I built a FRETLESS PIEZO BASS out of my uncle's CABINETS (while traveling in a motorhome) FULL BUILD
You can purchase this bass here:
www.gunsandguitars.net/gng-cu...
This is the FULL BUILD start to finish of a fretless piezo bass I built from scratch using scrap wood leftover from my uncle's cabinets. I built this while living and traveling full time in a motorhome using basic DIY tools!
If you want more in depth information of the whole process, here are parts 1-3 of this build series, making a fretless piezo bass from scratch out of scrap wood and basic diy tools that I can carry with me in my motorhome!
Part 1: • Building a Fretless Pi...
Part 2: • The WRONG WAY to build...
Part 3: • Scrap wood Fretless Pi...
Here are the parts I used for this build:
Folding Work Table: amzn.to/2XsHZSX
Radius sanding block: amzn.to/3tP9iCp
Bass Tuning Machines: amzn.to/3lQP1sT
Bass Piezo Bridge Pickup: amzn.to/3CqdSKm
Bass Adjustable String Nut: amzn.to/3CoF6B8
Bass Adjustable truss rod (low profile): amzn.to/3hG7hDG
Black Oval Jack Plate: amzn.to/3nGmKrp
Black Coated Flatwound Bass Strings: amzn.to/3lzfuuF
Full disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate, and the links in this description are affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, it doesn't cost you any more money, but I will earn a commission.
Want a Guns and Guitars shirt? buy one here: gunsandguitars.net
Facebook: / gunsandguitarsofficial
Instagram @gunsandguitarsofficial
Support me on Patreon: / danthompson
Current Patrons (as of this video)
$5 Patrons:
Yosemite Sam
Mynameisnotjeff
David J Kitelinger
Derek Weathersbee
John Clark
Tanner Redman
David Morgan
David Vaughan
LesLamcke
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Captain Rudy 4021
Chris Hopkins
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Ben Berscak
Jeff Savoie
Mike Bennett
PEEPEE POOPOO
Tim Stephens
$10+ Patrons:
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john best
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The Grapeman Reform
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Michael Fierro
Jeffery Maslan
Johnathan Simmonds
Wolfgang Widmer
Background music made by Jordan Rowan of iMakeMusic
Audiojungle: audiojungle.net/user/imakemusic
Пікірлер: 522
This bass is for sale here if you’re interested! www.gunsandguitars.net/product-page/001
@StinkfaceMcPew
2 жыл бұрын
All things considered that’s a very reasonable price.
@drivenmad7676
2 жыл бұрын
The Bass is beautiful.
@juliachild9377
2 жыл бұрын
$2499 seems quite pricey for what amounts to a plywood bass, especially considering you got that wood for free. Someone out there might pay $2499 for it, but it doesn't seem fairly priced to me. I don't know how you calculated the price though, so maybe I'm wrong.
@StinkfaceMcPew
2 жыл бұрын
@@juliachild9377 how to tell everyone you don't know the value of labor without saying you don't know the value of labor.
@JamieLamb
2 жыл бұрын
Very reasonable price. Considering I've spent so much money lately on "toys and trips" lol, I'll have to hold off for the time being... but if by some miracle it is still available in a couple months, I'll grab it lol. But it won't be.
"I'm gonna try my best" he says right before building one of the coolest looking fretless piezos I've ever seen
@kellnola
2 жыл бұрын
It looks great for sure. Also sounds surprisingly good.
@Oasudude
2 жыл бұрын
@@kellnola It sounds shat, and it looks aweful............... sorry
Especially with the music i'm into (hard rock/numetal), this has a sound i really don't hear often. Makes me miss playing Double Bass in high school band class. I think my favorite part of the build is the unorthodox build method. I've seen a ton of guitar building videos, and nobody's process looks anything like this, and you prove you don't need to necessarily follow all the rules to come away with a great sounding and great looking instrument.
@zachary2541
2 жыл бұрын
Check out a band called First Fragment. Their bassist plays a fretless 6 and its pretty insane.
