Lightshow bass

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 3:34 pm

I am going to convert one of my 2030 basses into a lightshow bass ...

jaybic · Post by **jaybic** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 3:49 pm

Go for it! It seems as if the 2030 as a lot of good surface area for the lightshow treatment

beatlefan · Post by **beatlefan** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 4:18 pm

BLASPHEMY!!!!

Actually, that should be a pretty cool project, Jeff!! We anxiously await the first few "how to create your own lightshow" pics!!

The following pics are for inspirational purposes only!! Do NOT try this at home, folks!! Unless you are Jeff Rath, of course...

throw_this_away · Post by **throw_this_away** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 4:24 pm

Now that is a PIMP bass. Now where my ho's...

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 4:45 pm

I am currently researching lights ... I will do battery powered lights so I can't electrocute myself ... and I found a source for the translucent plastic ... I think I have figured out a fairly non-invasive way to do this project ...

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 5:03 pm

Jeff, just a tip.

I'm sure you've already thought of this, so please forgive me if I'm being obvious here.

If I was doing this, I'd do some actual-size layouts of all the parts so there would be no surprises when it comes time to construct it.

I would use high-intensity LEDs, as they draw little current, put out more light than the old style bulbs, and generate no heat.

I'd build the color organ circuit first and test it every which way from Adam. I'd mount the LEDs and circuitry on removable flat panels, held in with a few screws each.THEN I'd route out the guitar and fit everything.

Think all the time about three steps ahead, so that while you're building, your mind is in problem-solving mode.

desertgoldenboy · Post by **desertgoldenboy** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 5:05 pm

Jeff, check out Outwater Plastics for lights...they have a wide range of low wattage strings for pretty cheap. I use them all the time in the exhibit/display industry.
www.outwater.com

sabbath_of_bass · Post by **sabbath_of_bass** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 5:35 pm

I dont like that so much. But If you did the inlays and made a light up binding in the same color. That would look kind of kool. At least in my head it does haha.

Doesnt Alembic do some lights? But mainly on in the inlays and dot markers on the side?

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 6:01 pm

I think the original Light Shows had automotive brake lamps (1164s?). That would generate some heat!

ken_swearingen · Post by **ken_swearingen** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 6:03 pm

Build it and they will come!

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 6:06 pm

So who's gonna be sending their 4005's to Jeff for the conversion?

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 6:35 pm

I think the original Light Shows had automotive brake lamps (1164s?).

Hardly. They were just little dial indicator lamps but they were hot enough.

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 7:05 pm

They look so big under that prismatic plastic. Over on Mike Park's site there is a mention of the LS having automotive bulbs. He called them "bayonet tail light bulbs".

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 8:10 pm

I am thinking led lights ... that is the only choice for today's technology because they can be battery powered, they don't generate heat, and they are thin and small ... so I am thinking I may not route out the body because led lights are a lot smaller than the old bulbs ... I have talked with Tony at pickguardian and he can make the translucent plastic parts for me ... I am thinking of surface mounting the whole thing and making it about 1/4" thick ... then I only have to drill a few holes in the body instead of extensive routing ... but maybe I will carve a couple of big wide trenches in it for the lights ... I am leaning to the less invasive approach ... and no I won't be doing any 4005 lightshow basses ... the thought of routing on one of those scares me ...

I can get the lights and the plastic and lay it on the bass and decide if I like it without carving up the body ...

teb · Post by **teb** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 8:53 pm

Gee....I have a spare 2030 body leaning up against the wall.....wonder what could be done with a few LED's and a couple bundles of fiber-optic stuff?