Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

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?

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!

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...

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.

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

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

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

John, how did they rate?

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.

doctorwho wrote: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.

Thanks, John!

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.