How to build a bass guitar – Body edge roundover

For this step, there are basically two ways of getting it done. The first way is by hand, and the second way is using what’s known as a roundover bit. What will be shown here is how it’s done using the latter.

Below: This is where we left off last time. All the body edges are squared off.

Below: Another angle showing how squared off the corners currently are.

Below: The bit to be used, a 5/8-inch radius roundover bit. Yes, this does mean the rounded edges will have a radius of 5/8-inch.

Below: Making the first pass.

Below: The bit is raised in preparation for the second pass.

Below: Making the second pass.

Below: Back of the body after the pass.

Below: Rounding off the edges on the front of the body.

Below: Work is completed.

Additional notes:

In the way the passes were done on this build, the router was simply run around the body. However, there is the school of thought that states running a router around the body in a single pass is a bad idea and could result in wood tear-out. The suggestion is to have planned series of passes. This article explains how to do that. (It is a very long read, but worth your time.)

Which is better, shaping by router or by hand?

Ultimately, this is the builder’s preference. Using the router is obviously faster but not necessarily better. With the router, you are accepting the radius of the bit as your finalized rounded edge around the entire body, whereas shaping by hand allows the edge to be wider, taller, shorter or more skinny for wherever you feel it is appropriate.

There is also the philosophical argument that shaping by hand makes the instrument “feel more real” to the builder once completed. Whether it does or does not is a question you have to answer yourself.

As always, please be safe whenever cutting and shaping wood, and follow these instructions on this page at your own risk.

Where are the rest of the build steps?
You can view them all here.