rcole_sooner's 2012 Challenge Build Thread-- COMPLETED

Well, here I am. This should be a hoot!!! :mrgreen:

Good luck... can't wait to see what you come up with.

Good luck! I know you'll make us Okies proud, which is a good thing because I'm pretty sure I'm going down in flames! :lol:

Good Luck...a hoot is definitely one way to describe what is about to ensue!!

Good Luck. I haven't gotten past changing pickguards

Good to see ya' in, good luck! :grin:

Dave

Hey, your feet don't fit no limb! LOL.
Good to see you enter this year. Good luck!

g'luck rcole :)

No "sooners" on starting this build eh? Good luck and have fun.

Should be fun, I am getting excited to see what everyone comes up with.

I finally got a chance to get started. I get much, but I did get the wood picked out.

It is some mahogany for the body and neck, spalted maple body cap, and rosewood for the fretboard.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Thewood.jpg

I managed to get the wood cut into blanks, and the body blank glued up.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Bodyblankglued.jpg

Nice spalted maple .

Love the wood choices (since I'm doing pretty much the same thing, lol). Maybe we
need a "Mahogany/Maple Category" all to ourselves.

Looking forward to watching the progress.

Mahogany is great, that spalt will look really good too! I'm looking forward to your build.

Yeah, I was kinda surprized to see so many mahogany builds.

Last year I thought I was going to be original with P-90s, but a lot of builds used those.

One thing with this group, if it ain't been thought of, then it is probably a good thing that no one thought of it. :confused: Um, or something like that. :grin:

Wow, that maple is nice. I usually use my phone for viewing, but today I am on a real PC, and can actually see! Nice.

Okay, I was driving home after work, just minding my own business. I swear, I wasn't lookin' for any trouble. Sure I stopped into Home Depot, but it was just for a little while.

And whadda ya know?

These tools followed me home.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/NewTools.jpg

:mrgreen:

I'd been promising myself these very tools, so I guess I'll let them stay.

The planer works like a champ.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Planed.jpg

I dunno about not planing anything less than 5/16", however. I had a few saw marks left, so I went ahead and took the fretboard down to 1/4", and it seemed to plane just fine. I got 6 nice fretboards outta that board. I also got 2 neck blanks out of the shorter piece of mahogany (hopefully this time, I'll only need 1).

Got everything rough cut.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/RoughCut.jpg

And whadda ya know? These tools followed me home.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/NewTools.jpg

:mrgreen:

I'd been promising myself these very tools, so I guess I'll let them stay.

Well played sir. :cool:

That's exactly why I'm staying as far away from HD as I can. I know I can't resist the temptation right now :lol:

Routed the body and neck to the templates.

The first pass is only partial thickness. (I just noticed looking at this pic, that it looks like I didn't keep the router level on the body. Oooops. I hate that horn area.)

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Bodyroutepartial.jpg

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Neckroutepartial.jpg

Then I finish up with the templates removed.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/BodyandNeckrouted.jpg

I still got a little tear on the headstock, but got lucky, as this location will not matter.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Neckroutetearout.jpg

Stuck the template back on the neck to get the tuner holes, before I trim the headstock. This virtually eliminates tear out around the tuner holes.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Necktunerholes.jpg

Planed it to final thickness, of just over 3/4", to leave room for the fretboard.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Neckplanedtofinalthickness.jpg

Trim the headstock. That is the cheapo Harbor Freight blade. I have a Grizzly on order, that should help clean up future cuts. I left plenty of room, for clean up here (I hope).

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Neckheadstocktrim.jpg

Tomorrow I will need to build a truss rod jig, for an under the fretboard route. Until this build I have always done a skunk stripe. I want to go the other way this time, so I'll need a jig with the curve in the opposite direction.

Okay, I was driving home after work, just minding my own business. I swear, I wasn't lookin' for any trouble. Sure I stopped into Home Depot, but it was just for a little while.

And whadda ya know?

These tools followed me home.

.

I think this forum is responsible for 40% of all ROSS sales in the continental United States.

LOL! This place sold me, that is for sure.

Why do you prefer to use the router freehand? As opposed to table mounted?

I also have the problem of tools following me home, luckily the wife is afraid to come in the shop, so she doesn't see all the "strays". good job so far man!

Why do you prefer to use the router freehand? As opposed to table mounted?

Table mounted routers scare me. I dunno why, but I just feel I have more control holding the router vs holding the wood.

I can see how it would help keep the wood level, provide there was enough table top.

I have a router mount on my Ryobi table saw.

Table mounted routers scare me too, that blade spinning around all by itself, glad I am not the only one . I tried to mount mine today, maybe I'll stick with the freehand. Also easier to see the template. Thanks

rcole, I'm a sucker for spalted maple. I'll be interested to
see how you finish it (and treat it before finishing).

I'm jealous of your planer -- looks like you're finding lots of
ways to use it.

About routers: some people claim it's safer to hold the
router than to use a table, the logic being that the
bit can get at your fingers if you're holding onto the
router. (On the other hand, if you're holding the
router the bit might be able to get at other parts of
the body... :eek:).

You know, I hadn't thought too much about finishing the spalt.

I had the veneer over the winter, and I remembered it being quilted maple. So I was going to do a thin 2 tone desert burst, and double dye the quilt to pop it. That might not be so good with spalt.

I may need to check the rules and see if a TruOil finish is allowed. Then do the TruOil, sand and slurry method thing, which I'll have to read up on.

I got time to think about it. Maybe just grain fill and shoot clear high gloss poly.

...
I may need to check the rules and see if a TruOil finish is allowed.
...

I think you're ok with TruOil by the rules.

For spalt, you should stabilize it with a thin CA glue or clear epoxy. Then finish away. I've used amber shellac to bring out some of the color. I think dyes would make a mess with the different densities of the wood in the spalt.

Cheers

Murray

I actually went with koa instead of spalted maple for just the reason of it having to be stabilized first with epoxy, otherwise mine would be also. Lookin good so far!

Table mounted routers scare me too, that blade spinning around all by itself, glad I am not the only one . I tried to mount mine today, maybe I'll stick with the freehand. Also easier to see the template. Thanks

If you think a table mounted router is scary you should see an old school spindle moulder ie. one without safety guards. Basically they are like routers on steroids. The cutters are like short thick plane blades. I've seen a bloke lose his thumb on one and it also threw his hand against a brick wall so hard the bones in his hand were shattered. :shock: I'll never forget it that's for sure.

