anyone's 2012 Challenge Build Thread -- COMPLETED

Building for the benefit of the ubiquitous Dr. Herzenstube...

Once again... anyone could win!

Yep and anyone can enter :razz:.

Do I wish to say good luck to anyone in particular? Yes. yes I do :mrgreen:

Once again... anyone could win!
You'd think so, but my kinsman, someone, always seems to sweep in for the win... Arghhh!

Yep and anyone can enter :razz:.
That's the real beauty of it.

Do I wish to say good luck to anyone in particular? Yes. yes I do :mrgreen:
And to you as well!

Cheers, Fellas!

Do I wish to say good luck to anyone in particular? Yes. yes I do :mrgreen:

Good to see you in again, it's anyone's game :lol:

Dave

...until the Challenge started - then I soiled my shorts and forgot who I was for a few hours.

Here's the official "starter shot" from a guy who trips on his shoelaces at the starting line:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5105.jpg

And upon closer inspection, we can see that Bogart the Pug has already given his opinion about how this will turn out...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5106.jpg

I sketched this up last night:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5107.jpg
You can see I had some help (he did the part in red... I did the guitar... I know, I know...). Of course, I thought I would have the templates done already and hit the ground running, but... well... I had the tele template but then... well... I just had to start tugging a little here, pushing there, pulling over here...

I quit messing with spray adhesives (what?!?). I just got tired of the stickiness and the paper pulling up. Normally I just draw right on the mdf, but I got this here thing I drew up last night that I like... So... After shading a bunch of lead onto the back side, I cut some peep holes to line up the centerline on the mdf and then transferred the outline by tracing firmly after I had taped it down.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5113.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5115.jpg

Then I cut as close to the line as possible. You'll see later why I cut it out the way I did...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5116.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5118.jpg

Then I cut out my neck template:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5119.jpg

And day one is done. (and I'm already behind... haha)

Cool - looking forward to seeing the neck pocket with that curved shape. will you be able to shape it for better upper fret access that way?

Cool - looking forward to seeing the neck pocket with that curved shape. will you be able to shape it for better upper fret access that way?
Thanks!
It's more for comfort really. The most comfortable neck joint, to me anyway, is the one MusicMan does. It's nice to have some ergonomic support there. So... yeah, better access in terms of comfort. I'm also hoping it will keep the neck just a little stiffer, since I'm planning on a rodless neck with a 26.76" scale.
Cheers!
Chris

I like it. With that headstock and overall scale/dimensions, it sounds like it's going to be tele's bigger, meaner brother :grin:

BCE135 saw? If so... subscribed xD

I like it. With that headstock and overall scale/dimensions, it sounds like it's going to be tele's bigger, meaner brother :grin:
Hah! You've found me out. That's exactly what I'm aiming for. With a few twists...

BCE135 saw? If so... subscribed xD
I don't know what I'd do without it! Such a wonderful and precise tool.

Cheers!

good luck, anyone

"...there must be meaning in suffering."

After fine tuning my template with my handy, multi-contour sanding block...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5121.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5122.jpg

I made sure it fit the body blank and drowned the edges in superglue:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5123.jpg
You can see I've turned this limba blank into hundreds of imaginary guitars (haha).

Then I opted to forgo the sugar maple plate in favor of some nice soft maple, since the limba is pretty dense and I like to think that the softer maple will get along with it better than the hard stuff will.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5124.jpg

All the while, each time I saw my template, a growing distaste for the outline kept pestering me... I was trying to get some subtle Mosrite influence and maybe a tiny bit of Firebird in there, but I just don't think it's right... So I'm back to the drawing board. Of course, I'm too much of a pack rat to throw the darn thing away... I know, I know - not the depths of suffering, but still...at least a mild aftertaste of failure...

On the bright side, I've at least decided on the limba and the soft maple, so I headed off to the table saw to make some guiding cuts for the re-saw.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5128.jpg

Then I re-sawed it for my top and back:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5130.jpg

And I rough cut my neck while I was at it:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5132.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5133.jpg
I've had this piece of hard maple lying around for around 20 years, so I think it's pretty stable... I'm hoping to go rodless, but there's enough extra there for a fretboard just in case...

Hopefully it doesn't rain too much this weekend.

good luck, anyone
Thanks, acalan!

Hi anyone

Is it just the picture or when you did the resaw did one face warp?

I assume because it's thin it's not a prob

Cheers

I like the headstock shape, and it gives me the idea of doing a headstock with a similar line that matches the exact shape of the finial of an f-hole in the top. Might look cool...

Thanks,
Rex

Hi anyone

Is it just the picture or when you did the resaw did one face warp?

I assume because it's thin it's not a prob

Cheers
Hi,
Yes, it did warp. There was considerable heat that sucked the moisture out of that side. I'm going to wet it a little bit and hope that straightens it out... But you're right - it's thin and hopefully won't be a problem. Soft maple does seem to move a lot...
Cheers!

I like the headstock shape, and it gives me the idea of doing a headstock with a similar line that matches the exact shape of the finial of an f-hole in the top. Might look cool...

Thanks,
Rex
Great minds, I tell ya!
I drew the f-hole first, and that's where the curves in the headstock came from. Now, if you drew your f-holes based on the thousands of waves you drew on your notebooks in high school, well... that's just a little eerie... (haha)
Cheers!

...how I feel about paste wax?

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5143.jpg

and Durham's water putty?
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5144.jpg
And apparently the Ibanez JEM series.... (I actually have an RG7420... is for fun...haha)

Well, they don't quite deserve the Van Morrison tune I have in my head... but they sure are helpful in making templates!

Here are the steps:

1) Mark a centerline and transfer index holes with a nail and a gentle-but-firm WHACK.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5134.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5135.jpg

2) Trace primary template and saw next to the line
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5136.jpg
Should we tell the big dummy that he's on the wrong side of the line? Nah, it's funnier this way. Besides, he'll figure it out...

3) Attach templates using centerlines and index holes and rout with a rabbet bit.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5137.jpg
Ha HAH! I wasn't really on the wrong side of the line... at least not that time...

4) Zone out for a bit, thinking of a massive, tele-shaped pickup bobbin.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5139.jpg

5) Snap out of it already and use a flush trim bit to finish the secondary template off.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5140.jpg

Now we're caught up to where we came in.
6) Coat the sides with paste wax.
7) Exercise judicious use of centerlines and indexing holes to align both templates and fill the gap with Durham's water putty.

Cheers!

hmmm. I don't have enough experience to see what you're doing. It's probably one of those things that seasoned builders know about...

hmmm. I don't have enough experience to see what you're doing. It's probably one of those things that seasoned builders know about...

I'm pretty sure this is the gracious way of saying, "Umm.... Dude, I think you took a wrong turn somewhere back there..." (haha).

I'm only a seasoned daydreamer... But this is one of the twists that I dreamed up, and you'll see what I'm doing pretty soon here.

Thanks for watching and for the encouragement!

You got me interested, will stay tuned!

Water putty binding?

You got me interested, will stay tuned!
Thanks!

