Strackwoodworking

Dots and lines

I was recently asked to make this super short scale (24 3/4”) from the 70’s into a low tuned (BEAD) doom machine. I was skeptical but it actually worked well. I had to make a custom B string by unwinding the outer layer back bit so it would fit into the tuner hole. This customer likes gold so I swapped out most of the hardware and made a gold anodized pickguard in the same shape as the original which was cracked and warped.

Shortscale Strackenbacker J-Bird bass. This bass is special because it’s a tribute to ‘s remarkable and inspirational canine buddy named Crusher. Crusher is one of a kind with an appearance and personality like no other. His portrait (drawn by Amy) is featured in the engraving on the headstock. His teeth 🦷 (which were removed ethically and necessarily by a professional) were used to create the fret markers. Two were left in tact and set in epoxy at the 12th fret.

-30” scale
-Rickenbacker HB-1 pickups
-reclaimed pine and fir body
-quartersawn maple neck
-walnut fingerboard
-transparent green pickguard
-dog teeth

I originally made this about 17 years ago. My intention was to make a Bass VI that was more of a bass than a guitar. It has a slightly wider, chunky neck and no vibrato. I recently added a custom made bridge and a Dimarzio Split P pickup in hopes that it leans even further into the bass realm. So far so good…

5 necks ready for oil…

I’m thankful for having time this morning to fire up the CNC and make this guitar bridge prototype.