Like Murray said, I think you'll be fine with truoil. It's a legitimate finish product, and I'll be stoked to see how it brings out the grain in that maple

I'm thinkin' Tru Oil it is. I also am thinkin', that I am not chambering the body, so simply gluing the spalt onto the mahogany and the Tru Oil, should stablize it enough. It will be bound, so the edges will have support.

I will also apply some CA glue to the back of the spalt in the control cavity areas. It is going to be rear routed.

That is the current plan.

On to what I did this evening.

I got the truss rod routing jig done. I just had to build the inside section. I can swap out for which ever truss rod style I am doing.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Necktrussrodroute.jpg

I kinda like the under the fretboard type. I always had trouble drilling the nut access hole. I think I like this better.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Necktrussrodnutroute.jpg

Then drill a hole, for the anchor.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Necktrussrodanchorroute.jpg

Some truss rod anchor work. I dunno why I always take so many pics of this part. I guess it lends itself to picture takin'.

Thread it up.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Necktrussrodanchorthreads.jpg

Attach the anchor.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Necktrussrodanchorattached.jpg

Peen that puppy on there.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Necktrussrodanchorpeened.jpg

It all fits snug as a bug. I got the strip cut and fit too. Another perfect application for the new planer, it got the strip just the right size.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Necktrussrodinstalled.jpg

And ye olde strip is all glued in.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Necktrussrodstripe.jpg

Nice work. Great idea to make the insides of your jig removable so you can do either type of rod. I'll have to rethink mine now.

Lookin' good. And I agree with Muzikp, good thinking with the modular jig design.

Ha, I'm the same way when it comes to pictures of the "making a truss rod" step. Something
very therapeutic about cutting threads in steel rod I suppose. Great work thus far.

I like the truss-rod anchor shots. stuff like that demystifies the process for people like me. :)

I forgot to show the strip all trimed and cleaned, but here is the fretboard being glued on. Old scrap necks come in handy for a few things. I'll cut the fret slots later.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Neckfretboardglued.jpg

Back to the body.

I drilled out the control cavities.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Bodycontrolroutedrill.jpg

Cleaned 'em up with the router.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Bodycontrolrouteclean.jpg

Added a channel.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Bodycontrolroutechannel.jpg

Now we're ready for the cap.

I think this orientation is best. The tape will hopefully keep glue from squishing out on top, and keep it aligned and together. I hope.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Bodyspaltorientation.jpg

Remember them alder body blanks I was going to use. Well, I used 'em. A lot of glue squished out, so it should have good contact.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Bodyspaltglued.jpg

That bookmatched spalt is looking wonderful!

Yea , that spalt is fantastic .

Yeah, that spalt is SICK! It looks like a huge flame on a matchhead. It's going to make and incredible looking guitar!

Oh, man that's gonna be sweet!!:cool:

Thanks everyone. I have decided to go with black binding. I ordered it, from Stew Mac, on Friday, and it arrived today. Man, that was fast.

I didn't really get much done. I was takin' some pics of the Moon, Jupiter, and Venus. I didn't run it through any software to remove hot CCD pixels (reds, blues, and a few odd color dots here and there), so there is some background noise. Still I got Orion, and Peiades too. Cool!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DPFme0zmNHs/T3EtkVj0BGI/AAAAAAAAAx0/tysP_YP44To/s800/MVJ_375.jpg


Okay, back to the guitar. I marked my fret locations using an MIM neck I had handy.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Neckmarkfretlocations.jpg

Then I got the cap (and fretboard too earlier) routed down.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Bodycaproutedandneck.jpg

The spalt was just a tid bit too narrow. I added some little wings, but most of it will be routed off, for the binding. It should be almost non-existant once the binding is on.

Oh boy - I love the top on that guitar - and some might fine work going on to check out too. Nice work!

I think that top has got the perfect amount of Spalt, RCole, and I like the way you mark
fret positions.
This thing is going to be "subtle sexy"....exactly the way a guitar should be.

Yeah, sexy was the word that came floating up through my mind.
Wonder why...:wink:

Great star pic! I've always loved stargazing, but have never actually taken the time to really get myself educated on what I'm looking at..

The guitar is looking beautiful. The top is really going to fantastic!

I couldn't get movie tickets, and the wife had projects, so I got to work on my guitar on Friday night. I think that is good, but I ain't sure.

I decided to use my fretboard radius jig to profile the back of my neck. It worked pretty good, and I can now knock 2 things out with one jig.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Neckbackprofile.jpg

You can see the slight taper here. I might have got a little too close on the headstock end, but it will be fine for this build.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Neckbackprofile2.jpg

I had already cut the fret slots freehand, so I flipped the neck over and marked, drilled, and glued in some fret dots.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Neckfretdots.jpg

Then stuck it back in the jig and radiused the fretboard.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Neckradiused.jpg

In the process I knocked out the dot at #9, and the #12s were too deep. So I pulled the #12s, added some sawdust under the #12s, then reglued the renegade dots.

It is ready to sand out, but I think I'll wait until I carve the back.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Neckfretdotrepair.jpg

Hmmm, I may need to check #20 fret slot. I always see stuff in these pics.

I got out my grinder and a flapper disc to rough carve the back of the neck. This moves a lot of wood quick, so it does not take long. I used the straight line method, following the back profile taper I cut earlier, and took corners off until I got a 1/2 an octagon like shape.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Neckcarvegrinder.jpg

Then I move to the round over phase. I use a belt sander belt I cut in 1/2, and by hand pull the sanding belt over the back curve. This also goes quick. Man, mahogany is a lot easier to work than maple.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Neckcarvebelt.jpg

After some more sanding with 150 grit, the neck looks like this. I also hit the edge of the body with the ROSS, and it is ready to get the binding channel cut.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Neckcarvesanded.jpg

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Neckcarvesandedtop.jpg

I always see stuff in these pics.

I laughed when I read this, because I do the same thing...catch little 'boo-boos'
when I look at the pictures.

Looking good from here though. Digging on that fretboard.

That splatted maple is stunning! looking great so far keep up the good work!

Great shot...what was your exposure on that??

...I didn't really get much done. I was takin' some pics of the Moon, Jupiter, and Venus. I didn't run it through any software to remove hot CCD pixels (reds, blues, and a few odd color dots here and there), so there is some background noise. Still I got Orion, and Peiades too. Cool!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DPFme0zmNHs/T3EtkVj0BGI/AAAAAAAAAx0/tysP_YP44To/s800/MVJ_375.jpg

Great shot...what was your exposure on that??

