Ep 3 - Marking fret and nut positions - How to Build a P-style Bass Guitar

Welcome to Crimson Guitars and welcome to Ben's workshop where he is finally building a P-style Bass Guitar. In this episode, Ben is building the neck using flamed Sycamore and an unusual choice of Burl Oak for the fretboard. This is Episode 3 of 5 and here Ben is continuing work on the neck, marking and cutting the slots for the frets, - also - is that neck straight?
This will be a straightforward Bass guitar build, but let's see how Ben puts his spin on things...
Chapters
0:00 Introduction
1:05 Everybody needs a centreline!
1:10 Marking nut and fret positions
3:23 Cutting frets with Crimson's fret slot cutting saw
4:58 Marking neck to begin shaping and filing
11:59 Iwasaki rasp to shape headstock
14:38 Perfect fit!
16:37 Neck moved. Ben fixes it.
19:30 Neck straight, all good, or is it?
20:49 Conclusion
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OTHER
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Thank you again for all your support, we really, really appreciate it! - Ben
Stay tuned and stay awesome!
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[@StevieScotty19]

Would love to see you build an acoustic guitar ben👍👍

[@flucazade]

I now expect about 5 years of solid bass building Ben

[@JebJulian]

Very cool seeing you indent the scalpel at the right point before aligning the ruler. One for the tool box

[@JebJulian]

Also thanks for trying out the carbon truss rods (was super hesitant from previous endeavors...RIP dremel. may you conductive dust filled lungs be ever at piece in a land fill)

[@therealwonkydog]

"On with the build" I'm delaying today's walk in the park to watch this first. Stay safe folks.

[@thomaskolb5444]

Thank‘s for reminding Matt on the center lines!

[@mettrose]

i actually have almost done my rework on my first bass i ever owned (its a 40 year old aria pro 2) your videos on your channel helped alot!!!

[@mikey1981g]

Thank god lol that's my lock down Saturday saved lol

[@BloodwolfMusic]

Great video!!!

[@StuntcatTV]

That fretboard wood is a piece of art by itself

[@LRBerry]

It has been so worth the wait to see you building a bass.

[@Xodgilla]

Love this frikkin guy. Got to say, the sped up rate comes off like a Benny Hill segment. Which rules, frankly.

[@thetalonsofwaynechiang]

Love watching these vids, they’re so relaxing and it’s great watching a master of their craft at work 👍

[@bntaft5133]

Thank you, Ben.

[@Porl1024]

Ben, I'm loving this build. That fretboard is absolutely beautiful!

[@Gforceracing20]

That fretboard is GORGEOUS!

[@gaming4sanity243]

Just as I was searching for new Crimson videos. You've read my mind again, Ben

[@cfreeman5631]

Nice save on the neck. Looking good.

[@landmind666]

This looks sweet so far, fretless so far. Loving it, i love fretless basses

[@SteenTV]

Really looking forward to seeing how this looks when it's finished! So tempting to have a go at building one myself...he makes it look so (I wont say easy) but 'do-able'.

[@MilesMcNallyLuthierie]

My saw rasp is one of my favorite tools for guitar building, especially when it comes to rounding a neck. nice work my friend!

[@SteveBlancoMusicianWarrior]

That fingerboard is absolutely insane! Such nice work, man.🔥

[@edwardjensen9737]

The lines you free hand draw with you pencil are so straight, great technique!

[@l1feson]

Just about to carve a bass neck so I searched a while to find and view this video again. Great tips on shaping, thanks again!

[@tlcxf]

Ben... I love this build and this new format! However, I do miss your discussions of Chris' and Tom's builds when you used to do your walk throughs. I am curious about how they and their families and how you and your family are doing in the current pandemic and what they have been up to as well. Keep up the good work I love your content and have been watching for several years. Thank you for sharing!

[@MKYCmusic]

This is what I miss most from the old old old old format of WOTB. Ben, you should bring this part back now that you've split the students off into their own video!

[@johnperez219]

Epic work. Greetings from Argentina!!!

[@gpurkeljc]

The whole process looks like great fun but I really want to give neck carving a go. 😎

[@Smegness]

A thing of absolute beauty already - my breath is well and truly bated !! ~ Release all the videos in this series immediately, I demand it !!! I am having serious gratification delay issues with this!!! Content damn you, content !! I am not going mad, I just have a Crimson problem. love it all !

[@jules6675]

beautiful neck! and nice Omega Speedmaster I love this watch 😍

[@FirelandOfficial]

A modern day Bob Ross. Love seeing a new video pop up, I can chillax for 20 minutes.

[@Boethius4748]

fretboard wood is freaking stunning!

