Trystan Casey
Building an electric upright bass is a challenging endeavour, especially for those who are new to instrument-making. The process involves careful consideration of design, materials, and construction techniques. While there is no standard for electric upright basses, the key components typically include the neck, fingerboard, bridge, strings, and pickup. The neck and fingerboard require precise angles and shapes to ensure playability, while the bridge and pickup greatly influence the sound quality. With the right combination of skills, knowledge, and resources, it is possible to create a functional and unique electric upright bass.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | £120 |
| Strings | £14 |
| Machine heads | £16 |
| Pickups | £23 |
| Tools | Jigsaw, mitre saw, band saw, belt and disk sander, clamps, drill press, drill bit set, table saw, dremel, heat gun |
| Materials | Plywood, MDF, timber, oak, beech, threaded rod, machine screws, threaded insert nuts, tuning gears |
| Design | Semi-hollow, fretless, flat or ground wounds strings, 39-42 inch scalelength, wooden bridge, proper upright bass strings |
| Dimensions | No standard dimensions, but two general design directions: The Old Style based on the Ampeg Baby Bass ('59-'70) and the modernized variant with a 40" scale length |
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What You'll Learn
Sourcing materials
Wood Selection:
The type of wood you choose will significantly impact the sound and aesthetics of your electric upright bass. Consider hardwoods such as maple, mahogany, or ash for the body, which will provide a solid and resonant tone. For the neck, you can opt for a combination of woods, such as beech and oak, glued together to achieve the desired width and visual appeal. Don't forget to select a suitable wood for the fingerboard, keeping in mind that modern electric upright basses often feature a classical fingerboard design.
Strings and Hardware:
Strings are a crucial component, and you can explore options like flatwound or ground wound strings. Corelli synth core strings are also mentioned as a potential choice. Machine heads, tuning gears, and pickups are essential hardware components. You can source these from online marketplaces like eBay or Amazon, where you may find new or second-hand options at reasonable prices.
Tools and Accessories:
Depending on the design of your electric upright bass, you may require tools such as a jigsaw, mitre saw, band saw, various types of sanders, clamps, drill press, drill bit set, table saw, and a heat gun. Additionally, consider the type of bridge you want. A wooden bridge with a decent break angle is recommended, and you can shape and adjust it to your preferred height.
Design and Dimensions:
There is no standard when it comes to the design and dimensions of electric upright basses. They vary significantly, and you have the freedom to choose between old-style designs inspired by the Ampeg Baby Bass or more modern interpretations. Consider the purpose of your instrument, whether it's for convenience, touring, or practicing, as this will influence its design and dimensions.
Electronics:
If you're adding electronics to your electric upright bass, consider the type of pickup and controls you want. A compression piezo pickup, for example, can be installed in the bridge, and you can opt for simple passive electronics to keep things functional and straightforward.
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Design considerations
The design considerations for building an electric upright bass are numerous and varied. Firstly, the intended use of the instrument is a key factor. For example, if the bass is intended as a practice and touring instrument, it will need to be lightweight and easy to transport, perhaps with a smaller body. The desired sound and playability are also crucial factors. Some builders aim for their electric upright bass to closely mimic the feel and sound of a traditional double bass, which can be challenging to achieve.
The fingerboard is a critical design element. A modern electric upright bass often has a vertical fretless design with a classical fingerboard, which allows for bowing. The radius of the fingerboard is an important consideration, with double basses typically having a much smaller radius than bass guitars. The height and width of the fingerboard must also be considered to ensure proper right-hand positioning.
The neck of an electric upright bass should generally be thicker than that of a bass guitar, and the overall scale length should be considered, with lengths of around 39-42 inches being common. The bridge design is also important, with wooden bridges offering a decent break angle. The type of strings used will impact the sound and playability, with options including flat wounds, ground wounds, and upright bass strings like Corelli synth core.
The body of the bass can be designed in various shapes, with the Gamba, Violin, and Busetto being traditional mould options. The body can be made from plywood or solid wood, with some builders using multiple glued planks to form the neck and body sections. Overall, simplicity in design is often recommended, focusing on the specific job the instrument is designed for, rather than adding unnecessary features.
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Construction
Constructing an electric upright bass (EUB) can be a challenging task, especially for those new to instrument-making or woodworking. While there is no standard design for EUBs, there are two general approaches: following the old-style Ampeg Baby Bass design from the '50s and '60s, or opting for a modern vertical fretless bass with a classical fingerboard. Here is a step-by-step construction guide:
Materials and Components:
Firstly, source the required materials and components. This includes timber for the body and neck, strings, machine heads, pickups, screws, and any additional electronics. Consider using plywood or MDF for jigs and templates. For the neck, you can use multiple planks of timber glued together for strength and aesthetics.
Design and Dimensions:
Determine the desired dimensions and design of your EUB. Consider the scale length, which typically ranges from 34" to 42" for EUBs. Decide on the shape of the body, keeping in mind the need to support the neck, bridge, tailpiece, strings, pickup, and endpin. The fingerboard design is crucial, especially if you plan to play with a bow. Modern EUBs often feature a classical fingerboard, which allows for bowing, whereas a guitar-style fingerboard does not.
Neck Construction:
The neck of an EUB needs to be thicker than that of a typical bass guitar. For a comfortable playing position, ensure the fingerboard is positioned high enough off the body. If using a discarded neck, address any breaks or damage and reinforce weak points. Decide on the attachment method, such as gluing or bolting, ensuring a secure connection to the body.