I dunno. :oops:

I had my Cannon 4D set on Tv (shutter priority) and 1600 ISO, then started cycling through the exposures (in the dark), so I don't know what it landed on. I'm guessing about 5 to 8 seconds.

This is going to be a beautiful guitar, very nice work.

Thanks, for the encouragement everyone. I know every year I say this, but this year there are some really outstanding builds. I am glad to just be a part of this build challenge.

I got the side dots in the neck and did some final sanding.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Necksidedots.jpg

The headstock is kinda thin, right at 1/2". I blame my inexperience with the ROSS. I will fashion a fence the next time. I'm going to try the tuners and if they fit (work), then I'll run with it, otherwise a veneer may be in order.

My binding channel router bit slipped. Then when I put it back it bit a chunk our of the body. Luckily it was where the neck pocket route will fix most of it, if not all.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/bodybindingroutebooboo.jpg

Then I ran out of super glue. This is the first time I've tried the gel, and WOW there is a lot less in a bottle. I'll have to grab some more tomorrow. I hope I got enough on, for the binding to stick.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/bodybindingoutofglue.jpg

I got some more glue, and finished the 2nd half of the binding.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/bodybinding2ndhalf.jpg

I test fit the tuners, and I think the headstock will be fine at 1/2", at least the tuners will work.

I enlarged the holes, and pressed the tuners against the headstock to mark the pin locations. I got a nice set of used Sperzle locking tuners.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Necktunerspinlocations.jpg

Then tried them on, for size.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/necktunersfit.jpg

I noticed they are staggered. I have never used staggered tuners, and I have them on almost perfectly backwards. I'll sort 'em out when I put 'em on, for real. I think they go tallest on the low E and shortest on the high E.

Now for some fret wire.

I got my little radius thing-a-ma-bob.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/neckfretwireradius.jpg

I got my drill press doo-hickey. LOL! I got a zero fret. I pulled that outta there.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/neckfretwirepress.jpg

I got fret wires installed.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/neckfrewireinstalled.jpg

I still need to file the ends and such.

Looks good. Those black sperzels are really going to look great on there.

Looking good. I've never used staggered tuners either, but your plan makes the most sense.
Need more wrapping room for the fatter strings. But, could you slow down a bit as I'm
feeling further behind the more times some of you guys update. Remember, it's a "team"
effort......right?

WOW! Looking GREAT. I love the top!

I noticed they are staggered. I have never used staggered tuners, and I have them on almost perfectly backwards. I'll sort 'em out when I put 'em on, for real. I think they go tallest on the low E and shortest on the high E.
They're in pairs. 2 tall, 2 medium, 2 short. EA, DG, be respectively. You'll really like them, there's nothing prettier than a tele headstock without dratted string trees :smile:. Of course I might be biased :lol:


Dave

Thanks, everyone.

I got the neck and pup routes done. I had a binding boo-boo, as it got ripped loose by the router. I'll fix that in a sec, but here is a preview shot of the body with the neck.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Bodyneckandpuproutesbindingoops.jpg

Okay, the binding is all reglued.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/bodybindingreglued.jpg

I gotta go work on Smoke on the Water, for the Rocksmith weekly challenge. I can't believe I've been working on that song, for 2 nights, and don't have it yet. I got all but solo 4, and it is mine tonight (I hope).

That's really a beautiful top! Nice work!

Yea , that top is beautiful .

Hi rcole.

Apologies for not keeping up with your thread. It's been hard to keep up with everyone.

I really liked your build last year so keen to see what you do this year. Certainly not disappointed. The spalted maple looks great.

I like the detail in your photos the truss rod shots are really helping me with my build. Keep up the good work.

Hadn't thought about drilling tuner holes from back but it's so simple to get good result.


Cheers

Matthew

wow...that's a keeper

I got the control cavity cover recess routes and body roundover routes done.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Bodyroundover.jpg

Then I started on the belly cut.

Marked it.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Bodybellycutmark.jpg

Grinded it.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Bodybellycutgrinder.jpg

Belt sander.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Bodybellycutbeltsander.jpg

And a profile shot, after a little more clean up sanding.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Bodybellycutprofile.jpg

Yep this is going to be very nice. I like that belly cut, looks big and comfortable. Nice work.

Thanks, I likes my belly cuts.

Time to hitch up the neck to the body.

I get out my alignment jig (some string and some blocks), and clamp the neck in place.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Neckalignwithbody.jpg

Then I flip it over and use a screw as a punch, to punch the hole locations. I drill the holes in the body big enough so the screws will slip through. Once the holes are marked in the neck, I take the neck to the drill press and drill 1/8" holes for the screws.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Neckmarkmountingholes.jpg

Um, oops, I rounded over the heel. :oops: I guess I got carried away.

Screw it all together.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Neckmounted.jpg

Together they weigh almost 5 lbs. Not bad.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/BodyandNeckweight.jpg

I am going to use a Gibson style bridge, which I have never done before. Here we go.

I used an LP template and my neck alignment jig to mark the bridge location. I put it just shy of 25.5", on the high E side. I hope I can intonate.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Bodymarkbridgeholes.jpg

I got the holes drilled, and added a bridge ground hole. Man, the bridge mounting is going to be close to the control knobs (and the cavity inside). I think it will all fit.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Bodybridgegroundhole.jpg

Last, but not least, the output jack hole. I started with a 1" hole, for a recess, then went 7/8" the rest of the way.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Bodyoutputjackhole.jpg

I should be ready to start the Tru Oil finish.

I started the Tru Oil. My plan is to use the Tru Oil slurry method to grain fill, build up a finish, and eventually polish. I've never done this. I've never even used Tru Oil.

The first step is to flood as much Tru Oil onto the wood as it will hold. That took at least 1/3 of the bottle. It just kept slurping it up.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/BodyandNeckTruOilflood.jpg

It looks like some glue or something is blocking the Tru Oil in few spots and a few edges. Hopefully the sanding later will help the Tru Oil penetrate these places.

Now I wait 24 hours, and then wet sand small areas with more Tru Oil, using the sanding dust and Tru Oil to build up a slurry that will fill the grain.

I used 2 small rags to apply the Tru Oil. I have them hanging in open air. If they feel warm later, I'll fill a bucket with water, and throw the rags in that.

That is looking awesome.

That body is STUNNING!!!!

Superb. Don't worry about your rags, they'll be fine.

You'll love the Tru Oil thing. Very satisfying, like carving the back of a neck, but much slower. :wink:

Thanks, the Tru Oil finish already feels great.

