Allthesound's 2012 Challenge Build Thread -- COMPLETED

So many uncertainties surrounding my life at the moment not sure if i will be able to go the distance but here i am at the starting gate.

No matter how things play out my greatest enjoyment will be watching each of you folks work your magic! Good luck to everyone!!

Best of luck to you, Steve. At least you'll have a nice diversion for a little while. Hope to see you at the finish line

In times of tumult, there is no better time to build, even if it's a few minutes here or there. I've found it much better to have my hands wrapped around wood, than around some scrawny rat bastard's neck that so richly deserves it! :lol:

Welcome, and good luck! :grin:

Dave

In times of tumult, there is no better time to build, even if it's a few minutes here or there. I've found it much better to have my hands wrapped around wood, than around some scrawny rat bastard's neck that so richly deserves it! :lol:

Welcome, and good luck! :grin:

Dave

that was worth repeating

Thanks Roger & Dave! Cant wait to see what you guys have in the works.

In times of tumult, there is no better time to build, even if it's a few minutes here or there. I've found it much better to have my hands wrapped around wood, than around some scrawny rat bastard's neck that so richly deserves it! :lol:

Welcome, and good luck! :grin:

Dave

that was worth repeating

Lol agreed , and it was worth reading twice

Welcome to the party...

This is as good as therapy...

Hey Steve , glad to see you are in , good building to ya :)

Welcome to the party...

This is as good as therapy...

Thanks dilbone so good to see you at the party!

Hey Steve , glad to see you are in , good building to ya :)

Same to you Herb I have learned a lot from your threads. Much success to ya my friend!

After much of thought about a few design ideas and gnashing of teeth I'm going with my first design choice. I'm probably biting off more than i can chew for my second build but here it goes anyways (it's only wood right? :smile:). Being my second build and i expect the progress will be slow i'm in for the Overall category.

The idea is to do a one solid piece mahogany neck & body tele with a thin quilted maple top , flamed maple fretboard and finally a black walnut inlay pick guard (similar to my first build as seen to the right of the wood) . I have not settled on the hardware or binding yet. I may or may not chamber i have to see were the weight is after the cutout.

Here is my proof of start photo

http://allthesound.com/2012/wood1.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/wood2.jpg

This will be a great thread. I've only seen one other all-in-one build before. I can post a link for you if you'd like to see how he tackled everything.

Sweet ! That is gonna be a looker Steve. Good eye for the lumber.

Seems like my webhost is having some server issues so i am posting my proof of start photos again as attachments hopefully its resolved soon. Sorry to those who looked and saw nothing.

This will be a great thread. I've only seen one other all-in-one build before. I can post a link for you if you'd like to see how he tackled everything.

I hope so I will do my best to document each step as much as time will allow. If im successful in this build maybe it could be of use to someone down the road. Im certainly open to any helpful advise or suggestions , this is kinda uncharted territory for me. I found the thread you mentioned. Looks like i have my work cut out for me :shock:

Sweet ! That is gonna be a looker Steve. Good eye for the lumber.

I hope so Herb , I'll do my best. and thanks! I was gonna use that mahogany for a couple LP bodies , but i already got two out of the other half of it and my other tele will need a mate so its not out numbered. :smile:

Looks like some nice lumber. Where do you get your's?

Looks like some nice lumber. Where do you get your's?

I was just about to ask the same thing. Good looking wood.
Hi Steve. Another neighbor here. I'm in Vernon. Really enjoyed reading about your last build. I'm knocked out by that switch tip you made.

Is that little green guy a subtle hint as to what we can expect for color or some other feature?

Looks like some nice lumber. Where do you get your's?

Thanks Hockeygoon I got the quilted maple from ebay seller buzzsaw-international.

The mahogany and black walnut I got from a cabinet shop right here in Griswold called GK Woodworking http://www.gkwoodworking.com He also has some great tiger maple as well as other hardwoods. I got my Basswood for my last build from him as well. The owners a super guy to deal with.

I was just about to ask the same thing. Good looking wood.
Hi Steve. Another neighbor here. I'm in Vernon. Really enjoyed reading about your last build. I'm knocked out by that switch tip you made.

Hi! .Thanks for noticing the switch tip it worked out pretty well. Some of my family came from the Vernon /Rockville area.

Is that little green guy a subtle hint as to what we can expect for color or some other feature?

:mrgreen: He is just here in a advisory role and to share occasional laughs but really he just likes to nonchalantly be in the spotlight.:roll:

Im certainly open to any helpful advise or suggestions
Work smarter, not harder!:mrgreen:

Got a chance to make a start on my neck & body template today. Pics pretty much tell the story , nothing fancy here.

http://allthesound.com/2012/2.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/3.jpg

Checked the neck / body alignment with a piece of string.

http://allthesound.com/2012/4.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/5.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/6.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/7.jpg

My bandsaw wheel threw a tire so i wrapped it with friction tape to get me through cutting the template.

http://allthesound.com/2012/7a.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/8.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/9.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/10.jpg

Next step will be running the mahogany though the planer and cutting the rough shape.

