I built a bass guitar for my daughter (6 yo)
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- Опубліковано 4 січ 2024
- My daughter has been in every single one of my videos since I started this channel in early 2020, and she always steals the show with her sassy comments. The reactions to her jokes have been overwhelmingly positive through the years (as in, literally every other comment is about her and not the guitars ...........).
Now it was time to really put my bossy child to work, so we decided to build a bass for her.
In this build she made a lot of decisions: the color of the top, fading from pink to natural, is her idea, as well as having 2 sizes of fret dots, she chose the colors for the knobs, the arangement of the neck laminate, ... We went for a u-bass design because I was affraid that metal strings would hurt her fingers (turns out I was wrong, I later made a regular bass, and it makes no difference). The body has that classic Tchiks shape, turns out it was very easy to adapt to a bass, I just had to bring the upper horn closer to the 12th fret.
Making this bass just after the Red Special was a funny coincidence. Brian May made his famous guitar with his dad after all.
Needless to say, this was very very fun to make. And I'm very pleased with the results, and so is Zoé, she LOVES that bass and plays it all the time.
I guess I'll be making more basses for her in the future, as her body grows.
For the French Polishing part, I literally had no idea of what I was doing, so if you want to learn more about it, just check the master: @CranmerGuitars
There will be more basses on this channel in the very near future, in the form of a tutorial on "how to make a Precision bass", in the style of my previous tutorial series (how to make a Telecaster), so stick around!
As always,
Thanks for watching,
Bisou,
Tchiks
To anyone asking,
here's Zoé's little bass journey so far: she began with the ukulele December 2022, and then the piano shortly after. One day, she started listing " all the instruments she could play " and it went a little bit like this:
- " I can play the ukulele, the piano, the upright piano, the synth, the other synth, the small synth, my aunt's piano, ..."
- dude, you can only play the ukulele and the piano
- " I can also play the bass "
- no, you've never even touched a bass
- " OK build me one ... and I'll play it"
So first I bought her a cheapo U-bass from Thomann, she began learning on April 6th 2023 (when she actually was 6, today she's 7),
first song was Seven Nation Army, and then Otherside (RHCP), then Kids Aren't Alright (because it's the same progression basically ...).
Since that day, she's been playing with me every other night as part of her "going to bed" ritual.
For a while we used the app Yousician, in 7 months she 3-starred every song from level 1 to 9, we're a few songs away from the end of the game but the last level is mostly trash metal and she's still too small and lacks the stamina to play through the entire 2-3 minutes songs ... so for now we're putting it a little bit to rest.
I've read mixed reviews about the app when it comes to learning on your own, but I think that if you have a teacher, it can be a really great learning support, or learning path rather.
I mainly used the app as an excuse to teach her the basic techniques but also a lot of music theory. And believe it or not, in the demo featured on this video, she was actually the one making most of the arrangements, for example the last turn-around was her idea, including the chord voicings. And then when she recorded the finale in only 3 takes, I was blown away, it put a smile of my face for the rest of the day.
So to anyone reading this: INTRODUCE. YOUR. KIDS. TO. MUSIC. AS. EARLY. AS . YOU. POSSIBLY. CAN !!!!
Their brain at that age is crazy powerful. They're basically walking knowledge sponges.
As long as you keep it fun and interractive, they will stick to it, 100%.
That's amazing, she does have serious talent. My daughter has been playing guitar now for a year (started at age 8), and I consider her a fairly fast learner (certainly faster than me when I started learning it as an adult), but we're still a mile away from that level of proficiency, understanding, and creativity. Some do enjoy the process more than others, and I guess that's what decides how quick their progress is. Congrats anyway, I'm in awe :D
That's just too wondrous 🥹🥰
That’s so awesome and I couldn’t agree more! My son plays the piano, ragtime and blues, but mostly rag. He started when he was 7 and we found a great teacher. First lesson: “what do you want to play? “ “Mario theme!” so he found him the Mario theme and it went on like that. No scales. No homework no grades (his teacher: we can do them if you like, but why do you need a badge to say you can play something?) just found him versions of things he wanted to play. He was learning without realising he was learning, gradually getting harder, sight reading, notation etc and importantly playing by ear and feel which is a skill many people lack. He’s 18 now, at Cambridge University (he’s a clever clogs) and still plays every single day. His older sister played the flute, quite well, but discovered paint and she’s paints (and even sells some) just to unwind from her masters degree (biology). Kids are indeed sponges. Invest the time, make them curious, help them think outside the box, love the world and be interested and inspired by everything around them and discover what makes them, them. It’s also great fun and just as rewarding and as big a learning experience as a parent.
