Thunders1988's 2012 Build Challenge Thread -- COMPLETED

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/425267_2996180061256_1164861593_32351811_199448416 1_n.jpg

Already got some Sapele. Consider this a good start. :mrgreen:
We'll see where we get from here...

Is everybody going for sapele these days ;)

Good to see you here!

Don't know, man! Just couldn't cough up the dough for Honduran Mahogany.
Are you using it too?

More excitement !!!!



s.

Glad you jumped in, and Good luck!

Welcome, and good luck! :grin:

Dave


Is everybody going for sapele these days ;)
There may be something to this. When I recently went to buy wood, I had my hat set for African Mahogany. Everyone was building with it, and it was sooooo much cheaper than South American mahogany. When I get there, I find nothing but 4/4 stuff, some barely long enough to make a neck. Yet there was plenty of 8/4 SA mahogany (more expensive of course) and loads of 8/4 sapele and paduak, that was VERY reasonably priced (and they were quite eager to sell it). I will probably go back for some of each, but I couldn't help noticing that all this thick, plentiful, and reasonably priced African mahogany I'd been hearing about, was no where to be seen :confused:

The sapele I have is a bit on the heavy side... so thinline it will be.

Good luck mate! :mrgreen:

Cool, so you guys have experience with sapele...
Will be a first for me. Like Oi's, mine is a bit heavy too.
But yeah, it was rather cheap (about €35/$25 for 220cm x 35cm x 4,5cm)

I'm glad to inform you people that I have come up with an idea... I'll be building a snakehead-meets-LP Junior Esquire.
Not sure about the color yet, but it will be a set neck.

to make the incrowd complete... good luck from barno aswell

I have taken a subscription also. Good luck !

a snakehead-meets-LP Junior Esquire

I want to follow this closely!

Sounds cool. Lot's of mahogany this year - excellent choice.

Good luck!

Finally found some time to start this one...
Forgot where I put my electric saw, opted for the "hard way". Took me about half an our to cut this piece of mahogany 3 times. Not too bad.
Piece was big enough for 2x a 2-piece body :)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/553266_3060350705482_1164861593_32377912_189329109 1_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/385579_3060353785559_1164861593_32377914_199093171 1_n.jpg

Squared the edges with my router and a straight piece of aluminum, bit's too short so I need to get me one with a bearing on the bottom... Oh! And I'm out of glue, so I'll be making a short trip to Antwerp tomorrow. Always nice with this kind of weather. :cool:

See ya!

Mat, when you go to Antwerp say hi to Stijn from me, will you? (lekker bezig btw)

I will! Don't know if I'll have time to pass by his shop. :)
Same goes for you Oi! You da man! ;) Thanks for the interest.

My Taylor dreadnought is made out of Sapele and sounds wonderful.

Good luck with the build!

Got a visit from mr. Inspiration last night.
Since the body blank is going to be a bit on the thin and heavy side, I was looking for a top. Then I saw a Gretsch Roundup...

Now you guess what I'm going for...

Just ordered a Bigsby B16 for this one. Also got a Filtertron coming and some other goodies. :)
Not much building so far but I'll get going when I receive all bits n pieces.

Keep on going Mathias! You'll need all the time you've got...

What if a Gretsch G6121 mated with a Snakehead Esquire???
That's what I'm trying to figure out.

Finally got some key parts in here's a layout.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/485796_3149908384368_1164861593_32418258_169281797 0_n.jpg

Started on the fretboard last week, forgot to put the "start of proof" next to it :oops:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/523911_3122193171505_1164861593_32403055_179098080 8_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/533090_3122198171630_1164861593_32403056_158965468 9_n.jpg

I'll start building the neck this weekend. About time, I guess... :shock::neutral:

Wow, the only person more behind than me :shock:. You need to get cracking :wink:

You know what they say, "Better late than never". Best of luck!

I'll start building the neck this weekend. About time, I guess... :shock::neutral:

Good luck!

I'll be waiting and cheering at the finish line :mrgreen:

Thanks... I'll need all the time I got. Starting to get clear now. :neutral:
Next week is my last week at this job (still got the techie/roadie job) so I'll have some time between jobinterviews.