Got a chance to make a start on my neck & body template today. Pics pretty much tell the story , nothing fancy here.

http://allthesound.com/2012/10.jpg

Next step will be running the mahogany though the planer and cutting the rough shape.

Hey I have a template just like that :wink:.

Can I make a suggestion? I didn't realize how good the upper fret access was going to be with this design until I held one, no big block of wood, neck plate and neck heel in the way makes it nice to play up the neck. I would recommend placing your neck pickup low enough that you can get 24 frets on this thing. I'm sorta kicking myself for not thinking of that during the planning stages. Let me know if you need the 24 fret layout, I can get you one.

I can't wait to see how you go about building yours, makes me want to stop mine just to watch yours come together. Sometimes it can be difficult to work with because of it's length but overall I really like building this style. I think I like yours better already with mahogany and the recessed pickguard. I'm a big fan of that recessed wood pickguard.

Hey, that's a great start. But at my age, I need you to move the bandsaw and drill press
up on a table because it's hurting my knees everytime you bend over (sympathy pain and all).

JK, good job and I'm glad there's "two of you" building these one piece guitars. It'll be neat
to watch the subtle differences.

Hey I have a template just like that :wink:.

Can I make a suggestion? I didn't realize how good the upper fret access was going to be with this design until I held one, no big block of wood, neck plate and neck heel in the way makes it nice to play up the neck. I would recommend placing your neck pickup low enough that you can get 24 frets on this thing. I'm sorta kicking myself for not thinking of that during the planning stages. Let me know if you need the 24 fret layout, I can get you one.

I can't wait to see how you go about building yours, makes me want to stop mine just to watch yours come together. Sometimes it can be difficult to work with because of it's length but overall I really like building this style. I think I like yours better already with mahogany and the recessed pickguard. I'm a big fan of that recessed wood pickguard.

Thanks for the suggestion I still haven't decided if im going to go with tele pickups or if i will do humbuckers , I'm leaning toward Tele pups and bridge if i go that way i will most likely stick with the traditional 21.

You can't stop now who else will copy? :mrgreen: Man thats like getting halfway cross country going back roads and then losing your map out the window. J/k I had quite a bit worked out in my head but your build has really answered alot of questions I still had. I'm going to try and be as original as possible but i'm sure there are going to be some methods you used that I will emulate.

Thanks again for being so gracious and also for the compliment on the recessed pickguard. I have to admit though i'm a little nervous about doing it this time, last time it was just a $15 piece of basswood if i screwed up This time the stakes are a bit higher.:shock:

Keep up the amazing work man, You build rules!

Hey, that's a great start. But at my age, I need you to move the bandsaw and drill press
up on a table because it's hurting my knees everytime you bend over (sympathy pain and all).

JK, good job and I'm glad there's "two of you" building these one piece guitars. It'll be neat
to watch the subtle differences.

LOL thanks, I wish i had a place to setup waist high , im no spring chicken either my back and joints remind me everyday. 30 years as a stone mason has taken its toll. Racing motocross when i was younger didn't help much either.

Muzikp is the master!

Today was pretty nice & clear most of the day and tomorrow is suppose to rain so i figured i would get as much done as i could. I made a little progress. Planed down the mahogany and the maple and got the body cut out. I was a little nervous that my lil 9" bandsaw wouldn't be up to the task with only 1 tire on 1 wheel and friction tape on the other, somehow it all worked out.

The mahogany was 13.5 inches and my surface planer is 13 so i had to trim off a 1/4 in each side.

http://allthesound.com/2012/12.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/13.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/14.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/15.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/16.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/17.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/18.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/19.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/20.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/21.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/22.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/23.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/24.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/25.jpg

Hey wait are you me??? I raced BMX, mtn bikes and motocross from age 4 til 27 now we're building the same guitar :shock:

With my pinned together bones working on the ground is not an option for me. This makes me want to send you a table :lol:.

Hey wait are you me??? I raced BMX, mtn bikes and motocross from age 4 til 27 now we're building the same guitar :shock:

With my pinned together bones working on the ground is not an option for me. This makes me want to send you a table :lol:.

No kidding? That's cool man. i didn't ride quite that long i raced for about 4 years until i took a handlebar through my chest protector and fractured my sternum. took a good 6 months before i could really get back out and mix it up , but i lost that no fear attitude you need to compete so i hung up my goggles for good.

