A lot of what most people would call garbage might enter your shop , but so far as I can tell what comes out couldn't be farther than garbage , nice work as always
this is different...a jazz bassist/master woodworker. You just don't see many o' those. Hats off to you , sir. can't wait for part 3, and I especially want to hear him stretch out.
I'm really loving this series, especially because you're talking to us during this process, filling in the pieces we're seeing by describing some of the things you're dealing with. I wish you'd do more builds in this style as opposed to the sort of music video style where we watch you build. This is a lot more helpful to me as a builder and experimenter. To not just see what you're doing but your thought processes too.
Just discovered yer channel, love it! I'm a welder fab by trade,but did carpentry for a few years,trying to get back. Thanks for the awesome video cuz,upright basses aren't affordable...let's make one👍Thanks Bud
Been really digging this bass series Tim, I actually plan on attempting my own bass build inspired by a Rickenbacker 4003 sometime down the road. Emphasis on the “attempting” lol. Great stuff as always, man.
you can do it. set reasonable expectations. your first bass probably won't be better than all the basses made by other companies and people, but you'll enjoy it, love it and learn a ton. Your second will be better than that, and your third...
tim sway As I’m doing all this planning I already know the neck will likely be the biggest challenge (I’m building it neck-through so I can’t just buy a neck), but it’s something I’m definitely up for. Thanks for the advice man, really appreciate it.
I am loving the series! I have the mini carver too. I used to do chainsaw carving and power carving. I love that little tool. I picked up some wood from the beach after Hurricane Sandy. I had some reclaimed plywood. I used all of the materials to carve a shelf. The plywood background I used the mini carver and made waves 🌊 out of the plywood. Then I used wood dye and blended the colors together. It can put nice.
This is so cool!! I am about 50% through an electric upright with a smaller hollow body (roughly the size of a Hofner Beatle bass) and about 80% through an archtop acoustic bass guitar, built similarly to an upright. Now that I'm watching these videos, I see that I could probably make a full size upright afterall!! (well, 3/4 size anyway) Thanks!!
Wow this was a great video and I can't wait to have time to watch part three. It made me very happy to see you using those cheap harbor freight bar clamps on the top glue up,because that's what I have too,because I am well....cheap. Thanks for the content.
haven't got a speck of the luthier in me, but enjoying this build. regarding the "line" on the top from the two layers. In hindsight, would you have rather cut the cedar into like 2" strips and flip them on edge and glue it up before carving out the top? That would have eliminated that line?
God bless double bass luthiers. Most Joe Average bass players like your's truly here, don't have the tools nor possess the woodworking training and luthier skills necessary to build our own axes. I appreciate what you do. It's interesting to watch but it's not for everyone to do. Good for you!
Woah! Nice job! I am a bass player at my school but unfortunately, this bass they gave me is very old and I am have to teach myself how to play. We are going to preform in New York City which I’m hyped for! Nice job on the bass, I wish I can make my own!
Love the build Tim . I,ve built 4 octave mandolins . I found each one to be more difficult than the last . I seem to have developed a severe case of OCD as each one progressed . I,m too obsessive about every little detail . Things I,m sure no one else can see but bother me . Attempting perfection can really derail the process .
My Dad's best friend is in a band, and two of his bandmates (father and son) make guitars with the deep curved backs using luthier's planes. "How long does that take?" "A real long time" Also, your removable neck reminded me of the comedian who plays a Double Bass as part of his routine. "Bassie get his own airline ticket" Bassie also did impressions from classic movies . . . Psycho . . . Mutiny On The Bounty
I had an electric upright I used to fly with. A BSX Allegro. It came apart and fit in a golf bag case. Flying with the real thing was never in the budget, but when I restored my aluminum bass I made it the same way, just in case I needed to.
The neck joint in classic double basses didn't got dovetailed. Just a good tennon glued up with hide glue. If the bass falls a dovetail joint would break the neck block and the ribs. The tennon is strong enough, but would break loose, when the bass falls. Have a good build! My compliments on the tones of the basses you build! Koen
True, but modern Englehart necks are made with dovetails. When I restored my aluminum bass, I used an Englehart neck and cut the dovetail off. I simply butt jointed the neck to the block with two bolts. It has held up fine but the bass did fall once and the heel still broke in the same spot as every other Kay! However because of the bolts it was super easy to take off and fix.
