Members Low Tone Posted November 20, 2005 Members Posted November 20, 2005 I've been sitting here looking at my Peavey Millenium. I love the way this bass sounds and I love the way the neck plays. However, I am not so crazy about the body shape. It's OK but the reason I bought this bass was the way it sounded and played not the looks. Now I'm wondering how hard it would be to style and cut out my own body shape. I could use the neck and the electronics off the Millenium and sell the old body on eBay. I know Warmoth and other places sell body blanks. Do you think it would be difficult to build? Of course, I would have to get all the mesurements right as far as pickup placement and everything. And getting the holes for the neck screws right worries me as well. Should I give it a shot or have somebody who has a clue what they're doing build me a body? This would probably be a project for next spring. (TAX REFUND )
Members opranks612 Posted November 20, 2005 Members Posted November 20, 2005 I've got no experience in basses, but as far as guitars go it's not that hard. The hardest part is the neck pocket-- it's very important to be precise. I know for guitar they sell squares of wood with the neck pocket already cut out, so you don't have to worry about it. I recommend trying to track down something like this for bass-- I'm not sure who'd sell it though. And as far as cutting, make sure to measure 3 times and cut once. Draw everything out exactly as you want it on the wood, and go very slowly. Also, be very precise in the drilling of holes to mount the pickguard and parts.
Members Rippin' Robin Posted November 20, 2005 Members Posted November 20, 2005 You don't like the millennium shape??? I love it!
Members zenfascist Posted November 20, 2005 Members Posted November 20, 2005 I think the shape of the body and the wood being used, etc. is going to affect the sound of the bass, so keep that in mind. There are a lot of factors to consider.
Members Thunderbroom Posted November 20, 2005 Members Posted November 20, 2005 Bill...I think you'd ultimately be happier if you spent the time building a bass trying to get a band together.
Members baracuda2004 Posted November 20, 2005 Members Posted November 20, 2005 what kind of bass are you trying to build, LARGEMOUTH, SMALLMOUTH or SEA bass, cause they are all very differently shaped and sized?
Members sunburstbasser Posted November 20, 2005 Members Posted November 20, 2005 Originally posted by zenfascist I think the shape of the body and the wood being used, etc. is going to affect the sound of the bass, so keep that in mind. There are a lot of factors to consider. The wood will have an affect. The shape of the body on a solid-bodied bass will not have a measurable or audible difference on tone if all other factors are the same. What it WILL do is affect the balance and possibly playabilty to some extent.
Members prima Posted November 21, 2005 Members Posted November 21, 2005 It's not difficult if you have woodworking experience and good tools. Taking it slow and planning it out perfectly (making templates for routing, etc) will prevent all sorts of difficulties.
Members Low Tone Posted November 21, 2005 Author Members Posted November 21, 2005 Originally posted by Thunderbroom Bill...I think you'd ultimately be happier if you spent the time building a bass trying to get a band together. Always ready with that Zen logic of yours, aren't you? But you're probably right.
Members illidian Posted November 21, 2005 Members Posted November 21, 2005 Originally posted by Thunderbroom Bill...I think you'd ultimately be happier if you spent the time building a bass trying to get a band together. In addition of having way too good of gear, you're also too highly educated and well-versed in finding happiness! I love playing bass, and messing with my bass. But I also love to play with other people. Is it worth it for me to start/find a band, or rather just play by myself and be free to do what I want without all the headaches?
Members JeffBass Posted November 21, 2005 Members Posted November 21, 2005 I'd say it's pretty damn hard to do..
Members ghastlyone Posted November 21, 2005 Members Posted November 21, 2005 Originally posted by sunburstbasser The wood will have an affect. The shape of the body on a solid-bodied bass will not have a measurable or audible difference on tone if all other factors are the same. Steinberger body vs. Thunderbird body?
Members Thunderbroom Posted November 21, 2005 Members Posted November 21, 2005 Originally posted by illidian In addition of having way too good of gear, you're also too highly educated and well-versed in finding happiness! I love playing bass, and messing with my bass. But I also love to play with other people. Is it worth it for me to start/find a band, or rather just play by myself and be free to do what I want without all the headaches? It's just the Buddhism.