Water putty binding?
I'm actually still making my templates.... But that's an interesting idea...
I think it might be too fragile for binding but good for purfling perhaps... hmm... I have other ideas for the purfling on this one though...

verrry interesting.:razz: i think i see where this is going... maybe.

verrry interesting.:razz: i think i see where this is going... maybe.
I think you do (haha).
But it's going somewhere else this time...
I am going to use it to make my pickguard template too...
I like that line in your thread where you say something like, "...because it's just the way I build..." I think that might apply to me too...
Cheers!

I don't know what the hell you're doing either but I'm fascinated to find out :shock: I had exactly the same thought (worrying huh?) at "Zone out for a bit, thinking of a massive, tele-shaped pickup bobbin".

How's Teluchador holding up? I still love that guitar.

All the best with the rest of the build.

I don't what the hell you're doing either but I'm fascinated to find out :shock: I had exactly the same thought (worrying huh?) at "Zone out for a bit, thinking of a massive, tele-shaped pickup bobbin".

How's Teluchador holding up? I still love that guitar.

All the best with the rest of the build.
Hey ModerneGuy!
Teluchador is holding up fine. I end up playing it more than any other.
Here's a somewhat recent vid:
1gxGYhbmq6g.

I was trying to figure out a line from this one:
NkXAy-PzKDA

Teluchador was 30% inspired by Nacho Banos (we all know who he is...) and 70% inspired by Nacho Libre (a guy who had no clue but somehow managed to do something significant...).

This build is inspired by Dr. Herzenstube, an kind-hearted, altruistic physician who diagnoses every case with, "I don't what it is, but it's an interesting condition." I think there might be a theme here (haha). At least I've got a little bit more of an idea what I'm doing this time, along with aesthetically appropriate tuning keys (haha).

Yeah, you should be very worried about that pickup bobbin thought!

Cheers!

Chris

mmm. this reminds me of when i actually use to play guitar.:lol: i don't find much time for it anymore.

on the "just the way i build" comment... yeah, i typed it without thinking about it much and later it struck me too. i prefer to think of it as style. i mean, what i'm doing makes sense to me and it comes easily, so why fight it? the very things that might seem strange to other people are the things that interest me most about building i guess.

i have to track down your build thread. i dont think i saw the completed guitar. i was lost in some projects after the contest last year.

nice playing btw.

hmmm. I don't have enough experience to see what you're doing. It's probably one of those things that seasoned builders know about...
Don't friggin' bet on that. Last year he had me confused right up until the end :lol:

mmm. this reminds me of when i actually use to play guitar.:lol: i don't find much time for it anymore.

on the "just the way i build" comment... yeah, i typed it without thinking about it much and later it struck me too. i prefer to think of it as style. i mean, what i'm doing makes sense to me and it comes easily, so why fight it? the very things that might seem strange to other people are the things that interest me most about building i guess.

i have to track down your build thread. i dont think i saw the completed guitar. i was lost in some projects after the contest last year.

nice playing btw.
Thanks!
Yeah, playing guitar.... It's a good thing I don't have a case for that thing or it would never get played....

Yeah, I think 'style' sums it up nicely. There's just something appealing about the path less taken...


Don't friggin' bet on that. Last year he had me confused right up until the end :lol:
I think I'm just too ignorant to know not to do certain things....
Like I said before, though, when I hit the wall I'll be at your door begging for help. I want to make my mistakes first though (haha).

Cheers!

"along with aesthetically appropriate tuning keys" ...mmm, sorry if I went on about it but it was all in Teluchie's interests....sorry Teluchador, might have overstepped the mark again:oops: Good to see Teluchador in action again.

"I don't what it is, but it's an interesting condition." ...I think I need to use this line more.

Carry on.

Well, I'm dyin' to start cutting wood, but I've still mainly been working on the templates I could have finished before the challenge even started... Arghhhh!
I seem to be in the habit of building the bridge as I cross it. Even if I had done the templates before the challenge, I'd probably still be changing things.

On the bright side, I'm getting my templates done!

Transferring indexing holes before separation:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5148.jpg

Preparing to separate:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5147.jpg

Separated:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5149.jpg

Getting ready to make the chambering template:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5151.jpg

Cheers!

Well... Nothin says "I ain't a giggin musician" like a post on a Sat'day night!

I figure if'n' I post now nobody won't know about all these great ideas I stole...

From Oigun:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5154.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5155.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5156.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5157.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5158.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5159.jpg

From Mojotron:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5166.jpg
You can kind of see the neck template with 'perfect corners' on the right there...

I didn't really take many pics over the last few days, since I'm still making templates and it's not all that exciting... I'm pretty sick of mdf at this point...

Here are some tricks that might help someone out though:

Tip #1: Always transfer centerlines and any other significant markers before removing the template!
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5164.jpg
(By the way... No, I didn't follow my own advice for that pic! Arghhh!)

Tip #2: For double-stick tape, I use Ace Heavy Duty Cloth carpet tape. (Don't waste your time with the plastic stuff.) Sometimes it can be challenging to get the backing off. The trick is to run your nail over the corner to press it down, then press your nail into it about 1/8" from the corner and pull it back. Like this:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5161.jpg

Tip #3: This one involves indexing a pickguard, which will be really important for this build (as you will see later...hint, hint... haha). First I use carpet tape to secure the pg template to the body template. (Clamp it really well to make sure it's on there solidly.) Then I layout the controls and drill pilot holes for them.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5168.jpg

Then I flip it over and drill the indexing hole at the neck on the body template through the pg template. Now it looks like this:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5169.jpg

And now I leave you with this:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5163.jpg

Hey, nobody told me we were supposed to be posting sunrise/sunset pics. What gives?
Great tips, btw, and all that template works reminds of why I just "wing it". Well, that
and the fact that if there was a template, then I could be held accountable for not making
the guitar look like it. I'm NOT a fan of all the pressure that "responsibility" creates.

Hey, nobody told me we were supposed to be posting sunrise/sunset pics. What gives?
Great tips, btw, and all that template works reminds of why I just "wing it". Well, that
and the fact that if there was a template, then I could be held accountable for not making
the guitar look like it. I'm NOT a fan of all the pressure that "responsibility" creates.
You didn't get the sunset memo? Weird.... Are you sure?

Templates. Yes. Too much pressure, and sanding is still required! I know what you mean (seriously). But there is no way I'd be able to pull off what I'm trying to do without them...

Cheers!

Move along, people.
There's nothing to see here.





http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5170.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5171.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5173.jpg

Curiouser and curiouser. . . .but intriguing. Anyone, you're an inventive genius. Make template building look almost.. . .fun.

I'm digging this. Oh and btw, I didn't remember that teluchador was yours. I remembered that one and how stinking cool it was. Now that I know it was you who did it, I'm even more excited to see what you're doing here.

Curiouser and curiouser. . . .but intriguing. Anyone, you're an inventive genius. Make template building look almost.. . .fun.
Thanks for the encouragement! There's a fine line.... and I think I totter a bit much to the other side... I guess that could apply to templates too (haha). But I'd rather screw up a template than a guitar, and it is fun to work out ideas that way, even though I'm currently pretty sick of mdf...

