Ep 1 - Shaping the Body - How to Build a P-style Bass Guitar

You've asked and Ben has delivered. Welcome to Crimson Guitars and welcome to Ben's workshop where he is finally building a P-style Bass Guitar. This will be a straightforward Bass guitar build, but let's see how Ben puts his spin on things... This is video 1 of 5 and here Ben is choosing his materials, shaping, contouring and routing the Bass body.
Chapters -
0:00 Introduction
0:27 Design and materials
2:07 Bandsaw the body shape
3:05 Masking tape and Super glue trick
3:27 Template and Routing table to refine the body shape
5:13 Routing the cavities with Triton
7:03 Checking centre line - Very important
7:25 Preparing to rout the neck pocket
7:58 Ben's favourite Triton tool - the router
10:30 Round-overs made easy with Triton
12:34 Quite possibly the scariest holes you'll ever drill...
13:28 ISOtunes in, PPE donned and the sanding begins
15:28 Triton hand held belt sander to contour the body
17:57 Conclusion
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We'd like to thank our partners for helping to make this video series possible.
Triton Tools - www.tritontools.com/en-GB
Bosch Professional - www.bosch-professional.com/gb...
Wagner Meters - www.wagnermeters.com/
ISOtunes Bluetooth Hearing Protection - bit.ly/36YmKro
Support us by supporting our Partners, and at the same time get yourself a great deal with ISOtunes. Use code "CRIMSON10" for £10 off at "isotunes.co.uk" or $10 off at "isotunes.com"
Links: Book your guitar building course at Crimsons workshops here - bit.ly/LuthierySchool
Make sure to submit your projects to be considered for our Guitar of The Week to [e-mail]
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WEBSITE: www.crimsonguitars.com
Luthier’s Tools & Supplies: bit.ly/LuthTools
Guitar Building Courses: bit.ly/LuthierySchool
Kit Guitars: bit.ly/KitGuitars
SOCIAL
Instagram - / crimsonguitars
Facebook - / crimsoncustomguitars
Patreon - / crimsonguitars
OTHER
Ben’s Vintage Tool Shop - vintagetoolshop.com/
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Thank you again for all your support, we really, really appreciate it! - Ben
Stay tuned and stay awesome!

[@natsterjam]

YES, YES and YESSS! My 3 favourite things: 1. It's a bass. 2. It's a P bass. 3. It has some amazing woods. Please for the love of god don't hide those amazing woods when finishing this bass! Thank you Ben so much for this build! I can't wait to see the finished instrument. Edit: How about a nice dark wood for the knob plate? How about pearl fretboard inlays but different planets?

[@robertsparkman8516]

Ovation did a planet fretboard years ago. Saturn at the 12th.

[@natsterjam]

@@robertsparkman8516 Ah, didn't know that and that is exactly what I would have suggested, shucks!

[@Bassalicious]

That's some great ideas, very tasteful. I gotta research that ovation, sounds very pretty but it could be too bling for my taste too.

[@robertsparkman8516]

@@Bassalicious I remember it being light blue deep bowl. Local music store owner showed it to me about the time I got a 1984 collector series. So long ago.

[@MrFuzzwuzzle]

“I’m going to build a very standard bass” Episode 35, fitting the led touch screen

[@worsethanhitlerpt.2539]

Why build a standard bass you could just buy at a store? I build them with either a crazy shape or a classic shape w/ weird pickups.

[@MrFuzzwuzzle]

@@worsethanhitlerpt.2539 its the joke that he starts what should be a 3 or 4 episode standard build that turns into these wild elaborate projects that run for 20 episodes AND WE LOVE IT

[@flynnwatson5971]

Next he’s going to be building a bass for Chris Wolstenholme of Muse 😂

[@craigsummerville8823]

Ben: “This will be a very simple and straightforward P-bass.” Me: “Bwahahahaha! No, it won’t! It’s Ben, he won’t be able to restrain himself!”

