Tom Hamilton sent me this L-2500 back

A few years ago Tom Hamilton sent me this L-2500 back and now it hangs on my office wall. He wasn’t really using it cause it was kinda heavy, and I guess this was probably one of those rush things, like when the tech calls and says “you guys got a 2500 th

new CLFR L-2500 headstock

If you follow G&L Musical Instruments then you’ve already seen the new CLFR L-2500. This was a pet project of mine to make the L-2500 vibe like it could have been made here in 1980 not 2020. Vintage bass geeks: note the detail in the logo art. That’s

chonky monkey

I am in love with this chonky monkey. Why have I never done this before? I mean, wth have I been doing? Someone asked if the CLFR L-2500 has a control plate. Yes, yes it does...milled from aluminum just like those glorious machined CLF knobs, all coated i

I’m deep in the land that time forgot...but I didn’t

I’m deep in the land that time forgot...but I didn’t : )

Leo’s old Davis & Wells stroke sander

Was hunting for a few bits while working on Leo’s old Davis & Wells stroke sander. Here is a machine that might literally run forever as long as we take care of it. And we do. : )

Abort mission and get the hell out of here

Abort mission and get the hell out of here. Sounded like something got thrown around up there. Twice, the second time as I was walking up the stairs to have a look. I don’t see anything but damn, I still get spooked from time to time.

Leo drew this simple wiring diagram for a late style SB-2

Leo drew this simple wiring diagram for a late style SB-2. Not much to see here, kids! : )

Ancient samples sent from Helmut Schaller to Leo Fender-1

Ancient samples sent from Helmut Schaller to Leo Fender. My guess is Leo removed the covers to have a good look inside.

Ancient samples sent from Helmut Schaller to Leo Fender-2

Ancient samples sent from Helmut Schaller to Leo Fender. My guess is Leo removed the covers to have a good look inside.

Ancient samples sent from Helmut Schaller to Leo Fender-3

Ancient samples sent from Helmut Schaller to Leo Fender. My guess is Leo removed the covers to have a good look inside.

Found a 2009 aged nitro blonde swamp ash L-2000 body

Put this baby in the project pile: Found a 2009 aged nitro blonde swamp ash L-2000 body in CLFR random land. It was pre-aged but 11 years of doing nothing has made it check more, as nitro does ; )

It’s project time!

It’s project time! I’ve been taking apart this 1980 mahogany L-1000 which belongs to our friend Rob Wolanski. I heard it had a sketchy neck so I got him to send me the whole bass from Canada so I can check it out. I just filmed me taking it apart and talk

Leo’s Lounge now has two backlit EXIT signs

Thanks to my brother John, Leo’s Lounge now has two backlit EXIT signs. I frickin’ love playing pretend nightclub owner. : )

Dig these double bound semihollows

Dig these double bound semihollows

Leo Fender’s darkroom built into his house

Leo Fender’s darkroom built into his house allowed him develop to film and make prints at home. He loved cameras and their complex mechanical workings. Wasn’t great at photography, but he loved messing with the gear. Sounds like some musicians I know...wa

Project Wunkay Rehab

#projectwunkayrehab intro vid is the on the Tube, so hit the link to see what’s up

https://youtu.be/Pjfg4TC6T6Q

I got started on the neck

I got started on the neck. At this point, the portion of the board that will be the maple fingerboard has been sliced off, the two pieces are prepped and I’ve just routed the channels for the dual-action truss rod and supplemental rods. This neck will fee

Project Wunkay Rehab

installing the dual-action rod and supplemental rods. Fits like a [glove] cause this bass is gonna punch like a [glove]https://www.facebook.com/clfresearch/videos/198431251450563/

Project Wunkay Rehab

gettin that glue down

https://www.facebook.com/clfresearch/videos/647233022762417/

Project Wunkay Rehab

reunited and it feels so good. Got the grain lined up so nice it’s like the truss rod magically got in there. It’s magically delicious! Actually, I’ve always liked the smell of Titebond glue. Any of you wood workers agree?

getting started removing the J pickup route

getting started removing the J pickup route. First I’m gonna get out that old foam and see what we’ve got.