@GunsandGuitars
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the encouragement! I agree, there’s more than one way to skin a cat. I use a circular saw 😂🤷♂️
@RubyRoks
2 жыл бұрын
@@zachary2541 Thanks for the recommendation. Just looked them up and the musicianship on display is impeccable!
@icedvengence3845
2 жыл бұрын
A lot of metal and tech death metal plays fretless.... Steve Digorgio is a popular thrash death metal bassist who plays fretless and some nonfretless. Check out some of the bands Obscura or Beyond Creation videos
@StinkfaceMcPew
2 жыл бұрын
Dude check out Intronaut. The bass player plays a fretless 5er.
Me: If only I had $10k worth of fine wood working tools, the best brands and a huge shop - I'd make some great guitars. Dan: I'll just use this old angle grinder to shape the neck after I freehand route the f-holes.
@timchapin6482
2 жыл бұрын
Right?!?! What most definitely sets our boy apart from all the rest!!
@christianmcdepressed5899
2 жыл бұрын
Those radius blocks can be expensive thou
@Cranedewd
2 жыл бұрын
Between that grinder, a half round iwasaki rasp and a Shinto rasp literally anything can be done as far as shaping.
@GunsandGuitars
2 жыл бұрын
What’s the worst that can happen?
@bruceswabb7145
2 жыл бұрын
All I need is a belt sander!
You went from having a workshop and building kits to working out of an RV and building from scratch. What a madman, I love it.
Man....just the finishing section of this video makes me want to get back in the shop. You're a damned hero, man.
Damn Dan, you're a fricking legend, building a bass with some basic tools
Dude, that rendition of teen town was awesome!!! Amazing build as always Dan!!!
@GunsandGuitars
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Tim! That’s until the jazz police arrive, then they’ll tear down my playing 😂 I played teen town for my junior recital in college, let’s just say I played it a lot better back then rather than now
@cetorbett
2 жыл бұрын
Agreed. Was never expecting that in G ‘n G video!
@boden_gamerboy6139
2 жыл бұрын
@@GunsandGuitars that bass is gonna be thumped the hell out of. lol cant wait to see her in more vids man. great job too btw. and great design
Only just seen the video for the piezo bass this morning (with time dif) all that freehand grinding. Fearless man. Definitely more content like this for me, that’s my plan for the future. But the draw at the end - OMG!! - I’d like to thank my wife and kids, mum and dad, for their support… 🤣😱😁
When I did a fretless conversion on an old Kent bass I used a pen-turners’ trick of using CA glue to fill the fret slots and to finish/clear coat the neck. Hard as a rock and polishes up niiiiice. That doesn’t help your tung oil problem but that’s my contribution.
Dan, bro, you made an amazing instrument while breaking the rules of building that instrument!!! That was one amazing journey!!!
Dan you should know that if an instrument isn’t made of extremely rare endangered wood it can’t sound good. /s nice to see a cool original design.
@michaelrodgers6559
2 жыл бұрын
Gotta love that "tonewood" myth, right? 🤦♂️
@aidken5290
2 жыл бұрын
@@michaelrodgers6559 I'm sure there's some truth to it unless it really is that simple although I'm sure all trees are different
@michaelrodgers6559
2 жыл бұрын
@@aidken5290 nope. If it uses pickups, wood makes no difference in tone.
@aidken5290
2 жыл бұрын
@@michaelrodgers6559 oh cool good to know brotherman
@aleksandrnestrato
2 жыл бұрын
@@michaelrodgers6559 What??? That is totally not true. Wood does make a really noticeable difference in tone. Even in comparisons on KZread (with its compression and sound wrench) the difference is heardable. However there are a couple of dozens of other factors that alter the tone as well-the strings, the way and the place you pick, the pickups, the pots, the cables, the amplifier, the effects, the loudspeakers of the cabinet, the environment you play in or at. The effects and the amp being most contributive here. Yes, I admit that the tonewood oozes away among those other tone forming factors about half of which are adjustable, so you can compensate much of initial signal making tonewood even less noticeable. Tough stating that it makes no difference is utterly incorrect 'cause it is reeaally apparent. I mean you don't need special equipment to measure the difference, you can hear it with bare ears.