I'm digging this. Oh and btw, I didn't remember that teluchador was yours. I remembered that one and how stinking cool it was. Now that I know it was you who did it, I'm even more excited to see what you're doing here.
Thanks, Roger. I hope this one turns out cool.... It's cool, at least to me, in my head anyway...

Cheers!

Chris

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5177.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5178.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5179.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5182.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5183.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5185.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5187.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5189.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5190.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5192.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5194.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5195.jpg

Can "anyone" tell me what the heck's going on around here....?
(see what I did there? I crack myself up)

No kidding. :lol:

It sure looks like something interesting is going on here.
Pictures should tell more than (how many?) words..

Can "anyone" tell me what the heck's going on around here....?
(see what I did there? I crack myself up)

Hah!

I figured I could just quote Shakespeare, post some pics, and walk away...

The pics show :
1)The importance of always having a backing to avoid blow-outs while drilling.
2)A discovery of a sweet bit of candy in the maple I'm going to have to deal with.
3) A long-dejected blank finally gets a chance to be some body! (See what I did there? Haha.)
4) Using the body template to locate mark the index holes on the blank.
5) Using the inset templates to locate the outer indexing holes on the blank.
6) Using a pin to ensure that the outer indexing holes are accurately aligned on the front and the back.

But I didn't post the best pic of all because it really deserves its own post:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5197.jpg

Cheers!

But I didn't post the best pic of all because it really deserves its own post:

Cheers!

Yeah, this one I understand; California's Child Labor laws are very liberal:cool:.

JK, of course. This one looks to be at that "awesome age" (not that all the ages
aren't as awesome-ish), and how quickly that will all be gone. One day they're
4 and the next 24 it seems.

Thanks for the clarification, btw.:grin:

It sure looks like something interesting is going on here.
Pictures should tell more than (how many?) words..
Looks can be deceivin.... Haha.

Yeah, this one I understand; California's Child Labor laws are very liberal:cool:.

JK, of course. This one looks to be at that "awesome age" (not that all the ages
aren't as awesome-ish), and how quickly that will all be gone. One day they're
4 and the next 24 it seems.

Thanks for the clarification, btw.:grin:
Very awesome! (Pronounced "awpum").
He'll be 4 in April. 13 and 7 are awesome as well...and fast! Haha.

Awpum. Like Dave, I didn't see where you were going last year till close to the end. I think yours was my fav fav of last year, even though (if I recall) you didn't complete in time.

Hah!


But I didn't post the best pic of all because it really deserves its own post:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5197.jpg

Cheers!

Hold on there! I think we're going to have to check with the rules commitee. I seem to recall some rule about doing the whole build without help.:wink:

Doh!

I figured I could just quote Shakespeare, post some pics, and walk away...


tdpri isn't so easily satisfied.:lol:

tdpri isn't so easily satisfied.:lol:

Gah! I've misconstrued everything!

Awpum. Like Dave, I didn't see where you were going last year till close to the end. I think yours was my fav fav of last year, even though (if I recall) you didn't complete in time.

Thanks, Joe.

I hope I finish this year... I have a little bit more of an idea of what I'm doing this time.... but not much (haha). I do feel a little behind as I look at some of the other builds, but I think I'll start moving more quickly over the next few weeks.

You know, outside of the "Fastest Build Winner", I think we all feel a "little behind", lol.
At least I know I do.

It's funny though, it's the pressure of the deadline that motivated me to join the challenge
to begin with. I see it as a way to insure I will actually FINISH my build, as opposed to a
couple of the "others" laying around here somewhere.....

You know, outside of the "Fastest Build Winner", I think we all feel a "little behind", lol.
At least I know I do.

It's funny though, it's the pressure of the deadline that motivated me to join the challenge
to begin with. I see it as a way to insure I will actually FINISH my build, as opposed to a
couple of the "others" laying around here somewhere.....

Thanks for the encouragement, Eric.

But.... I just can't relate to that "others" comment. I mean, I don't really leave anything laying around unfinished, only to be put off even more for this challenge...


Nope. Nothing.


Haha.

Well... I've gone into head-scratching mode...

My templates are finally done, but I need to think things through to preserve the wholeness of my proverbial feet.

I figured I might as well sketch ideas for the carved back.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5199.jpg
I've already changed it in my head...

Then I decided it would be safe to place the sound-hole and drill some holes in the blank.

First, I used carpet tape to attach my sound-hole template to the body template. This way I'll have a backing to support the thin acrylic and I'll have the location on the body template. (I didn't peel the plastic off the acrylic yet, so it will be easier to free it from the carpet tape later.)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5200.jpg

Then I switched to a 'clean' saw blade, which enjoys long walks and sunsets but leaves a clean cut in acrylic. Normally I use the 'precision' blades, which hardly walk at all. Just in case anyone else wants to know which blades work well for these things...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5201.jpg

I used the body template to drill locating holes for the sound-hole.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5202.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5209.jpg

And this is where we are now:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5210.jpg

Now that I look at it... It's really not that much to show... haha.

that last picture is a bit confusing...:lol: i'm glad that i don't have to bandsaw that blank.

that last picture is a bit confusing...:lol: i'm glad that i don't have to bandsaw that blank.
I told ya this blank has been a thousand imaginary guitars! Haha.

"Um... No. Did you look through all your art stuff? I'm kinda busy right now..."
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5250.jpg

Actually, it was more like, "Hey! Is that my woodburner?!" Haha.

At least I got this done yesterday and today before the rain hit:

Leveling.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5214.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5215.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5216.jpg

Risk taking...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5219.jpg
I had this crazy parallel to Mitya Karamozov, fleeing his impending doom, but I'll spare y'all...

Setting boundaries.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5221.jpg
I really should have used a smaller bit up by the horn... Live and learn...

Routing a recess.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5226.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5227.jpg

Making the pickguard.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5231.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5233.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5234.jpg

Aptly selecting tunage:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5236.jpg

Touching up the recess.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5235.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5237.jpg

Sketching out the carve.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5232.jpg

Selecting carving tunage:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5239.jpg
Which I mostly heard in my head, due to the blaring whir of the router...

Setting the steps.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5241.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5242.jpg

Cursing the clouds...
(no pic...)

And now we end where we began...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5252.jpg

This is very interesting to watch! Some serious building going on.. I've never even thought about doing anything like this. Looks good and very well thought

This is very interesting to watch! Some serious building going on.. I've never even thought about doing anything like this. Looks good and very well thought
Thanks, man!
I can't seem to open your thread without salivating (haha).

That's kinda my guiding philosophy for carving... well... for more than that, I suppose... But it just seemed a good way to kick off this post. I mean, I could have just rambled on and on about some nonsense that really didn't mean anything, but, no, I wouldn't waste your time with that... What was I saying...? All y'all miss the taciturn me with the laconic posts, don't ya?

For a moment, a very brief moment, I considered doing one a them shag carpet carves.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5256.jpg
But I quickly decided against it, since the whole idea behind a carved back revolves around comfort. And since the fiddle must have a finish, I don't think the shag option will be a good 'fit'. Seriously, I'm doing a carved back because: (a) I'm still learning and love doing it, (b) I'm trying to give the comfort of a slight tummy contour without having to put one on a tele, and (c) I have it in my head that the guitar will have a more lively sonic character by avoiding the phase cancellation that would happen if the sound-chambers had a parallel top and back. (Am I overthinking this?)