In general, what kinds of wood are you setting aside for your fingerboards/fretboards? I am starting to make my own guitars/ukes, tenors, etc., but not sure what wood to use on a budget for the fingerboard/fretboard. Thanks!
full disclosure: I use CNCs all the time. It doesn't do anything I can't do and haven't done by hand, it just speeds up the process. I understand the sentiment, by why rip a board with a hand saw when you can use a tablesaw? If it's 1940 and you're a hobbyist having fun, handsaw away! But if you're trying to run a competitive business, you better get a table saw! Same is true for CNCs in 2019.
@@timsway couldn't agree more and think CNC's are a form of futuristic magic which can be incredible but personally I find it more interesting to watch a person create something without the safety-net of a computer and still craft something that is equally magical. I find your videos to be an inspiration and hope I didn't crap too much on CNC since again, I like them, it just wouldn't interest me to watch this instrument come from that method
Hello, Tim. I am really interested on finding measure information for 1/2 size contra bass. I only need to know the distance between the body and the neck. I am thinking the highest point to the body. I am ready to glue the neck to the body but I do not have information about the distance that must have. If you can help. Thank you.
I just love how this thing looks and sounds. I know you used what you have, but would it be"typical" to use such a soft wood on the top? Just curious. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Tim, watched this 3 times. Question, I'm building a mountain dulcimer bass and I'm trying to use 3/4 proportions. I ordered a nice pair of tuning pins mounted to brass plates. After I ordered I noticed it said they were for a 1/2 bass. Does it make a big difference? Think I can get away with 1/2 (mounted to brass plates) tuning screws? I haven't built the head-stock yet.
A German company made about 1500 of them and the folklore is they stopped making them and even melted some down because of the war. AlCOA of New York also made some and there are violins, mandolins and a few other instruments. Nowadays with modern PAs and mics we can make them sound good, but they do lack compared to wood instruments acoustically
'This neck goes in at 'about' a 76 degree angle...', says Mr. Accuracy. Very disappointed that you didn’t make tuners from vintage clothes pegs and old paint cans!
@@timsway did you by chance save the measurements you took from the kay bass to make your neck? I dont have a bass of my own yet and planning to build mine but cannot find detailed neck specs anywhere in the internet. Thought you may have saved yours...
@@salomontorres763 I don't have it with me here. When I built my first EUB, before I had one, I went to my local high school with a ruler and some calipers and took a bunch of measurements off a bass. The teacher was cool with it. Nowadays it might be harder to just walk in a school, but you could do the same at a music store...
Brubeck is one of my heroes for his music and social activism through positive example. I had the pleasure of watching him play that song and many others with his two sons on bass and drums on Dave's 80th birthday. It was a night to remember.
Such am amazing idea for a build!! I'm a maker myself, and just started to post my own maker videos here on RUclips, so am hoping to do something similar in the future. If you get a minute, please consider checking out my channel and my new video. Thank you.
The "Take Five" in the intro was a nice touch, man.
A lot of what most people would call garbage might enter your shop , but so far as I can tell what comes out couldn't be farther than garbage , nice work as always
thanks Freddie
this is different...a jazz bassist/master woodworker. You just don't see many o' those. Hats off to you , sir. can't wait for part 3, and I especially want to hear him stretch out.
thanks for the kind words. I am far from a master of either, I just like to try things and am very stubborn :)
I believe that you're simply modest, which is endearing. I'm a guitarist living in Corpus Christi, tx., and i'd gladly work a duo gig with you.
Great video...your playing some jazz tunes...fantastic..sounds good
I'm really loving this series, especially because you're talking to us during this process, filling in the pieces we're seeing by describing some of the things you're dealing with. I wish you'd do more builds in this style as opposed to the sort of music video style where we watch you build. This is a lot more helpful to me as a builder and experimenter. To not just see what you're doing but your thought processes too.
noted!
I liked it also.
Super cool build. I used to run sound on the gulf coast and I remember a guy had a double bass made from a suitcase. It was his bass for the road!
funny
I love how this thing is coming together.
thank you!!