Thanks dude can you send that Fedex overnight? :grin: J/K i do have a workmate its just such a pain to drag everything out and setup , One day my hope is to have a lil shop i can keep things setup in.

This kinda confirms the theory that "we all have a twin somewhere". I check both your
threads and its like, deja vu.

Body and neck look great. Will you do a truss rod or no?

Nice work Steve , but it hurts my back to see you working off the ground !:lol:

Nice work Steve , but it hurts my back to see you working off the ground !:lol:

I feel your pain.

Wow Steve - my hat is off to you - you are getting great results out of that bandsaw. I had one much like it but couldn't get the performance you are out of it which forced me to upgrade.

I love your selection of wood and can't wait til that puppy is finished!

This kinda confirms the theory that "we all have a twin somewhere". I check both your
threads and its like, deja vu.

Body and neck look great. Will you do a truss rod or no?

Thanks, Defiantly I will be doing a truss rod , I have to put a order in, the ones i have are the wrong size, good thing i double checked.

Nice work Steve , but it hurts my back to see you working off the ground !:lol:

Thanks a bunch Herb! Man i don't want people to be in pain discomfort looking at my thread i promise from here on out to clean off my workmate and raise things up a bit.:lol:

Wow Steve - my hat is off to you - you are getting great results out of that bandsaw. I had one much like it but couldn't get the performance you are out of it which forced me to upgrade.

I love your selection of wood and can't wait til that puppy is finished!

Thanks! It cuts the mahogany pretty easy as long as you go slow

I have never worked with quilted maple before its really weird stuff , Running it through the planer did not yield very good results lots of nicks and gouges. Lucky i only ran one side through so that will be the bottom. Sanding doesn't seem to work to well on it either looks like it will be the scraper all the way.
I was thinking of doing a gentle carve on the top but now im not so sure its a good idea.

Looking great steve! Good work on the bandsaw too, I bet that took a little forward planning!!

Looking great steve! Good work on the bandsaw too, I bet that took a little forward planning!!

Thanks, I really has my doubts but cutting out the template first allowed me to see if i could make the turns required and gave me a much needed confidence boost to tackle the 2 inch mahogany. That was pretty much it for forward planning.:wink:

I made my final decision yesterday on what hardware I will use and went and picked it up. I kinda want to keep a traditional vibe on this build so i picked some

Gotoh vintage nickel 15:1 tuners
Joe Barden custom style bridge for American Standard Telecaster nickel
CTS pots 250k
Switchcraft output jack
Nickel string ferrules
18.25 inch double action truss rod.


For the pickups I'm leaning toward the Lindy Fralin stock neck and bridge , but still considering other options that might work best with mahogany. I'm open to suggestions.

http://allthesound.com/2012/26.jpg

Nice hardware choices Steve , I love nickel plated hardware :)

Nice hardware choices Steve , I love nickel plated hardware :)

Thanks Herb, I do love the look of nickel too.

I wasn't sure about the bridge I had never heard of Joe Barden before, so my initial reaction was "Who the heck is Joe Barden and why do i want his name on my guitar" The guy i bought it from kinda chuckled and said trust me its a good bridge. So i took his advise. From what i have been reading since then it wasn't a bad choice. The only bummer is it looks like the print i have for my template is for a vintage style bridge so the string through holes are below the 4 screw mounting holes and on this bridge the string throughs are above the 4 mounting screws. Looks like i will have to figure something else out for the template print.

I still need to get the jack cup and control plate , 4 way switch and a string tree.

Sounds like he sold you the modern vs. the vintage bridge. You might want to take it back.

Barncaster

I used a stock Fralin bridge pickup in a recent build and loved it.

Tonerider "hot classics" are good too.

Thanks Herb, I do love the look of nickel too.

I wasn't sure about the bridge I had never heard of Joe Barden before, so my initial reaction was "Who the heck is Joe Barden and why do i want his name on my guitar" The guy i bought it from kinda chuckled and said trust me its a good bridge. So i took his advise. From what i have been reading since then it wasn't a bad choice. The only bummer is it looks like the print i have for my template is for a vintage style bridge so the string through holes are below the 4 screw mounting holes and on this bridge the string throughs are above the 4 mounting screws. Looks like i will have to figure something else out for the template print.

I still need to get the jack cup and control plate , 4 way switch and a string tree.

I have several Joe Barden bridges and I like them a lot. I can send you a template drawing for both bridge versions if you like. Be aware though that the one you have is considerably longer than the vintage version. I prefer the looks of the vintage, the modern just seems too long. Can you take that one back and get the vintage version? Here's a pic of the two.

http://i.imgur.com/BwbSu.jpg (http://imgur.com/BwbSu)

Sounds like he sold you the modern vs. the vintage bridge. You might want to take it back.