So... I finished terracing with the router:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5259.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5260.jpg

Then I had at it with the angle grinder:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5263.jpg

And then I worked off my dinner with a scraper:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5269.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5267.jpg
The scraper is definitely my favorite part! I love the feel, the sound, and the shavings. I've got a long way to go, and the pics can kind of play tricks on the eyes, but I'm really having fun with this part. (I can stop saying that already... I know.)

Cheers!

That carve is turning out really nice. It's going to looking even better when it gets to
the finish stage.

Wow!
This is turning out to be totally unlike where I thought it was going. But in a good way.

Beautiful carve. Great job!

This thread is wonderful, just like last years.

The guitars are awesome too!

looking good, man. really interesting. like that baseplate too.:lol:

i've been listened to stevie wonder too, fullingness first finale for the past few weeks.

That carve is turning out really nice. It's going to looking even better when it gets to
the finish stage.
Thanks, Eric. I have no idea what it'll look like, but I hope it turns out... I might as well keep my eyes shut until then (haha).

Wow!
This is turning out to be totally unlike where I thought it was going. But in a good way.
Thanks, Daz. Don't be surprised if your go-bar setup makes a surprise appearance in this thread...

Beautiful carve. Great job!
Thanks, Roger!

This thread is wonderful, just like last years.

The guitars are awesome too!
Hey, Josh. Thanks for the encouragement. Your thread is epic! I'm entirely in stitches!

Cheers!

looking good, man. really interesting. like that baseplate too.:lol:

i've been listened to stevie wonder too, fullingness first finale for the past few weeks.

Thanks, man!

Yeah, nothing like Stevie Wonder and reclaimed baseplates! (haha)

That carve is looking great :)

That carve is looking great :)

Thanks, Herb!
Your build makes me want to find some nice walnut....and take a nap on the beach... That thing is just beautiful!

Cheers,
Chris

Thats a great carve! Musta took a lot of working out.
Your taste in musics not too shabby either. Musiquarium is one of my fave albums. ;-)

Thats a great carve! Musta took a lot of working out.
Your taste in musics not too shabby either. Musiquarium is one of my fave albums. ;-)
Hey thanks, Mick!
Yeah, I did have to sketch it out, think, rethink, re-sketch, and then have a go at it. Carving is super fun... I find myself wanting to do it to everything.

And, yes, once you get a song off Musicquarium stuck in your head, you've just got to listen to the whole album! Repeatedly.

Cheers,
Chris

While I can't say that I entirely agree with Ivan's devil, I think he's at least got a point on some levels.... like... dimensioning wood for instance...

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5270.jpg
I figured I'd take the next step on the neck, so I visited my dad and used his mill to run the safety planer. Boy did I feel like a dummy! (haha) Here's this retired tool and die maker watching his daft boy using the tools he had used so precisely as a crude planer -- what a picture! Anybody see The Castle? Remember the knucklehead son who keeps digging holes? I figure I'm the American counterpart...

At any rate, I got the blank flat. Then I routed with my sweet double ball bearing bit (so I could rout entirely with the grain).
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5279.jpg

I only got tear out in two places... so I slightly modified my proof of start printout:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5284.jpg
It'll actually be okay because that bit will be carved away when I carve the neck, but the other spot.... well, I didn't even dare take a pic... There's no way around it; I'm just going to have to embrace it and incorporate it as a 'feature'. Argh....

In better, funner, more interesting news, I've gotten the carved back a little closer.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/IMG_5287.jpg

Cheers!

Seems I've been working a lot with not much to show for it... I suppose that's as it should be...

You can see I've spent some time dialing in my chambering template.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/Herzenstube%20continues/IMG_5291.jpg
I'm pretty sure it's good to go at this point. And even if it isn't....haha... How does it go -- Ready OR NOT!

Anyhow, once I got the template on there, I drilled the bridge holes.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/Herzenstube%20continues/IMG_5294.jpg

Then I drilled the outer two through the back.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/Herzenstube%20continues/IMG_5295.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/Herzenstube%20continues/IMG_5296.jpg

These holes helped me align the template on the back.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/Herzenstube%20continues/IMG_5297.jpg
See the light?

Hogging out the chamber:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/Herzenstube%20continues/IMG_5300.jpg

Ah, almost there...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/Herzenstube%20continues/IMG_5301.jpg
I went shallower there on the upper bout. I'm thinking (hoping) that, especially since the chamber is routed from the back, leaving some mass in the upper bout will retain some of the spank and punch (where do these poignantly nebulous terms come from?) of a solid-body.

I started cleaning up the chamber with a flat 3/4" bit, taking care to keep at least .25" from the walls.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/Herzenstube%20continues/IMG_5304.jpg

Then I switched to a .5" round bit. Yes! I wish I had a nice dish bit... but I dunt (as Ricky Ricardo would say). It's okay though - I put a bunch of paste wax on it (after it was in the collet of course...), and we all know how I feel about paste wax.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/Herzenstube%20continues/IMG_5305.jpg

So then I was left with this:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/Herzenstube%20continues/IMG_5308.jpg
And I seriously was going to leave it at that, kind of a "play it as it lies" approach... Besides, I'd heard some theories that rough insides sound better, and there's a side of me that really wants to believe that the less laborious path is the right one...

But of course I had to cross paths with a chisel, a scraper, a bit of ocd and some sandpaper...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/Herzenstube%20continues/IMG_5310.jpg

So now we have this:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/Herzenstube%20continues/IMG_5312.jpg
I just have it in my head that the visible speaks of the invisible, and this fiddle is going to be an intentional blend of the crude and the sublime... (at least that's the plan) so I better not leave the insides fully crude.

I also cut out the sound-hole:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/Herzenstube%20continues/IMG_5309.jpg

Til next time.

really nice work on the chambering, anyone.

good times. i miss routing.:lol:

how did you cut the F hole?

really nice work on the chambering, anyone.
Thanks, Roger! I can't wait to see how yours turns out.


good times. i miss routing.:lol:

how did you cut the F hole?
I know, I know. I think I hate finishing so much that I tend to linger more than I should on the woodworking, especially the carving and shaping.

I used the jigsaw with a 'clean' blade for the f-hole. I can deal with the walking, so long as I don't have to deal with splintering.

Cheers!

It is really coming along nicely. It is decieving how much work actually goes into carving and chambering.

It is really coming along nicely. It is decieving how much work actually goes into carving and chambering.

Thanks, Pat!

Man, you speak the truth! Seems I keep finding a little dip or bump somewhere... Even if I don't, I can't seem to stop fine-tuning the thing... Arghhhh.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5333.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5342.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5343.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5345.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5346.jpg

Remember that hidden bit o' honey I was trying to avoid?
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5348.jpg
Ah well... It's meant to be.