The foam peeled right out-1

The foam peeled right out, which of course left the adhesive goo which sorta melts over years. A few minutes later and we see a pretty clean route. Nice job, whoever did this, but it’s time for this 40 year old soldier to return to being a proper L-1000.

The foam peeled right out-2

The foam peeled right out-3

I just pulled some glued up neck blanks out of the old Taylor clamp

I just pulled some glued up neck blanks out of the old Taylor clamp. Now let me find the one I need...

the neck blank is glued up

the neck blank is glued up and now I’m gonna put it in a dehumidified room while I take measurements of the old neck and make some notes.

Project Wunkay Rehab

This neck is gonna have so much woody character and those ghost flames are gonna show up with the finish. Now back to work...

https://www.facebook.com/clfresearch/videos/214716462958320/

I need a pencil and Leo delivers

I need a pencil and Leo delivers. I’ll return it to his drafting table after I take notes for #projectwunkayrehab

a few CLFR workbench top jigs from the ‘70s and ‘80s

Stumbled on a few CLFR workbench top jigs from the ‘70s and ‘80s while trying to find an ancient piece of mahogany for #projectwunkayrehab

wooden prototype template for a Stingray guitar-1

How about wooden prototype template for a Stingray guitar? Must be 1975. This is why I can’t find anything. I go looking and something else interesting gets my attention. Ok, return to the dust you old template, I need some ancient mahogany!

wooden prototype template for a Stingray guitar-2

How about wooden prototype template for a Stingray guitar? Must be 1975. This is why I can’t find anything. I go looking and something else interesting gets my attention. Ok, return to the dust you old template, I need some ancient mahogany!

1981 wooden prototype template-1

1981 wooden prototype template with notes from George Fullerton. It says “this pattern for a 24 fret neck” but I’m gonna guess he meant 24 3/4” scale as this looks very much like the short-lived G-200 guitar that would be launched the same year.

1981 wooden prototype template-2

1981 wooden prototype template with notes from George Fullerton. It says “this pattern for a 24 fret neck” but I’m gonna guess he meant 24 3/4” scale as this looks very much like the short-lived G-200 guitar that would be launched the same year.

and finally a beautiful chunk of old mahogany

...and finally a beautiful chunk of old mahogany for #projectwunkayrehab. Does it need to be old? Nah, but it’d be a lot cooler ; )

I’m taking measurements of the original 1980 neck

I’m taking measurements of the original 1980 neck

Josh is making a template to buzz out the J pickup pocket

Josh is making a template to buzz out the J pickup pocket

Let the wood chips roll

Let the wood chips roll

Project Wunkay Rehab

A few passes through template gives us a peek at fresh cut 40 year old mahogany

https://www.facebook.com/clfresearch/videos/555092021778567/

Project Wunkay Rehab

rollin tape to make some deep cuts

https://www.facebook.com/clfresearch/videos/220926882300653/

The template got this magic mahogany mining operation started

The template got this magic mahogany mining operation started

Project Wunkay Rehab

Josh made about four more delicate passes to clean out the bottom of the J route

https://www.facebook.com/clfresearch/videos/1083289368704992/

Project Wunkay Rehab

If you follow this account you should not think this is weird ; )

https://www.facebook.com/clfresearch/videos/234544961009642/

Ok is this weird?-1

Ok is this weird? The mahogany chips can wait in Leo’s desk drawer until the project is complete and ready to go back to Rob Wolanski. This way the mahogany chips can absorb massive mojo, even through the plastic bag. It’s powerful stuff, kids. ; )