Unfortunately I can't return it where i bought it. :sad:


Barncaster

I used a stock Fralin bridge pickup in a recent build and loved it.

Tonerider "hot classics" are good too.

Good to hear , have you tired the Fralin neck P/U?

I have several Joe Barden bridges and I like them a lot. I can send you a template drawing for both bridge versions if you like. Be aware though that the one you have is considerably longer than the vintage version. I prefer the looks of the vintage, the modern just seems too long. Can you take that one back and get the vintage version? Here's a pic of the two.

http://i.imgur.com/BwbSu.jpg (http://imgur.com/BwbSu)

If you have the template drawing for the bridge i have that would be great! Thanks a ton, I'm kinda stuck with this version now.

Lots of craziness around here the last week. I finally got a day yesterday to get a little more done, progress is slow but each step is a great learning experience and really enjoyable. I was able to get the fret board cut out , the pick guard cut out , the body & neck outline routed to the template and the top joined.

I dragged my workmate outside to rise my work up off the ground, not sure why i didn't do that from the start except i was dreading carrying that slab of granite.

http://allthesound.com/2012/26a.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/27.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/28.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/29.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/30.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/31.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/32.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/33.jpg
Tried my dremel sanders in the drill press, it was way easier to control.
http://allthesound.com/2012/34.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/35.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/36.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/37.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/38.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/39.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/40.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/41.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/42.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/43.jpg
Ouch! a little slip , not sure if i should sand away or fill it. any suggestions?
http://allthesound.com/2012/45.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/46.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/47.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/48.jpg

That's pretty much it so far. Now that the easier parts are done, the real fun begins.:shock:

Looking good Steve , up off the ground too ! I would sand the tip of the horn down to take care of that slip but that's me , filler would take care of it if you are going solid color . :smile:

Ouch! a little slip , not sure if i should sand away or fill it. any suggestions?

this advice isn't going to help you on this guitar, and this is my own pet theory but... i find that the larger your router base, the less tippy it is. especially on little pieces of land like the horn. if a router table isn't in your future find a piece of plexi glass and replace your baseplate to provide more surface contact.

looks cool btw. interested to see what you do with the heel area.

Wow that pick guard looks awesome. I am looking forward to seeing it recessed in the body. Such a cool idea.

Looking good Steve , up off the ground too ! I would sand the tip of the horn down to take care of that slip but that's me , filler would take care of it if you are going solid color . :smile:

Thanks Herb! Defiantly allot more comfortable working off a bench. I agree sanding it down will be the best choice , Im going to be mostly like finishing this in tung oil. BTW your burst finish is outa this world. I'm loving it.

this advice isn't going to help you on this guitar, and this is my own pet theory but... i find that the larger your router base, the less tippy it is. especially on little pieces of land like the horn. if a router table isn't in your future find a piece of plexi glass and replace your baseplate to provide more surface contact.

looks cool btw. interested to see what you do with the heel area.

I think i will invest in a router table next go round. That's a great suggestion using a larger plexiglass base, I may do that as well. As for the heel unless i can come up with a totally innovative idea, I really like the style heel that Muzikp used on his amazing build. Of all the styles i have explored that one seems like it would be the most ergonomic and comfortable and visually appealing. But i'm open to ideas and suggestions as always.

Wow that pick guard looks awesome. I am looking forward to seeing it recessed in the body. Such a cool idea.

Thanks James! This time I am much more nervous about doing the pick guard than the last time. I had really hoped to get a pattern bit instead of free handing it but its not in the cards this go round. I think maybe a routing template will have to do. To further complicate things I'm toying with the idea of setting it flush with the quilt and doing a slight carve on the top so the edges slope down gently. We will see how brave iI am. :wink:

Wow, there's something about the state this build is in at the moment that makes me think,
"This is perfect for the next Flintstone's movie!". It's too bad that's probably heavy, because
it's already looking cool just as it sits. Nice work.

Wow, there's something about the state this build is in at the moment that makes me think,
"This is perfect for the next Flintstone's movie!". It's too bad that's probably heavy, because
it's already looking cool just as it sits. Nice work.

Thanks! I do like a fatter neck but this might be pushing it a bit :lol:

Right now as it sits it's sitting just a hair over 7 pounds. After i trim the neck back and rout the body cavities it will be less. My target completed is between between 6-7.5 pounds.

http://allthesound.com/2012/49.jpg


Speaking of Flintstones, my other work in progress might have a few pounds on it. :mrgreen:

http://allthesound.com/2012/pizzaoven_base.jpg

Today I removed the clamps on the top and did a little scraping and traced out the body shape about 1/4 inch bigger than the template this should give me enough overhang to route flush with the mahogany.

http://allthesound.com/2012/50.jpg


I thought it might be worth mentioning to anyone who saw that I ran the quilted maple through the surface planer and might want to try it, It's not recommended to do this especially on the side you plan to be the finish side. As you can see from this next shot small chunks came out and that was taking off 1/32 at a time with very sharp blades. I knew this would be the underside so i took the risk. I have seen others that have tried and had pieces tear out clean through leaving huge holes. Again this is not a preferred method.

http://allthesound.com/2012/51.jpg

Today was a pretty nice day outside so i went back at it and made a little progress.

