dickboak.com

Covering The Basses

        On the electric bass front, I delved into the fabrication of a fretless instrument. Without frets, there are virtually no critical dimensions and there is a great sense of purity, ease and satisfaction in bringing them to fruition. For strength, design and sustain, I gravitated toward multiple laminates, first in the laying up of bodies, then finally inclusive of the necks. Hidden glued-in mortise neck joints gradually evolved to more contiguous through-the-body designs. 

        My favorite aspect of working with multiple laminates is the sheer topographic thrill of creating contours on the rounded sculptural edges of the body and neck. I sold my favorite bass (shown at left and right) to my good friends Russ & Becky Jeffers of Smokey Mountain Sunshine in Nashville, but like any of my creations, I regretted letting it slip away.