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I fear you are correct.. you know me so well! B

[@yetanotherbassdude]

"Bass players are getting very vocal about me building a bass" You know you're in trouble if you've made the bass players start talking!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

This! Every damn video 'but it isn't a BASS is it??' well it is this time guys! It bloody is this time!!! ;) B

[@mykhough6614]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars But it's only got 4 strings!

[@dso2525]

I quite enjoyed this editing style and didn't feel like I missed any important information thanks to the short explanations texts added, it also helps that it's a simple build and you used common tools. I'm really enjoying this so far! That's some pretty wood too, can't wait to see the neck!

[@johngrant5749]

dso2525 common tools in your garage like a router table, bandsaw, router, belt sander, disk sander, electric drill as opposed to a few simple hand tools 😳🤔

[@amydpnw]

MORE BASSES!! Also, don’t hide that gorgeous wood!! Would like to see more carving tho.

[@chaffinpoole5409]

As a bass player who just started building instruments, this is an amazing guide to watch

[@timdeeter8197]

I've been watching your videos for years. Because of this, I built my first bass from a kit. I've modded all of my basses, and now I'm building from scratch. All from watching you from across the pond. Thank you.

[@ethanpech9914]

I never thought the Thor Ragnarok guy would teach me how to build a bass, Nice video! 👌🏼

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

lol.. I gotta have a hobby to while away the weeks between red carpets and movie shoots :)

[@ethanpech9914]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars Don't worry Luthier Karl Urban, your secret Is safe with me ;)

[@SidViscious]

I started fixing wreckage off of Goodwill. I am just starting to scratch build. This makes where I am real to me. Thank You for this.

[@alanwalker1698]

Glad t see another new build!!!!!

[@jeroen914]

yes! that was about friggin' time! looking forward to the next episodes...

[@jamesh5460]

Yes! Yes! Yes! I am very excited for this build! Awesome.

[@albertoplasencia1735]

BEAUTIFUL mister Crimson... I did my own job and brewed my own piece in order to have some spalted wood. (horseshit, beer, wild leafs from trees and 6 months of curing)... I have to admit that I love your videos, as a noobie luthier, I just love the way you work... regards!!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you Alberto, sounds like an excellent brew! B

[@christophervaca7116]

The grain looks sweet. I love this format, very easy for me to follow along. Great job.

[@curtschmidt918]

I can't wait to see the finished product!

[@eastouterspace1able]

Yess!!! I've been waiting for this one

[@BritProgJazz]

Yay!!! My 12yr old daughter has been waiting forever for you to build a bass! Keep up the fantastic work, and stay safe and well!!!

[@albertlucaroni8928]

Très beau travail ...vivement la suite...

[@alfichotj]

Great work! Looking forward to see the next chapters. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us

[@hannahpumpkins4359]

OMG, finally - FINALLY - a bass! It's about time!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I agree! B

[@beardofben1718]

Woohoo about time Mr Crowe 👍

[@skarsoul5362]

FINALLY A BASS! I can't wait to see what you do to "Ben-ify" a classic like Leo's venerable P-bass design.

[@outdooryooper]

Love the Spalting. Looking forward to a better view of the wood for the neck and fingerboard and, as always, can't wait to see how you make it your own - you're always providing inspiration!

[@decomputerleraarable]

A super piece of wood. Lovely. Rob

[@chillertechtexas4375]

Very solid! Bravo!

[@northland..]

I love watching every single video that Ben makes. the builds are fantastic as well as Ben's personality. :) brownie points

[@F4Phantom5657]

Great video I love the close UPS and the call outs. Great job

[@marcospereira8405]

More bass Ben please. I am a bassplayer from Uruguay. I started watching your chanel since you did the relic on a PRS guitar

[@rafaelluizeu]

Oh man, I just spent almost the entire night watching your videos! I wanna learn that and do it myself! Amazing work of yours!

[@tonysmith8438]

Fantastic, love watching 👍

[@JustPlayingBass]

Yey a bass at last. Really looking forward to seeing the process. Light honey stain. High gloss finish. Maple fingerboard...maybe some bling with led fret markers? Lovely bit off wood to start out with. And as always, thanks for a great show.