I started by cutting out a body cavity template out of 3/4 MDF. I really hate cutting that crap! Even though i wear a face mask i still end up tasting it. Think i need to get a good respirator.

http://allthesound.com/2012/52.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/53.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/54.jpg

I was fortunate to be able to sand away my previous router slip on the horn. That made me happy. :grin:

http://allthesound.com/2012/55.jpg


Next i took everything outside and setup to route the truss rod slot. The jig i made for my first build was not high enough to fit the 2" thick neck so i had to come up with something else. I had the scrap left over from my body cutout and figured i would give it a go since it was the same height the router would slide right over it without any jumps.


http://allthesound.com/2012/56.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/57.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/58.jpg

Feeling good about how the truss rod slot worked out i figured i would go around the base of the neck since i still had the small bit still on and its easier to control.


http://allthesound.com/2012/60.jpg

I was going to make a router sled out of some sched 40 PVC i picked up. But now i was feeling cocky and figured why the heck not! let's go for broke! :mrgreen:


http://allthesound.com/2012/61.jpg

Careful with that horn man! :twisted:


http://allthesound.com/2012/62.jpg

I started at 1/4 inch (half depth) Then adjusted down to 1/2.



http://allthesound.com/2012/63.jpg

Lucky i realized pretty quick that if i did this way i would have to make one pass 1/4 inch sand smooth route my scrap pieces to match , sand them smooth .... ummm no thanks. I dropped to the full 1/2 and let her rip saying a lil prayer as i went.



http://allthesound.com/2012/64.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/65.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/66.jpg

I didn't realize the resolution on the video was set low sorry for that.


1MXzy2zdfek


http://allthesound.com/2012/67.jpg


A little clean up with a chisel and sand paper around the neck.


http://allthesound.com/2012/68.jpg

Yep it's what it looks like , using a high tech finger drill for this build. :oops:


http://allthesound.com/2012/69.jpg

I did work up a pretty good appetite. All you guys posting food pics in your build threads is making me salivate.

So here's mine , Baked boneless chicken breast with lemon goddess marinade, egg noodles with parmesan cheese butter and olive oil and corn. :rolleyes:
http://allthesound.com/2012/70.jpg

So in a effort to try and make the last pic relevant to my build whoa-la my neck heel template. :lol: I think i will use a little smaller plate though to get just a bit more rise in the curve.

http://allthesound.com/2012/71.jpg

Great progress today, Steve. It's looking really good.

Great progress today, Steve. It's looking really good.

Thanks Roger! :grin: Next session i hope to get the body chambered, capped , and the neck and headstock slimmed down.

Hey Steve,

I'm thinking the body in that blue with white binding like the plate is not too bad. A couple of white P-90s to match... Sweeet!

Barncaster

Good progress Steve , looks good :)

Good progress Steve , looks good :)

Thanks Herb! :razz:

If i ever do another build like this i will make sure i have a long enough drill bit for the truss rod nut. I ended up having to use 4 different sizes from small to larger and turning them with channel locks. PITA.:roll:

I have a little dilemma.

I planned on cambering the body to reduce the weight. On my first build i did a body contour which feels great and i really want to do the same on this build. But i just cant seem to figure out a way to do both and have it balance properly. What to do , what to do :neutral: Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. :?:

Steve , I know Jack Wells did a belly cut on a hollow body a while back , search Jack's threads , I can't remember the title of that thread right now .

Steve , I know Jack Wells did a belly cut on a hollow body a while back , search Jack's threads , I can't remember the title of that thread right now .

Very cool searching now. Thanks Herb! You da man!

Are you worried about balance, or? I wouldn't think that chambering a body with a
belly cut would create a problem? Might have to take off a little less here or
more there.

Then again, I know nothing about a one piece guitar.

Are you worried about balance, or? I wouldn't think that chambering a body with a
belly cut would create a problem? Might have to take off a little less here or
more there.

Then again, I know nothing about a one piece guitar.

After researching it a bit I think your right it should not be a problem. I weighed the pieces i cut out of the template and they were about 1.5 pounds so its worth the effort to chamber. Looks like I will attempt both.

