John Gaudesi and the Yamaha Custom Shop:
Doug Pinnick's 12-String Bass is Born
By Philip Snyder
John Gaudesi and Doug Pinnick's Yamaha 12-String Bass in progress.
This is a first... anywhere! The complete documentation of a custom-built 12-string bass from its initial concept and design to finished instrument. Never before has this kind of detailed information been made public. We at 12stringbass.net are honored to be able to present this interview with Yamaha Senior Designer John Gaudesi along with the builder's photos that accompany it. A big thank you goes to Doug Pinnick for contacting John and introducing him to our site, and to John for being so enthusiastic about providing us with everything we needed to document this properly!
Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawing.
Beginning to cut out the body on the band saw.
The body has been cut out just outside of the pattern lines.
The body takes on its final form.
The internal body contour is drawn.
The body is planed by hand.
The neck construction begins.
If one clamp is good, 14 are better!
Routing the neck to prepare for mounting the fingerboard.
The neck routing from a different angle.
The fingerboard is routed to receive the X inlay.
Preparing to cut out the inlay.
Getting close to being finished.
Doug Pinnick at a bassist clinic, performing with his Yamaha 12-string bass.