Ok is this weird?-2

Ok is this weird? The mahogany chips can wait in Leo’s desk drawer until the project is complete and ready to go back to Rob Wolanski. This way the mahogany chips can absorb massive mojo, even through the plastic bag. It’s powerful stuff, kids. ; )

Ok is this weird?-3

Ok is this weird? The mahogany chips can wait in Leo’s desk drawer until the project is complete and ready to go back to Rob Wolanski. This way the mahogany chips can absorb massive mojo, even through the plastic bag. It’s powerful stuff, kids. ; )

Josh eyeballing that grain

Josh eyeballing that grain to take a nice slice for #projectwunkayrehab

Almost ready to plug in

Almost ready to plug in

Project Wunkay Rehab

Titebond glue massage

https://www.facebook.com/clfresearch/videos/2531284270453270/

Project Wunkay Rehab

Filling the void

https://www.facebook.com/clfresearch/videos/292302651740603/

Josh shaving down the plug

Josh shaving down the plug Now before you say anything, Josh glued in the plug late yesterday but I just posted today. It’s not like we just slammed glue in there and half an hour later go at it with a rasp

that’s clean!

Josh...dayum son, that’s clean! It actually looks like some idiot just scraped the lacquer off the body but never routed it. This is good news for the finish repair work ahead

Project Poss Machine

Intro vid for #projectpossmachine is on the tube. Hit the link to learn about this awesome 1983 G&L SC-1 owned and modded by Robert Poss. https://youtu.be/TsIvg14dx8M

the Robert Poss machine

Before I take it apart, I’m gonna have a little fun with the Robert Poss machine.

Well, that sucks

Well, that sucks. Trying to have fun with #projectpossmachine but it seemed to be missing some mojo. Well, a little massage with a hot iron took care of that. Started with a crack on the knuckles but escalated to a hot iron. Now back to the lounge to try

Project Poss Machine

skillz for the YouTubes

https://www.facebook.com/clfresearch/videos/2532798670320402/

Original 1982 S-500 with #project1979s500

Original 1982 S-500 with #project1979s500

Project Poss Machine banner

Dave McLaren kicks off Project Poss Machine, a customized SC-1, owned by Robert Poss from Band of Susans.
Check it out on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/TsIvg14dx8M

body of #projectwunkayrehab-1

I want to let the plug settle in the body of #projectwunkayrehab before starting paint repair. But....I need a place to stash it. I want somewhere out of the way but still easily accessible and has a strong mojo feel. My brain: 1) the cart behind Leo’s of

body of #projectwunkayrehab-2

I want to let the plug settle in the body of #projectwunkayrehab before starting paint repair. But....I need a place to stash it. I want somewhere out of the way but still easily accessible and has a strong mojo feel. My brain: 1) the cart behind Leo’s of

body of #projectwunkayrehab-3

I want to let the plug settle in the body of #projectwunkayrehab before starting paint repair. But....I need a place to stash it. I want somewhere out of the way but still easily accessible and has a strong mojo feel. My brain: 1) the cart behind Leo’s of

body of #projectwunkayrehab-4

body of #projectwunkayrehab-5

Project 1979 S-500 banner

Dave McLaren introduces his Project 1979 S-500 and takes us on a magical history tour.
George Fullerton and Leo Fender fans: don’t miss this!
Check it out on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/DczYP5iD04M

Project 1979 S-500

Yet another banner Dave posted on the CLF Research facebook page.

piece of okoume to build a body for #project1979s500-1

went to look for a piece of okoume to build a body for #project1979s500 and literally the first piece I picked up I fell in love with. Got that old school looking hog grain with a little extra flair. Not sure what color yet but it has to be transparent a

piece of okoume to build a body for #project1979s500-2

went to look for a piece of okoume to build a body for #project1979s500 and literally the first piece I picked up I fell in love with. Got that old school looking hog grain with a little extra flair. Not sure what color yet but it has to be transparent a

Getting started in the Woodshop with Armando on a body

Who wants to see some okoume wood chips fly? Getting started in the Woodshop with Armando on a body for #project1979s500

and we’re about done milling the back side

...and we’re about done milling the back side

body CNC done

Han 1: what the
Han 2: argh!!!!
Han 3: im outta here
Han 4: ffs just lemme chill here in the sun for a while I’ll be good ...

