Thoughts on Bass Body Design?

[basse]

Hey guys, I'm in preliminary talks to have a bass built by a friend of mine. I already have on of his and it is incredible (you may remember the build diary I had here a couple of years ago), which is why I'm looking at having another one made.

He has this amazing body style that he calls the "Harlot" that I was going to go with. Here's one that he's finished:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27986722@N ... 4/sizes/o/

However, when looking at a photo of another one that he has in progress I came across the back of a six string that he's working on with the body carved. And the top wood on the back screams to me of what could be another custom body shape... And I think you'll understand why I LOVE it...

http://basseca.deviantart.com/art/Consi ... n-83583202

If you click on the above image it will expand so that you can see it better... What do you think? Too close?

[firstbassman]

Not my particular cup of tea. But it's your money, your bass.

[jingle_jangle]

Not too crazy about either...I've been wondering lately if upper horn length is a male compensatory mechanism.

I'd venture to say that a woman would design something completely different.

I think both are badly-proportioned, but the blue one is especially so. But, as the man says, it's your bass, your money!

[deaconblues]

If you have the opportunity, why not come up with your own design? I've had a Rickenbacker-based guitar design kicking around in my head for years...someday I'll actually build that thing...

[tennis_nick]

I think the long upper horn is more of a balance thing... and since the second one looks like it has way more than 4 strings, it must get pretty top heavy! A long horn would be pretty necessary, unless you build it backwards like a Gibson Explorer, It really all depends where you hang your strap.

[jingle_jangle]

Yep, you guys are in denial, no doubting it now!

[doctorwho]

I like the Lace "Acela" body shape that they have now adapted to a new line of basses:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfiIrUoiCII

[johnallg]

The Lace Helix basses were featured in Bass Player mag (US) a few issues ago.

[doctorwho]

John, how did they rate?

[1965]

I can't get into any modern bass designs. None of them seem very rock and roll, they're all feminine and over-sculptured. They might be ergonomic, but they're ugly.

[johnallg]

John, how did they rate?

http://www.bassplayer.com/article/lace- ... v-07/32257

Gary, I remember the article being longer than that. I will look the issue up when I get home and if it is longer, make a pdf and send it to you.

[doctorwho]

Thanks, John!

[johnallg]

Gary, the March 2008 issue had the full article review, but I could not find it on the BP website. Check your UCSD email address.