I love the fact that you’re useing just hand tools, no machines like table saws or band saws and belt / disk sanders… bravo!
I never knew I needed a Billie Jean / No Roots bass mashup until today. Sounds great man!
Excellent content Dan. I’ve known of your channel for awhile and have loved it, but there are not many guitar build videos like this one on KZread. You could definitely own the DIY guitar space. Please keep these scratch builds coming! And please, keep doing them the Dan Thompson way. There are millions that would join you!
Wow. Just wow. Dan YOU, my son in law, are quite gifted! That was/is utterly remarkable!! Rules are not necessary when you have this designer talent. Love you!
@GunsandGuitars
2 жыл бұрын
Wow thanks Shelley! That means the world to me!
Great version of Jaco's " Sandy sandy sandy town " . lol Really cool body shape design dude !
Yes more diy! This was great to follow. I learn so much by just watching your builds!
The way you really go after the build and seeing the great results is truly inspiring, fantastic work!
Going back and re-watching a bunch of your bass builds .. This one I didn't watch before.. So cool D.
Really nice build, I like how you showed pretty much everything from start to finish, great work and skill, thanks.
@GunsandGuitars
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks John!
Dude, you're such an inspiration. I don't have any idea about the crafting of guitars or basses, but the DIY spirit makes me wanna make a big effort and give a try to have my own custom bass. You just made an awesome instrument and hope one day i can make something like that.
Roto Sound bass strings, as with most string brands, come in different scale lengths. There's 30" short scale (Fender Mustang size), 34" standard (Fender Precision and Jazz basses) and Long scale that ranges from 35-37" scale. Those lengths are what the bass measures from bridge saddle to nut. So, measure your bass from saddle to nut to determine your scale length. The string packages are labeled with their scale length but may only state, short, medium or long rather the the actual length in inches. You are correct that the outer wrap should extend through the nut. But, I didn't hear any buzzing. So, the nut seems to be a proper height for the strings you have on the bass. Oh... you may need to adjust the string depth in the nut when swapping out for longer scale length strings. Hope that helps, brother. This is an amazing build. I'm a retired pro bassist so after forty seven years on bass... I picked up a few things. You did an amazing job with Jaco's Teen Town! That was as impressive as this awesome bass build! Seeing you go after the neck with the sawzall and the headstock with a circular saw was a bit gut wrenching to see. But, you are well skilled with your tools and did a first rate job. Toward the end... I was just thinking, "hmmm, wonder why he's not using tung oil..." when you advised exactly why you weren't using tung oil! Hahaha ;D Yeah... bit of a double take there... felt like you read my mind! Hahaha ;D Again, exceptional build, amazing bass, tasty chops and very well played overall. I clicked the thumbs up as soon as I saw the completed bass in the intro. But, your rendition of Teen Town earned you a new sub today as well... Very well played indeed!
@GunsandGuitars
2 жыл бұрын
Hey phat! Thanks for the sub and for the helpful comments and encouragement! I appreciate all that you typed out. Honestly I was nervous to even use that sample of teen town I recorded. I played that for my junior recital in college 15 years ago. I nailed it then, I realized now that my chops have degraded significantly, I had to take it more than a few bpms slower than I used to play it, and I felt it was pretty sloppy overall. I was afraid people would rip me apart for botching it, so it was very encouraging to hear your positive review! Thanks man
@phatbassanchor
2 жыл бұрын
@@GunsandGuitars In school, I played a '66 Gibson EB-2 (ES335 as a bass) and a '72 Ibanez copy of a Flying V bass, both in Gibson Heritage Cherry... Both were gorgeous... When I first heard Jaco play Teen Town with Weather Report on the Heavy Weather LP and Come on, come over with Sam and Dave on Jaco's first solo LP... I was so blown away that I ripped the frets out of the V just to get the same sound. I had to start at around half tempo and spent months working my way up to Jaco's live tempo which was even quicker than the studio recordings... These days, with arthritis among my disabilities, I'd be lucky to play that half tempo again. You reminded me of better days, friend. You started with a nice groove, actually better than what I'd expect from a luthier. Most guitar builders can play some. There are some that are more equally adept at building and playing. That first groove put you in the high side of the former group. However, your rendition of Teen Town put you firmly in the latter!