Han Solo

Han 1: what the
Han 2: argh!!!!
Han 3: im outta here
Han 4: ffs just lemme chill here in the sun for a while I’ll be good ...

leftovers

Han 1: what the
Han 2: argh!!!!
Han 3: im outta here
Han 4: ffs just lemme chill here in the sun for a while I’ll be good ...

body after

Han 1: what the
Han 2: argh!!!!
Han 3: im outta here
Han 4: ffs just lemme chill here in the sun for a while I’ll be good ...

Leo Fender's Breadboard Bass

Yo, I heard you might like a demo of this breadboard pickup tester as left by Leo Fender. Yeah, I thought so. Me too. I don’t know what it really sounds like so Steve is gonna do the honors. If you haven’t already, go to the CLF Research YouTube channel a

What I was gonna say...is that I’m gonna get the truss rod installed in the new neck for #projectpossmachine-1

What I was gonna say...is that I’m gonna get the truss rod installed in the new neck for #projectpossmachine

What I was gonna say...is that I’m gonna get the truss rod installed in the new neck for #projectpossmachine-2

What I was gonna say...is that I’m gonna get the truss rod installed in the new neck for #projectpossmachine

Used Leo’s late 1960s Rockwell Model 20 band saw to slice off the fingerboard-1

Used Leo’s late 1960s Rockwell Model 20 band saw to slice off the fingerboard from the 6/4 maple board. Mmmm....maple smells so nice get into mah bellah! #projectpossmachine

Used Leo’s late 1960s Rockwell Model 20 band saw to slice off the fingerboard-2

Used Leo’s late 1960s Rockwell Model 20 band saw to slice off the fingerboard from the 6/4 maple board. Mmmm....maple smells so nice get into mah bellah! #projectpossmachine

Used Leo’s late 1960s Rockwell Model 20 band saw to slice off the fingerboard-3

Used Leo’s late 1960s Rockwell Model 20 band saw to slice off the fingerboard from the 6/4 maple board. Mmmm....maple smells so nice get into mah bellah! #projectpossmachine

The neck blank for #projectpossmachine-1

The neck blank for #projectpossmachine passes through Leo’s classic 1970s Timesaver wide-belt sander. My brother John has developed crazy skills at rebuilding and fabricating stuff for this golden age machine.

The neck blank for #projectpossmachine-2

The neck blank for #projectpossmachine passes through Leo’s classic 1970s Timesaver wide-belt sander. My brother John has developed crazy skills at rebuilding and fabricating stuff for this golden age machine.

Project Poss Machine

Some people think I just mill around all day. Well, sometimes I actually mill stuff, like the truss rod channel for #projectpossmachine

https://www.facebook.com/clfresearch/videos/707469336667547/

neck for #projectpossmachine will look and feel

The neck for #projectpossmachine will look and feel old school CLFR but be more stable with this dual-action rod.

Truss rod fitment- #projectpossmachine

Truss rod fitment: #projectpossmachine

#projectpossmachine chillin in Leo’s cart

#projectpossmachine chillin in Leo’s cart. This ancient cart was used to transport massive quantities of mojo yet it never moved. Is this even possible? Ancient alien theorists say “yes”

Try new Titebond roll-on

“Try new Titebond roll-on. Even on your toughest gigs your neck won’t break a sweat.” Manny sent me this pic from the Woodshop and reports “I use Titebond every day because in my work, coming unglued isn’t an option. Thanks, Titebond!”

*ding ding* one maple and Titebond sammich order up!