Looks like the ubiquitous Dr. Herzenstube showed up in the grain as well:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_5347.jpg
See it? Or am I just carving too much? (haha)

Thanks for looking!

ck

Coming along nicely, looking forward to how this ends up.

Coming along nicely, looking forward to how this ends up.

Thanks, Joe! Me too. I'm kinda having a "What in the world did I get myself into" moment with the carved back right about now.... haha.

Man, that's such a cool carve. If I didn't know better, I'd imagine you being in your 60's with a beard, spectacles down on the end of your nose, leather apron on, and crafting away with old, loved hand tools. :grin:

Man, that's such a cool carve. If I didn't know better, I'd imagine you being in your 60's with a beard, spectacles down on the end of your nose, leather apron on, and crafting away with old, loved hand tools. :grin:

Thanks, Roger! My back feels like it's in its 60s after hunching over that thing all day (haha). I've got.... 18 years?!? (wow) to go to catch up to it.
I really do love working with the hand tools, though. And hopefully I'll match your wonderful image.

Cheers!

Love the back carve and I can't wait to see the finished product. Not just anyone could
pull this off you know (Ok...that'll be one of the last puns I use....)

Love the back carve and I can't wait to see the finished product. Not just anyone could
pull this off you know (Ok...that'll be one of the last puns I use....)

Thanks, Eric! I hope I can pull this off... I think I had one of those over-my-head, drowning dreams because of this (haha). At least I'll go down fighting!

Cheers,

Chris

Absolutely wild carve! I love it cant wait to see how it all comes together.

I seek to carve this back plate without losing my head!

I think the odds are against me...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/Herzenstube%20continues/IMG_9956.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/Herzenstube%20continues/IMG_5352.jpg
I think I see a dragon's tail in there... the symbolism is too much!
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/Herzenstube%20continues/IMG_5353.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/Herzenstube%20continues/IMG_5354.jpg


Fortunately, I've got this guy on my side!
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/Herzenstube%20continues/IMG_9914.jpg
You fight with the strength of many men, good sir knight!

Absolutely wild carve! I love it cant wait to see how it all comes together.

Thanks, Steve. I think I live by your signature!

Cheers,
Chris

That is one cool carve ! :smile:

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/Herzenstube%20continues/IMG_9914.jpg
You fight with the strength of many men, good sir knight!
None shall pass!

:lol: With all the great movie quotes going on in so many threads, I get the feeling that a lot of us would really enjoy hanging out together.

The carve is really looking good.

That is one cool carve ! :smile:
Thanks, Herb!

None shall pass!

:lol: With all the great movie quotes going on in so many threads, I get the feeling that a lot of us would really enjoy hanging out together.

The carve is really looking good.
Yeah, I bet we'd hit it off really well. It'd be great if we could all have a hangout/freejam with our fiddles when we're done...but I can't wrap my head around the logistics..
At least it's really cool to get to sort of 'hang out' during this here build challenge.
I dunno why, but the rest of the year I only lurk... I guess there's so much cool stuff going on that I just keep to myself and disappear into the woodwork...some kinda youngest child dynamic thing or somethin...

Cheers!

F-Hole? That would be nice.

F-Hole? That would be nice.
Yes indeed!
Though I now refer to it as a "sound-hole" since I finally got tired of the funny looks and giggles I kept getting every time I said "f-hole" around here... My family is a funny bunch, I tell ya.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/Herzenstube%20continues/IMG_5309.jpg

Cheers!

.. I think I had one of those over-my-head, drowning dreams because of this (haha)

Judging from from your building style, I'd imagine you have some very interesting dreams :smile:. I think I've got this one figured out, but look forward to the curveball your gonna' pitch to confuse me again :lol:

BTW, this is the highest compliment I can pay you. I'm a very limited linear thinker :roll:. I could never think this creatively without chemical help :lol:


Dave

Judging from from your building style, I'd imagine you have some very interesting dreams :smile:. I think I've got this one figured out, but look forward to the curveball your gonna' pitch to confuse me again :lol:

BTW, this is the highest compliment I can pay you. I'm a very limited linear thinker :roll:. I could never think this creatively without chemical help :lol:


Dave
Thanks for the compliment and the encouragement, Dave! I guess my dreams are interesting... I've never had anyone else's to measure them by (haha).

I'm really just a creative thief... and I don't think there's any chemical that can help me (haha).

Yep, I think you know where I'm going: inset pickguard and back with sparkly borders, some solder will be involved (of course), and I've got this here new wood burning obsession... But there are two twists coming: one I know I can pull off (and it will spare me from finish sanding!)... the other... well... I'm gonna try to adapt an idea from David Myka, and I'm not sure I can pull it off, but it seems there's no way to avoid trying. That's all the hinting I'll give (haha).

Cheers,
Chris

Anyone (luv doing that) that eliminates finish sanding is a hero in my book. Can't wait
to see what's "next"

Anyone (luv doing that) that eliminates finish sanding is a hero in my book. Can't wait
to see what's "next"
Thanks, Eric. You know, you can call me Chris (haha). But 'anyone' will do...(I like doing that too...haha). I'll show ya my trick probably later this week. It's probably just as much work as finish sanding and is more conducive to some woods than others, but at least it's a change of scenery.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/Herzenstube%20continues/IMG_9980.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20the%20considerations%20of%20Dr%20 H/Herzenstube%20continues/IMG_9982.jpg

Well... sorta...

A dummy with a wood burner at any rate. My daughter and niece were having fun at my expense. At least I got this out of it (haha).

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/more%20Herzenstube/DSCN3002-1.jpg
Certainly a small win...
I pretty much burned the f-hole (:shock:) and everything else that will get burned on this fiddle over the past few days.

I also put in some shiny bits... gotta have shiny bits.
It started with some family lego time.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/more%20Herzenstube/IMG_5369.jpg
No, the legos didn't talk or do any of the work for me, but they were my ticket to trying to make a little progress while hanging with the fam. I did use the one lego block to space out the chisel marks, so I guess they helped out that way...

Then I took some bits of solder, melted them in, and smashed them down:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/more%20Herzenstube/IMG_5374.jpg

Then I followed it up with some superglue. Many thanks to ScatterLee for the tip that saved my fingers (haha).
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/more%20Herzenstube/IMG_5375.jpg

Then came the file (and a new day).
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/more%20Herzenstube/IMG_5377.jpg

Then the Dremel:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/more%20Herzenstube/IMG_5379.jpg

In other news, I also worked on the neck a bit.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/more%20Herzenstube/IMG_5366.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/more%20Herzenstube/IMG_5383-1.jpg

I carved the inside of the back as well:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/more%20Herzenstube/IMG_5385-1.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/more%20Herzenstube/IMG_5386-1.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/more%20Herzenstube/IMG_5389-1.jpg

Cheers to all.

Current listening:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/more%20Herzenstube/IMG_5415.jpg
I need as much as I can get of all three.

Seems like I've been working a lot and posting very little, so here's a random update...