Just discovered yer channel, love it! I'm a welder fab by trade,but did carpentry for a few years,trying to get back. Thanks for the awesome video cuz,upright basses aren't affordable...let's make one👍Thanks Bud
Ahhhhhh I have an Arbortech AS170 saw. I LOOOOOVE IT. :-)
Been really digging this bass series Tim, I actually plan on attempting my own bass build inspired by a Rickenbacker 4003 sometime down the road. Emphasis on the “attempting” lol. Great stuff as always, man.
you can do it. set reasonable expectations. your first bass probably won't be better than all the basses made by other companies and people, but you'll enjoy it, love it and learn a ton. Your second will be better than that, and your third...
tim sway As I’m doing all this planning I already know the neck will likely be the biggest challenge (I’m building it neck-through so I can’t just buy a neck), but it’s something I’m definitely up for. Thanks for the advice man, really appreciate it.
@@MySedimentsExactly share pics when it's done!
tim sway Definitely will.
I am loving the series! I have the mini carver too. I used to do chainsaw carving and power carving. I love that little tool. I picked up some wood from the beach after Hurricane Sandy. I had some reclaimed plywood. I used all of the materials to carve a shelf. The plywood background I used the mini carver and made waves 🌊 out of the plywood. Then I used wood dye and blended the colors together. It can put nice.
sounds cool. Yea, that tool is a blast.
I'm digging the project. But let's face it, even though its built out of scaps, this is by no means a simple build. You have talent
This is so cool!! I am about 50% through an electric upright with a smaller hollow body (roughly the size of a Hofner Beatle bass) and about 80% through an archtop acoustic bass guitar, built similarly to an upright. Now that I'm watching these videos, I see that I could probably make a full size upright afterall!! (well, 3/4 size anyway)
Thanks!!
Love the intricacies of this build. Every step matters and contributes to the outcome. Details details details. 👍👍
every step was a detail to overcome on this!
Love the take 5 intro👍👍
It was good talking to u at the guitar show. thx for letting me play!
Cheers! Welcome to my channel!
I have a lot of wood working tools from my dad & this channel makes me want to build stuff!! 6:03 Police Truck!! I’ve covered that song \m/
Woohoo, looking good. 🤘🏽😎🤘🏽
Come on part 3... 👍🏽
Awesome job, man.
Next week! :) Thank you
The dove tell is a killer idea. Love the head scroll...is that right? well, what ever it is, awesome! Great video!
sounds good to me. thanks!
Wow this was a great video and I can't wait to have time to watch part three. It made me very happy to see you using those cheap harbor freight bar clamps on the top glue up,because that's what I have too,because I am well....cheap. Thanks for the content.
harbor freight is good for a few things, like clamps. Even my wood caul clamps from HF work as well as the expensive ones.
haven't got a speck of the luthier in me, but enjoying this build. regarding the "line" on the top from the two layers. In hindsight, would you have rather cut the cedar into like 2" strips and flip them on edge and glue it up before carving out the top? That would have eliminated that line?
interesting idea. I did want the top to have as little glue in it as possible for resonance, but that would look cool as heck
God bless double bass luthiers. Most Joe Average bass players like your's truly here, don't have the tools nor possess the woodworking training and luthier skills necessary to build our own axes. I appreciate what you do. It's interesting to watch but it's not for everyone to do. Good for you!
I'm a looonnnggg way from calling myself a double bass luthier! Lol thank you.
@@timsway
Well, you do a very good job impersonating one...Couldda fooled me! [Laffin'😁]
Wow this is getting better and better. Now waiting the part 3! Cheers!
Next week!
love the Black Sabbath coda ;-)
Great work as always!
Such a fantastic build Tim. Excellent video!
My favorite instrument. I'm heading over to your other channel to listen to the comparisons.
Really good job on that bass. Really impressive.
Awesome work Tim, looking forward to part 3! 😃👍🏻👊🏻
thanks. Next Sunday!
Great video. I am sure this is the first of many Sway DuBasses. Nice tip with drill depth. Mahalo #arbortech for sponsoring. : )
Woah! Nice job! I am a bass player at my school but unfortunately, this bass they gave me is very old and I am have to teach myself how to play. We are going to preform in New York City which I’m hyped for! Nice job on the bass, I wish I can make my own!