*ding ding* one maple and Titebond sammich order up! #projectpossmachine

Under pressure- the neck marked “DMC” is for #projectpossmachine

Under pressure: the neck marked “DMC” is for #projectpossmachine while the glue dries in the old Taylor press. Also you are now earwormed with either Queen/Bowie or Vanilla Ice. You’re welcome.

The original Robert Poss SC-1 neck

The original Robert Poss SC-1 neck hangin in the woodshop. There’s gonna be some sexy custom fitment goin on #projectpossmachine

Me staring at this for 10 minutes thinking about my plan for this neck #projectpossmachine

Me staring at this for 10 minutes thinking about my plan for this neck #projectpossmachine

#projectpossmachine neck gettin saddled up

#projectpossmachine neck gettin saddled up. Now I’m thinking of my boys Aerosmith rockin “Back in the Saddle” which was a seriously badass track

the Robert Poss machine

Guitar tuner holes are smaller than bass tuner holes so we use a drill bit with a couple of pecks to keep things clear.

https://www.facebook.com/clfresearch/videos/897382877372372/

the Robert Poss machine

Whoa, these tiny holes are gonna blow your minds with the unbelievable alien technology used to create them. Somebody call Giorgio Tsoukalos, this is some crazy action going down. The company that makes this “machine” is American, but who gave them this t

the other side...of the headstock!

Now, where were we? Ah, yes, we made some lovely holes, and some are actually pathways to another dimension: the other side...of the headstock!

And now...the other side. Boring!!! Let’s do some stuff to it-1

And now...the other side. Boring!!! Let’s do some stuff to it

And now...the other side. Boring!!! Let’s do some stuff to it-2

And now...the other side. Boring!!! Let’s do some stuff to it

And now...the other side. Boring!!! Let’s do some stuff to it-3

And now...the other side. Boring!!! Let’s do some stuff to it

And now...the other side. Boring!!! Let’s do some stuff to it-4

And now...the other side. Boring!!! Let’s do some stuff to it

the Robert Poss machine

Oh hello there today I’m preparing some of my delightful maplewood chips #projectpossmachine

https://www.facebook.com/clfresearch/videos/185078662454724/

the Robert Poss machine

Headstock scoop cutter comin in hot. Oh this is gonna be good. Nope!!! Meathead here f’d up the iPhone, so here is a totally unsatisfying video #projectpossmachine

https://www.facebook.com/clfresearch/videos/2612777532314389/

the Robert Poss machine

This is what you came to see ya bunch of weirdos #projectpossmachine

https://www.facebook.com/clfresearch/videos/2633301456949625/

the Robert Poss machine

A nice clean drill is always #satisfying . . .
#projectpossmachine

https://www.facebook.com/clfresearch/videos/662122751243432/

#projectwunkayrehab-orginial neck

Today we are going to make some delightful maplewood chips following my grandmother’s secret recipe. When we were children, the sweet scent of grandmother’s maplewood chips wafting through the springtime air made us all rush to the kitchen house at our li

commencing countdown engines on #projectwunkayrehab

commencing countdown engines on #projectwunkayrehab

Project Wunkay Rehab

Those tuners gotta go somewhere #projectwunkayrehab

https://www.facebook.com/clfresearch/videos/656564511823499/

Project Wunkay Rehab

now gimme some screw holes for those tuners. Even if they get kinda gummed up with finish at least they’re perfectly placed pilot holes

https://www.facebook.com/clfresearch/videos/221971112478987/

Project Wunkay Rehab

Ok turn over, now we will exfoliate your face...on your head...stock

https://www.facebook.com/clfresearch/videos/1114735722225138/

Project Wunkay Rehab

Now let’s give it a shave

https://www.facebook.com/clfresearch/videos/153034252759092/

Project Wunkay Rehab

Perimeter rough cut. Hey it actually looks like a neck and not just a rectangle

https://www.facebook.com/clfresearch/videos/255924362124959/

Project Wunkay Rehab

...and the cleanup cut

https://www.facebook.com/clfresearch/videos/513551912647097/

magical maple mojo-1

magical maple mojo

magical maple mojo-2

magical maple mojo

hit up Ed at G&L Custom Shop

I just hit up Ed at G&L Custom Shop about doing localized nitro repair of the filled area. Prep work is the key