[@kylem9901]

Beautiful

[@JeffGillis1]

That is a beautiful instrument. Wow, just wow! Ben you’re a seriously gifted luthier.

[@dalgguitars]

love the simplicity of this build!

[@BrynBardsley]

Would love to see a spalted cap on the headstock, front and back. Is there enough from the body off cuts?

[@ProtobluesDG]

I just started planning out how to build my first bass guitar build. This is perfect timing.. Thank you!

[@martinsvehla233]

Amazing. Love it.

[@electroKrunch]

Killer vid, thanks again, Ben!!

[@electroKrunch]

Love what you do, Ben!!

[@danieldordal9148]

Yesssss! At last you're showing some love to us bass players! Thanks a lot Ben. Take care. Daniel From Lyon, France.

[@kilpikonnatortugas]

Excellent finally a bass! most glorious

[@mikeivey8471]

Fantastic as always !!! Love the spalted maple !!!

[@seeteasea5497]

Oh my fucking hell yes Ben! I’ve been waiting for this for years and you were waiting for a world wide crisis before being the absolute hero you are and releasing a bass build just win the world needed it most! Ben Crowe for PM!!!!

[@AndEcho]

YES! Finally a bass! Looking forward to see the finished instrument.

[@pullmanator89]

FINALLY A BASS!!!! SO HAPPY FOR THIS. BEN I WANT YOU TO BUILD A BASS LIKE THE LAST FEW GUITARS YOU DID. SOMETHING OUT OF THIS WORLD! YOU MADE THIS BASS PLAYER VERY HAPPY

[@kevinandreoli3176]

Really enjoying this style of video. Enough info in the text. People can always watch the earlier full tutorials.

[@freeelectron8261]

Yes - a King Crimson Bass!!!

[@paullawson300]

Yeh !!!! Thanks for giving us Bass players some love Ben. My 2nd PJ bass build using stunning stains is almost complete and already have a 3rd on the bench (a jazz bass) Love the videos

[@austinp95]

Love it is a bass finally, I'm a bass player myself and thanks to you I've built several for my own personal use. Need to do something crazy like what you did with the kit build where you honeycombed it and did the led light. That was one my favorite builds... Just so cool with the design choices.

[@jimbecker5675]

The simplicity of design with the P-Bass combined with that material is going to make a very striking instrument!

[@adamsdrivingschool2072]

What an amazing beautiful piece of Ash! Love how the grain popped during the carving!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Me too, that is one of the best parts of a build. B

[@filipes.ribeiro281]

The serie we all have been waiting for🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰. Time has come👊👊👊

[@jackkuberski4971]

Love the bass, looks great so far! But did anyone else think he looked like bane with the mask on?

[@aipsong]

Another fantastic educational video!! And in the bonus tracks, I learned new protection against that nasty virus - lightning speed action. Thanks, and stay well, we need you!!!

[@grante886]

Ep 1 was great can't wait to watch the rest.... definitely subscribing....

[@carpo719]

Excellent! Just what I was hoping to build. Stoked to try out my skills.

[@thebones]

excellent fun as usual

[@TbonePlummer]

Thanks Ben, always learning from you

[@johnharrisjr.351]

Even before you said it, I started to believe I need to find a beautiful slab of something in the garage and get out my tools.

[@maxogesten6928]

I love this!

[@stephentrew4465]

Yes yes finally a bass love the choice of wood for the body looks awesome

[@jlinnseagle7555]

I love this guy. Great guitar builder.

[@kev8227]

Yes! finally! as a long time suscriber and bass player on lockdown this made me very very happy to see you doing this. Thank you for lifting my spirit during these mad times.

[@chogumchonsa]

The wood is stunning.

[@CraigH999]

I really enjoyed this format! Nice to see bass guitars getting some Crimson love! 😘😊

[@Ddog666]

Finally! OMG... I love you!