Neither wanted to play guitar though… 😂
I so agree with this. My son picked up my guitars when he was about 6, and I completely encouraged him to play any of my guitars, any time, and he developed a love of music and songwriting. He is now 23 and still working hard at his musical career - check out his channel here @JordanRaviMusic
You're an amazing parent. The way she laughs demonstrates the kind of joy that I can only imagine comes from a loving and supportive household. I'm glad that people like you exist and that you are imparting the very best of humanity onto your child. When she asks whether a six-year-old cutting metal is logical... it's really a joy to behold an intelligent and capable youngster.
Imagine how grand Our World would be if EVERY father spent this type of quality time with their child. Mr Tchiks, you reset my "humanity meter' for the 2024 year. Job well done.
Haha that's so kind
Brilliant. Great comment ben ❤️👍🏴
I couldn't agree more
if only every father or parent could devote time like this... sadly not everybody can, but they still show love by providing for their families :)
@@kierthenihilist_ I recently heard this quote, "if you can't make time for wellness, you'll be forced to make time for illness." And I think that applies here a bit. Of course gathering the skills and materials to build a custom bass isn't something every parent can feasibly do for their child, but forgoing a night out or some overtime shifts here and there to make time and sit down with your kid and nurture their passions really does go a long way. I for one wish I'd been able to connect over a skill like this with my own dad, instead of spending all my time alone in my room on my phone! :P
Having a parent that plays instruments with you is great let alone one that makes them!
I also made half of her, that's what I'm actually proud of :D
I started playing with my father, he asked mr if I was interested in learning as he wanted to jam with someone to practice his playing. I was 12/13 at the time and 45 years later I'm still going.
The whole building process was very nice to watch, but I didn’t expect to see her playing that great… that was the biggest surprise.
So wonderful you included your daughter in the project! She clearly is going to be an amazing musician, too, if she chooses to do so!
I think she already is but I'm biased :)
@@tchiksguitars ,oh, I agree...and I suspect she's going to get even "more amazing"! Again, so glad to see you included her in the process...that right makes you the "best dad ever". :)
She is SO talented on the bass OMG! At 6 years old this is just so impressive and inspiring! La petite à un futur devant elle, j'en suis certain!
She thanks you
awesome:) wow your daughter plays great!
I'll tell her :)
Mr. Tchiks, this must be your best video ever. Father and daughter building together an instrument and then playing together. It doesnt get any better then this. Hats off to design and production!
Amazing Bass Guitar build! What a gift & your daughter will always treasure that instrument! I can't believe how well she plays. BRAVO! 👍👍🎸🎸👏👏
Thanks sapele Steve !
Every time I feel like I’m a good father I watch one of your videos and it shows me that I can do more and that I shouldn’t believe my own hype.
I thank you for that, also, you’re an amazing craftsman
If you could edit 20 minutes out of your daily life you'd see how good of a father you are :)
Your one-arm guitar build inspired me to build my first electric guitar. Now you're inspiring my to be a better parent and get my five-year-old son involved with my next build. Thanks for sharing your craft and character with us!
It's easier than you think, get them in the workshop and be yourself :)
Wasn't expectin her to be such a talent after few months playing.
She's as good as you are as a father/luthier.
Wish all the best to u and your family
Man, you bring me to the edge of crying. I mean your guitar builds alone are mind blowing but seeing this video as a dad of a three year old girl and sufficient guitar knowledge for campfire music is just so beautiful that it hurts.
I can only agree with your comment about knowledge sponge and such, btw 😅
All the best to you and your daughter. Keep the good work up - you are bringing joy to the people.
This is about the most bad ass thing I have seen in a while. Straight up dad of the decade vibes.