One hurrdle is to figure out how to do the headstock decal. I guess after a get a good base coat, I can apply the decal and wipe Tru Oil over it. The decals I have are some Jbennett lacquer coated decals. I hope there will be no finish compatability issue, but if so, I can just remove it and go with one of old style.

You need to post sounds of finished guitar with your bmps.

What is bmps?

Big Muff Pi, is a done deal. I think that is what I used last year, but maybe it was the OCD.

What is bmps?

Big Muff Pi, is a done deal. I think that is what I used last year, but maybe it was the OCD.

Correct

That's looking great, rcole! I'm digging the tru oil too.

great looking build rcole

..............

I used 2 small rags to apply the Tru Oil. I have them hanging in open air. If they feel warm later, I'll fill a bucket with water, and throw the rags in that.

:confused: can you elaborate? :)

I guess I'm always heard and worried about the rags self-combusting. That is supposed to be a problem with Linseed oil soaked rags, left in a pile. They say, "be safe, fill a bucket with water, to put the rags into".

They never did get hot, or even warm, however. They were pretty crispy dried this morning. I'll probably start a bucket of water out by the trash, to keep them in, until trash day. I expect to have a pretty good pile, along with wet sanding paper, by the time this is done.

Spontaneous Combustion...the cause of many a house and garage fires.

Looks great...I love a tru-oil finish and on that top it's gonna look killer

Wow , that does look great :smile:

I end up just using my fingers to apply Tru-Oil. It cleans up a lot easier than I expected...

I guess I'm always heard and worried about the rags self-combusting. That is supposed to be a problem with Linseed oil soaked rags, left in a pile. They say, "be safe, fill a bucket with water, to put the rags into".

They never did get hot, or even warm, however. They were pretty crispy dried this morning. I'll probably start a bucket of water out by the trash, to keep them in, until trash day. I expect to have a pretty good pile, along with wet sanding paper, by the time this is done.

:shock: never knew that. I've refin'd a bunch of garden furniture with linseed oil and just chucked them.....well, don't remember really. anyway, that was about 2 years ago so I guess I'm probably out of the woods on that one. :grin:

good to know for the future though. :neutral:

Well, the sore throat thing is going around. I've down with one for the last 4 days. I thought maybe it was the Tru Oil fumes, but I think that was just coincidence. I have done no work since then, which was Monday night I think.

I finally took today off work, and went to the Urgent Care. It is about the worst sore throat I remember since I had my tonsils out, as a kid. This thing just kept gettin' worse each night, and could not even sleep last night. No other symptoms, just a very sore throat.

Doc said it a Pharyngitis and gave some Amoxicillin and Trezix. I ain't feeling no improvement yet (only been a few hours), but hopefully this thing will get better pretty quick.

Sorry to hear that, man. Sore throats are one of those things that just really take it out of you. It's tough trying to work when you're so miserable. Hang in there and get better soon.

As a fellow oil finish beginner here's my thoughts on the subject.

Your surface prep really needs to be good. Fill any gaps ahead of time because it just doesn't fill things in like nitro or poly. Also if you have exposed glue it's not going to penetrate or hide it. Sand it till you thing you're done, and then sand some more. Then wet the wood down with thinner or whatever to get a look at it wet...and sand some more.

I grain filled my mahogany just like I would on any other finish. Didn't try the 'slurry' thing but I think I'll stick with a paste filler in the future. Fill any real gaps with super glue and dust or stick shellac etc.

Right now I'm on coat 4,521 :wink: and just about done with the wiped on coats and after my final 1,500 micro-mesh sanding I'll try spraying a couple coats and let them set up for a week before buffing. I use a new 'rag' every day which is just an old piece of T-shirt cut into a square and folded up. I use it one day -about 4 coats- and then leave it on the concrete floor till the next morning when it's dry. There's almost zero chance of a small piece like that combusting but better safe than sorry.
I used a water transfer and it's buried it pretty well, just be care with the scuffing till you've got some build going.

So far I like this finish. It's time consuming but it's done in little dribs and drabs. Evenly morning I scuff it and apply a coat. That's about 10 minutes and then I do 3 more during the day @ about 5 minutes each. Much better than having to set aside 3 days in a row to haul out the compressor and gun. Plus no fumage to speak of except for a mild turpentine-y smell. Seems to be a pretty durable too judging by how it sands the next morning.

I saw on the news last night that Norman, OK had a tornado, how did you fare RC?
Second tornado of the contest?!?

Yeah, Joe, we had some excitement. We did good. It went West of us, through the center of town. I had all my stuff in our little safe room area, but never needed to go there. Heck, the rest of the family went out for dinner, after it all cleared out. I still wasn't feeling up to it. A second round is supposed to be coming tonight, but so far it looks like nothing is forming. That can change.

Maricopa, I am hoping to get back on that oil finish. I may take some acetone to those glue areas and see if I can flush them out.

Thanks, for the concern, RogerC, the antibotics are helping. The pain is considerably less. I feel much better today, but I still cannot speak. I should be back on the build by Sunday or Monday. I am glad I went to see the doc and get some Rx on Friday.

Whew! I'm back in action. I'm still a little fuzzy headed, but I'm mobile.

I got the glue spots fixed with a little sanding and mineral spirits wash. They might not be completely invisible, but they are much less conspicuous.

After that dried I hit with another coat of Tru Oil.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/BodyandNeckTruOilgluespotsfixed.jpg

Glad your feeling better man. That top is so nice! How do find working with the tru-oil on a larger area like the body? do you lay it on a little thicker?

looks awesome...love the depth that's developing there

Glad your feeling better man. That top is so nice! How do find working with the tru-oil on a larger area like the body? do you lay it on a little thicker?

This is the first time I've used it on anything. I'm just pouring a little out and spreading it around with my fingers. I'll do this for a few minutes until it seems evenly coated, with no dry spots, but not running or pooling. I have the body on my paint stick, so I can rotate it and work on all sides at one time. Same for the neck.

Thanks, Dilbone, the first coat covered pretty well. I'm hoping to get a built up finish, but I'll take what I can get for this challenge.

Glad to hear you're feeling better. also glad to hear the tornados missed you. The top is beautiful - keep it up.

Dude, the colors and textures in that top are fantastic! I think I'm going to have to give tru oil a try on the walnut top I'm working on...

That top is just gorgeous :smile:

Thanks, everyone!

I got another coat on last night, after my 25 mile bicycle ride, but I didn't have anything left in the fuel tank to get pictures. I definitely felt slow on the ride. Ugh, spring colds suck.

I didn't know you rode. I've got a good friend who routinely does 45 mile rides. I just got a really nice bike and am easing myself into it. I don't think I'm going to get all fanatical about it though lol.