chillin after dark

chillin after dark

Leo’s SB-1 split coil MFD pickup mounted to a test board in his lab

Leo’s SB-1 split coil MFD pickup mounted to a test board in his lab. I was gonna use this in the video but I spaced out...so here’s a picture. Before Leo got this pickup completed, he briefly used a split coil pickup from Schaller in the 2nd generation SB

The original necks from #projectwunkayrehab and #projectpossmachine hangin in the Woodshop for reference1

The original necks from #projectwunkayrehab and #projectpossmachine hangin in the Woodshop for reference. It’s been nearly 40 years since these two made in here. #clfresearch

The original necks from #projectwunkayrehab and #projectpossmachine hangin in the Woodshop for reference2

The original necks from #projectwunkayrehab and #projectpossmachine hangin in the Woodshop for reference. It’s been nearly 40 years since these two made in here. #clfresearch

The original necks from #projectwunkayrehab and #projectpossmachine hangin in the Woodshop for reference3

The original necks from #projectwunkayrehab and #projectpossmachine hangin in the Woodshop for reference. It’s been nearly 40 years since these two made in here. #clfresearch

Things are shaping up1

Things are shaping up #projectwunkayrehab

Things are shaping up2

Things are shaping up #projectwunkayrehab

Looking at this makes me feel like it needs dots stat

Looking at this makes me feel like it needs dots stat #projectwunkayrehab

cool G&L shirt from the crew at Musik Wein in Germany

I’m rockin those tasty maplewood chips all over my cool G&L shirt from the crew at Musik Wein in Germany

Just a drop of Titebond glue here

Just a drop of Titebond glue here... #projectwunkayrehab

In ya go

In ya go

couldn’t find #project1979s500 in the Woodshop

When I couldn’t find #project1979s500 in the Woodshop I went looking in the paint shop, checking a bunch of these until I found the one with grain that matched. I’m frickin Sherlock Holmes over here. But how did the thief manage to steal the body? Well, I

now it is becoming a 40th Anniversary Collection S-500 with the Clear Ruby Red finish

Well, I screwed up. I left the body for #project1979s500 in the Woodshop with no note or anything and now it is becoming a 40th Anniversary Collection S-500 with the Clear Ruby Red finish. Looks killer, but not what I want so....yeah....I’ll buzz out anot

I just explained to Malcolm that I need #project1979s500 to be painted

I just explained to Malcolm that I need #project1979s500 to be painted so that it vibes like an aged out natural nitro on mahogany G&L or old Mocha on ash CLFRMM. it’s not about accuracy in finish, it’s about accuracy in vibe. Malcolm: beam me to 1979

Who else thinks this would look totally legit on Food Network?

Who else thinks this would look totally legit on Food Network?

Let’s have another look at all those yummy chips

Let’s have another look at all those yummy chips. I could relax in a tub of this stuff like Cartman in KFC gravy #project1979s500

muse for my second version

This vintage Skyhawk is kinda like my muse for my second version of #project1979s500. It’s all about that CLFR black crinkle plate against a mahogany body wearing a smokey sunburst. This is gonna be sweet

Malcolm showing me some transparent brown

Malcolm showing me some transparent brown he blended for #project1979s500 and as he was explaining how the okoume already has a reddish color so he was compensating for that....all I could think is how awesome he is

that mocha vibe-1

#project1979s500 has that mocha madness vibe I wanted. Malcolm is the man

that mocha vibe-2

#project1979s500 has that mocha madness vibe I wanted. Malcolm is the man