In the meantime: fiddling with some headstockdesigns.
Can't decide if I'll go with the classic Snakehead or add a kinky "Gretsch" lump (like the early Jets)...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/538938_3150772845979_1164861593_32418616_980264283 _n.jpg

Put the body in clamps on tuesday...
Figured it's about time for some sawing, routing and sanding...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/581388_3201900844147_1164861593_32434836_995751668 _n.jpg
In clamps

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/s720x720/154768_3201903964225_1164861593_32434837_818799223 _n.jpg
Out clamps

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/535426_3201907524314_1164861593_32434838_71951594_ n.jpg
Roughly sawn

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/542149_3201912524439_1164861593_32434839_146753637 2_n.jpg
Routing

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Routed

I decided to go with the "Gretschy" lump for the headstock design... That's a job for saturday.
I'll be out, acting all roadie-like...

Anyway, here's a link to the new single the guys put out today.
Hope you enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAPXJj8S6kI

CUSTOMS - Your Roses (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAPXJj8S6kI)

Also did some work on the bassplayer's Ric:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/485844_3201082303684_1164861593_32434573_196489607 1_n.jpg
Before

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/292696_3201083383711_1164861593_32434575_161347530 8_n.jpg
After

Routed the controlcavities, wiringchannel and did some work on the necktemplate. I'll post some pics later this evening...

Ok. So far so good.
Finished the necktemplate, routed the neck and taking a little break now.
Here are some pictures:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/292259_3212086178774_1164861593_32438750_142569632 9_n.jpg
Parts lay-out

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/544829_3212087898817_1164861593_32438751_160408248 _n.jpg
Cavities routed, next up: glueing the pine top

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/579028_3212090738888_1164861593_32438753_190933476 5_n.jpg
Wiringchannel

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Necktemplate

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What I'm looking at now

I'm buying the pine top tomorrow, not sure if I need to chamber the body...
Pretty light all in all. But lighter is always nice...
Anyway. Back to the shack, routing the trussrod and glueing the fretboard.
See ya.

Very nice! I have never seen a Bigsby like yours before, thats so cool looking . Nice work so far man, keep doing what your doing! Tick tock no time for breaks! :razz:

Hey, someone is actually looking at this thread :D
I've got a question:
- Should I angle the neckpocket with this Bigsby thing? If so, how much?

Put neck in with a ruler over the frets and figure out the angle, dont let the bridge sit to low because low string-pressure on the bridge will cause problems...(less tone, sometimes buzz etc. see common jaguar/jazzmaster problems)

Thanks Oigun. Will check that out...
Got some more work done. Pics coming up.

That bigsby B16 needs an neck angle.

The problem with those units is the bridge pup pocket.
it's way to high for a straight pocket.
Have to mount one on a tele next week, and did some research already ...


s.

Routed the trussrodchannel and glued the fretboard to the neck...
Also routed some weightrelief chambers. Freehand. :)

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Done routing for today. Time for a smoke.

See y'all tomorrow!

Ok, back to work. :)
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/380595_3222133949962_1164861593_32443549_106097453 0_n.jpg
Neck cleaned up, headstock made to the correct thickness and transition made.

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Bindingchannel routed (got some tearouts :sad:) and inlays marked.

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Close-up

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And I'm glueing the knotty pine top. :mrgreen:

Gotta go now. I'll continue this evening.

PS: It's the first time that I'm using binding... Can I simply glue it with superglue?

What kind of binding do you want?
for plastics is uhu the best.


s.

Uhu, plastic binding. Check.

It's getting there! Just thicknessed the knotty pine top...
Pics soon.
(or on my twitteraccount: @wannesderoadie)

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Fretboard dotted, radiused and bindingchannel routed

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Top glued, edges cleaned up and made to thickness.

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Some parts layed out, still need to seal the knots...

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Don't know about the Bigsby, seems a whole lot more complicated then I thought it'd be... I saw someone rout out a little gap, something like this:

http://www.armeirre.de/jotka/tdpri/bigsby.jpg

Don't know about the Bigsby, seems a whole lot more complicated then I thought it'd be... I saw someone rout out a little gap, something like this:

http://www.armeirre.de/jotka/tdpri/bigsby.jpg

That gap might have some effect on the scale. Before doing that I would suggest to see if there's enough room for the bridge to compensate that. (that is if you don't want to re-calculate the scale and make a new fretboard :wink: )

It's not about scale, but about body's that don't have the proper but to install this unit !


s.

It's not about scale, but about body's that don't have the proper but to install this unit !


s.

Right. But if you use the gap, like in the picture, your bridge moves as well. And if you move the bridge upwards, your scale changes IMHO. If that's part of your initial plan it won't be a problem but if you do so afterwards it could be a problem if you can't compensate that with your bridge saddles. :?:

Please correct me if I'm wrong. :wink:

Of course you have to measure the scale first.
And indeed, you can't move the B-unit around so it will fit your guitar.