The guitar's looking great btw

Yeah, my dad took up bicycling after he retired, and then he got me started a few years ago. Back then I thought 25 miles was a long ride. Now that is just my Tuesday group ride. But my speed is still slow to most riders. I tried to hang with the 45 mile Saturday ride, and got blown out about 1/2 way back. I gotta get more saddle time.

Meanwhile golf is starting up. Thursday golf trumps Thursday bicycle group rides (so I am down to Tuesday group rides only), and starts next week. We went out this evening, and I stunk up the course with a 46 on the front 9. I had a 76 on the whole 18 a few Saturdays ago, but golf gives some and take somes. It took tonight. Tomorrow is game day (and another this Saturday), so my partner and I are hoping our bad shots are out.

Then there is the Rocksmith weekly challenge song, Eric Clapton's Run Back To Your Side. At least I have this one leveled this week. I got about 30 minutes in on it tonight. Good enough to get a couple of starting scores up.

Oh, yeah, the build. :lol: I got a few more coats of TO on the body and neck. It still looks the same, in pictures, at least under the shop lights.

Rocksmith, bah. Waiting till September till we get it here.

Hah, I remember the first time I got back on a bike after 20+ years. Went about a mile
and a half and thought my thighs were going to catch fire, lol. Funny though, it's just
like riding a bike (get it?), because it came back. Not getting enough 25 milers in this year, but
I need to get remotivated. Good on you.

The guitar is looking absolutely beautiful. Top shelf.

Hah, I remember the first time I got back on a bike after 20+ years. Went about a mile
and a half and thought my thighs were going to catch fire, lol. Funny though, it's just
like riding a bike (get it?), because it came back. Not getting enough 25 milers in this year, but
I need to get remotivated. Good on you.

Hey E,

It's not the thighs that get me if I've been off the bike for a while. It's the crevice fur pull..... doesn't that sound like a Monty Python character? And now may I present the honorable Mr. Crevice Furpull......... :roll:

Barncaster

Hey RCole, that tru oil is looking really nice. Gonna be a great guitar, I'm thinkin.

I tried riding a bike a couple of years ago, knees and tailbone couldn't take it. Guess I am getting older or something.

Hey E,

It's not the thighs that get me if I've been off the bike for a while. It's the crevice fur pull..... doesn't that sound like a Monty Python character? And now may I present the honorable Mr. Crevice Furpull......... :roll:

Barncaster

I thought all you cyclists shaved:shock:

That top is just the nicest, and the binding looks great matching the grain

That's a nice looking body.

I actually heard the fast group say they don't shave unless they are planning on keeping it over 25mph. :shock:

I ain't shaved yet, and don't see it happening.

Yep, my rear, shoulders, wrists, arms, everything hurts. I still like to ride, it just takes getting used to it. The more I go, the less stuff hurts.

I have never had a problem with furr pull. :shock: :shock:

I have had some friction issues. They make some stuff called butt butter, and it works. I've only used the samples on a few long rides, but it does help.

Back to the build cave...

It is decal time!

Here is my Jbennett headstock decal, with one wipe of TO (all pics have one wipe). It looks silver here, but it is gold flake paint.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/DecalsHeadstock.jpg

Here is my TDPRI Build Challenge logo. I also have on on the body, just below the neck plate.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/DecalsTDPRI.jpg

Here is a shot of the body and neck with the current coats of TO. It is starting to get an obvious clear coat on it. This is wet, but it looks the same dry. I am fairly impressed with TO, it seems very easy to use, so far.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/BodyandNeckTruOilalmostdone.jpg

That is one beautiful tele! Outstanding!

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/BodyandNeckTruOilalmostdone.jpg

That is such a cool top, I always do a double take when I see it. The figuring makes it look arched or carved. Very nice.

Thanks for the wonderful compliments.

Today was all bailing wire and duct tape. I took the pile o' parts, and started puttin' 'em together in a fashion to resemble a guitar.

I skipped pics of fret levelin' and crowning. Once I got started I was done, and realized I didn't shoot any pics.

Next I tackled the problem of using a Gibson tune-a-matic bridge on a tele, with a flat neck pocket route. I thought, "How tall could they really be? All that everyone is sayin' about needin' an angled neck pocket can't be true.". Well, it is true. You will need an angled neck pocket, or a shim. I decided on a shim.

I started with a piece of aluminum (on the left) it was too big. The piece of tin (on the right), was just right.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Neckshim.jpg

Here is the neck pocket gap with the shim installed. Not too bad. (I guess I could've filled the pockets under the fret wires. If it weren't for these pics I'd never notice that stuff.)
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Neckshimgap.jpg

And it got everything lined up, with a tiny bit of height adjustment left.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Neckshimbridgeview.jpg

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Neckshimneckview.jpg

Tomorrow is going to be soldering up the electronics.

It is gettin' close.

Wow, really nice!

Nice TO job, RCole. Also glad to hear your sore throat's in check. I'm still hacking and wheezing--been on steroids for 5 days now, have had enuff of this spring cold crap!

Gorgeous.

I almost went with spalted maple instead of koa for my build. That's a beautiful finish!

Thanks for the kind words. I am likin' this one quite a bit.

R. Stratenstein, I am just now gettin' over the cold thing. What is this, the 3rd week? A lot of people have it, but think it is allergies. In fact, it may be a mix of things. I'm not sure it was one single bug. It had like 3 distinct phases. I'm hoping this is it, and I can get back to normal.

I got off work, mowed the lawn (2.5 acres), and weedeated the ditches, since they are too wet to mow. Cleaned my fish tank, which is a Monday activity. And finally, after all my chores, I got to work on the guitar.

I got the wiring in. I am gonna have to double check the wiring or my pot types. The volume is all or nothing. Other than that it worked good enough, for a test drive. I didn't check intonation, but it tuned up and sounded decent.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/wiring.jpg

Here is a parting shot, for now. I found some control knobs with abalone to match the fret markers, and I thought they were subtle enough. I still gotta get some control cavity covers made up.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Finishedalmost.jpg

Oooooooh, love the spalt!

looking great!

Love it. Great looking guitar - the grain looks excellent.

Gorgeous! I really like the black hardware with the spalt.

Looks great !

Came out nice despite your best efforts.. :wink:

Bb

Came out nice despite your best efforts.. :wink:

Bb

LOL! This is the most true comment yet. :lol:

Thanks, everyone.

