Some of you guys know that I had ordered myself a bass a while back. Due to (mostly) a trial separation and eventual divorce, the guy simply put my project aside for a while (completely understandable). But, he got back to work and I finally received my new bass just today...in time for the Christmas concert series.
Made by Knuckle Guitar Works of Seattle. I went to NAMM 6 or 7 years ago and played every bass that Skip Fantry (luthier) had brought with him - all rightys, of course. His most famous bass is the Quake, which is a five-string with an extended low F# - lower than the B. With the right strings, it tunes down to one full octave below a traditional bass. I was not interested in THAT bass, but a traditional 5-string, mahogany body, maple sandwich neck, passive. When I finally decided to order a true, custom bass, I contacted a few guys, but Skip was my first choice. And, Skip hit a home run as far as I can tell. The body asymetrical, as you can see on the photo of the back. The woodgrain of each half are not parallel, which contributes to better overall strength. Below the cavity is the recessed input jack. Very cool. Although the bass is passive, he routed out the back cavity in case I later decide to add a pre-amp. And, though the pickups look like soapbars, underneath they are really P/J Nordstrams. He used ebony dust as "pore fill" for the body, which really turns the grain black and it pops. Very deep red, not quite as bright red as the photo, but just as gorgeous.
I have never, never seen a bridge like this. The strings actually rest on an elevated screw. I will get a close up of the bridge later. These photos were taken by Skip before he sent it to me. It is a keeper.
The fret markers are basically a cube that is inserted on the top of the fretboard and down into the front. When you look at the sidemarker, you are looking at the same marker that can be seen from the front. The actual same one. Also, a 36" scale. (But I have large hands....)
And, those Circle K strings (low tension) - I love 'em.
More later after a concert Sunday night.
Mike