The B16 is made for standard tele body's and there are company's (not (licensed) fender) who enlarge there body's at the but, so they can go around the fender patent.
The distance between neck pocket and bridge pup cavity will be the same, but the B-unit won't fit because it's to short ...

Like this:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e323/RomanSonnleitner/b16neu.jpg



s.

I know about the scale, it should be 647mm... Before the gap I had something like 654 in the middle. Now I have Something closer to 647 (or 25.5").
So far so good...

Oh and I've got a little riddle:

It's orange, has a Bigsby and a filtertron. Can you guess what it is? :mrgreen:

Oh and I've got a little riddle:

It's orange, has a Bigsby and a filtertron. Can you guess what it is? :mrgreen:

Dunno ??

This ?? :mrgreen:

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2400/1523341942_50233b5ec5_z.jpg

Close, Ike!

https://yfrog.com/Himg875/scaled.php?tn=0&server=875&filename=hg9pt.jpg&xsize=480&ysize=480

:mrgreen:

Binding channel routed, so this evening: more glueing!

(PS: yeah, I know about the blodges in this staincoat. It's superglue that I used to fill the knots with. Still sanding out the excess.)

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Template for the pickguard...

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Single ply tortoise PG

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/576574_3230621602148_1164861593_32447863_420415492 _n.jpg
Just spent over an hour to make templates for the coverplates. Guess how long it took me to rout them on the body?
Sometimes you just wonder how you get to be such a moron with idiotic hobbies. And that's be in an "alright" mood.

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Back stained, pores filled, everything routed,...

Getting there.

See ya!

Just found this neckanglecalculator: http://www.tundraman.com/Guitars/NeckAngle/index.php

According to this one, neckangle should be 4 degrees... Could that be right? If I screw this up I'm f*cked.

Input would be greatly appreciated!!!

Just found this neckanglecalculator: http://www.tundraman.com/Guitars/NeckAngle/index.php

According to this one, neckangle should be 4 degrees... Could that be right? If I screw this up I'm f*cked.

Input would be greatly appreciated!!!

The way I understand it, the 4 degree angle is for a carved top. For a flat top I believe it should be 1-2 degrees. IMHO

That's what I thought too...
Think I'll take a scrap piece of wood and rout a pocket for testing.

Got some work done today too:
Glued the binding to the fingerboard, grainfilled the back, stained it again, stained the top again and put a coat of clear laquer on the top to seal it.
Also started carving the neck.
Tomorrow I plan on finishing the carve and put frets in.
I'll be out backlining on friday and saturday. So next update will be on sunday.

Anyway: today's work
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/582709_3236069418340_1164861593_32449871_155899005 4_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/561348_3236070978379_1164861593_32449873_801943862 _n.jpg
(Please don't tell me I'm the only one that puts ducttape on the back of sandingpaper when sanding a neck?)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/575363_3236079138583_1164861593_32449882_101611852 2_n.jpg
Waiting for binding to arrive, but it gives you an idea of what I want ;)

Cheers.

That's what I thought too...
Think I'll take a scrap piece of wood and rout a pocket for testing.


Great plan !! :wink:

(Please don't tell me I'm the only one that puts ducttape on the back of sandingpaper when sanding a neck?)


Not duct tape, but I alos tape the back of my sandpaper.

Specially when you have to bend high grit paper in different forms !



s.

Yeah, I'd double check the math on that angle. I used the same calculator on my carved
top and came up with a 4.4 and that's using a top that was a smidgeon over 1/2" to start.

This is going to be a really nice piece when you're done!

Have to mount one myself on a squire tele, found this on the web

"KLIK" (http://msengers.home.xs4all.nl/download/neckshim.pdf)

Funny, they do not provide that with the trem any more ...



s.

Thanks a bunch, guys. :)
I'll get to work this evening.

Got to work on the neck... Shaped it roughly and stained it. High spots will pop with sanding. :)

By measure I've found out I had to put a shim in the pocket from 2,5 to 0 mm.

had to resize the cavity for the pup with 1 mm all around.

And file the top of the pup a little bit smaller, because it couldn't go through the B16 hole ...


besides this little thinks: easy to install !!


s.

Seems like your shim (2,5mm >0) is way different then the Bigsby (4mm > 0) shim? :confused:
Think I'm going to use the next couple of days to let it sink in a bit...
(By the way, did you leave the little felt pads underneath the unit in place?)

