The search for enlightenment....

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 4:03 pm

Thanks Mark. It is very kind of you to say that. The truth is that Dale is way beyond me. I do this as a hobby, he makes a living building and fixing guitars.

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 4:48 pm

Marc, the spelling is "pestle".

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 5:00 pm

Looks like a nice job Ted, I would never have the patience to even try to do anything like that. On the other hand I'll spend hours aligning a 1960 18 tube triple conversion communications receiver and love every minute of it. (many times in fact until it's what I think of as perfect). I can set Ric basses up and even work on necks and other problems and fix them electrically but as far as cosmetics go, forget it.

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 5:27 pm

Thanks Bob. I still need to refine my techniques a bit. These inlays are positioned a bit closer to the frets than is typical and they are perhaps a bit tall. I am going to make a few adjustments for my next board that be more like the late 60's early 70's inlays. These are proportionally more like the ones on my '63.

mgauction · Post by **mgauction** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 5:42 pm

Ted, this work deserves an award! Good one, my friend!

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 5:55 pm

Thanks Mike! I have a ways to go before they are perfect.

aceonbass · Post by **aceonbass** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 8:41 pm

Very nice work Ted. I remember you telling me at the Confluence how hard this job was and how many boards you've gone through. You are way more patient with the learning curve than I am....which is why I only think of this stuff and pay other people to do it.

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 12:55 am

has the student become the Master?

or Sith Lord...

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 3:46 am

"Student"? I think that should read "learner". Mr. Lucas?

wints · Post by **wints** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 4:37 am

Very nice work Ted.

Personally, I'd like a 34" scale ebony neck, if properly made, on a Ric bass.

edski · Post by **edski** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 1:10 pm

But Wints, you'd need to add about 3/4" to the scale length...

I'm not sure Ted could even do that!

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 7:56 pm

Well, I strung her up tonight and even though the frets are not fully dressed, she (sniff*) plays wonderfully. The nut is pretty bad. Just pulled one out of my parts box. It is majorly hacked but it will work until I can make a new one. Jeez, that "R" tailpiece is a major pain in the *** to work with. It is clearly more about aesthetics than function. I can't image how hard it would be string a 12er! Anyway, she needs a TRC and some nickel reverse gear tuners. John is looking into getting the tuners but if he can't find some, is anyone here willing to trade a set for some shiny new ones?

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 5:00 am

She sat overnight strung up and the neck held true. Good news! Now I don't seem to be able to put her down. It is like she wants to be played.

Anyway, shouldn't a '67 have the old style knobs? I don't think the silver top ones appeared until the early 70's. Does anyone know which style is correct?

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 5:15 am

Chrome-top knobs, Ted. Basically like what is on it in the pic.

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 5:24 am

Thanks John, I will leave it at that.