Aluminum-Necked Bass VI Build

[WillPhistre]

Sorry if you've seen something like this already — I think I've finally got it as dialed in as it's gonna get, and honestly I can't put the thing down (or stop taking dorky pics of it haha).

Check it out here: https://imgur.com/a/zYTEnsg

Unfortunately, now I'm 100% on the aluminum train and I'm saving up for an EGC build. When will the toan quest end??

[scottydanger]

Already saw it on Reddit, but you do NOT need to apologize for putting it in front of me again. Gorgeous instrument, great work!

[WillPhistre]

Why thank you! I've definitely learned a lot about guitars from messing around with VIs trying to get the sound I have in my head. Still gotta learn how to solder though.

[parry]

That looks really great. A marked improvement with the low-E?

I think I've learned to just work around mine being less than impressive...
but I still have a small flicker of hope, that SOME day it will rattle some windows like a proper bass does.

[WillPhistre]

That looks really great. A marked improvement with the low-E?

I think I've learned to just work around mine being less than impressive...
but I still have a small flicker of hope, that SOME day it will rattle some windows like a proper bass does.

Thanks! While the alu neck did do a lot, the string size itself really does what you're looking for. I went from using the .86 low E that came in the D'Addario Bass VI string pack, to some LaBellas with a .90, to some Elixirs with a .95 before settling on a .105 (ordered as a single bass string). I don't think it needs to go bigger than that unless you're down-tuning. Unfortunately you'll probably have to get new nut too, but the brass ones on ebay are GREAT and cheap!

Pickups help for bass too. They don't have to be expensive, either — the favorite Bass VI pickups I've had were on a cheap strat with a 30" conversion neck. The neck pup honestly sounded like a P bass. I want to toss em in my squier, but like I said I've yet to dive into the smoky world of solder.

[scottydanger]

Dude, soldering is way easier than you probably think it is. If my dumb ass could do it at 14 years old, anyone can. I am not coordinated or particularly smart (see: bass player) but soldering is relatively simple. Even if you don't do a pretty job, you can still do a functional job. Just use heat shrink to cover your ugly mistakes

[WillPhistre]

You're probably right, it's just another set of tools I gotta buy and another pile of hours to devote to learning it. Biggest barrier though? my anxiety about messing it up and not having a functioning rig until someone can fix it lol.

[jmarcovis]

You're probably right, it's just another set of tools I gotta buy and another pile of hours to devote to learning it. Biggest barrier though? my anxiety about messing it up and not having a functioning rig until someone can fix it lol.

You buy the beer and I'll come over and solder in whatever pickups you want! Plus I need some time alone with this beauty of a Bass VI.

[WillPhistre]

Shut up jeff


(just kidding i love you)

[BTL]

That's really cool!

What's the story on the neck, and what's the scale length?

[rumfoord]

oh that is beautiful beautiful beautiful

[antisymmetric]

Cool idea!

[wproffitt]

I love it! I’m considering a Bass VI project right now. This is an interesting direction! What’s the neck profile on this like?

[WillPhistre]

That's really cool!

What's the story on the neck, and what's the scale length?

I put some info at the imgur link, but here's a bunch more:


-----SPECS-----

- Solid 6061 T6 Aluminum
- Scale - 30" = 762mm
- Round Heel (Fits Fender© / Squier© Bass VI Pockets)
- FB Radius - 9.5"
- Nut Width - 1.650" = 42mm
- Aluminum Nut
- Thickness - 0.750" = 19mm all the way - No taper
- 21 Jescar Stainless Steel frets
- Tuners - Gotoh SG360-07
- 2mm black side dots on both sides

[WillPhistre]

I love it! I’m considering a Bass VI project right now. This is an interesting direction! What’s the neck profile on this like?

It's a D-shape I'd say, and pretty thin. No taper either