Stuff I got done today:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/295015_3240468128305_1164861593_32451334_439453458 _n.jpg
Ready, fret, GO!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/574855_3241251307884_1164861593_32451578_178923415 5_n.jpg
Frets hammered in, leveled, beveled, crowned and polished.
Quite happy with the result, but it's not perfect...

And last but not least: 2 things struck me...
1) I did not use my Leatherman AT ALL!
2) Went from a solid plank of wood to all of this you can see in just over a week. I didn't think it was possible! Way cool. :grin:

0 > 4 mm was way to high !

And I removed the feld paths, because they put the unit more than one mm higher than without !


s.

0 > 4 mm was way to high !

And I removed the feld paths, because they put the unit more than one mm higher than without !

s.

A 4mm shim is required to mount the b16 on a body with an existing neck route due to the height of the pickup mount. Something that should be accounted for when routing an angled pocket on a new build.

Ooopps. Sorry! I missed your earlier post that pointed this out.

Just did some experimenting yesterday with a '4 to 0mm' pad and a '2.5 to 0mm' pad.

With the first the neck angle was to big, I had to turn the bridge till the highest point, and even then the action was way to low !

With the 2.5 to 0 mm pad I had to turn the bridge a little bit upwards. There is no string touching the pup mount or screws that are pointing out.


s.


" Edit: no problem :wink: "

Man, I love this job.
I'm in Luxemburg (a country even smaller than Belgium) at this musicvenue doing "backline" for Avishai Cohen (really cool jazz) and I'm chilling my ass offf. :mrgreen:
Weather is really nice, free drinks and free food. :mrgreen:
I'm a lucky SOaB.

Tomorrow and monday back to the Tele, backline again on tuesday.

I love to fabricate and install those 0mm shims!:razz: My favorites!

Thunders, am really enjoying your build. Very informative. At one time, I thought I might want to build a Tele with a Bigsby, but it looks a bit involved. . .:sad:

Thanks, man. At one time I felt like I was talking to myself. :)
I've underestimated this Bigsby. Bit more of a hassle than I thought it'd be.
But that's why I love this forum: everybody shares info.

If you wanna build one, I'd say do it. Just do your research and take notes (keep 'em in a small map or booklet or something) I started doing that too.

At one time I felt like I was talking to myself. :)


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQTGJwjOmvo/T1pDDAmE9wI/AAAAAAAAAg4/QTXEcNDhQjc/s1600/not-alone.jpg

:mrgreen: :lol:

Got to work again. Routed the neckpocket and drilled the tunerholes. Also did a bunch of sanding. Nothing spectacular, but it starts looking like a guitar. :)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/303458_3259486483752_1164861593_32459210_661287388 _n.jpg

Don't know if anyone covered this yet but You can used a clamp to hold the b16 in place and string up the two e strings. That way you can move everything around to line it up with the neck then mark your holes before drilling. Have the pickup in place when doing this to get the pole pieces lined up and forget about the center line of your body. Chances are it won't be centered on the body once its lined up with the neck.

It's a good feeling when you have a "guitar" to look at, isn't it?

Thanks for the idea, Mightyaxeman. :) Simple yet effective.
I'm still painting the guitar, I'll put it together a few days before the deadline.
That way the lacquer will have cured for about 10 days (not nearly enough but it'll do).

And, yeah, you are right eMoney. Great feeling. :)

Nice Job - love the Bigsby and the colour

Thanks Paulmarr. :) it's turning out like I wanted it to. No big surprises...

Good thing I have to go to work today. That way the lacquer can cure some more will I wait for the binding to arrive. :)

And by the way: how do you guys make binding goop? Just some acetone and then a little brush?

That's pretty much it. Cut up a bunch of tiny pieces of binding, put them into a cup or
medicine bottle or ?, and pour enough Acetone in to cover them and wait. It's better if
you stir it often and it takes a couple of hours for it really melt the binding, but works
like a charm. A tip: cut very small pieces of the binding and it will melt faster and into
a better consistency. Ask me how I know, lol.

Ask me how I know, lol.

How do you know? :mrgreen:
Thanks. I'll try that tomorrow.

I'm really liking the aesthetic sense you have there. All the parts look great together.

I'm really liking the aesthetic sense you have there. All the parts look great together.