[@roberthurless4615]

I am very glad to see that you use proper eye and ear protection. And that you keep a clean shop.

[@manicmedicNZ]

Following with anticipation

[@avielkharrat5788]

That pièce of wood if f***in' amazing, Ben! The way you put it make it seem that the bass has tatoos on its arm. Lovely. I hope all of you guys are safe and healthy. Keep it up.

[@Bassalicious]

Wooow, that body is going to be amaaazing! Oh my god it's beautiful and swamp ash is one of my all time favorite body woods for electric basses too!

[@NelsonGago]

Liking the new Ben... so much tidier. 👌

[@LivingtheHumanExperience]

The Shop looks great!

[@blueangel333333]

I m impressed by the accuracy of the drilling, by hand !!

[@joshuasenic8870]

YES! Finally! I knew you had it in you Ben. :) Awesome spalted body.

[@funkyfender1]

Very straight, very standard P Bass .... oh no you won’t! Ben! It’ll be ‘spaltingly’ bonkers, because it you building it... loving the fun...!

[@PhilSmith-sr7uh]

Perfect timing. Thank you

[@antidisestablisher72]

Finally a bass! I've learned a lot about guitars from this channel (and binging all of your guitar builds in like the last month) but basses were still new. This will help a lot trying to build my current project (a double-neck bass and guitar). I'm still new to building instruments, but I love woodwork and this seemed like a super fun direction to travel next. Looking forward to the end of this build!

[@bpix7804]

Wow so cool

[@JonRaffety]

Beautiful body wood!

[@johnvanrems]

Ben, we all (most of us) see you working on some projects. With all respect for the work of your students. The craftsmanship and the creativity was the reason, I guess, that most of us watch you working on some awesome guitars.

[@StuartEnkkiMitchell]

Looks fantastic and the the video quality is brilliant. Love not having the loud music over the top the sound of the tools is so relaxing.

[@lnkd70]

Ha! I knew it wasn’t that simple to built a bass! 😎 Just love everything that’s made with bare hands.

[@sonics2768]

Yay, thanks Ben and team. Building a bass for my son at the mo.

[@richdonahue2664]

Ben! We need more videos. Locked down on quarantine and it feels like an eternity waiting for more stuff!

[@xSupermanstightsx]

Finally! I knew this day would come as angels descend from heaven carrying one beautiful note lol. Ben has something up his sleeve, I've been subscribed for years! He's a pioneer, and one of the most creative I've ever seen! Keep whoopin ass Ben!

[@douglassloan6831]

Brilliant, Mate. Just freaking BRILLIANT!!!! thanks for helping pass the hours and learn some amazing stuff in the process.!

[@arriereitor]

Inspiring as allways

[@unitwoodworking5403]

It's beautiful pattern and color of wood and artistic bass guitar.

[@standingbear39]

Beautiful wood body.

[@michaelhumphreys7882]

Crimson guitars and shed and buried will get me through this isolation bollox, great vid Ben👌

[@keithjack38]

Your workflow is just wonderful to watch and what an amazing looking piece of wood

[@pwhite102]

This will be soooooo cool!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Thank you, I hope your faith is not miss-placed.. B

[@davethepius]

Great video, LOVE the spalting. I was going to attempt a build with spalted elm I saw at the hardwood store. Seeing those carves has me thinking I MIGHT be able to successfully do that myself. Thanks for the video!!

[@MrMamrad]

Yes!!!!! Finally

[@micahreinhart5738]

You're videos are amazing to learn from, I jsut turned 17 and I've sold a handmade bass, electric uku, and a guitar, and made.many more. I also sell hand carved sculptures I learned to make from watching you with a chisel and carving the exoskeleton on the complication, thanks so so much

[@bradconklin2878]

Nice!

[@mrmountain73]

OMG ... P!!! Thats what Im waiting for. :)

[@smizznoe]

FINALLY! Thank you, Ben. And it’s a P. I’m so happy right now

[@roryoconnor31]

Wonderful work, really enjoy your work Mister Crimson