Topic: necessity the mother of invention

I have a old Silvertone bass I picked up used for $50 that I had to fix one of the pickups and wiring before it would work but the strings are really high on the neck and very uncomfortable to play I looked at the saddle and they were adjusted as low as the little Allen wrench sockets could go then I got an idea if I messed it up I could always pickup another cheap bass for my needs so I removed the strings and neck and traced a pattern around the bridge and removed it then got my dremel router and cut around the marked off area about a 1/4" deep and with an old screwdriver and hammer proceeded to chisel out the entire area till it was level it took awhile but soon I replaced the bridge screws,neck and adjusted the individual string nuts all the way up to start after I restrung and tuned it I had to make further adjustments but now the strings are only 1/8" or less off the fretboard and it stays in tune and is wicked fast and more important comfortable to pick sometimes things do work out for the best now I have a nice bass to play and my fingers sure appreciate it smile

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Re: necessity the mother of invention

COOL

Re: necessity the mother of invention

you know, if you hadn't used the dremel you would now be a true redneck luthier

Don't take life too seriously, you're not getting out alive anyway

Re: necessity the mother of invention

Redneck Luthier smile  but I love the smell of fresh burning wood dont that count? lol

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Re: necessity the mother of invention

I didn't see anything about duct tape, a must for any true redneck luthier.

Re: necessity the mother of invention

Hi Russell,

  Perfect! Some of us have to improvise and make due with what we have. Seven years in the USMC

  got me there. Leaves us with a good feeling about ourselves when we accomplish things that others

  would not even try. Good work!  Southrnrocker might be on to something there. Never enough of

  that stuff(lol).      Mike

Our intuitions serve us well

Re: necessity the mother of invention

Great job Russell!  Thinking outside the box sure does make a difference, add a few good skills and you've created something quite unique with lowering the action on that one!  smile 

I didn't see anything about duct tape, a must for any true redneck luthier.

Ha ha ha!  So true though  lol

Art and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder.
What constitutes excellent music is in the ears of the listener.

Re: necessity the mother of invention

How could I have forgotten duct tape. I guess you could still use it to bandage your finger after you drive your screwdriver/chisel into them

Don't take life too seriously, you're not getting out alive anyway

Re: necessity the mother of invention

I think duct tape sticks to itself the best  lol but it sure dose come in handy sometimes I used to watch a show with a comic handyman Red something (could be green) great show he was a wiz with the stuff smile

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Re: necessity the mother of invention

Nicely done.  I have some spare light gauge long scale strings here if you'd like a fresh set to put on that bad boy.

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude

Re: necessity the mother of invention

Thanks for the offer Zurf I never have tried them I will email you my address and if you like I can return a nice CD with some songs of mine including "one for the road" smile

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Re: necessity the mother of invention

That's a deal!   

The light gauge round wounds I'm going to send you are Hartke brand.  They're good for popping, thumping, and bending.  For just regular playing they have a nice growly, sharp kind of sound.  Good rock or Chicago blues strings where you use a lot of hard attacks doing walking lines.  They're what I've got on my Ovation Magnum. 

I like medium flat wounds on my fretless.  They're just as fat and mellow as a late August sunset.  I haven't got any spares of those. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude

Re: necessity the mother of invention

I feel like a late August sunset lol

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Re: necessity the mother of invention

In the autumn of your life, are you, Russell?

You can see all my video covers on [url]http://www.youtube.com/bensonp1000[/url]
I have finally found happiness in my life.  Guitars, singing, beer and camping.  And they all intertwine wonderfully.

Re: necessity the mother of invention

no just getting fat and mellow lol

"Growing old is not for sissies"