As a father, guitar player…and fellow Luthier…it’s great to see you building it with her. 🙂🎸
Sir, you're such an amazing dad! Your daughter will definitely remember these moments with you in your workshop forever! And she'll be always grateful! I wish you and your daughter all the best! And yeah, the bass is gorgeous and unique, of course ;)
Finally she got her first instrument and it made by her own hands. I've been waiting this for a year. Davie proud of your daughter
Génial. Non seulement la basse est magnifique, mais en plus tu lui laisses ici un instrument qui l'accompagnera sûrement toute sa vie🙂 Beau travail!
C'est ce que je me suis dit tout le long
She has the best (possibly evil) laugh I've ever heard :D
your daughter has the most lovely laughter!
Man, we already knew you were both an excellent woodworker and an excellent father, but this is just even stronger proof of those two facts. Beautiful work. Thank you for sharing this with us.
There's so much laughter in your home.
I often watch your videos, you were singlehandedly responsible for getting me into guitar building.
What I didn't quite expect is to have a new understanding of what it can mean to have kids, and that understanding is deeply touching.
Glad I could help with both aspects
ultimate father goals. be sure to show her this when she’s 20
First, ZOE girl you have licks young lady! Wow! You are amazing! You inspire this old man to be better at music, just like you Zoe!
Secondly, I want to thank you again for your videos and for your craftsmanship. But MOST importantly I love that you are spending time with your daughter!! The memories, the bond and trust that you are building now with your little lady will last a lifetime!! Bravo!!
Lastly you and her should do a little jazz concert. 2-3 short songs. You should play the arch top and she the bass. Dress up like you both are working musicians, what little girl doesn’t like to dress up, right! You will have it on UA-cam forever!
Incroyable ! Superbe instrument et quel duo final 👏👏👏
Ces moments sont ce que l'on a de plus précieux au monde !
Her laugh helped me out today. Thank you for sharing. Actually caught myself smiling. Been rare of late.
Hope you're well now :)
Not only was the video incredibly cute, the craftsmanship was beautiful. Well done.
Completely blown away with the build, however, seeing y'all playing together at the end was out of this world!! Kudos to you, Papa!!
Oh wow, stunning instrument! Loved watching you build it, and that custom case is a very nice touch. Also, your cheeky daughter reminds me very much of my own :D
But how on earth did she learn to play like that so early on?! I'm impressed!
she started in April when she was actually 6 (now she's 7) but she's been playing A LOT :)
This is one of the best videos I’ve seen in a long time. The relationship you’re building with your daughter is as impressive as the guitars you’re building with her!
The most wholesome content ive seen in a long time, love your videos man!
That's such a cool project to do with your daughter. I'm sure she'll have fond memories of this forever.
Come for the guitar building; stay for one of the most wholesome father/child relationships on the internet! My daughters and I love your content, and we love making stuff together, too! Thanks for sharing this beautiful part of your life with us!
Thanks for watching
Work doing what you like and do what you like teaching your child and spending quality time with them, sir you’ve inspired a lot of people, including me, it seems you reached happiness in such a simple yet complex way, I wish you continue this life you’re sharing with us, greetings from Mexico 🇲🇽
That is wonderful beyond words. Being a dad is the best thing ever and man, is your daughter talented, she plays like that at 6?! what will she be like at 7, 9, 15, 20! Joyous from start to finish!
She was actually 7 when the demo was recorded haha but I'm so slow at releasing my videos that her age doesn't make any sense
@@tchiksguitars oh, well I take it all back 😂
@@fatpotanga haha
Woah, this was trully beautiful, great crafting as usual and seeing you guys playing together too! I literally checked your channel 2 days ago since i hadnt seen any video from you in a while, great to see things going well!
Now I'm here.
I think I'll stay around. Around. Around.
Dad of the year award for you sir
Having seen only the first minute of the video: Yes, it was absolutely worth it. Even if she happens to quickly outgrow it, you've spent invaluable bonding time with her and that's worth so, so much.
Edit after seeing the entire thing: Your instruments are works of art. She'll keep and treasure this thing forever, I'm certain.
