1961 Strat build

Hi all, I'm posting another build by Preeb. I would like to start off with a little back story if you don't mind. Well maybe not so little.

While I am a recient member to this forum, I have been lurking off and on for years.

Thanks to all at this forum as I have learned a lot from most all of you. Sometimes what to do and sometimes what not to do.:mrgreen:

I know this forum has many fine builders and I would be lucky to any one of them build my guitar. I won't name them, we all know who they are.

You see I once had a Sonic Blue 61 Strat. Back in the 70's right after joining the USAF, for financial reasons I parted with Old Blue for what most would consider pocket change. $350-$400 as I recall. I have regreted it almost from that very second. In fact I have more than a couple of guitars now. One is a fine John English 1961 Masterbuilt. Still none have replaced Old Blue.

While lurking awhile back I started seeing builds from Gil. I though man does this guy get it. Passion, attention to detail...
Well to cut to the chase I contacted Gil and he was nice enough to agree to build what I have been wishing for for over30 years -Anyhow as Ronnie Vanzant said "Hope you like it"

Cool build... keep us posted. Now that my Esquire is almost done he'll have plenty of time for your Strat (and that 'other' Esquire )

Thanks Sterling Sound;

I have attached more photos.I will not comment on each as they are self explaining.

I do want to say I asked for a lightweight body and Gil more than delivered 3.4lbs Alder!!!! :grin: I continue to be amazed by Gil's attention to detail and craftsmanship. THANK YOU Gil.

Please let me know if you want me to continue posting, and I will post more pics tomorrow.

Please do submit more pictures. These are great. I see that Preeb is using a 2 inch up cut spiral pattern bit. I also see that he has sanded very close to the sac line before beginning the routing. Excellent tips.

I'm looking forward to more pictures and info; I hope this build turns out to be everything you hoped for, it's looking great so far.

Please let me know if you want me to continue posting, and I will post more pics tomorrow.

Nah, we've seen enough. I think we're all getting a little sick of these build threads... Especially Gil's...

Kidding of course... Please keep 'em coming!!!

Love his builds, please post as many pictures as possible.

Why '61 and what color is it going to be?

A few months ago I got to strum a '61 Strat in a local store.
It was fairly light in weight, nice woody tone, but what surprised me the most was how small its neck was. It wasn't too small, just different than what I'm used to (such as the neck on my '64 JM which is a little on the small side itself).
Good luck on the project.

Nah, we've seen enough. I think we're all getting a little sick of these build threads... Especially Gil's...

Kidding of course... Please keep 'em coming!!!

Exactly! Does this guy even sleeps at all?


Keep the pic's coming! cool build (as usual!)

just new pics and one happy Koolaide- getting closer:cool: