New project acquisition

[incubus2432]

Things have been kind of slow to start.......I've had a flurry of side work recently so I haven't had much time to work on it yet. All I've done is remove the hardware/electronics and am ready to strip the finish this weekend. I did also manage to piece together the jig for routing 1/4" off of the body surface for the new top......I just have to test it and tweak if necessary but all looks good so far.

The main reason for this post is that I ordered the new top. I'm at a subpar internet connection now so all I can do is include an attachment of what I ordered. I had found more intense quilted pieces but for some reason like the pattern in this one so it's on it's way.

I've been taking pics along the way and will start a new thread as serious work progresses.

[jps]

You call that less interesting? That looks killer, Brian.

I also like how you are going to reshape the body, very, um, original.

[cjj]

Beautiful wood! I've actually been thinking of doing a similar project and have been looking at various wood sources on the internet. I'm not sure I've seen a piece that nice, where did you get it?

[incubus2432]

You call that less interesting? That looks killer, Brian.

I also like how you are going to reshape the body, very, um, original.

Actually I found this one more interesting.....other samples had more uniform quilt but I liked the character of this one the best. Glad you like the les paul doodle!

Beautiful wood! I've actually been thinking of doing a similar project and have been looking at various wood sources on the internet. I'm not sure I've seen a piece that nice, where did you get it?

Shockingly on Ebay.

[paologregorio]

I don't care if a blood covered circus clown (my biggest fear BTW) is interested......whoever is willing to pony up an offer is fine with me.

I don't imagine Killer Clowns From Outer Space is one of your favorite movies then.

This sounds like a really cool project! Fascinating bits y'all have posted!

[aceonbass]

With the sonic predispostion towards higher frequencies that an 8-string would already have, I think having a pickup close to the bridge like an LK would sound thin. I put an HB1 in the bridge position of my Ricky 8-string conversion and was surprised how bright it still sounded. The routes for truss rod access may come in handy some day too.

[incubus2432]

I agree with the thought that the bridge p/u may sound harsh. But if that's the case I'll run the same preamp that my blackened Laredo has and that will cure the issue. There will still be truss rod access since the neck p/u will be relocated to right against the fretboard.....same setup as an LK.

[aceonbass]

In buying all of my used 4004's I've looked for basses with the pickup away from the neck because I believe the routing in that location weakens the bass in that area. I believe this is one of the main reasons owners of these have put Hipshot bridges on these. Even though the neck is adjusted dead straight, it flexes where it joins the body, resulting in a shallower neck angle which requires a bridge that sits lower. All of my 4004's have at least a slight flexing here, although I'm still able to use the stock bridges. All of my basses uses D-Addario nickel strings too. In fact, If I were going to shave off the top anyway, I'd first start by pressure fitting maple blocks to the deeper of the two step routes for the pickups. Then I'd shave the top and reposition the pickups for optimal sound. The stock RIC HB1's just barely cover the strings on 4-2-5 conversions, so I'd consider Bartolinis.

[BobHyde]

I had a chance to get a 4004 Laredo with darkstars in 2010 through TalkBass. Perhaps the same one?! Man, I wish I hadn't passed!! If anyone knows where it is, PM me!