Rising Sun isn't too far from me! After talking to you about IEM's and continuing to play more I couldn't find a bass I wanted, so I've bunch of parts ordered for a build in process! Thanks for the great videos!
My favorite finish is Tru Oil Gunstock Finish. Might be fitting to the channel too!
Nice! I couldn't build a bird house so I admire your ability.
Thanks for making a full build vid dan, it looks amazing and I hope someone pays what it’s worth! Can’t wait to see more stuff like this
@GunsandGuitars
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks man!
What a nice sound... Grezt, GREAT JOB !
Very impressive! And it is brave to free-hand cut and route the wood. The end result is fantastic! Congrats! Great project!!
@GunsandGuitars
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
This is one of the most fun to watch builds that I've come across.
this might be one of my favorite basses you've ever built, that thing is FONKY
Truly awesome. Very impressive. The sound and craftsmanship...amazing. Superb work.
Wow. You did not disappoint. Fantastic work! She sounds amazing.
Absolutely nailed this one, man. The price is fitting, excellent work!
Coolest thing I've seen in a while! Nice work!
Very inspirational build. Amazing that you can build that with what you had. And awesome that this is your first build!!! (From scratch)
Simply beautiful work, sir!
Great job Dan !
And now 8 have to try to build my own! Great bass! Love the look and how you did the neck with the really thick finger board. Well done!
Such a talented guy! Ive been a subscriber for years and as soon as i see a new video i cant do anything other than watch! Nice playing on this video too brother! Man of many talents!
Totally inspired. You are my favourite guitar builder on KZread. Great work.
This whole project really inspires me to do something like this. I have a lot of pine planks for the neck and some good pieces of oak for a body. Wish me luck
@rockingyeti56
2 жыл бұрын
Good luck you got this
@jayce4897
2 жыл бұрын
We need progress videos
@TemkaUwU
2 жыл бұрын
@@jayce4897 currently in the design stage. Might make a video when done
@frazergiles6801
2 жыл бұрын
Would avoid pine as it's not a particularly stable wood.
This is awesome bud.,good to see a build again....after all it was you that got me started.,so now I have 9 guitars I have built so thank you for the kick in the ass a couple yrs ago....
@GunsandGuitars
2 жыл бұрын
That’s awesome! So glad I could inspire you!
The sound of that bass is way better than expected
Not only an amazing build ,,but great playing !!!! wonderful indeed.
Liked the custom color you mixed for the stain. Looks similar to an old aged wood left in the sun but with the poly a lot smoother.
What a gorgeous bass! Nice work, Dan!👍😎🎸🎶
Awesome job so cool looking and sounds great too! Loved how you were playing it throughout the video too instead of making us wait to the end for a reveal.
Amazing build!! I would love to be able to do this!! Its so inspiring to know you did this with basic tools! This bass reminds me of the old Ampeg scroll Basses!!
Well I think you have done a BRILLIANT job of the Bass guitar with all the tools you had keep um comin, have a nice day & Stay Safe , Brian UK !!!.
So much of what you did in this project originated with Brian May. In 1963 when he and his father began work on the Red Special, they had even less to work with. I don’t even think they had all of one type of wood. In any event, who says that guitar-building rules aren’t for breaking? If they weren’t, we wouldn’t have a Les Paul, the Stratocaster, the Precision bass,the guitar synthesizer, the Steinberger line or the Superstrat. I wish I had your skills at building instruments, Dan. I also wish I had a proper work facility and wish to do it. Then, I would just try building my own approximation of every guitar I’ve ever had a yen for since I was a teenager.
