Short Scale Bass Design
Having designed a bass guitar in collaboration with Binford Luthiery, it was only appropriate that I should have one of my own design. Owing to portability and performing in often small venues I required a short scale version for my own needs. Despite the short length, this bass has been conceived to be a versatile instrument that can be used in almost any kind of musical setting – rock or pop band, ukulele group or church worship group. The body is made of a cap of triple A maple on top of mahogany with a maple neck and ebony fretboard.
The electronics utilise a powered EMG pre-amp requiring an 18 volt power supply. Due to internal space restraints, I designed a compact solution by CAD modelling and 3D printing a battery holder that houses 6 x 3v button batteries. It's form factor and use of the terminals from a 9 volt battery means it retro-fits a standard 9 volt battery clip while delivering 18 volts of power. The cost of the 6 batteries is equivalent to the cost of 2 standard 9 volt batteries while lasting about twice as long under average use.