Based on a popular bass guitar design (Musicman Stingray SUB), I wanted to achieve similar tonal qualities, but found the ergonomics to be challenging and old-fashioned, and the finish cheap.

I set about designing and building my own bass. Designed around some desirable constraints (pickup choice, neck pocket dimensions etc.), I had a clear idea of how I wanted it to look – retaining some of the original visual characteristics of the Stingray, and so the body went almost straight to CAD. The headstock and neck were less clear in my mind and required some experimentation.

The design was produced in Solidworks, as well as a Gibson Les Paul copy, and CNC'd first in polystyrene to test fit and ergonomics. 

Once tested, any necessary alterations were made to the 3D files. The body was then CNC routed using a slab of Ash. Mock-assembled with a donor neck, I tested it for ergonomics and feel. After taking off some more material, the body was then filled with a black grain filler/sealer to bring out the porous grain in the ash, sanded back to 400 grit and then finished with tung oil to achieve a soft matte finish..

The electronics were sourced from Ebay in a kit, and wired up myself.

The finished product plays well in the lap and sounds great, however the neck is a work in progress – it needs a slimmer neck to improve playability and balance.