The Gretsch Pages: Discussions: The Bass-ment: Dean Hollowbody Project

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Dean Hollowbody Project

- Rated: 47 ↑
Jun 22, 2007 10:07 a.m. dignan:
I've wanted a big hollowbody bass since forever... especially a Hofner President, though it'll be forever 'til I find one I can afford. Of course, Broadkasters, Electrotones and Long-scale Shovelheads get me all hot and bothered, too.

Looking for cheap alternatives, I came to like the Dean Stylist - big singlecut body, mostly traditional style. As luck had it, I found an older model on the great market bazaar for $200. In my long tradition of half-assing cheap replicas in favor of saving for the real thing, you just know I'm going to mod the tar out of this thing.

Based on parts I've got laying around the shop, I'm thinking:
- Hofner bridge & tailpiece
- Bass Filtertrons or DeArmond Goldtones
- Sperzels or Hipshot Ultralites
- New tort guard
- Moving jack to side & rewiring to vol/vol/master tone
Mockup from the auction photo:
- Rated: 23 ↑
Jun 22, 2007 10:13 a.m. noggsly:

Nice! good idea. I love the sunburst on that

check out... Hofner Parts

Might be a bit expensive with the exchange rate but could be useful.
- Rated: 47 ↑
Jun 22, 2007 10:58 a.m. dignan:

Thanks for that link. The pickguard will likely be scratchbuilt, as I have no idea if a Hofner guard would fit. The idea is definitely President-inspired, but I like having a few Gretsch/Guild/Hagstrom/etc touches thrown in.

I wonder if there's anything unique about the pre-wired control panels? I might try one on my Eastwood Club.
- Rated: 44 ↑
Jun 22, 2007 4:40 p.m. Jeff O(h, Look into the Monkey Eye):

Is that short scale or long?

IF long, me likey.

IF short, me likey but no playee. Must be long.
- Rated: 45 ↑
Jun 22, 2007 5:05 p.m. Tsar Nicholas :

Short scales are a blast to play! That most certianly looks to be long scale though.

Gerluck with that Digs, you're a man after my own heart.

If you were a man after my own heart I wouldn't you be wishing as much luck.
- Rated: 47 ↑
Jun 22, 2007 6:26 p.m. dignan:

Dean doesn't have the model on their site anymore, but I've read somewhere that the Stylist is 32"... good thing I like short and long scales.

The White Russian said: If you were a man after my own heart I wouldn't you be wishing as much luck.
"NIIC-OHH-LAAAAAAAAAA!"
- Rated: 47 ↑
Jun 26, 2007 6:04 a.m. dignan:

The Stylist arrived yesterday! First impressions:
- Rated: 47 ↑
Jun 26, 2007 6:16 a.m. dignan:

No, really, it's that huge. 17" by 3" body huge.

It is 32" scale, though the neck is placed the same as a 34" Fender when you're holding it since the bridge is further forward. The stock pickups sound great as it is; if it weren't for the way they look, I'd leave them be. Really like the toggle switch, too - may leave that as well.

The bridge pickup by itself is thumpier than my Jazz bass; At first I thought the neck pickup wasn't working since I couldn't hear it, but then I noticed I had lost all bowel control, my house had shifted off its foundation, and I was getting calls from the US Geological Survey.

For reference, the Eastwood club is larger than a Gretsch Jet:
- Rated: 47 ↑
Jun 27, 2007 8:24 a.m. dignan:

Let's not waste any time then:
- Rated: 12 ↑
Jun 27, 2007 8:45 a.m. KCMatt:

They look right at home!
- Rated: 47 ↑
Jun 27, 2007 9:10 a.m. dignan:

I had to glue in wooden supports, since the braces are outside of the cutout area. The stock pickups are the same size as a regular humbucker, so fortunately a Gretsch ring will cover everything.
- Rated: 12 ↑
Jun 27, 2007 9:15 a.m. KCMatt:

Can't wait to see the finished results. I really dig that Club bass, too.
- Rated: 77 ↑
Jun 28, 2007 3:39 p.m. sassy:

WHOA...Very cool !!
- Rated: 47 ↑
Jul 24, 2007 5:03 p.m. dignan:

Dang, has it really been a month?

Phase 1 Complete:

I had a Hofner bridge for it, but didn't realize just how narrow it was - I'm going to try carving a wider bridge & base from ebony blocks, complete with slots & fretwire saddles. Fortunately, there's plenty of clearance for a floating bridge.

So far: New pickups, rings, nut, Hofner tailpiece & Hipshot Ultralite tuners. I refinished the headstock face, maybe do a Dean logo in the Hofner-style script later on. A pickguard will eventually be coming, too, once I draw up a pattern. I may play with the wiring harness, but for now, simple is good.
- Rated: 66 ↑
Jul 24, 2007 6:48 p.m. Walter Broes:

Hey, judging from your pictures, it looks like Dean used the same body for that bass as a DeArmond X155's.
- Rated: 23 ↑
Jul 25, 2007 2:42 a.m. noggsly:

mmmm...nice
- Rated: 77 ↑
Jul 25, 2007 10:38 a.m. sassy:

VERY NICE...
- Rated: 115 ↑
Jul 28, 2007 8:02 a.m. wenzel:

That's cool Dignan! Now, I would put a pair of Hofner beatles bass white knobs on it... I think that would look spiffy!
- Rated: 42 ↑
Jul 28, 2007 2:21 p.m. JC:

Looks SWEET!
- Rated: 47 ↑
Jul 28, 2007 6:10 p.m. dignan:

Thanks for the comments, guys. I agree, Wenz... I may do a Hoffy rectangular control plate thingamajig, since the knobs & switch are already in a line.

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