I always liked the little appearences your children made in your videos. Me and my girlfriend recently found out that she's pregnant, and so I was unexpectedly moved by this video. You seem to have such a loving relationship with your daughter here. I'm a hobby guitar maker my self, and I would hope to have something like what you have too. Of course, if my child never finds interest in neither music or crafts, I'll love them all the same, but I would love to be able to gift my child these things. Especially since I could never bond with my own parents in this way. The days we have with the people we love are truly the most valuable things we are given, and you seem to be a wealthy man in this regard.
I wish you and your family all the best, and thank you for making these videos.
man, I love watching you guys work.
you guys make me teary eyed
Everyone talking about how good her bass chops are, and it's true, but I wanna point out how good her taste is for wanting to play the bass specifically.
Awesome video; my favorite parts were the "it's a mouth" and the [diabolical laughter].
She picked up the bass probably because it's an instrument I couldn't really play, and she made me love it, I recently bought a fender jazz bass because of her :)
Congrats! Absolutely amazing!
So cute your daughter helping you.
You are such an inspiration man. Thank you.
WHAT?!!! The whole time I was watching this I was nodding my head remembering when I built my 7 year-old daughter an electric ukulele. Very similar in size as your bass. I was so proud of the ukulele and so very proud when she played "Twinkle, twinkle, little star" on it at her school. I was picturing the same thing with your daughter, especially when you put those giant rubber band strings on it. And then.... how is it possible she can play so well? I had to play that over and over. Just, ... how?
Haha. She plays very regularly, and I try to teach her mindful practice, but mostly, yeah she plays a lot
Beautiful bro, happy for u and your family.
Haha, the "its not a neck, its a fretboard" bit made me chuckle. I'm always saying that to people. Incredible instrument, your daughter seems highly intelligent for her age. I'm sure she will love and use it to bits.
Wow, i was right that playing was insane for her age. So smooth and professional. Was not ready for that ending.😮
Hehe she rocks doesn't she
It was so much fun to watch this together with my wife! Both of our kids are learning to play instruments at the moment and it was so wonderful to see you with your daughter together at the end. She is really quite good already! The instrument is beautiful too, thank you for the inspiration.
Thanks for following me for this long :)
shes playing the bass better than me when i was 18, and shes 6! you both have a very bright future together as luthiers and players i must say.
Thanks !
I'd also build a jewel-like little bass like that for that kid! It plays
Had my doubts with the rubber strings, but I have to say it sounded great. That kid’s amazing and seeing something like this really warms my heart. Come for the guitars/woodworking and stayed for the kid c:
Wonderful build, as always. Seems like your daughter would have a great future in both music and woodworking, should she choose to!
Very cool, memories your 2 will never forget, plus she gets a custom bass, made by Papa
This is so heartwarming, incredible work!
I have severe anxiety. I watch your videos to calm myself down when I need to, they're so methodical and sweet.
Completely magical. What a beautifully complete little video. Your bass guitar is beautiful and daughter even more so
Watching these family love videos is soothing.
It's pleasure to watch all the process! Thank you!!!
Wow all around!
I was blown away by how good it sounds, really great job, I wish my dad had made me a bass player at a young age.
Brilliant, gorgeous, and yet again, inspirational. What a wonderful instrument for your daughter.
I honestly adore videos where you get to talk and also where your daughter appears. I don’t have the best relationship with my own father so seeing videos like this where you are spending time with her and sharing your interests is very heart warming to me. Keep up the good work my friend.
Another beautiful instrument, and I really enjoyed the interaction with your daughter. Her laughter is fantastic, reminds me of my own 6 year old when she sees or hears something that really sets her off. Thank you for sharing 😊
That a beautiful gift, giving your daughter the ability to create music.
How is this not already nominated for best video of 2024?
Love when you daughter play your creation ❤
Very beautiful! ❤🙏
Your work is beautiful beyond description. Both the instrument making AND the parenting. THANK YOU!
I can't even say how awesome this is. So much fun to watch, a dad and his daughter working together on such a special project. What a well-cared for child. You have every reason to be proud, father. I died laughing at her trying to work the fret press. Best thing I've watched in a long while. Thank you both!!
