Huon Pine & Tassy Mrytle Acoustic Bass

[lamanoditrento]

I have just delivered this bass that was started just before lockdown. It is falcate braced, 17 fret to the body with a body loosely based on a 17" arch top shape. The specs are

Soundboard: Huon pine (via David Linton)
Back, sides, rosette & headstock: Tasmania myrtle (via Bobthebuilder)
Neck & bridge: QLD mahgony
Cutawy & endgraft: Movingui
Fretboard: Ringed gidgee (via Pete Curly) with GMOP inlay
Schaller Machine heads
K&K 3 transducer pure bass pickup

[WJ Guitars]

Looks amazing Trent. Recently I had an enquiry from a local music shop that was interested in the falcate bracing idea for a bass guitar just like your posting. I be interested to know how it sounds and your comments on building / design aspects.

Wayne
https://wjguitars.wixsite.com/mysite-1

[lamanoditrento]

As the string tension is pretty much the same on a bass as a guitar, I pretty much kept the process the same. The target thickness for this huon pine came in at 3.2mm for the wider lower bout. Mine is much much louder than any I've tried (mind you I only tried factory basses in a couple of music store). Acoustic bass string require a much higher action, so you need to account for that in your design. Also, I would check the tuners fit in a case for any design as I've had to modify a case to get it to fit

[Valben]

Beautiful instrument Trent thanks for sharing.
I never built an acoustic bass but I have been always tempted … and my brother has been pestering me for the last few years.
Valter

[lamanoditrento]

The wood review has done a little feature on this build, I'm a bit chuffed about it. https://www.woodreview.com.au/how-to/tr ... ass-guitar

[Bob_H]

Nice bit of coverage - well done! And well deserved - that is a really nice (and interesting) build.

[kiwigeo]

Nice work Trent......you're in the big league now mate!

[WJ Guitars]

Great review Trent. Great to see you succeed !

Wayne

[Spring]

Really beautiful instrument ! The detailing is stunning.
I used the K&K pickups on a recent bass build, and I love the sound they give. Are you happy with the sound?
What strings are you using?
The bass I built is for my wife, and she has a Taylor GS Mini. We used the D'Addario EXPPBB190GS strings that Taylor uses. I'd be interested to know of other options or any thoughts you have.

[lamanoditrento]

Thanks guys. Spring, I was really led by the customer, they wanted Elixir #14502: Acoustic Bass Nano Light 45-100. They sound nice despite my personal preference for flat wounds. IMO, the sound is great and big for an acoustic bass. The customer is over the moon with it, although any amplification at all requires a feedback buster.

[Spring]

Yes, the reason I built the bass for my wife was to try to reduce feedback. I made the body thinner, and removed the soundhole, but still K&K pickups. It is much louder than the Taylor, has a nice full deep sound, and no feedback.
She switches back and forth between guitars, and the variation in sound works well with different songs.

[NotTheMama]

Wow what a stunner! I have a lot to learn...