Looking lovely....now it's "video time" (cue "Hammer Time" music)

Yeah, I'm wanting to work it into the Rocksmith thing, but I don't want the simulated-processed-sound be a distraction. I'm thinking I can do 2 videos, and split the output. One video will be me playing along to a Rocksmith song. The other will be the same playing, but ran into a relatively clean amp setup.

In the end, I'll probably just strum some chords, and say, "This is the bridge pickup...This is the neck pickup.". We shall see.

This weeks Rocksmith challenge song, is a finger-fumbler for me. It is actually a pretty clean sound guitar, and a catchy song, the Cribs - We Share the Same Skies. That is what I will shoot for, but we got a few weeks, so it may be another challenge song. Either way, I'm looking to kill 2 birds with 1 stone.

Beautiful!

Great job. I love naked tele's (w/o pickguards) when the wood has soul. Yours definitely does.

Sweet work, looks awesome! Did you use epoxy or anything to stabilize the spalted maple top?

Sweet work, looks awesome! Did you use epoxy or anything to stabilize the spalted maple top?

It was pretty solid spalt, plus I didn't do any chambering, so it's all glued to the mahogany. The Tru Oil should soak in and stabilize it some. I did soak CA glue into it, from the back side, where the control cavities were, but nothing other than that.

Thats a beauty!! you should be really proud of yourself. Great job.

Hey, Nice job on the guitar!

Well, I've been round and round with my volume pot issue. I bought Allparts EP086 500K Audio taper pots, and they are not audio taper. They act very linear, but at the 8-10 range (i.e. no volume until 8, and then big jump, and not much different to 10), instead of the 0-2 range (which is how I thought linear pots worked, but it has been a long time).

I'm not really happy, and I am kinda confused about CTS pots now. I've never paid attention to where I got my CTS pots before.

Are Allparts CTS pots that much different?

I've found a few posts, where others had similar results with the Allparts pots. Most replys were to get the RS or WD CTS pots, which are $20 vs $6 for the Allparts.

I swear I wake up in a new world every day. :confused:

since you deal with AllParts, maybe go with the Bourns pots ...16.50$ or 18$ depending on the model

Yeah, or maybe just alpha pots. LOL!

I've decided, I'm going to swap out the PIO caps. Maybe I got a bad set, if that could make a difference.

Hey R,

The new CTS 450 Tele pots are really nice. The taper is excellent and they are smooooth and easy to turn. I get mine on eBay from Angela's Instruments. I but a lot from this guy and have never been disappointed. A really good pot for the price.

Barncaster

Those sound like good pots.

I checked and they only have 250K and some 1/4" super short shaft 500K versions, which would not work, for this project.

I see some matched 550K "smooth taper" sets on ebay, but they are $40 and up. I guess I'm gonna have to spend some $$, to get a smooth taper.

Man, I don't know when this all started, or I must have just got lucky in the past.

beautiful...

I got turned onto Gibson 300K pots and they actually work pretty darn good. I wouldn't
normally have thought that, but proof was in the pudding. I'm like you and wouldn't like
the 0 to 8 thing and yeah, it seems like they went up over night.

Could you unhook the CAPs to see if that is in fact the issue?

Yep, messin' with the caps, is what I plan to do tonight.

I can't imagine Allparts are sellin' pots that work like this. Either I got some bad ones, I got bad caps, or something.

Anyways, I'm changin' out the caps tonight.

beautiful guitar rcole_sooner!

there is a good change the next challenge will be a Police tune so you might have to play the thing with a ska feel.

Thanks.

That might be about the next challenge song. It has been confirmed that the next DLC will be a The Police pack.

This weeks challenge song (http://forums.ubi.com/showthread.php/670048-Week-11-Challenge-We-Share-the-Same-Skies-(Combo)) is kickin' my rear. I mean it is just a "simple" picking pattern, but I can't wrap my brain around it. I finally got it leveled up to 100% last night, so I'm hopin' it gels and gets more natural. Otherwise, I'll be hopin' fer an easier one next week.

BOOMER!!!!!

SOONER!!!!

I sometimes get up really early on Sunday mornings and mess around with Rocksmith. Before I know it, I've been playing guitar for 3 hours. Good practice.

I do like Rocksmith. I know it is not perfect, but it gets me thinking about playing, in ways, I did not before.

I've been telling everyone who uses Rocksmith, to check out the Ubisoft Rocksmith forum (http://forums.ubi.com/forumdisplay.php/151-Rocksmith?). We do a weekly song challenge, that is a lot of fun. There are no real prizes, and it is nothing formal, but it helps keep me motivated and grinding on songs. I've had more sore fingers doing that, than all the playing I've done in the last few years. There are all walks of talent levels too.

That is a beautiful tele! I gotta check out the rocksmith thing, never looked at it. :)

Thanks. Yeah, and the game is getting cheaper too. It used to be about $80, now it can be had for $50 or less (new).

This pic will probably get whacked when I post a better score. But, I used this tele, to get this score. The intonation was not perfect (I am about 1/16" off on my bridge), but it don't sound bad and Rocksmith recognized the notes.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tz2q2GaPS8Q/T5oJuuP0SGI/AAAAAAAAA4w/RtKE9LwtBG0/s800/We%2520Share%2520The%2520Same%2520Skies.jpg

That score (note streak and percentage) is pretty pitiful, but this song is kickin' my rear. I did qualify the song, and I have all the sections 100% leveled. I just gotta get to 100K to master it.

Man, that is one gorgeous guitar! I am definately a fan of Spalt. GREAT JOB!

Yep, messin' with the caps, is what I plan to do tonight.

I can't imagine Allparts are sellin' pots that work like this. Either I got some bad ones, I got bad caps, or something.

Anyways, I'm changin' out the caps tonight.

Guitar Parts Resource sells complete wiring kits, CTS pots, orange drop caps, switches & jacks for 54$, so I ain't buying some of these prices. Here is the pots page LINK (http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/electrical_ctspots.htm). They've never done me wrong yet (no affiliation) and the freight is reasonable :wink:


Dave


Damn nice build BTW :smile:

Thanks, BR06623 and CrazyDave911.

I decided to hold off on messing with the wiring until next week. I got a source for some reasonably priced CTS 500K TVT (True Volume Taper?) pots. I should have 'em in a few days. I'm going to wait until I get them to mess with the wiring again.

RS Super Pots and Jensen or Bumblebee caps might be worth a little more that $50, but I can't justify $100+. Last year I grabbed 2 sets off ebay, for $100 total. I put one set in last years TDPRI build. I sounded good and the volume controls were smooth. I ain't sure the ones I got had the Super Pots, but they dang sure are better than these Allparts CTS pots.