Thanks a lot man! Great compliment. :)

You know, I just figured this thread NEEDS, just screams for

CHILI CON CARNE
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/582191_3280101439113_1164861593_32466814_126710081 8_n.jpg
:twisted:

(I wonder how my mother and little brother are going to like it. )

Looking good Thunders! (The guitar, that is, not the chili, although the thought of chili con carne is mouthwatering!)

great job Thundermans

looks like an axe that already has done it's fair share of club touring.

barno

Thanks guys. :)
Appreciate the support from fellow Belgians.

And Helix: I'm still waiting for the binding for the body that's probably the reason you think it's all battered and worn.
Hopefully I get it in this friday. Would be nice 'cause that way I can take a cool family picture (got a CS Nocaster and Custom Tele in the house for maintainance).

Cheers

Man! I'm super stoked on this build. This is only my third homemade one and I couldn't be happier. This is without a doubt the nicest one. The first one was a black Esquire with a purchased neck, the other one the red Supro.
Really happy when I see it all coming together.
It's not perfect, but damn... I'm in love. :)

Can't wait to see the final results AND the video! :mrgreen:

Thanks guys. :)
Appreciate the support from fellow Belgians.

And Helix: I'm still waiting for the binding for the body that's probably the reason you think it's all battered and worn.
Hopefully I get it in this friday. Would be nice 'cause that way I can take a cool family picture (got a CS Nocaster and Custom Tele in the house for maintainance).

Cheers

nothing wrong with battered and worn look!

adding binding in this stage : prepare for some heavy duty cursing ... :)

but it will all be worth it

Thanks guys. :)
Appreciate the support from fellow Belgians.


I could never live in Belgium... The beer's so good, I'd never be sober!

I know what you mean man. You should see me at times!
The Duvels I drank... Nothing but good times. :D

And Helix: I've still got a day to figure out how I'm going to protect the finish...

Neck all done...
Little bit of clean up needed, but this is it:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/s720x720/75270_3298585421201_1164861593_32470702_258773463_ n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/524260_3298588341274_1164861593_32470705_13427395_ n.jpg

Still waiting for the mailman to bring my @&$*£% BINDING! WHY IS IT TAKING SO LONG?! :mad:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/156471_3313786641222_1164861593_32477500_214415932 2_n.jpg
Finally! Got the binding in. A bit unorthodox, but I think it might work. Used the recommended UHU glue and painters tape.

This week: Clean up, ASSEMBLY & WIRING week!
Fingers crossed it turns out OK. :)

This week: Clean up, ASSEMBLY & WIRING week!
Fingers crossed it turns out OK. :)

Go Thunders, Go !! :mrgreen:

Oh it's gonna work and be an awesome guitar when you're done!

Thanks guys. :)

This is what I'm looking at now:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/531270_3315721329588_1164861593_32478480_193299463 7_n.jpg

Homestretch! Bit of cleanup, last clearcoat (glue ate up some of the clear at some places, nothing bad), electronics and stringing this one up.

Getting really curious.

Hopefully the last mock-up this thread will ever see:
(Ain't there a special price for most mock-up pics???)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/529789_3315723409640_1164861593_32478482_107108780 0_n.jpg

See ya!

I'm loving these Gretsch inspired teles this year. You've done a great job with this one!

I'm loving these Gretsch inspired teles this year. You've done a great job with this one!

Thanks man. I must tell you I'm multitalented... I can piss off Telepurists AND Gretschpurists at the same time. :mrgreen:

I really like the lines on that!
Looks fantastic!

Sweeeeeeeet!

Barncaster

Thanks! :razz:
Just did some last wet-sanding... My hands are red again, just like the past few weeks. :mrgreen:
Funny story: told my co-workers (all women, mind you! First man in 10 years) at the daycare (during the week I work at a daycare centre for kids between 3 and 12 years old, during the weekend I pretend to be a backlinetech) I'm building a guitar. You should've seen their faces. :shock:

But they haven't seen all the stuff I'm seeing in this sub-forum... :cool:

EDIT: No I ain't gay (nothing against gay people, been on the road with the coolest gay jazzpianist for a couple of weeks, the guy won an Oscar for his music in the movie "The Artist") and no I don't like kids in an inappropriate way.

jef neve dedju

nice tele, congratz man
how about some strings and let us hear how she sings

jef neve dedju

nice tele, congratz man
how about some strings and let us hear how she sings

I'll be wiring her up tomorrow. :)

(Gij bent ook goed bezig anders, heard some talk about somebody wanting a Guttlin Joker guitar.)