21 minutes of masterful craftsmanship and contagious laughter. Gorgeous
This is a beautiful work of art in every respect, as, of course, is your daughter, the real star of all your videos. Thank you for sharing these magical moments with us.
Amazing sounding playing from her! And a fantastic bass build from her dad as well! It definitely does her justice!
This is so awesome. Family projects like this are something to be cherished. I hope you and your family are well and that 2024 is a good year for you :)
Wonderful father, wonderful daughter ❤
How lovely a mother making guitar for her daughter. I wish i had u as my father❤
Priceless. 👍👍
Wow, what a beautiful instrument. And what a beautiful experience for your daughter to build it together with her father. So lovely. And she plays really well too, good job to both of you!
Beautiful guitars, skilled craftsmanship, great parenting, adorable (sassy) kids - This is the type of content that makes UA-cam a great place! Well done.
Bloody brilliant from start to finish
8:12 what a subtitle 🤣
Absolutely gorgeous build!! Definitely not overkill if she actually plays it, I love your daughter's laugh, it really warms my heat. Mine laughed like that when she was little (she's 26 now). She dabbled in a bit of woodworking but never took it too seriously. We took group violin lessons together for a couple years, starting when she was 7, but after that she did not stick with it. She said she wanted to learn bass, so I got her a cheap one, but she never actually played it. Great to see yours is not only playing this, but doing a great job at it!!
In all those small attempts I can see that you really wanna spend time with her and actually care for her well being, and I'm pretty sure she's also sure of it now. That's all I could ever wish for my daughter.
Excellent !
👏🏼
my daughter has played my guitars since she was 2. ill be getting her a short scale guitar very soon and shes excited. having a daughter is wonderful.
Good luck with your build !
I really enjoy watching you build these amazing instruments, and love how you include your daughter! You can’t put a value on time spent together!
This is one of the most beautiful build videos I have seen in such a very long time. I could be a bit sentimental about it since Monday will be 25 years since my Dad passed, but that doesn't change the beauty of this. This is something your daughter will always remember and be able to look back with such reverence and love. Thank you for this video and sharing it with us. Keep up the amazing work. Hopefully some day in the not too very distant future, I get around to possibly making a few guitars. Take care and hope this new year is spectacular for you and your family!
I'm sorry for your dad, I hope you have lots of memories of the time spent with him
Je suis tellement impressionné de son niveau ! Votre jam à la fin est trop cool.
C'était super de te regarder bosser sur ce projet, comme d'habitude :D
Beautiful job. Your daughter is very lucky to have you for a father, and vice versa.
Шикарная работа! И главное девчёнка довольна!
so wonderful of a journey and video. time well spent with the little one and a very nice build!
Excelente trabajo 👏👏👏
What a beautiful instrument! And the special case for it too was the perfect cherry on top. Great playing as well, thank you so much for the awesome video!
This is beautiful.
You did a great job as a luthier and as a father! My daughter is just 2, but she loves to strum when I play guitar.
Excellent j'adore !
WOW, what a great build & what a talented Daughter you have...
This is awesome! I hope I will be able to build my son his first instrument as well. Well done! Your daughter plays great!
It's very important to me to make things for the people I love, and to share the beauty in art with others. You do both in such a fantastic way, it's truly a privilege to follow your videos. You and your daughter are both quite the inspiration, keep up the good work!
You two never cease to amaze me
Parental done right!!!!!!! That is so amazing cause the last few days i am studying guitar dimensions for my 6.5 year old daughter!!!! She wants me to build her a guitar, as she always involves in my builds!!! Greetings from Athens Greece!!!!!!! Rock on dad!
if you're lazy, Squier made a mini version of the jazzmaster, Zoé can play it almost comfortably
@@tchiksguitars nah!!! My daughter wants a guitar and iam gonna buy???? Haha that is the most important project ever!!!
You are totally right
Dad goals ❤
Wow what a surprise to see you here, I've shown Zoé some of your videos to keep her motivated :)
@@tchiksguitars Awesome to hear! I was very impressed with her playing.
@@NateNavarroI read your comment out loud to her now she's star struck :)