I used to just buy $25 alpha pot and ceramic cap wiring kits. Heck, they worked pretty good. The problem is I've been reading forum posts and wanted to get the "good" stuff.

Now I've heard about 10% and 20% audio taper, stacked taper, bourn pots, and a whole bunch of new info to process.

We'll see what is up with these TVT pots I'm getting. They are quite a bit less than the RS Super Pots.

While playing the guitar, I've noticed a low fret. I leveled the frets, but I must have over crowned one. I did not want to level all the others down, so I decided to replace the one fret.

Here is a blurry pic of the pulled fret wire. Nice clear pic of the carpet. Those filed down snippers are the way to pull frets. It popped right out.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/NeckFretrepairpulled.jpg

Here is the new fretwire all radiused and ready. The old wire came out easy (no glue used), and the slot is clean.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/NeckFretrepairnewwire.jpg

I pressed in the new wire, and it seems to hold well. I checked it with a credit card (the ol' rocker trick) and it was good to go as is.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/NeckFretrepairinstalled.jpg

All trimmed, filed, and ready to go.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/NeckFretrepairtrimmed.jpg

I'm still waiting on the new electronics, but I will post an update about them, when they get here.

That fingerboard looks so comfortable and the inlays really complement the board.

Oh, I almost forgot. While I had the neck off, I also decided since I already had one shim, that another one would be even better. :mrgreen:

Since the bridge was slightly off, figured I'd put that aluminum shim I did not use under the neck, at the end of the neck. This brings it into almost perfect intonation. I didn't even need to drill new holes in the neck. And the over hang fretboard hides it nicely.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Neckintonationshim.jpg

That fingerboard looks so comfortable and the inlays really complement the board.

Thanks, and it really is comfortable. The neck building keeps getting better and better. This is probably the best one yet.

Just thought I'd drop in here and say "hi!"

It's a real fine looking build you've got going here, Russell. I love that top, and I've always wanted a Tele with an ABR, myself.

Great looking build. The spalted is top notch!

I got the final coats of Tru Oil put on.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/BodyandNeckTruOilfinalcoat.jpg


Wait!!! What???!!!!!?????

:lol:

Here is the story.

I was thinking about it while waiting for the new pots to arrive, and I decided I need to work on the finish a little. So, while I had the guts unsoldered I would take it all apart and ... well more on that, in a little bit.

Here is what came in the mail. A nice package from ReWind Electric. Good prices, good products, and a great guy to deal with. These should solve my audio taper issue. Oh, yeah, I only need 2 of these, for this project, but I've got plans for the others.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/PotsandcapsRewind.jpg

While changing electronics, why not make a pup change? I used Gibson 490T/490R pups, but I have other choices. I was saving these, for a "real" guitar, but this one is turning out pretty nice, so I'm gonna pop one of these sets in. So, which will it be SD JB/Jazz combo or the Slash pups? I am leaning towards the JB/Jazz combo.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/PUPChoices.jpg

Next, more on the finish re-work.

I didn't really know what to do with the TO finish. I chickened out on the wet sanding with TO, as I thought I might need way more time, than I had.

I decided to quickly wet sand and polish the TO like lacquer. I did some very light wet sanding with 500 and 1000 grit. And while I was on the back of the headstock. Ooops, I started sanding away the decal.
http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Neckwetsandoops.jpg

I noticed some other places were very thin and maybe sanded through. So, I put on 2 more thin coats of TO. The decal was not too far gone, so I just left it. That pic is with the first 2 TO re-coats. I did 2 more (4 total) on the back of the headstock and the top.

It is a lot smoother than it was.

I also did one final leveling of the fretboard. While doing so, I notice that the TO had worn away from playing already. So, I removed all the TO, from the front of the fretboard and applied a Teak Oil finish.

Reassembly will begin tomorrow. That is the plan.

mmmm, I say jb/jazz combo. Great classic sound

The JB/Jazz combo it is.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/Finishedalmostagain.jpg

But it was not a great night. The fact I am posting at 12:30, is a testament to the troubles I've had.

First problem was with the switch. I guess some TO got in the control holes and shrunk them. The switch would not go all the way in. When I tried to pull it back out, I only got half a switch. Not having another one handy, I "fixed" that one. Basically just peened the top back on.

Second problem was my pedalboard. It took me a while to figure that one out. I thought the SD pups were bad (it couldn't be the wiring again, and it was not). I tried another guitar with the same results. So I bypassed my pedalboard, and straight into the amp sounded great. I'll worry about the pedalboard later.

Third problem was I pushed the back of a pot out putting a knob on. I didn't push hard, or so I thought. I fixed that. Just put it back together and bent the tabs back down. Then I squeezed that split shaft together slightly and the knob fit much easier.

In the end it seems to be working, and have a smoother volume taper. But I am beat, and it is late. I'll get back on it in a day or 2. I got golf tomorrow and going out with the wife on Friday (dinner and a movie).

Oh, yeah, here is the new wiring.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/wiringnewpotsandcaps.jpg

Great choice on the Jazz/JB set. Nice clean and neat wiring job. I'm curious did you add that braided shielding or did they come stock that way? Hope ya have some nice weather for golf have fun! Really beautiful guitar rcole!

RCole this is one superb looking guitar!
One of the most classy guitars I've ever seen - I'm tempted to say the classiest! :-)

You should do this for a living (or do you?)!

Good work. I had wiring problems with mine too, at least I thought I did. I would play, but the signal was terribly weak. I was at almost full volume and barely got anything. I thought it was the wiring, so I redid everything. Second go around, same thing. Then I realized that I had my BBE SonicStomp plugged in to my effects loop on my amp, but I didn't have any power going to the pedal. I unplugged it, and Voila!

Your wiring job looks nice and clean. Mine is more if a minefield of solder globs and trip wires :shock:

Great choice on the Jazz/JB set. Nice clean and neat wiring job. I'm curious did you add that braided shielding or did they come stock that way? Hope ya have some nice weather for golf have fun! Really beautiful guitar rcole!

Thanks. I am hoping to get to crank them up after golf tonight.

The braided wire is from the switch.

The weather is looking sunny, but windy, which is normal, for OK.

RCole this is one superb looking guitar!
One of the most classy guitars I've ever seen - I'm tempted to say the classiest! :-)

You should do this for a living (or do you?)!

