3in x 3in.
*NOTE: You will not use the entire 3 ft length unless you feel compelled to do a NECK THROUGH design. This guide however will show you in more detail how to make a BOLT ON NECK. (not a Buckethead reference)
2. When Choosing your Hardwood take great care to notice the grain of the wood! Using boards that have similar grain direction and NO KNOTS is your current mission......Find enough pieces that you can create the dimensions specified above. (I used 4 pieces of Aspenwood. This is a relatively inexpensive hardwood.)
*NOTE: If using multiple types of Hardwood, use the hardest for the center to create better core support. For example Maple in the middle and Aspenwood on the sides.
3. O.K. So now you have your choice pieces of wood. They should be attractive, so give them affection as you start to develop your relationship with them. Remember to keep the relationship a platonic one though (currently the legalities of a sexual relationship with Hardwood is questionable.)
4. Now to gather the supplies that you will need to laminate these pieces together.
You will need:
*At least two (2) bottles of Elmer's Stainable wood glue. (Make sure that it is Stainable)
*Multiple clamping devices will be needed to laminate the pieces together. (It is important to use clamps that can achieve many hundred pounds of pressure at least. I recommend using pipe clamps if you have them at your disposal.)
*NOTE: Make sure you have enough clamps to apply equal pressure along the length. I would recommend having (4) to (8) clamps.
5. Escourt your Hardwood to your workshop; Make sure the area is clean and comfortable for you and your wood. It's time for some lamination.......
Without a proper neck design your instrument will no doubt sound like a deep voiced street bum Be-bopping to the 40oz in his hand that he's forgotten has been empty for hours. So in other words much care will be important on the construction of the neck and all of its components..................................So now that these words have sunk in, (maybe) lets start with what you will need for the neck.
1. Choose a hardwood that is pleasing to you. Do not dare use plywood which should be fairly obvious. Try to choose a Hardwood that is not extremely hard or one that is more towards the softer end of the Hardwood spectrum. The acoustical aspects will vary depending on what wood you use so do your research and choose wisely. Hardwoods vary in price depending on the dimensions and condition of the wood. You will need enough wood to cover the the dimensions: 3 ft x 3in x 3in.
*NOTE: You will not use the entire 3 ft length unless you feel compelled to do a NECK THROUGH design. This guide however will show you in more detail how to make a BOLT ON NECK. (not a Buckethead reference)
2. When Choosing your Hardwood take great care to notice the grain of the wood! Using boards that have similar grain direction and NO KNOTS is your current mission......Find enough pieces that you can create the dimensions specified above. (I used 4 pieces of Aspenwood. This is a relatively inexpensive hardwood.)
*NOTE: If using multiple types of Hardwood, use the hardest for the center to create better core support. For example Maple in the middle and Aspenwood on the sides.
3. O.K. So now you have your choice pieces of wood. They should be attractive, so give them affection as you start to develop your relationship with them. Remember to keep the relationship a platonic one though (currently the legalities of a sexual relationship with Hardwood is questionable.)
4. Now to gather the supplies that you will need to laminate these pieces together.
You will need:
*At least two (2) bottles of Elmer's Stainable wood glue. (Make sure that it is Stainable)
*Multiple clamping devices will be needed to laminate the pieces together. (It is important to use clamps that can achieve many hundred pounds of pressure at least. I recommend using pipe clamps if you have them at your disposal.)
*NOTE: Make sure you have enough clamps to apply equal pressure along the length. I would recommend having (4) to (8) clamps.
5. Escourt your Hardwood to your workshop; Make sure the area is clean and comfortable for you and your wood. It's time for some lamination.......
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