Another great video, Tim. Thank you, I'm looking forward to the next installment. (Loved the coda, btw!)
ha! thanks man. next Sunday!
Love the build Tim . I,ve built 4 octave mandolins . I found each one to be more difficult than the last . I seem to have developed a severe case of OCD as each one progressed . I,m too obsessive about every little detail . Things I,m sure no one else can see but bother me . Attempting perfection can really derail the process .
I hear you. It's tough to find the line between "perfection" "diminishing return".
Love watching the process and your tips and tricks!
awesome. thanks!
My Dad's best friend is in a band, and two of his bandmates (father and son) make guitars with the deep curved backs using luthier's planes.
"How long does that take?"
"A real long time"
Also, your removable neck reminded me of the comedian who plays a Double Bass as part of his routine. "Bassie get his own airline ticket"
Bassie also did impressions from classic movies . . . Psycho . . . Mutiny On The Bounty
I had an electric upright I used to fly with. A BSX Allegro. It came apart and fit in a golf bag case. Flying with the real thing was never in the budget, but when I restored my aluminum bass I made it the same way, just in case I needed to.
Nice part 2, looking forward to part 3!
Next Sunday! :)
always good man.. thanks
Great job dude! I love Upright Basses, I play in a rockabilly band here in Spain and that´s my battle instrument. Hugs bro.
awesome! When I was playing for a living, I used to have to bring my bass with me when I went shopping for a car :)
Amazing work Tim!
Looking forward to the part 3
next week!
The neck joint in classic double basses didn't got dovetailed. Just a good tennon glued up with hide glue.
If the bass falls a dovetail joint would break the neck block and the ribs.
The tennon is strong enough, but would break loose, when the bass falls.
Have a good build!
My compliments on the tones of the basses you build!
Koen
True, but modern Englehart necks are made with dovetails. When I restored my aluminum bass, I used an Englehart neck and cut the dovetail off. I simply butt jointed the neck to the block with two bolts. It has held up fine but the bass did fall once and the heel still broke in the same spot as every other Kay! However because of the bolts it was super easy to take off and fix.
Thats true, what i mentioned would only work with hide glue. not with the bolts.
and eub's usually get bolted too. Nice Job!
What a great project! I'm really enjoying this build.
Great work, Tim. Sabbath at the end!
the first 3 notes of "heavy metal" :)
Very cool. It's great to see how it all comes together.
thank you. I'm just happy it worked :)
That looks awesome, great project so far can't wait to see how it turns out :)
In general, what kinds of wood are you setting aside for your fingerboards/fretboards? I am starting to make my own guitars/ukes, tenors, etc., but not sure what wood to use on a budget for the fingerboard/fretboard. Thanks!
I had scored a bunch of cumaru decking a while back that i use for fingerboards. I've also used other dense woods like maple, white oak and birch
@@timsway Thanks, brother!
What's a worth while glue for gluing a upright neck on? Any recommendations
fish glue
What kind of wood did you use for the neck? Pine? Or is it Maple?
ash
@@timsway wow ash!! I know they are great for solid bodies but never for a neck! This is the first!!!
Finally - someone making a musical intrument without a damn CNC machine!
full disclosure: I use CNCs all the time. It doesn't do anything I can't do and haven't done by hand, it just speeds up the process. I understand the sentiment, by why rip a board with a hand saw when you can use a tablesaw? If it's 1940 and you're a hobbyist having fun, handsaw away! But if you're trying to run a competitive business, you better get a table saw! Same is true for CNCs in 2019.
@@timsway couldn't agree more and think CNC's are a form of futuristic magic which can be incredible but personally I find it more interesting to watch a person create something without the safety-net of a computer and still craft something that is equally magical. I find your videos to be an inspiration and hope I didn't crap too much on CNC since again, I like them, it just wouldn't interest me to watch this instrument come from that method
@@retrodad1973 understood. CNC videos are tough to make interesting. I try to focus on the stuff done by hand.
Hello, Tim. I am really interested on finding measure information for 1/2 size contra bass. I only need to know the distance between the body and the neck. I am thinking the highest point to the body. I am ready to glue the neck to the body but I do not have information about the distance that must have. If you can help. Thank you.