Members LO_RYDER Posted November 21, 2005 Members Posted November 21, 2005 Drawing a shape on a slab of wood is easy. contourng the body is not. cutting pickup holes...including the spacing and positioning (which will dictate the tone) is not. Cutting the neck pocket at the right depth and center is not. getting a professional finish (unless to do a hand rubbed oil) is difficult. Seems like a lot of trouble and expense to go through for less than optimal results. But, thats just me!
Members M-1 Fan Posted November 21, 2005 Members Posted November 21, 2005 http://www.rampartguitars.com/Guitar%20Shapes.htm
Members BigPigPeaches Posted November 21, 2005 Members Posted November 21, 2005 In my experience:(Same electronics + same neck) + different body = different sound. Oftentimes very much different. I would apply the logic: Don't fix it if it ain't broke. I think you will put a lot of effort into it and be disappointed with the results. If you really want to do this, I would get another Millennium to experiment on rather than sacrificing your #1.
Members Low Tone Posted November 21, 2005 Author Members Posted November 21, 2005 Originally posted by BigPigPeaches In my experience: (Same electronics + same neck) + different body = different sound. Oftentimes very much different. I would apply the logic: Don't fix it if it ain't broke. I think you will put a lot of effort into it and be disappointed with the results. If you really want to do this, I would get another Millennium to experiment on rather than sacrificing your #1. LOL.... I could buy 5 or 6 Milleniums for what my #1 cost.
Members LO_RYDER Posted November 21, 2005 Members Posted November 21, 2005 Originally posted by Low Tone LOL.... I could buy 5 or 6 Milleniums for what my #1 cost. Ok, What brand is that? Doesn't look familiar. ( hope it was worth the $)
Members mrcrow Posted November 21, 2005 Members Posted November 21, 2005 Originally posted by Low Tone I've been sitting here looking at my Peavey Millenium. I love the way this bass sounds and I love the way the neck plays. However, I am not so crazy about the body shape. It's OK but the reason I bought this bass was the way it sounded and played not the looks. Now I'm wondering how hard it would be to style and cut out my own body shape. I could use the neck and the electronics off the Millenium and sell the old body on eBay. I know Warmoth and other places sell body blanks. Do you think it would be difficult to build? Of course, I would have to get all the mesurements right as far as pickup placement and everything. And getting the holes for the neck screws right worries me as well. Should I give it a shot or have somebody who has a clue what they're doing build me a body? This would probably be a project for next spring. (TAX REFUND ) would the body shape fit within the milleniums present shape... if i wanted to do anything with my fenfer it would be to reduce the body outline..
Members bassplayer7770 Posted November 21, 2005 Members Posted November 21, 2005 Originally posted by Rippin' Robin You don't like the millennium shape???I love it! +1
Members ghastlyone Posted November 21, 2005 Members Posted November 21, 2005 Originally posted by BigPigPeaches In my experience: (Same electronics + same neck) + different body = different sound. Oftentimes very much different. Case in point: Eddie Van Halen's Ibanez Korina Explorer used on the first album. Later on he took that chunk out of it and admitted it totally ruined the guitar's tone and that it was a big mistake.
Members takeout Posted November 21, 2005 Members Posted November 21, 2005 LT - I can do it, and I'm in town. PM me if interested, and we'll talk.
Members sunburstbasser Posted November 21, 2005 Members Posted November 21, 2005 I don't buy into body shape having an affect on tone. Sorry guys, I'm just not seeting it.
Members BigPigPeaches Posted November 22, 2005 Members Posted November 22, 2005 Originally posted by sunburstbasser I don't buy into body shape having an affect on tone. Sorry guys, I'm just not seeting it. Shape maybe not so much, but EVH would know. But wood, definitely. Build a few (more) and find out for yourself.
Members bassman1956 Posted November 22, 2005 Members Posted November 22, 2005 Originally posted by M-1 Fan http://www.rampartguitars.com/Guitar%20Shapes.htm Thank You to All our Friends....our page is down for " Reworking ".......see you soon......
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