Bridge and Pickup:
Design and construct a bridge that suits your desired action height and string angle. A wooden bridge with a decent break angle is recommended. You can make the bridge adjustable by mounting it on a block, allowing for height adjustments without replacing the entire bridge. For the pickup, you can source a second-hand set or look for auctions that include both the pickup and bridge.
Assembly and Fine-Tuning:
Assemble all the components, including the neck, body, bridge, tailpiece, strings, and pickup. Fine-tune the instrument by adjusting the action, intonation, and string height to your preferred playing style. Ensure that the pickup is positioned correctly and adjust amp settings if needed to optimise sound quality.
Constructing an EUB requires patience, precision, and the ability to work with various materials. It is beneficial to refer to existing designs, online resources, and forums for detailed guidelines and inspiration.
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Setup and electronics
The setup and electronics of an electric upright bass are essential to its functionality and playability. Here are the steps and considerations for this stage of the build:
Neck and Fingerboard
The neck of your upright bass needs to be thicker than a standard bass guitar neck to accommodate the scale length and string tension. Consider a neck with a very round radius and a scale length between 39-42 inches. The fingerboard should be high enough off the body to enable proper right-hand positioning. You can create the neck from multiple planks of timber glued together for strength and aesthetics. Sand and shape the neck to ensure a comfortable grip and smooth transition to the fingerboard.
Strings and Machine Heads
Install the strings and machine heads carefully. You can opt for flat or ground wound strings, and ensure you have the appropriate tuning gears. Take into account the string tension and adjust the machine heads accordingly.
Pickups and Electronics
For the electronics, you will need pickups, machine screws, and threaded insert nuts. The pickups capture the string vibrations, and their placement is crucial for optimal sound. You may need to adjust their position to avoid any buzzing or excessive sensitivity. The electronics should include volume and tone controls, and you may also consider adding an output jack for connecting to an amplifier.
Bridge and Tailpiece
The bridge can be made from wood, such as beech, and cut to the desired height. Consider a modern baffled bridge design with a decent break angle. Drill holes for the strings and adjust the height as needed. For the tailpiece, draw and cut the shape, drill holes for string attachment, and sand it for a smooth finish. The tailgut mounting holes will guide the thick string through to the end pin.
Sound and Adjustments
Finally, focus on the sound and make any necessary adjustments. Install the soundpost, ensuring it is secure and positioned correctly. Fine-tune the string action and intonation to your preferred playing style. Test the bass and listen for any buzzing or unwanted noises. Make minor adjustments to the bridge, nut, or saddle as needed to optimise the sound and playing experience.
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Testing and adjustments
Once you've built your electric upright bass, it's important to test it thoroughly and make any necessary adjustments to ensure it functions and sounds as intended. Here are some key aspects to consider during the testing and adjustment phase:
Electronics and Sound
Start by testing the electronics, including the pickups and any onboard preamps or equalizers. Ensure they are functioning correctly and providing a clear, noise-free signal. Adjust the pickup height if needed to optimize the signal strength and tone. As demonstrated in the example build, the sensitivity of the pickups can be adjusted by modifying amp settings or moving the pickup. Fine-tune the electronics to achieve the desired sound output.
Strings and Tuning
Install the chosen strings, ensuring they are properly stretched and seated in the nut slots and bridge. Test the tuning machines to confirm they are functioning correctly and holding pitch. Adjust the string height at the bridge to achieve the desired action or string height above the fingerboard, ensuring smooth playability and minimizing string buzz.
Intonation
Check the intonation by playing each note on the bass and verifying that it is in tune at different frets along the neck. Adjust the bridge saddles or individual string lengths as needed to correct any intonation issues. Proper intonation ensures that the instrument plays in tune across the entire fretboard.
Neck and Truss Rod
Inspect the neck for straightness and adjust the truss rod if necessary to correct any bowing or excessive relief. A slight adjustment to the truss rod can impact the playability and feel of the instrument. Refer to specific instructions for your type of truss rod and exercise caution, as over-tightening can damage the neck.
Overall Playability
Test the overall playability of the instrument by playing various musical passages and techniques. Assess the comfort, ease of play, and responsiveness of the bass. Make adjustments to the setup, such as string action or neck relief, based on your playing preferences and style.
Fine-Tuning and Refinement
Finally, fine-tune your electric upright bass by addressing any specific issues you identify during testing. This may include adjusting the nut slots for better string alignment, modifying the bridge for improved stability or tone, or making minor tweaks to the electronics. Remember that adjustments are often iterative, and small changes can significantly impact the instrument's performance and sound.
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Frequently asked questions
There are no standard dimensions for electric upright basses (EUBs). They vary in design and dimensions. However, the fingerboard of a double bass allows for bowing, which is not possible with an electric bass guitar-style fingerboard.
You will need strings, machine heads, pickups, machine screws, threaded insert nuts, plywood or MDF for the body, and timber for the neck.
It is recommended to keep the design simple and focused on the specific job you are designing it for. Avoid adding too many features. Additionally, consider the purpose of the bass, whether it will be used for practicing, touring, or playing a specific genre of music.
One issue is the string buzzing when fretting near the nut. Another challenge is finding suitable instructions and measurements for building the instrument.
