MIMF

Started here, back in April: http://www.mimf.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=729

I didn't get far, but intermittent procrastinating perseverance has finally paid off. I played it at a jam last weekend, and everybody thought it sounded good, close to an URB. I have flat wound strings on it until the FB finish hardens up for a couple of months.

Scale 34"
Soundboard - 4 piece hemlock
Sides and back - myrtlewood
Dark wood - Peruvian walnut (not local anymore)
Braces - spruce
Bolt on mortise and tenon alder neck
Body width - 20"
Body length 30"
Side width 5" to 10"
Total length 63"
Finish KTM-9

I initially made maple tuning pegs to use with weed eater strings, and used an unglued pin bridge (without pins), but the strings didn't have the needed mass, so I had to use store-bought tuners and a glued in pin bridge for the higher tension steel core strings.

I learned a lot making this: most importantly, that the most enjoyable part - design and construction - is about 25% of the process, and the least enjoyable - sanding and finish - is 75%. Arrrgh! If I were to do it over (or build another) I would use less robust top bracing, and more side braces. Also, I haven't yet figured out where to put strap buttons for playing it standing (I can hold it like a cello seated.) I should have made the tail block more robust so I could install an endpin.

Thanks to those in the forum who answered questions, and to the great library here. Any criticism, constructive or otherwise, appreciated.

More pics.

I like it! I remember being a bit skeptical of the design during the challenge, but the finished product is intriguing. It looks very nice, and the simplicity of the design works! Congratulations

Cool. Reminds me of those Mexican "Guitarron" basses.

The TIKI head?

It's somewhat larger than a guitarron, especially the 34" vs 26" scale length. However, the guitarron's body is a little deeper. The head is my poor attempt to copy this African figure. I didn't make the block I carved wide enough.
I figured a headstock should have a head on it.

The inlay is a cross section through a small animal vertebral body - probably a cat. My first inlay attempt, so it didn't come out that great.

I deeply like the idea of a head stock with a head on it.

Any sound clips?
As a bass player I really like the scale and would like to hear it.

Here's a short clip of my bass - from low E up the 4 strings to E on the G string. And here's the same of an URB. Recorded with a little Tascam DR-03. Not a bad sound for a $60 instrument.

Flats on the newbie?
Either way when they die a little you nailed it!

The head looks good to me. I like the inlay too. I might steal that idea. Sound clip is the proof in pudding.