[@robn71]

Spooky been doing the same job this morning on my next bass guitar build (pleased to see I was doing it right😃)

[@EredarLordJaraxxus]

It’s going to be so hard deciding what finish this will have! That grain is gorgeous. I vote transparent finish or maybe just lacker!

[@andrewward7318]

Good stuff man....I love all the small little tips I would never think of but make a huge difference in the end and they are just basic techniques for you.....case in point, marking the depth on the fret cutting saw with masking tape.......simple but brilliant

[@latheofheaven1017]

Watching an instrument come to life from lumps of wood in the hands of a super-skilled luthier like yourself Ben, is endlessly fascinating. But coming to the worrisome bit at the end made me think - would it be a good idea for a series to show how to rescue a build from things that go wrong?

[@DavidMFranks]

Looking good! Can't wait to see and hear it. Next project: lap guitar....? (just think: no frets!)

[@Solelova67]

Waiting for Part 4!!!

[@Naerah]

Ordered a chisel and a lathe 3/8 chuck(from vintagetoolshop), it arrived in Quebec in a record time, Thanks a lot Ben!

[@jamesh5460]

I'm very stoked to finally get to watch a bass getting built. Want more like this!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I will do my best to build more basses moving forward.. B

[@jamesh5460]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars I play a bass more often than my guitar so I'm a bit biased. All of the work from you and your students is amazing and the channel is very intriguing for me. Cheers mate!

[@MixingGBP]

A bold move to layout and saw the fret slots with out a jig! Maybe I'll get there one day, lol.

[@jeancaballero3813]

Exelente trabajo amigo desde colombia bien explicado muy bien por esas capturas de camaras alfo se aprende felicidades y feliz año

[@voxmortis5636]

Seriously, this is my favorite thing on the internet :D Every video radiates something calm that I really appreciate. Thanks for your work, Ben.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Cheers my Loxx Rexx.. I really love what I do and hope that comes through a bit. Thanks for watching. B

[@voxmortis5636]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars It really does :D

[@juanokita4401]

It ok.it ok nobody's perfect Thank's for your shearing I learn something

[@stefanostsantilas8428]

That fretboard looks stunning with all those little cracks and knots! I hope you leave it as raw as possible in the end. Also Ben, you've got great taste in watches mate ;)

[@NorCalGuy]

Big boy guitar!

[@timelesscreations777]

I like the fact that you put a truss rod in the neck of the bass. I've watched probably 20 builds where nobody does this!

[@jmcdrums2154]

I find this channel so god damn therapeutic. Thankyou for keeping me entertained in this lockdown 🤘🙏

[@mrjonesb83]

I never been so happy to see a back bow. Cause i just experienced the samein my build! I haven’t touched the thrussrod yet but fingers crossed. Following you through this build.

[@mrjonesb83]

Update! It straighten just fine. I helped it first with a clamp. And then adjusted trussrod just to hold. Worked like a charm 👌

[@Maxischupp93]

MORE BASS BUILDS :3 i want to order one in the future too ^^

[@Meenie66]

Another great vid! Love it when a new one comes out!! :) Oh and first?

[@jacobhendrickson9718]

yes

[@skruffy79]

Hey Ben, love the channel and your work is amazing! Here's a challenge for you..... make an instrument (purposfully said instrument and did not specify) out of pallet wood..... (you know.... pallets.....like stock comes in on....) the upcycled build!

[@PavlenkoM]

The sound like helicopter is cool 😎 You are big master 👍

[@1961jscofield]

That top is going to be beautiful.

[@ashleynutley2839]

I really enjoyed this and I'd love to see more bases being built. I am building my first p bass at to moment and loving it. I love to see you build a Jazz bass 4 or 5 string with active electronics. Keep up the good work thanks, Ash

[@worsethanhitlerpt.2539]

I built a bass with a P-pickup near the Bridge very fast note response and the sustain goes for days. The only drawback is the treble strings are too nasal unless you pluck real close to the neck. Or you can add a middle pickup

[@dougcook7507]

Funny Ben, tossing a little note to Matt in there. Looking forward to this epic challenge. Although I am on Team Texas Toast.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

What did I do to push you away!? B

[@dougcook7507]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars You did nothing Ben, I spent some time with the guys at Texas Toast helping to build their new paint booth and making a guitar body with them. If this would have been with anyone except them, I would be all about team Crimson. In the end, all of the fans are the big winners. Cheers and good luck!

[@kosaponglusang4595]

You scared me 😂..Awesome job as always

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Me too! B

[@Utikut]

What a beaty :) I wish my Bass aws this pretty

[@samdehaan7394]

Great to see Christopher’s neck system being put to use. I don’t recall you use it since the silky oak build. Can’t wait to see how she turns out

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I'm enjoying this build for sure.. the neck carve system is epic for novices so I will try and use it in more basic/tutorial builds from now.. though the buzz from not totally screwing up a neck with an angle grinder is pretty sweet too! B

[@HC_original]

I do like the sound of a fender style p bass. BUT! I like when the pickups are reversed. Looks sweet man

[@Kahores]

I love your work, damn your videos reminds me old times in PL when I had to take out all the frets and move them three "slots" left using the shortest ones for the highest positions where you don't use the low strings. Without any real tools or knowledge how to do that...and that was when I got the neck back from the "luthier". Greets !!!