I made a brass tonebar:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/more%20Herzenstube/IMG_5358.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/more%20Herzenstube/IMG_5360.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/more%20Herzenstube/IMG_5381.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/more%20Herzenstube/IMG_5402.jpg
I can't find the pics of routing the pocket for it, but I basically just double-stick taped some straight mdf on each side and used a bearing bit.
I'm going to wait until I go back to my dad's to drill the string-through holes in his mill (I'm a sissy...). In fact, I think I want to use his mill for all my drilling; my drill press has developed a wobble:cry::mad:

I'm not happy with how the holes came through in the back, so I'm considering routing a slot to make everything look even. Yes, that's right - I've found an excuse to make more templates (haha).
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/more%20Herzenstube/IMG_5419.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/more%20Herzenstube/IMG_5420.jpg

I also thought of doing a headstock inlay... Also just to have an excuse to make more templates!
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/more%20Herzenstube/IMG_5416.jpg
Am I stalling?

At least I worked on the neck.
I did the transition on the belt sander this time
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/more%20Herzenstube/IMG_0044.jpg

Typical tdpri radius stuff.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/more%20Herzenstube/IMG_5405.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/more%20Herzenstube/IMG_5407.jpg

I did the taper for the back on the router table.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/more%20Herzenstube/IMG_5409.jpg
I didn't take a pic, but I just taped a .125 piece of micarta to the end of the heel. I kinda goofed because of the taper though... I did a few necks at a time, and some were not tapered. Gahh! I lost track and went too far. So, instead of tapering from .98 to 1.12, this neck will taper from .88 to 1.12... I hope it's okay without a truss rod... I think it will be - just tune lower (haha).

I began shaping the back on the bandsaw, since I already had it out to make some headstock overlays that I may or may not use...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/more%20Herzenstube/IMG_5417.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/more%20Herzenstube/IMG_5418.jpg
I got a bit over-eager and 'reliced' the neck a little more... no pics though (I can take some upon request for the morbidly curious though...haha)

I'll let the neck sit for a bit to see if it moves any. Then I'll true up the fretboard, cut the fret slots and finish the back contour.

I'm still a bit indecisive about how I'm going to access the controls... I plan on gluing the pickguard in, mainly because I like the subtlety of it (and I need to save all my screws for my ideas...). And I definitely don't want to cut into the maple back. So that leaves me with a bit of a dilemma.... And I don't have much time to waste thinking about it any more.... (I can so relate to Hamlet right now!)

I really like the way you've incorporated the tone block.

I really like the way you've incorporated the tone block.
Thanks, Roger!

or so I've heard....

I'm a thief (but not a poet...) (yay - faulty syllogisms!)

Here's my fancy go-bar station (Thanks, Dazzaman!)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_0050.jpg
I glued the "pickguard" in.

Then I drilled the control holes through so I could thickness it properly:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_0059.jpg

I suppose I could have planned a bit better when routing...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_0060.jpg
Doh! (See the burnt edge of the pickguard there?)

Superglue to the rescue!
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_0062.jpg
I think I'm remaining really faithful to Dr. Herzenstube's diagnosis - "I'm not sure what it is, but it's a very interesting condition..."

I also routed the back to get rid of the crooked holes...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Dr%20Herzenstube%20pickguard%20and%20back%20carve/IMG_0058.jpg

Now I just need to:
-Rout the neck pocket and pup cavities
-Drill channels for wires (pup, grounding, ....stutter.....)
-Cut out the outline
-Finish and mount the tonebar
-Finish sand and glue in the back (Haha! See what I did there?)
-Lament my lack of foresight
-Finish the neck (true fb, cut fretslots, fret, drill steps for tuners, finish sand, finish, mount tuners, etc...)
-Make some ferrules for neck mounting screws
-Dremel the body with a grinding wheel...
-Apply sparkly casting resin around the pickguard
-Stain and finish the back and pickguard
-Install hardware and pups
-Make the nut and set it up
-Take a nap....

I hope I can finish on time....

Hey, I still almost get it :lol:, looking good! :smile:

I love your creations, Chris, so I can't wait to see all wacky, cool stuff you've got planned for this one.

This is going past craftsmanship into the world of art. Very interesting to say the least.

The Maxwell House of build threads. "Good till the last post" :lol:

In my case, I'm sitting next to crazydave wondering what it will end up looking like. But can't wait to see it.

Hey, I still almost get it :lol:, looking good! :smile:
You and me both! Heavy on the almost Haha. Thanks for the encouragement, Dave!

I love your creations, Chris, so I can't wait to see all wacky, cool stuff you've got planned for this one.
Well... I still have only a vague direction and some nebulous ideas, nothing concrete... (see what I did there?) Thanks for the encouragement, Roger! I'm glad the Tonewood Intelligentsia hasn't put a contract on you yet!

This is going past craftsmanship into the world of art. Very interesting to say the least.
Thanks, Chuck! You're one to talk. Your build is fantastic! I love the fluidity of your approach, reminds me of surfing or good kung fu! (haha).

The Maxwell House of build threads. "Good till the last post" :lol:

In my case, I'm sitting next to crazydave wondering what it will end up looking like. But can't wait to see it.
Thanks, Joe. Caffeine is my major vice... that and general slackery... (haha).
I'm with you guys; I can see it in the periphery of my mind's eye (Horatio), but nothing is too defined... yet... Hope you're doing well.

Cheers fellas,
Chris

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_0063.jpghttp://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_0064.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_0071.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_0078.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_0116.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_0120.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_0133.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_0153.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_0154.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_0162.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_0169.jpg

I'll explain and show more stuff when I get time.

Cheers.

Ooooohhhhh Aaahhhhhhh. I like what I see.

Ooooohhhhh Aaahhhhhhh. I like what I see.

Hey Roger,
Thanks for the encouragement!
I really appreciate it.
Cheers,
Chris

I've never seen a guitar get this far before it became guitar-shaped. :shock: Worth a pound of nuts just for that.:mrgreen:

So I set up this fancy jig to drill a jackhole...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_5421.jpg

Oddly enough, the hole turned out square....
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_5422.jpg

Actually, it's not that odd, considering I'm such a parsimonious bugger that I figured, "Hey man, I'm not gonna rig up this here fancy setup just to drill one hole! I'm gonna drill a bunch of 'em! So I chiseled it out and got this:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_5425.jpg

Then I applied some tape so I could do this:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_5426.jpg

and this:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_5427.jpg

Then I went totally low-tech and did this:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_5429.jpg
You can see all the players in the background there: chisel, supa glue, exacto knife & saw, ect...

I also got distracted for a bit (what a shocker!) and had to drill a hole in something!
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_5430.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_5431.jpg
There! That's better. Now... where was I...?

Oh yeah, that's right! Low tech:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_5433.jpg
I actually considered dragging out the bandsaw for this! (Just for a second, though... I'm not that lazy.... well.... yeah, actually I am - it would have been more work to drag out the bandsaw...)

It fits!
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_5434.jpg

Then I suddenly remembered that I have to finish-sand the neck so I can oil it! D'oh!
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_5436.jpg

Double check the neck joint:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_5437.jpg

Then slap on some Golden Oak Danish Oil:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_5442.jpg

By that time, the lighting was perfect to finish-sand the back plate.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_5443.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_5444.jpg
It took ferfreakinever to get the scratches out! What was I thinking on this one!?!?!?!

