For the last couple of months I have had the idea that I could build my own bass.

I have been drawing and researching a lot on the internet, luthier’s forums, videos on youtube and collecting all my thoughts in notebooks (aka my iPhone).

So far i have narrowed it down to this

4 string

Laminated neck through (5pcs)

Dual action trussrod

Carbon rods for extra strenght

11'' fretboard radius (like my MM Stingray)

Musicman Style pickup w. 3 band EQ possibly midrange selector

Wood:

The biggest challenge for me at the moment seems to be getting the right kind of wood. I would like to build with parts of wenge or other dense wood types to achieve some attack and growl. At the same time it shouldn’t be to heavy and all attack, I have been offered some pieces of wenge and purpleheart at a local cabinetmaker which could become relevant if I don’t find another supplier. Besides from that I would really like to have some Birdseye maple for the neck and particularly the fingerboard.

I have not yet decided if I want to make a top (perhaps bookmatched) or just have the body wood showing. Time will tell.

Some weeks ago I told a colleague about the project, and he referenced a cabinatmaker who he vouched had some really nice wood. I will visit him when I am a bit further with my planning. The local one primarily have to order things home for me. I would much prefer to see the pieces before i buy them. I hope to find some bits and pieces here and there that I can have cheap.

I have really watched a lot of videos on how to build bass’s and guitars. Very inspiring.

Scripling ideas on pieces of paper. I have drawn a template for the fingerboard, placement of brigde etc. and printed it in full scale on a plotter. Then I can draw my designs in full scale. Hope that will help me later when I have decided on a design to make it the “right” size.