Episode 8: Body Contouring, Painting and Pickguards

Episode 8: Body Contouring, Painting and Pickguards is available now!

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Today we discuss contouring the body.  There are a few tools needed to complete this job successfully.  The first is a surform shaver.  You can see an example and purchase one here.  You will also need a rasp.  Finally, you will need a foam sanding block.

When it comes to painting the instrument, there are hundreds of colors to choose from.  While you can use various kinds of paint, I prefer to stick with specifically instrument paint just to avoid any unseen issues.  There are tons of different kinds to choose from here.  Remember, the goal is to have fun and be creative!!!

Episode 7: Fret Installation and Neck Contouring

Hey guys!  Episode 7 is here:

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Today we discuss fret installation and neck contouring.  For fret installation, you will need several luthier-oriented tools.  You will need a fret scale template, which you can purchase here.  You will also need a fret hammer, fret cutter, and fret beveler. This is one of the more time consuming steps in building a bass guitar, but take your time!  The more time you take on this step, the better your instrument will feel and play in the long run. 

Episode 6- Routing the Body/Pickup Installation

Episode 6 is now available for streaming!

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Today we discuss the ins and outs of routing the body.  We cover routing for the pickup cavity, the control cavity, and the battery pack cavity (IF you are using active bass pickups.  We also delve into shielding and installing pickups.  Enjoy!!!

Episode 5- Neck and Pocket Design

Hey guys!

Episode 5: Neck and Pocket Design is available now!!!!



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Today we discuss finishing the design of the bass neck and putting the neck all together.  We also go over how to design the pocket for the neck, and fitting it into the body.  This is a pretty fun but intense week!  Getting the pocket just right was one of the tougher parts of the project thus far.  For my truss rod, I did get an awesome dual truss through Stew Mac: 

As always, hit us up at facebook.com/lowendluthiers with any and all questions!

Episode 4: Pickups and Pots

Hey guys!

Today's show is all about pickups and pots!  You can listen below:
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We discuss the differences in pickups, and how to choose which one is right for you!  We also delve into potentiometers: What are they? Why do I need them?

For my project bass, I chose Bartolini single coil pickups with an active/passive pre-amp:

Episode 3- All About Accessories (And Body Templates)!!

Hey guys!

The new episode drops today!



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Episode 3 goes over the needed accessories prior to creating your body template.  This to me is the most enjoyable part of the design process.  You really get to visualize what your finished bass will end up looking like.  I go over the following accessories, but figured I'd let you in on which ones I chose to go with:

1. Tuners- Gotoh Tuners
2. Nut- Black TUSQ Nut (Graphite)
3. Bridge- Badass Bridge 

Next week I will be going over pickup selection, active/passive circuits, and pots!https://soundcloud.com/tonys80595/low-end-luth

Low-End Luthiers- Episode 2: All About Necks

Hey guys!

Episode 2: All About Necks is now available for download!  Click Here!

Today we talk all about Necks- Whether it's fret size, scale length, or fret placement, we've got you covered!  Now to give a small overview, I personally chose the scale length of 34" (I prefer the tone sound, and feel like the short scale is too short for my taste).  I also chose Jumbo Stainless Steel fretwire, and maple wood for the neck with an ebony fretboard (Which we'll get into later). 

During the podcast, I mention an online fret calculator.  You can access that here: Fret Calculator

I've also attached pictures of the wood I've chosen to work with for my bass project:

Bass Body (Swamp Ash)

Bass Neck (Maple)

Jumbo Fretwire

Fretboard (Ebony)