Then I worked on texturing the top with a grinding wheel-loaded dremel.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_5445.jpg
I thought I was so clever to avoid finish sanding the top.... What a dummy! I think it took me about three times as long....

Then, of course, I felt compelled to drill holes in something!
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_5447.jpg

Somehow I thought I got more done today.... Ah well....

Cheers,
Chris

I've never seen a guitar get this far before it became guitar-shaped. :shock: Worth a pound of nuts just for that.:mrgreen:
Thanks, man!
I learned that trick from my friend Gene.
Well, actually, he's brilliant with the CNC... but I figured it would make indexing and routing easier, so I adapted it, and it does!
Cheers!

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_0170.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_0171.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_0172.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_0174.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/Herzenstube%20home%20stretch/IMG_0175.jpg
Seemed strangely fitting, since the buddy I'm building this for works in the oil industry... He used to be a plumber... I'm so glad he switched careers! (haha).

This is a *very* interesting build!

what 'he' said!

Thanks, fellas!

Nice work, very original, artistic and creative. The grain is really poping, awesome!

Nice work, very original, artistic and creative. The grain is really poping, awesome!

Thanks, Mike!
You're one to talk; your build is just mesmerizing! I love the limba and definitely want to check into some wenge now. And TV Jones are indeed amazing!....
Cheers,
Chris

Love this build. I'm fascinated by all the cool techniques going on in here.

Love this build. I'm fascinated by all the cool techniques going on in here.

Hey thanks, James!

The maple jackplate was like a beautiful dagger in my eye...
So I decided to make one out of the limba scraps from the body.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5448.jpg

I got off my lazy bum and used the bandsaw this time:lol:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5449.jpg

No more daggers....
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5451.jpg

I didn't really take many pics of the rest of the process, but it's nothing new. I did use ca glue to strengthen it up a bit. I'm glad I did most of the fitting and burning before I did that! (haha). I think I'm starting to like the faint smell of burnt ca glue... Is that so wrong?
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5455.jpg

Here's my fancy fret slotting jig. Certainly not worthy of imitation (or repeating...), but it's what I've got right now.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5454.jpg

I went to my dad's last night and finished the tone bar.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5456.jpg
I also found a thin piece of brass to make a neck plate, but I didn't take any pics...

Then, when I got home, I dremeled the sides of the body.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5459.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5458.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5460.jpg
Yes, it was late. Yes, it was more work (and louder) than finish sanding. Yes, the neighbors must hate me now... (Why do I have "I've Seen All Good People" stuck in my head right now?)

you've had such cool style through the whole thread, Chris. And I'm talking about your building aesthetic, attitude, and turns of phrase. I've thoroughly enjoyed it.

Hey Chris,

I'm starting to get this and think its very cool. Can't wait to see what's next!

Barncaster

you've had such cool style through the whole thread, Chris. And I'm talking about your building aesthetic, attitude, and turns of phrase. I've thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thanks, Roger! I deeply appreciate your kinship in spirit.

Hey Chris,

I'm starting to get this and think its very cool. Can't wait to see what's next!

Barncaster

Hey thanks, Barncaster!
Hopefully you won't have to wait too long... haha.
I tell ya, this 'day-job' thing has come to be a serious impediment to my fantasy-guitar-builder life!

Cheers, man.

Sweet twist on the sides :smile:

Sweet twist on the sides :smile:

Thanks, Dave!
You know the electronics are coming up... (haha)

Thanks, Dave!
You know the electronics are coming up... (haha)

I remember that fun from last year. :lol: Always fun trying to figure out what the result will be with your builds.

Chris, you just keep throwing curveballs with this one - can't wait to see it all together and hear it (I know, nor can you).

I remember that fun from last year. :lol: Always fun trying to figure out what the result will be with your builds.
Oh the joy! (haha) I have some silly ideas this time... I hope they work... I'm still thinking of p-rails - such killer tones, but such a head-ache to think about wiring... Someday...
Chris, you just keep throwing curveballs with this one - can't wait to see it all together and hear it (I know, nor can you).
Thanks, Daz. I'm hoping for Sunday... It's gonna be an intense weekend! (haha).

Cheers!

This little fella startled the b'geebers out of me around... well... sometime after midnight... I dunno when, really...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5498.jpg

It wasn't that I was scared or anything. (You might have noticed how burly I am in a previous pic...) The fact of the matter is that he caught me practicing me vibrato and I got a bit embarrassed...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5481.jpg

Or was it the Hendrix chord...?
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5486.jpg

Oh please! Not Voodoo Chile again!
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5487.jpg

Given my embarrassed state, I had to over-compensate with bravado. I can't even tell you how long the stare-down lasted with that opossum... Seemed like forever... but I'm pretty sure I won...

Okay. I didn't like the way the Golden Oak looked against the body - just too much honey going on. Since I had already nicked it in more than a few places, I just decided to try roughing it up a bit to make it match the body.
Basically, I just rubbed a pencil into sandpaper and did a bit of air guitar.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5478.jpg
I started with 100 grit, moving to 220, and finally 0000 steel wool.

Then I installed the frets. No great pics, but basically: a swish of gap-filling ca glue, a bit of deadblow hammer, a quick wipe with a rag, and repeat. Apparently ca glue sticks to skin.... just a quick psa there...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5490.jpg
D'oh!

Gratuitous fb light glimmer shot:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5502.jpg

After the frets were in, I taped off the board and took a triangle file to the ends, followed up with a six-sided emery board type thing.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5514.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5515.jpg
Yeah, that thing just didn't fare well... Worked nicely before it died though...

Then I marked off my side dots.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5516.jpg

and did more wood burning...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5517.jpg

Then I opened up the tuner holes by running a drill/driver in reverse with a step bit. That way there's little risk of digging in, as the drill just burnishes the hole open...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5518.jpg

Then I did the nut slot and drilled for the bushings (not at the same time, though...).
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5519.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5521.jpg

Then I pressed in the bushings...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5522.jpg
Why do I feel like Lennie, explaining how he's gonna take care of the rabbits...?

I was listening to this, by the way:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5523.jpg
I couldn't take Queen anymore as soon as Another One Bites the Dust came on...

To be continued...

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5525.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5526.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5527.jpg

Okay, maybe just a little talking... I had to reshape the transition so the strings would clear. I should have checked this sooner.... (This won't be the last time I say that... haha.)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5531.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5532.jpg

I was originally planning on stuffing all the wiring in through the jackplate (I still might...), hence the apology to future self (or seriously irritated tech...).
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5534.jpg

I also wrote a hidden message to my buddy, Jim.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5535.jpg

I opened up the holes in the backplate just enough so that the neck screws would sit in and hold it firmly against the brass neck plate:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5536.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5537.jpg
I end up using this (strengthened with ca glue) and a few screws through the bridge pup cavity to attach the backplate. Seems secure and, most of all, easier access to change wiring without excessive snipping and fishing!

Here's a preliminary wiring shot:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_5540.jpg
And, of course, you know that is a Russian cap! Haha (or should I say, "Hehehe.")

