My ongoing journey as a guitar builder

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A few recent additions to my collection...


A 5-string homage to the Peavey T-40


A copy of a Mockingbird


and some quad coil pickups I'm building for it


And last but not least, a 7-string that's waiting for its pickups to arrive

I think I'm going to need a bigger wall!

[Firestorm49]

1. Very cool. Good for you. It takes patience, talent, and knowhow to get the right sound.

I admire your work.

I bought a new Fender Jazz bass in 1974 or around there. I originally used it for some studio work and then it sat in a closet until two years ago when I was asked to switch from lead to bass in one of the groups I play in. Its pristine. Not a nick or scratch on it. And, I really enjoy playing bass, so I was glad about the transition.

Keep up the good work.

[CaptainTruth]

7. I've got a 1972 Fender Jazz, swamp ash body, clear finish.

I love it. I bought it used from a friend years ago, with a Peavy TNT-100 amp, for $400. He gave me a deal.

As you know, the early 70s Jazz basses have increased nicely in value, & I love how they sound. When I record I go direct through a compressor & add a little of the amp (SM-57 mic) & it sounds perfect.

[CentralMass]

2. I am very impressed with your skill and craftsmanship.

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3. Thanks!

I'm kind of surprising myself, to be honest. I only got the notion to even try building a bass about 9 months ago!

[Fla Dem]

4. You're a very talented craftsman. Those are beautiful instruments.

[Locrian]

5. super cool

I've done teles and jazzmasters - but I don't make my own bodies and necks.

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12. Well, if you have the inclination

It's honestly not that hard. I started with just a jigsaw, drill press, and orbital sander!

[CaptainTruth]

6. Nice!

In the first pic, is that a wood pick guard?

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13. It is indeed, and recessed at that!

My next one will be an almost full body pickguard/removable top. Gotta plane my billets down, run them through the jointer, and glue them up first, though.

This set will be the body...


...and this one will be the top/pickguard...

[iscooterliberally]

8. I had a Peavey T-40 back in the early 80s.

It was a 4-string and it sounded great. It was awful heavy though. I eventually moved onto a Fender P-bass with an alder body. You have some nice guitars there!

[Karadeniz]

9. Wow! What talent! So glad to hear about your workmanship!❤

[reACTIONary]

10. Do you keep them, or...

are you going to sell them?

And are there any technical differences between them, or are they only aesthetically different?

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14. So far I've just been giving them away.

Though the blue jazz bass I made for a retired MP in Brazil, and he paid for at least most of the parts. I will be selling them, but I wanted to learn what I'm doing first. I only started doing anything more involved than changing strings 9 months ago, and this is just what I do in my free time, for now.

[DFW]

11. I wouldn't get past square one. A talented friend built this matching pair for me, 20 years ago:

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15. That's some exquisite work!