Thank you, very much. I do not do it for a living, and if I stay lucky (i.e. stay employed) I won't have to. :wink:

Good work. I had wiring problems with mine too, at least I thought I did. I would play, but the signal was terribly weak. I was at almost full volume and barely got anything. I thought it was the wiring, so I redid everything. Second go around, same thing. Then I realized that I had my BBE SonicStomp plugged in to my effects loop on my amp, but I didn't have any power going to the pedal. I unplugged it, and Voila!

Your wiring job looks nice and clean. Mine is more if a minefield of solder globs and trip wires :shock:

That is exactly what it turned out to be, something with my pedal board.

I've been trying to clean up my wiring. Some people's wiring is a work of art. I don't know if I can ever get there, but I am trying to at least get smooth lumps of solder. :lol:

lookin' really good rcole. great job. :)

Gorgeous guitar! The wiring looks very good to me. Can't wait to hear this beauty!

Great work Rcole. Love that spalted top!

Dep

Thanks, everyone.

I've been tryin' to think of something to do and work up my courage for a video.

I also realize I forgot the control cavity covers.

Great work Rcole. Love that spalted top!

Dep

+1 :grin:

Well, I kinda got out of order a bit. I had a night with the house all to myself. That is always a dangerous thing. :mrgreen:

I did my video.

23Spg-tSviw

I still need my control cavity covers, and my final glamour shots.

I'll put up that Rocksmith video too. It is currently processing.

Let me be the first to congratulate you on a great build. Sounds really good, too.

Sounds great!

Thanks, guys.

Well, as I promised, and just to push my luck further. Here is the guitar and myselft trying to play the Rocksmith Soundgarden's Outshined (combo 2).

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Wow you can get a lot of tones from the pickup set you chose! Well done on the whole guitar. And yes, see you next year. This was huge fun.

Barncaster

Well done! It looks and sounds great.

Great stuff! Sounds as good as it looks. Nice job on the Soundgarden song too :grin:. I'm a big Chris Cornell fan and was educating my 12 yr old son last weekend hehe. We were rocking some AudioSlave in the minivan :mrgreen:

Awesome guitar dude!

Congrats , looks great , sounds great , what a beauty . :smile:

I agree with you. You did get a great guitar from this project. :smile: Excellent work and very good video. I have enjoyed following your build. Great job.

Great job on both videos, it does sound great...and you can play just fine sir...no problems there. Congrats on a fantastic build. Like you said, we all get a pretty nice guitar out of the deal(if not a new #1...at least until next year:lol:) and have some fun and camaraderie along the way too. A definite win/win.

Great job rcole!! That really is a beauty and it sounds good too. If i saw that in a shop for sale if it didn't go home with me, i be spending the rest of the night wondering if it would still be there in the morning. I Looove that splat! Congrats on a great build! You should be proud.

Great Job!! That is an amazing guitar, you do amazing work. CONGRATS!!

Thanks, everyone. I love the camaraderie of these Build Challenges.

Nice playin sir. You got mad skillz.

Nice, that's one killer guitar!!!

Excellent work. I do love spalted guitars a lot.

Great job, RCole!!! And that Rocksmith video was a huge bonus!

Ya'll make me feel good. Thanks for all the nice comments.

I finally decided to use some of the left over spalt to make the control cavity covers.

I got 'em all TO'ed up.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/BodyControlCavityCovers.jpg

While that was drying, I decided to have some more Rocksmith fun.

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I am hoping for some sunny days, to get my glamor shots this weekend.

I got the Control Cavity Covers installed. Not the best fit, but they work. You can also see my template screw holes. Usually a tremolo cavity and cover eliminates those. I'm gonna have to have a different plan, for my hardtails. Some scratches too, but I didn't have enough wood to sand them away. Eh, kinda gives it a workhorse feel and the mahogany has such a nice glow.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/BodyControlCavityCoversInstalled.jpg

I hoping the sun breaks through sometime this weekend, for a good pic or 2.

Until then, some more fun with Rocksmith.

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Okay, I got a couple of glamor shots to choose from. The sun peeks outs, for a few minutes at a time. Maybe I can get a couple more. If not, I'll choose one of these.

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/glamor2a.jpg

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/glamor1a.jpg

Sweet, Me likey :)

Okay, I got a couple of glamor shots to choose from. The sun peeks outs, for a few minutes at a time. Maybe I can a couple more. If not, I'll choose one of these.



Wow RCole,

Best darn lawn decoration I've ever seen! My local lawn and garden center has got it all wrong with those gnome things.......

Barncaster

Nice , those pics came out great , what a beauty :smile:

Thanks, everyone. It has been a fun challenge this year.

Here is my completed post.

Specs:

Mahogany body and neck
Spalted maple cap w/black binding
Rosewood fretboard
Abalone fret markers
22 frets w/Stewmac #152 medium/higher fretwire
Single action truss rod
Graphtech nut
Sperzel Locking Tuners
ABR-1 bridge
Seymour Duncan JB/Jazz pickups
CTS pots and NOS milspec Cornell-Doubilier PIO caps from ReWind Electric
Electro-socket output jack
Knurled knobs w/abalone inlay
Dunlop strap locks


http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz265/rcole_sooner/TDPRI%20Build%20Challenge%202012/glamor1a.jpg

23Spg-tSviw

Wow - I love the blending of the black with the spalted top - sounds great!!

rcole, that's a really beautiful guitar. I love spalted maple,
and as mojo says the black binding goes well with it.
I like all the hardware and wood choices you made, too.
Great job!

ps after seeing all the fun you have with Rocksmith, I
ordered it and should have it tonight when I get home.

Great job! The top is gorgeous! One to really be proud of, rcole.

How the heck are we ever going to pick 3 favorites?

Great job! The top is gorgeous! One to really be proud of, rcole.

How the heck are we ever going to pick 3 favorites?

I think my head is going to explode, trying to choose. It is tough.

rcole, that's a really beautiful guitar. I love spalted maple,
and as mojo says the black binding goes well with it.
I like all the hardware and wood choices you made, too.
Great job!

ps after seeing all the fun you have with Rocksmith, I
ordered it and should have it tonight when I get home.

Rocksmith has its warts, but it is pretty cool. It has game grinding aspects, but I like grinding games and I like playing my guitar, so it has the best of 2 worlds for me.

I think you'll love it. Check out the ubisoft.com Rocksmith forum (http://forums.ubi.com/forumdisplay.php/151-Rocksmith?). A lot of guys over there having fun, and sharing stuff.

I don't think I've posted this one in this thread yet. The arpeggios seem like they should be simple, but give me fits. If me messin' up the arpeggios gets old, skip to 2:45, to hear me mess up the solo. LOL!

KirWoYnvk-I