[@bjornandersson6713]

Cool. Even cooler with a Jazz. Stay safe. Peace

[@bpix7804]

I'm not a P-bass fan so to speak, but I want this one, fantastic work 👏

[@glennhynes5263]

Can wait go hear this bass. I admire the fret cutting. I must try free hand. Great work, he whispers, "so far." 🤨

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

So far indeed.. demo is being filmed on Monday and will be part of the final video next week, all being well. ;) B

[@bluerhumba1753]

That was tense!

[@daleonov]

0:19 ouch :( Really enjoying that build!

[@mcgill6546]

Great idea to finaly build a bass. You spoke about a bass-ruler... would be a great tool to add to your Crimson catalog. next idea : a headless bass ???

[@DominusFeles]

Flipping cliffhanger!

[@jeroen914]

Love how this is coming together! The wood looks lovely, but have some doubts about the fretboard Even with more "regular" woods, basses are notorius for having "deadspots" on the fretboard from irregularities in the grain So really curious how that works out with this... Bring on the other episodes!!!

[@xdoctorblindx]

That's not how dead spots occur on a bass. It's much more complex than fretboard grain.

[@mrfrontranger7911]

glad to hear you and The toasters are doing a build off.. I know the guys,they are a force to reckoned with. Hope you will build something unique

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I have a few ideas, it is going to be an awesome event all round! B

[@wallyhall]

I so feel the dyscalculia pain!! It was hard for me just watching it - before knowing you struggle too!!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Sucks doesn't it.. I have to check these things multiple times to make sure I'm not messing up, same as making bank payments etc.. you only put the wrong sort code in a few times before you realise you should be a bit careful! ;) B

[@craighawley3920]

Anyone else loving Ben's speedy and sub?

[@Somelights_NL]

I love you, Ben mate. ^_^

[@jonlavigne3270]

I love this build. I'm currently playing a '73 P (my age!) so I like seeing a boutique version in progress. Sure would like to see a high quality short scale J style someday :-)

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Hey Jon, thanks for watching! I will try a J bass some time soon for sure.. B

[@jester3xt720]

Japanese saw rasp ...wonderful tool...huff puff..is it getting hot in here??.. ...Whew I think its time for a coffee....hehe ... thank goodness for time lapse editing ...whew...ok ANNnNnnnDdd done with that...I only joking its is carving the neck that makes me the most nervous.

[@natsterjam]

Saved by the truss rod! Sweet! Having seen the fretboard a little more closely I am now in NO doubt what so ever this is going to look outstanding. I would buy one of these in a heartbeat if I had the cashflow. Are you considering production of this or similar Ben? You know Crimson basses in the store.

[@Terrible_Peril]

Natster Jam I’d go for a Crimson bass.

[@OldBrownNaz]

Yes please

[@JTSabre]

Me too

[@chrisjs6123]

Oh yes. I could see a crimson bass in my future.

[@waadgaad2024]

I’d love to see you guys make an adjustable brass guitar bridge, I’m designing one for a guitar I’m building, but seeing it done first would be killer

[@esa062]

The epoxy bonding the rods to the wood makes a big difference too. Instead of pieces bending individually it's a solid single block. The rods don't do much to prevent the wood from twisting, if it wants to do that. I wouldn't bother with them, wood neck with a dual action narrow trussrod works fine.

[@Savagewoodworker]

Man i was totally waiting for that fretboard to pop off. Good save though. Those truss rods can do alot. Great vid again i carved my guitar neck with one of those rasps and man my thumb was raw after from all the sawing. Works great though. Cheers

[@raymontella2251]

Thanks for the video. I would have love to see how you actually made the neck with the cutting it out and putting in the truss rod…that’s the part that I still struggle with.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Check out this playlist, I'm sure you will find what you need. kzbin.info/aero/PLp6z5fUMeeAZDHOM1_45XwI_L7EmHF9UG DC

[@guyvaderproductions8882]

Props to the editor the audio during the carving was amazing, fit with the song really well! So I feel like I'm missing information because I'm not on Instagram or patreon but how is everyone doing over their?

[@thomaslutro5560]

Please press that nerdification button? Misheard that on purpose... Love it!