Thanks for sharing, fantastic build
Hell YEa... Love RV Life...did bus Life for 2 year to get me to where im at today... And will continue it for traveling and vacationing... planning alot of off grid tie ins... epic work.!.
First off, design is 10/10! Beautiful bass! Next, the concept is really interesting and well executed. Finally, I’ve seen enough of your videos I feel I could be a graduate of the Dan Thompson College of Guitar Building Knowledge. I’m definitely building another guitar when I get home from Texas Toast. And it’ll be 100% “The Dan Thompson Way!” Looking forward to it in fact. Already have the scrap pile from which to get my “tonewood”
Also love the head with the winders coming through the side. So cool!
Simply the most perfect instrument ever crafted.
Sweet! Has a nice lounge room upright vibe. I dig it.
Dan this thing is an absolute masterpiece!
I'm a simple man.. I see "guns and guitars" , I subscribe.
Very good! Sound is excellent! Me and my friend in younghood do the same - he gets old perfectly dry guitar - do restoration, but I take piezo sound pickups (self-made) and we get that crisp/deep sound! Your build is like a bass violin! :) 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸!
Kudos for Artistry and Mastery. Bravissimo.
I feel inadequate and inspired as a neophyte guitar builder...hats off on a really rad build sir!
That eleven minute riff was sick bro.
Awesome job, very inspirational.
I knew I wasn’t going to be disappointed. Fantastic build. 👍🤘
Re: Formby’s - Brad Angove has been using Mohawk’s modified tung oil for a while to good effect. Might be worth a shot.
That thing is beautiful! wow nice job!
That's a gorgeous build! Congrats!
This is one of the coolest bass guitars I ever see!
Congrats on another great Bass Build man! Guess I have no excuses to finish my two projects!! Can’t wait for the next one!
@GunsandGuitars
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Tim!
@saulgoodeguitars
2 жыл бұрын
Cmon Tim get to it
Very inspiring because my brother has just moved into a trailer in a park and can only have a 10’ x 12’ shed to work in (or out of) to do his machining… he ent from a house with a basement and three garages of storage to a trailer and tiny shed… the only issue is it’s here in CT so winters will be fun…lol
Great work, Dan!
Glad I subscribed in time to catch this project start to finish
@GunsandGuitars
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the sub!
Sounds as good as it looks! Awesome job!
This is absolutely incredible!!!!
Really good build dude! Fretless basses are godsend
Just one technical question I have after watching, if you set the truss rod into your fretboard instead of the neck portion does it function very well? and does that mean you’re relying on the strength of the glue joint between the neck and the fretboard to adjust the bow on the whole neck and not just the fretboard portion? I’m not a guitar builder or anything but that part just made me wonder about how it works
@GunsandGuitars
2 жыл бұрын
Yes it works just as well as any other truss rod setup. It’s literally the exact same thing, only backwards. Exact same function.
That turned out great - awesome job.
Hard to think how this could be more awesome! Amazing!
@GunsandGuitars
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Daniel!
Haven’t seen a new video in a long time. Keep it up man
Great build! It looks awesome!
Dude that headstock design is genius
That's impressive. Good job!
Looks and sounds excellent!! Brilliant work, sir!
@GunsandGuitars
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!
That is absolutely beautiful!!!!!!!
That Bass is beautiful Dan.
Good looking and sounding Bass. You done well grasshopper.
That's a crackin job,,well done you should be proud!
That turned out awesome! Great Job.
beautiful bass and totally fair price! great build!
Merry Christmas Dan!
Sick build Dan!! That thing turned out gorgeous, and it sounds great!
@GunsandGuitars
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks kyle!
great build! Like it very much!
This is INCREDIBLE!!!!
Insane! Good job and thanks for sharing!!
@GunsandGuitars
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Jorge!
That is freakin gorgeous. Looks like a custom Warwick. Sounds amazing
Whaaa? Good time lapse music??? Great job, man, looks fantastic
It's just beautiful!
the bass sounds amazing
Hey dude, that’s so cool! And that thing sound TIGHT!!!