Wow, not sure how I missed this thread, that looks great.

Haha, you're "job disclaimer" was funny. It is odd how strange people look at you when
you tell them you build guitars. "You 'build' then all by yourself??"...like we're curing
cancer or something, lol.

This thing's gonna be very cool and I'm excited to hear it rock out.

Looking good Thunders!
Now, go, to the finish :mrgreen:

http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/rudall30/rudall301105/rudall30110500056/9599865-cartoon-character-exhausted-on-finish-line.jpg

Very very hot , very very sexy! Can't wait to hear it!

Looking good , I like it , I like it a lot :smile:

Thanks guys!
I'm cleaning up a bit before final buffing and wiring. :)

Cheers

*teaser*

126904

:twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

Started wiring today. Went just fine, not the usual mistakes.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/546032_3330284853667_1164861593_32483969_356444276 _n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/562140_3330286733714_1164861593_32483970_136032811 7_n.jpg
Switch done

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/540253_3330289253777_1164861593_32483971_755176931 _n.jpg
Pots done



*DRUM ROLL*















https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/554399_3330292453857_1164861593_32483973_165397750 9_n.jpg
Strung her up again.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/301713_3330290973820_1164861593_32483972_134009117 8_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/305673_3330294653912_1164861593_32483974_161366653 4_n.jpg
Now back to the workbench, still needs a good set-up. The usual TLC.
And I need to figure out why the D & G strings keep popping off of the nut...
Think I'm going to shim the neck. Dunno yet.

See ya on saturday!
Videoday ;)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/305673_3330294653912_1164861593_32483974_161366653 4_n.jpg


WOW, looking goooooood Thunders :!: :razz: :grin:



And I need to figure out why the D & G strings keep popping off of the nut...
Think I'm going to shim the neck. Dunno yet.


Maybe you need some string trees ?

It'll mess up the headstock, but yeah... That would be a quicker fix.
Off to the guitarshop.

EDIT: Couldn't help but plug it in an play a bit on my Champ. :mrgreen: It's cool! Angry little thing!

Cool! I'm lookin' forward to the video.

Just did a proper set-up. Trussrod works!
Made a stringtree out of a little flat brass rod I found in an arts shop.
And my little brother came to check my work again.
I'm actually thankful he didn't smash my head with the guitar 'cause I made such a mess out of his chill-room (I'm using it as my workshop). He's cool. :)

127123

Oh! And I got the strap I ordered in today along with the Gator case.

Awesome guitar and action shot!

Super-cool guitar; one of the nicest bigsby teles I've ever
seen. Red was definitely the right color choice.

Great work!

Super nice! Can't wait to hear it. Even my son says it is beautiful!

that's a great pic! The guitar turned out awesome! I think my next one is definitely going to be in that style for sure. I really dig it.

Very classy. I love a Bigsby on a tele! Great build!

Really well done Mr. T! I think I like it better than any Gretsch I've ever seen.

Barncaster

I'm pretty sure I'm not cool enough to play that guitar, I probably shouldn't even be looking at it. That's awesome work.

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/attachments/2012-tdpri-tele-build-challenge/127123-thunders1988s-2012-build-challenge-thread-forumrunner_20120511_145114-jpg

Looks good!

You've definitely build something to be proud of; seriously nice guitar!

GdP5g3NOtmk

Videoday, as promised. I didn't play it, ain't that good. :)
Everything works as it should. Video only shows the middle position, so both PU's on. Was afraid it wouldn't be balanced, but it turned out just right.
All pics and video in this thread were made with my HTC Desire...
Videoquality isn't that good, but hey! You get the picture.

Final picture for the compilation thread:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/305673_3330294653912_1164861593_32483974_161366653 4_n.jpg

Now I'm off for an evening of tasting different beers!
For the curious people;
Here's a little list of what they serve:
• Brugse zot
• Trappist westmalle
• Tripel westmalle
• Duvel
• Hopus
• Mc chouffe
• La chouffe
• La trappe quadrupel
• La trappe tripel
• Tripel karmeliet
• Sint bernardus abt 12
• Zeezuiper
• Hertenheer
• Rochefort 8
• Turnhoutse patriot
• Delirium tremens
• Postel blond
• Schuppenboer
• Palm
• Kempisch vuur drie dubbel


Cheers!

Hey! This thing is open again?! :mrgreen:
Awesome...

Gonna take the guitar on the road today. Curious what "the band" thinks of it... :neutral: