Starting an acoustic bass guitar project. Need direction

[George Dunham]

I am starting an acoustic bass guitar project. I have a few basic parameters worked out but will need direction on everything else. I've build 20 guitars and I am getting some of my chops down. I am using a Gibson J200 jumbo mold and plan on going as deep as my side wood will permit...around 5 inches at the butt. I also plan on having a 32 inch scale length and would like to make a fretted neck and an unfretted neck, interchangable for giggles. A twelve inch fretboard radius seems reasonable. I am thinking that bracing and thickness parameters will be similar to a 12string or stouter. Anyway, any input welcome.
thanks

[Mark Swanson]

The GAL has two good articles on this in one of their Big Red Books. Good stuff. I think the J-200 form is a bit small. Go out and have a look at some of the successful basses out there- have a look at the Tacoma Thunderchief for starters.

[Paul E Buerk]

If I recall correctly, the Big Red Book articles include models with tuned ports like bass speakers, too. I've thought about doing one with a zero downforce bridge as well, but been sidetracked with other projects. Plus, I've been gravitating towards building a variant of Mottola's "Canotto" basses instead.

As for building with interchangeable necks, I'd suggest just building two instruments instead.

You might also want to check with Jay Hargreaves (JTH Bass) for examples, too.

[Mark Swanson]

I can think of two articles specifically, and I don't recall any tuned ports in them. One is a pretty basic bass, and the other was a cool one by Harry Fleishman.
R.M. Mottola's is a good one too, and I think there are complete plans for it on his website, as far as I recall. I'll have to look....

[Mark Swanson]

I like R.M.'s Tinnoza bass, plans are all there.