Been running around the past couple days putting out little fires instead of working on my build like i planned. Hopefully things normalize soon so i can get back at it. I did manage to get the hole drilled and the bottom of the neck cleaned up , my blisters had sisters so had to use a pair of pliers to twist the bits.


http://allthesound.com/2012/73.jpg

Hey Steve,

I'm thinking the body in that blue with white binding like the plate is not too bad. A couple of white P-90s to match... Sweeet!

Barncaster

Sorry i missed your post my brain has been frazzled latley , You might be one to something there. I bet that would look cool for another build.

Steve! That is looking great man!

Steve! That is looking great man!

Thanks Al! Happy Easter.

With things beginning to settle down a bit i was able to make a little progress yesterday. I have been just kinda winging this as i go so some design changes were bound to happen.
After some thought about how to stabilize the neck that can't really be adjusted other than with the truss rod. I decided to add some 1/4 inch square strips of rosewood cut with an opposing grain and glued & set into channels routed on both sides of the truss rod. Hopefully this will add some stability, if not i don't see how it can hurt.

I was looking at a chunk of rosewood i had and saw this cool section i thought might look good on the headstock so i roughed it out and may give it a shot if i can get it thin enough and bend it without breaking it. I got the quilt cap rough cut to shape.

http://allthesound.com/2012/74.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/75.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/76.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/77.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/78.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/79.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/80.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/81.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/82.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/83.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/84.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/85.jpg

Happy Easter everyone! and keep on rockin!!

I'm really blow away by all the amazing builds in this years challenge. It's hard to keep up with them all. You guys are amazing!

http://allthesound.com/2012/86.jpg

Boy, that top sure is pretty. All your wood is pretty, gonna be a nice looking guitar.

A really classy build Steve, love that mahogany! :smile:

Boy, that top sure is pretty. All your wood is pretty, gonna be a nice looking guitar.


Thanx nosmo!. I hope it turns out ok. i'm kinda on the fence with the head stock veneer.

A really classy build Steve, love that mahogany! :smile:

Thanks Dave! yeah that mahogany is so nice to work with, even as thick as it is my little Ryobi cut through it like it was butter.

Hope the cutting goes as well when i attempt to resaw the neck. :eek:

Looks great Steve. I like the rosewood strips in the neck, I think that was a good idea and it will add some stability. I had the advantage of a glue joint down the middle of my neck and the two pieces have opposing grain. I was a little concerned about yours since you have no glue joint, but not anymore :wink:. Great build so far.

Looks great Steve. I like the rosewood strips in the neck, I think that was a good idea and it will add some stability. I had the advantage of a glue joint down the middle of my neck and the two pieces have opposing grain. I was a little concerned about yours since you have no glue joint, but not anymore :wink:. Great build so far.

Thanks James! I'm pretty happy with the way the strips went in. I had been looking at different methods and saw some neck thru bass designs that used two carbon fiber rods. There seemed to be some debate on if the carbon was too ridged and didn't allow for enough flex in the neck. I thought the rosewood would be a nice compromise, and maybe more appropriate for the tension of guitar strings vs bass strings we will see. :smile:

I gotta say thanks to Dirty Al as well for reaffirming the idea.

I still have a long way to go and deadline creeps up quick. Tempus fugit :neutral:

fret dot idea didn't work out post deleted. on to another idea.

Thanks James! I'm pretty happy with the way the strips went in. I had been looking at different methods and saw some neck thru bass designs that used two carbon fiber rods. There seemed to be some debate on if the carbon was too ridged and didn't allow for enough flex in the neck. I thought the rosewood would be a nice compromise, and maybe more appropriate for the tension of guitar strings vs bass strings we will see. :smile:

I gotta say thanks to Dirty Al as well for reaffirming the idea.

I still have a long way to go and deadline creeps up quick. Tempus fugit :neutral:

Hey Steve, they came out great man! Gotta anymore updates. I want to see more.

Steve, this build is unique and very nice! I like the creativity in your
builds and the humility that comes through in your posts.

Hey Steve, they came out great man! Gotta anymore updates. I want to see more.

Sure do man. I just kinda waiting for the tread to flip to a new page I think this one is getting over loaded with pics. More to come soon. Thanks again for the tips :grin:

Steve, this build is unique and very nice! I like the creativity in your
builds and the humility that comes through in your posts.

Thanks so much for the kind words flatfive that really means allot. I have to say I likewise enjoy your builds and am always blown away by your impeccable craftsmanship. Your always one of the first to lend others a helping hand and advise and your threads are always great reference for us newbies. Guys like you help make TDPRI such a great community to be a part of. U rock! :grin:

Ok enough mushy stuff back to the grind!! :mrgreen:

Hey Steve, I really don't have anything to say. I just wanted to do my part to get you to the next page so you'll post more pics :mrgreen:

Hey Steve, I really don't have anything to say. I just wanted to do my part to get you to the next page so you'll post more pics :mrgreen:

LoL thanks for the bump Roger! Mission accomplished! I was getting anxious to post more pics which i'll do later on this evening. I'm more anxious though for next Monday when you pop your body from the mold! :razz:

Have you not seen my thread? I took it out yesterday.