I honestly don't know. I've never played a 1/2 size. On my 3/4 size the bridges tend to be around 7" tall when set up
I just love how this thing looks and sounds. I know you used what you have, but would it be"typical" to use such a soft wood on the top? Just curious. Thanks for sharing!
traditionally the tops are made of spruce, a lighter wood. I was trying to be traditional with this choice! lol
Dude, you are so inspiring!
thank you! go try stuff - even if you "can't" :)
Thanks Tim, watched this 3 times. Question, I'm building a mountain dulcimer bass and I'm trying to use 3/4 proportions. I ordered a nice pair of tuning pins mounted to brass plates. After I ordered I noticed it said they were for a 1/2 bass. Does it make a big difference? Think I can get away with 1/2 (mounted to brass plates) tuning screws? I haven't built the head-stock yet.
I don't see why not. Just design. The head to fit them. As long as they can turn the strings they should work fine.
I also make basses l do everything outside old school. I like your video 's
So amazing
thanks bro!
this video has all the best B's; Bass, Brubeck, Black Sabbath, Bangle grinders
beautifully baid
Man ! This is so cool !
thanks!
Arbortech distributes in Australia !
they are based there!
If you take a pencil and cut it in half lengthwise right through the lead, your point will mark the exact edge that you are following.
yes, I have one for guitar nut setups, but I wanted this to be larger than the profile, hence the trick of flipping the carpenter pencil the wide way.
Cool
1930s aluminum?I didnt know that was a thing. Hows it hold up?
A German company made about 1500 of them and the folklore is they stopped making them and even melted some down because of the war. AlCOA of New York also made some and there are violins, mandolins and a few other instruments. Nowadays with modern PAs and mics we can make them sound good, but they do lack compared to wood instruments acoustically
oh, and it's f-cking awesome.
you are the best!
Enjoying👍👍👍👍👍
'This neck goes in at 'about' a 76 degree angle...', says Mr. Accuracy.
Very disappointed that you didn’t make tuners from vintage clothes pegs and old paint cans!
slow your roll, you haven't seen episode 3 yet :)
Hello man puedes hacer un buen negocio mandando a sudamerica saludos desde chincha Perú excelente
It's about time! Just kidding, great project!
one a week for three week.s you gotta wait! :)
@@timsway I guess if I _have_ to, I'll wait.
I want this bass so baaad
Do you have neck dimenension?
Basically the same as a kay bass
@@timsway did you by chance save the measurements you took from the kay bass to make your neck? I dont have a bass of my own yet and planning to build mine but cannot find detailed neck specs anywhere in the internet. Thought you may have saved yours...
@@salomontorres763 I don't have it with me here. When I built my first EUB, before I had one, I went to my local high school with a ruler and some calipers and took a bunch of measurements off a bass. The teacher was cool with it. Nowadays it might be harder to just walk in a school, but you could do the same at a music store...
Take 5!!!!!! I play this tune with my band youthsayers.
Brubeck is one of my heroes for his music and social activism through positive example. I had the pleasure of watching him play that song and many others with his two sons on bass and drums on Dave's 80th birthday. It was a night to remember.
tim sway woah! 😮
My eyes and nose started to slightly water when you began carving the cedar. Does this mean I've cut too much cedar?
you are probably allergic to it. I have some woods that do that to me. Cedar smells nasty but it doesn't bug me worse than others.
@@timsway Yup, I bet I am. My brother is. But I love the smell, is that weird?
@@Makebuildmodify yes
@@timsway Thought so...
17:47 sabbath?
of course!
That's a project you can really sink your teeth into!
It kept me busy for a while :)
Was that a DK line on the outro I just detected?
Black Sabbath :)
💯💯💯💯👍👏👏👏👏👏👏 Share 👍
In a way, you are a caveman. The cave was the shop for that dude, and lots of tools of our ancestors are found in caves.
haha! good point
I only work with what is given, just like you :) (words and wood!) I love your work and ethos.
Such am amazing idea for a build!! I'm a maker myself, and just started to post my own maker videos here on RUclips, so am hoping to do something similar in the future.
If you get a minute, please consider checking out my channel and my new video. Thank you.