A Bass VI for $200?

[bassVIst]

Klusons will work - you may have to file out the slots on the two heaviest string posts -

No need... the labelle Bass VI flats I use, taper and I have no problem with normal (guitar) kluson style tuners

but they'll have to clip VI strings too short to fit in klusons... without having that extra length going beyond the bridge to the tailpiece...


i've been trying to think of ways to make stuff like this work for a decade...

i'd decided to go convert an Epiphone EB-0 to an EB-6

and had planned on just adding a bass tuner in the middle of each side of the headstock

i never got around to it...

but mostly because i could never decide on a bridge
or tuners...

[MattK]

There will be a bit of extra length behind the bridge, don't forget they wrap around the bar on the Mustang tail. From my pics it looks like there is only an inch or so difference when you allow for the wraparound, since the trem is very close to the bridge on the VI anyway.

It really depends on how things line up when I get the neck - whether the fretboard overhangs the body, for instance, will make a difference to bridge placement. I don't think I will have enough room for a Jag type trem though, not without it looking pretty lame.

[thestratomaster]

I tried the bottom horn rounding in Photoshop - still undecided:

And thanks for the clip - that is a small body isn't it? Looks like the instrument would be pretty cool unmodified.

Very Nice I had a few drawn up like that I was thinking of a victor wooten style pickguard
http://www.bassmarion.com/mmjazzbass.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Rumor is that Rondo is getting in a Bass VI style guitar (30 scale) soon keep your head up for that

I would send it to you but I am so strapped for cash right now I wouldnt be able to front it.

Thats a Marcus miller ish pickguard

[MattK]

Actually I should have posted it here - this is a more-or-less scale plan (although I think the SX neck has a couple fewer frets, I'll have to wait until I get it to see how it will all line up). With luck there will be room to fit a Mustang trem.

[MattK]

OK - major update after a long process of finding bits.
I decided that this should be a Mustang VI - not a Bass VI, not a Mustang Bass, not a Jaguar Bass - so it should be a VI version of the Mustang, just like the Bass VI is a VI version of the Jaguar. So this is not a VI clone but a "what if" instrument - if Fender had adapted the Mustang design to a VI, instead of adapting the Jag design.
So far I have the Mustang tail, a Jag bridge (some choice of sting placement), the 30" neck, a Jazz body, and some white button Kluson copies. I had thought of cutting off the lower horn VI style, but the more I look at it, the less I want to do that. So I thought of shortening both horns Mustang style:

I have one Jag pickup and want to buy two more - or I could use the junk Strat pickups I have, and give them black Mustang style covers.
I just wanted some design input, the pickguard has been difficult and I am not sure about the horn length. On this pic is the actual neck and body (correct placement of bridge) and a few bits from a Mustang photo, plus Jag pickups and switchplate, and a VI control plate, plus my original working diagram from above.
One last thought - if this is a Mustang should I use 3-way pickup switches for phase?
Any thoughts / input welcomed.

[Stereordinary]

Wow, I like this idea. Got some cool stuff going on there.

[MattK]

Given your skills, I hope I can live up to it!

[Stereordinary]

How about doing the upper horn extended out farther like a Bass VI normally is? It will balance the instrument better on a strap, and I think it would look even cooler.

[MattK]

Interesting thought - I will try it out.

Meanwhile - here is another draft based on a suggestion by Rod at Shortscale ...

[Stereordinary]

I like the first one better.

[MattK]

Really? Hm.

This one *would* be a lot easier to do - I can use the existing control plate and rout from the J bass body. Plus I think it looks more Mustang - your preference seems to be for "proper" VI features. Which I dig as well. However this version keeps some of the J bass qualities that I like.

One to sleep on, I reckon.

[Stereordinary]

It does look good, I'm not trying to put it down. Just voicing my preference.

[MattK]

Definitely - it's great to discuss it and get other perspectives, thanks for taking the time to comment.

Just as another reference - here's the 64 Jazz I am copying for the colour scheme:

[Stereordinary]

[MattK]

Not mine, of course.

I will do another draft tomorrow - but just to make a note, I think I will go longer with the top horn, since that's also a Jag-VI difference, and I'll lift up the downward curve in the top edge of the guard somewhat, again more VI-like. Great input thanks.