Have you not seen my thread? I took it out yesterday.


Doh! I have not! I have been a bit pre-occupied! Checking now.

Its been a great and memorable past week of family, food, friends and reunion . It was so great to see old friends and to make new ones.

Here are a few of the shots i promised of what i managed to get accomplished in the mist of chaos. I have more pics i'll be adding in a bit.


For those who have not seen my first build here is a pic.

I cut a 1 inch thick piece of black walnut in the shape of a pick guard, like i have for this build, and i routed the shape out in the body and dropped the piece in.
I'm really pleased with the way the American standard neck pickup sounds on this and am convinced the thick walnut in the basswood body does make a difference.



http://brightsellers.com/tele/79.jpg

On this build I have deiced to take a slightly different approach (more on that later :idea:) So I needed to take down the pick guard to the same thickness as the top


http://allthesound.com/2012/93.jpg

Double sided tape is your friend for this technique. :razz:

http://allthesound.com/2012/94.jpg

A scrap from the top for reference.

http://allthesound.com/2012/95.jpg

Using the pieces from which it was cut as contact area for the router base allows you to cut into them so you can come into your work at any angle and really helps reduce tear out.

A little attention with the orbital and its ready to inlay.

http://allthesound.com/2012/96.jpg

I kinda liked the look of the rosewood headstock veneer better than the plain mahogany so i needed to take that down as well.


http://allthesound.com/2012/97.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/98.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/99.jpg

I was amazed was able to get it so thin this way without it falling apart , but maybe i shouldnt be its rosewood after all :razz:
http://allthesound.com/2012/100.jpg

I figured out were i needed to take down the neck and head stock and went at it.


http://allthesound.com/2012/101.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/102.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/103.jpg

Whenever i read somewhere someone saying their 9" band saw just isnt suitable for building a guitar i just snicker to myself. :lol:

http://allthesound.com/2012/104.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/105.jpg

Laying out the body contour from my first build , which came from a very special 1978 Westbury Standard.

http://allthesound.com/2012/106.jpg

Ready for the next steps. :shock:

http://allthesound.com/2012/107.jpg

This is pretty self explanatory. Ohh I use wfret to print out a template and tape it to the fingerboard then mark out and check then recheck my marks then I cut :wink:
http://allthesound.com/2012/108.jpg

You got a lot done there, Steve. It's coming together very nicely!

You got a lot done there, Steve. It's coming together very nicely!

Thanks Roger! Here's a bit more.

Time to try out my new idea for setting the pick guard. Last time i free hand routed it which was a little time consuming and nerve wracking.

http://allthesound.com/2012/109.jpg

I realized after i got most of the neck pocket cut out that it was not really necessary.

http://allthesound.com/2012/110.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/111.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/112.jpg

The little tail on the control plate indent was the only area i could not get with the saw. I cleaned that bit up with the Dremel.

http://allthesound.com/2012/113.jpg

Man the Dremel is so handy that and a couple needle files made quick work of cleaning up the edges.

http://allthesound.com/2012/114.jpg

Lots of glue!


http://allthesound.com/2012/115.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/116.jpg

I made some maple dust from a piece of scrap and rubbed it in while it was still wet.

http://allthesound.com/2012/117.jpg

Clamped up to dry overnight. I realized i may have screwed up and cut myself short on how much maple is left to trim on the treble side of the pick guard. I went into panic mode but what could i do at this point it is what it is for better or worse. Wont really know until i i get it joined to the body. :neutral:

http://allthesound.com/2012/118.jpg

I was going to use some MOP for the fret markers but my idea didn't work out so well. I picked up this plug cutter at the local hardware store and went with rosewood to match the headstock.

http://allthesound.com/2012/119.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/120.jpg

Just by watching the pics I was curious what you would do with such a thick pickguard ...
Now it makes sense ...

Like it !


s.

I like the inlayed pickguard idea! I'm sure it will turn out fine. Great work so far.

Looking good Steve :)

Looking good Steve :)
+1 :wink:

Sweet!

Just by watching the pics I was curious what you would do with such a thick pickguard ...
Now it makes sense ...

Like it !


s.

Thanks!

I like the inlayed pickguard idea! I'm sure it will turn out fine. Great work so far.

Thanks man! I hope your right.

Looking good Steve :)

+1 :wink:

Sweet!

Thanks guys!

That is so very cool. That seemed a much better method than the last time you did this. Nice work.