[@FloridaManMatty]

1:55 - Numerical Dyslexia (Dyscalculia) is a right pain in the backside. I have it as well and can commiserate with you, Ben. In my case, I found that switching from Imperial to Metric as often as possible was a huge help. I’m in the process of building my first guitar and was fortunate enough to come across some metric rulers and straight edges as I gather the necessary tools. Measurement is still the most anxiety-Inducing part of the process. As I build my templates and go from vinyl to MDF to Birch Plywood to ensure they are sturdy and will last a long time, having to measure and adjust various bits and heights and angles and this and that... For a perfectionist, the reality of the condition can slow the process down a great deal. It’s actually nice to see someone else has it and can still crank out some sublime instruments.

[@wazzap500]

Metric is superior

[@mikhielthorsson6033]

Ben I know where you're coming from, as I'm also dyslexic myself. I've worked through the reading part, but math and other numerical things bedevil me to this day, and I'm turning 58 in May.

[@MangledGuitars]

Scary!

[@andrewroberts2546]

Dyscalculia is "numerically - dyslexic" I myself have dyslexia, dysphasia and dyscalculia. All I can say is well done for getting this far, I bet the rules etc help! One day I will stop just watching and build!!!! 😂

[@fireantsarestrange]

Truss is something that always has to be messed with. I got a new bass that came from upper state New Jersey a month ago. It stll is moving on me even after 4 weeks. Granted that this instrument went from Jersey to Florida. Big difference. But its still moving.

[@jacobbrown1690]

man ....how times have changed i bought a small 38×45 inch cnc and use that to make perfect necks now.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Me too.. then again I love building by hand, cnc is fine for production but lacks the real reason I started making things in the first place.. B

[@marcwalters7541]

That worried me Ben, I thought you were going a bit deep with that first fret 😱🤪

[@MaestorRasanen]

That fretboard is so beautiful I may have left it fretless.

[@robertsparkman8516]

Thanks for finally giving a tutorial on the facetted carve method, this is much appreciated. Is BOGO legally up for grabs? Good name for a bass.

[@timbeaton5045]

Would have been nice for the truss rod adjuster to be open at the other end of the fingerboard with a wheel. Most sensible way of doing it, i think. Maybe you could do a neck build like that sometime?

[@anthonytye2591]

This method of build should be the restrictions out lined on the Texas toast guitar build challenge only hand tools and hand power tools

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

That would be fun.. how about a time restriction too? B

[@dasbear10]

This is great, where is Part 4 please? Will this bass be available for sale?

[@MadeOfStones]

Every time i see Ben clamp the ends of the fretboard first i think to myself...that's gonna give a backbow (at least at some point)...and so it happened. again. LOL

[@benheaver4332]

👍

[@nwimpney]

Ball end wrench in the truss rod? That's brave.

[@ggc8j]

It’s good to see that the American spelling of Centre from an earlier episode was short-lived.

[@jessenoren414]

Center, Center, Center, CENTER!!!

[@theeuglyduckling9476]

16:22 Interesting word choice 🙂

[@DavePilotCH47]

Ben, the isolation is intolerable. Please post episode 4 and 5! PLEASE. LOL

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Hey David.. I feel your pain, sadly they are still being edited but should be live on Wednesday and Saturday respectively.. however, I do have something for you, if you can wait a bit I will be starting a new series immediately, building a twin neck guitar in 24 hours and with limited tools to boot.. this will be 3 videos a week rather than two so, well.. a bit more to watch than would otherwise be the case.. also, I'll be building it from home in an as shed unbuilt tiny shed! B

[@DavePilotCH47]

Crimson Custom Guitars Thank sir! Looking forward to it👍🏻👍🏻

[@DavePilotCH47]

Crimson Custom Guitars Standing in line at the post office, wearing a home made mask and a Crimson T-Shirt, a young lady said “I should get one of those for my Dad”. She said he has been playing the guitar and banjo for as long as she can remember. I told her that Dad would love your channel, he’s also a wood worker, so I’m sure another fan will be tuning in👍🏻

[@alan4401]

Interesting video Ben. I have often wondered just how effective carbon fiber rods are against the amazing ability of wood to move. 4 rods and yet a significant warp. Food for thought I guess.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Hey Alan.. we use square 4mm x 4mm rods, mainly due to that being what I can currently get from our supplier.. however, I think 4 x 6 would do much much better than these did.. however, when a bit of wood REALLY wants to move, it will move! B

[@alan4401]

Thanks Ben I tend to agree that that is what wood would do!!

[@drampadreg1386]

Ya need some templates for the frets, the kind like a dowel jig that you stamp into the wood marking every fret position at once! That would be a real time saver, but one for each scale with a bottle jack jig to make the fret markings across the neck in to some nice hard wood in about 20 seconds. Just thinking , well not out loud because I'm typing but something like that..Hey, pass that bong over her and put on Mingus PreBird, and turn it up!