You're thoughts? Headless Bass Design

[Superwoodle]

I need a 6 String bass and I figured why not make one?

Input? Hows it look?

 

[JamesM]

Recess that output.

 

[Explorer]

Why specify one input but no output? *laugh*

If you do an image search on "headless bass" in any internet search engine, you'll notice that the bottom of the body where the tuners reside is recesed, so that the tuners don't protrude. I can only imagine how frustrating it would be for me if I continually bumped the tuner's edge against something, even just my clothes, and turned it because it was the first available edge to make contact. You might want to reconsider this aspect.

It looks like you're using a Bass Bar pickup. If you're going for fanned frets, you might consider angling the pickup as well. I'd also probably go for two pickups, but that's personal preference. I just like having different options.

Looks good!

 

[Miek]

Personally, I don't really care for the shape, but it doesn't look bad per se. I'd go for a scaled up strandberg body.

 

[Explorer]

I've been thinking about your design, and something occurred to me. Why not mirror the clean lines at the bottom at the top?

You could even emphasize the unity of the curving portions through a graduated paint job.

And, of course, you don't have to worry about a heel joint being bulky. There are lots of bass guitars which extend the neck further into the body, leaving the neck more free. For example, if you look at this picture closely, you'll see that the joint where the neck goes all the way down to the pickup.

Just some thoughts!

 

[OrsusMetal]

I think that looks badass. I've drawn some shapes like that a few times and have always wanted to build something like it. I say do it. It is sexy!

The only thing I would do differently is bring the bridges up in towards the body more so I can use that bottom contour to sit classical position. You could always make a recess in the body so you could still access the tuners. This way your leg won't bump into them. I'm not a bass player though, so I'm thinking of this from a guitar scale perspective. It might be a little harder with the longer scale.

Are you planning on making the hardware?

 

[Superwoodle]

Thanks for all the critique!

It looks like you're using a Bass Bar pickup. If you're going for fanned frets, you might consider angling the pickup as well. I'd also probably go for two pickups, but that's personal preference. I just like having different options.

Looks good!

I'm undecided. If I use one, I will keep it straight, If two I will fan them.

And, of course, you don't have to worry about a heel joint being bulky. There are lots of bass guitars which extend the neck further into the body, leaving the neck more free. For example, if you look at this picture closely, you'll see that the joint where the neck goes all the way down to the pickup.

YES

Are you planning on making the hardware?

Yup

I'll make some cardboard mock-ups and play with the classical position. I don't usually play in classical position on the bass, but it may be more practical with a guitar version, which I'm still working on.

I'm still having trouble finding a good place to put the jack. I looked up locking jacks and I may try one of those, but if I put it where it is shown in the drawings, it would interfere with the possibility of playing in classical position.

 

[Superwoodle]

I tweaked the shape some more.

I still haven't quite figured out a place for the jack though

 

[Miek]

Have you thought about putting it on the back of the guitar instead of somewhere on the butt or side?

 

[Explorer]

Why not put the jack alongside the tuner for the highest string? Since you're not insetting the tuners from the edge, you're obviously not worried about exposing hardware to being bumped.

 

[Jonisbrutal]

I think a jem resessed output jack would be a pretty neat. And I agree with OrsusMetal on the recessed tuners as well.

 

[Valennic]

As Explorer said earlier, move the tuners into the body more. Nothing would be more frustrating than a bunch of little metal things being jammed into your leg all the time.

 

[SirMyghin]

Looks cool I would not recess the output though, then again I am a guy using right angle plugs (recessed outputs are annoying, consequently)

 

[Crank]

reading your posts I recalled that:

Nexus Bass

just an idea for developing your concept

 

[Shi7Disc0]

Looks alot like strandbergs design, very ergonimical
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hpho...99955254_106672059377246_736157_4138710_n.jpg