It's done at this point. I just need to upload and sort through the final pics.
I wanted to make sure to upload the vid now though, since I won't have a chance tomorrow.
tYFUYvHL5DQ

I lied in the vid... I did do a second clip without any talking... I'm uploading it now and may use that one instead. In the clip here, I can't seem to talk or play; at least in the other one I don't even try to talk.

edit: Okay, here's the other vid. What do you guys think: does there have to be talking in the video? Thanks.
9SAL0OJa0po


Chris

Sounds incredible, I think the low tuning sounds great. "But I choked and I can't":lol: Ha! whatever, that's some nice playing.

Sounds fantastic - both the guitar and your playing! I think I still need to do some forensic deconstruction to work exactly how you've put it together though. Great and unique build - again.

cheers

Amazing! I love it!

Congrats on such an awesome result! :smile:

Sounds incredible, I think the low tuning sounds great. "But I choked and I can't":lol: Ha! whatever, that's some nice playing.
Thanks, James! Yeah, I had in my head all this stuff I could play.... then as soon as the camera started.... instant brain flush... fingers running around like headless chickens...haha. I'm pretty stoked on the low-tuning. I also built this fiddle for a buddy (Is it so wrong to want to keep it? haha).
Sounds fantastic - both the guitar and your playing! I think I still need to do some forensic deconstruction to work exactly how you've put it together though. Great and unique build - again.

cheers
Thanks for the encouragement, MG! I still need to finish off the build thread. That and an enormous amount of sleep deprivation should get you there. (haha)
Amazing! I love it!

Congrats on such an awesome result! :smile:
Thanks, Phil! You're one to talk, man!

wow, you finished it. clever solution on the backplate. i was wondering what you were going to do with that.

but where are the glamour shots?!

"But I choked and I can't":lol:

:lol: exactly... great playing chris.

WOW!! That sounds fantastic! Great guitar.

Great job man! That guitar sounds wonderful! Congrats on a awesome build!

I love the choice of tunes!!!!! Phil Keaggy is in my top 3 favorites of all time!!!!! Great work on the guitar too! I really like the stinger on the back of the neck!!!!

I've gone laconic...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_0177.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_0181.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_0183.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_0184.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_0187.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_0191.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_0192.jpg

I rigged up a quick jig to sand the nut blank evenly to thickness:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_0195.jpg

Thanks again to Bryan Kimsey for the fine tutorial on making a nut. (http://www.bryankimsey.com/nuts/index.htm)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_0198.jpg

I burned the neck holes and soaked em with some ca for strength.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_0201.jpg

Then I drilled some holes through the bridge pup cavity.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_0202.jpg

Very carefully, and with great trepidation..., I marked the depth for drilling the back.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_0203.jpg

Then I soaked those holes with ca glue.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_0207.jpg

I put some glitter in the side-dot holes. Then I soaked them with super glue.
(I feel a bit like Rooster in True Grit.... "Then I shot him...")
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_0206.jpg

Then I just went ahead and super glued the whole neck! Yes, I wore a glove! I learned it's best to just use a folded-up a paper towel to spread it on. My first attempt was with a q-tip:oops::mad::roll::lol:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_0208.jpg

"Then you, Sir Lancelot, and I leap out of the rabbit, taking them totally by surprise!"
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_0209.jpg
"Who leaps out of the rabbit?!?" (Yes, I put it together and forgot to insert the neckplate. :lol:)

But at least I put it together!
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_0210.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_0211.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_0215.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_0224.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_0225.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_0227.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_0228.jpg

Cheers!

Chris

that backplate reminds of the first guitar bigsby built for merle travis.

did you read the stickys? you have to email the moderator that you are finished... and you should probably make a final post with the video and one picture you want to go into the compilation thread.

Great stuff, Chris. I love it! it's cool that you made that for a buddy. I actually made mine for a buddy too... but he didn't want it :shock: :lol:

wow, you finished it. clever solution on the backplate. i was wondering what you were going to do with that.

but where are the glamour shots?!



:lol: exactly... great playing chris.
Thanks, volo! It got late... (haha) I seriously appreciate your encouragement and your inspiring approach and ideas.

WOW!! That sounds fantastic! Great guitar.
Thanks, Mick!

Great job man! That guitar sounds wonderful! Congrats on a awesome build!
Thanks, Steve!

I love the choice of tunes!!!!! Phil Keaggy is in my top 3 favorites of all time!!!!! Great work on the guitar too! I really like the stinger on the back of the neck!!!!
Thanks, Danny! Yeah, I think Phil Keaggy is pretty much my favorite of all time, everything about the guy is just so amazing.

Cheers!

Chris

Great stuff, Chris. I love it! it's cool that you made that for a buddy. I actually made mine for a buddy too... but he didn't want it :shock: :lol:

Thanks, Roger! That's funny you should say that - I even want your guitar. You totally redefined the slab!

that backplate reminds of the first guitar bigsby built for merle travis.

did you read the stickys? you have to email the moderator that you are finished... and you should probably make a final post with the video and one picture you want to go into the compilation thread.

You're seriously saturated with class, culture and coolness!

I'm trying to figure out which photo to use... but I'll do the final post pretty soon here...

Thanks!

i just realized you have til midnight.:oops: i thought the deadline was noon... you have hours and hours left. on the picture, i'd paste two of them in one photo... front and back, because without a picture of the back you are only telling half the story.

serious on that backplate:
http://www.dkimages.com/discover/DKIMAGES/Discover/previews/780/602624.JPG
you have better grain on the plate... but that neck is insane.

Sorry about that! I missed seeing the video.

Sorry about that! I missed seeing the video.
No worries. I reckon I should hurry up with the final post already! (haha)

Cheers, Everyone!
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/herzenstube%20final%20days/IMG_0224.jpg
tYFUYvHL5DQ

Nice work! Wish I'd followed more closely during the process.

Like the video, too, both the commentary and the playing.
What about that zen drive? Can you say more about the range
of things it does?

I had a vintage Tube Screamer I bought in the early 90's
for 20 UK pounds. A few years ago I realized it was worth
something and immediately sold it for about 300 bucks --
it had the "right" chip in it.

Nice work! Wish I'd followed more closely during the process.

Like the video, too, both the commentary and the playing.
What about that zen drive? Can you say more about the range
of things it does?

I had a vintage Tube Screamer I bought in the early 90's
for 20 UK pounds. A few years ago I realized it was worth
something and immediately sold it for about 300 bucks --
it had the "right" chip in it.

Thanks, Glenn!
The zendrive can go from a light od to some serious grind.
I like it best for single-note stuff, since it's super responsive to touch and gives some nice bloom to the notes, though it does color the tone a little...but it's a great color!
It doesn't really do the tight, heavy, chugga-chugga-chunk (I like the Tonefreak Severe for that), or a light, transparent grind (I love the Timmy for that), but the zendrive is my favorite single-note pedal.

Yeah, the hype around pedals is pretty silly, I think...
Though I did have a buddy put the "right chip" in my ts9 (guilty! haha).

Oh, I love your song by the way - awesome 80s vibe! I felt like I was a freshman in highschool (haha).

Cheers,
Chris