Looking great! You've given me some ideas :grin:

That is so very cool. That seemed a much better method than the last time you did this. Nice work.

Thanks James! I'm pretty pleased with the way it went in, a little cleaner than last time and it was defiantly easier. This time i went flush i think it will make clamping the top a little easier.

I still have to get the neck to the final width before i can get the top glued down. Keepin my fingers crossed. :neutral:

Looking great! You've given me some ideas :grin:

Thanks man! Thats one of the things i love about TDPRI its full of ideas :grin: Hey when your ready to share those ideas, holla back. :mrgreen:

I cleaned out the maple dust i had rubbed into the glue in spots and switched it with black walnut dust i think it blended a little better.

http://allthesound.com/2012/121.jpg


Here is a shot after some sanding and a naptha wipe down.

http://allthesound.com/2012/122.jpg

Very nice!

That turned out pretty sweet, Steve. I never would've thought of that.

Very cool!
I thought I was so clever to do an inlaid pickguard, but it appears you've already been there! But I think I still have my own twist on it coming up.... I found that making a template out of Durham's water putty is a fairly easy way to get a good fit. I can't believe you routed that first one freehand! That's amazing!

Man , that top with the pickguard is going to really glow when you get finish on it , really nice looking .

Very nice!
Thanks :grin:

That turned out pretty sweet, Steve. I never would've thought of that.


Thanks man! I dunno Roger your a pretty clever guy i think you would have. :razz:

Very cool!
I thought I was so clever to do an inlaid pickguard, but it appears you've already been there! But I think I still have my own twist on it coming up.... I found that making a template out of Durham's water putty is a fairly easy way to get a good fit. I can't believe you routed that first one freehand! That's amazing!

Thanks! Can't wait to see your twist on it! :smile:

Man , that top with the pickguard is going to really glow when you get finish on it , really nice looking .

Thanks Herb!
I hope i can do the wood justice. I have never worked with quilt before so im not sure what the best method is for popping the grain. If the deadline gets to close i may be using tru-oil for the finish. I'm leaning toward a yellowish or honey stain and darken a bit toward the outside edges almost like a burst but more subtle. On the mahogany i'm thinking a darker stain like a burgundy of sorts. The pickguard will be natural.

Any advise or suggestion are gladly accepted :mrgreen:

Finally got a chance to do a bit more last night and today. Ive gotten a little side tracked past couple days building a stone retaining wall for my step daughter. Man im getting to old for that stuff. 30+ years is enough for me. Guitar building is more my speed now :razz:

Anyways here is another set of pics of a little more progress.


Got to work on bending the headstock veneer, the clamp wasnt quite cutting it so i had to come up with something else.

http://allthesound.com/2012/124.jpg

what the heck it was within reach and it worked out.

http://allthesound.com/2012/125.jpg

http://allthesound.com/2012/126.jpg

A little filing to level with the gluing surface.

http://allthesound.com/2012/127.jpg

Clamped up to dry overnight. I switched out the bone for a socket it worked a little better.

http://allthesound.com/2012/128.jpg

flushed the edges with the dremel.

http://allthesound.com/2012/129.jpg

I drilled out some pilot holes for the tuners then a larger snug fitting holes for the tuner shafts and bushings.



http://allthesound.com/2012/130.jpg

I used a 1/4 forstner bit to make the holes for the rosewood dots.


http://allthesound.com/2012/131.jpg




http://allthesound.com/2012/132.jpg

I tried to keep the grains in the dots vertical to help it flow to the headstock and look for uniform.

http://allthesound.com/2012/133.jpg



http://allthesound.com/2012/134.jpg

http://allthesound.com/2012/135.jpg

I have seen eyes in birds eye maple , but this strategically placed eye is just nuts. :shock:

http://allthesound.com/2012/136.jpg

http://allthesound.com/2012/137.jpg

Before i glued i put a piece of wood with a small wad of wax paper to protect the threads on the truss rod.

http://allthesound.com/2012/138.jpg

I set my alignment pins at the nut and last fret. This made things much easier this go round.

http://allthesound.com/2012/139.jpg



http://allthesound.com/2012/140.jpg

i drilled some holes in the caul so not to push the brad heads in

http://allthesound.com/2012/141.jpg

http://allthesound.com/2012/142.jpg

Until tomorrow. Thanks for lookin! :grin:

http://allthesound.com/2012/143.jpg

Hey A,

Love the eye on the headstock laminate! That's a great placement! What are you going to do for pickups? Cant wait to hear it!

Barncaster

Looking good - really like the eye in the headstock.

Hey A,

Love the eye on the headstock laminate! That's a great placement! What are you going to do for pickups? Cant wait to hear it!

Barncaster

Thanks! i tried to get it more centered in the dip but couldn't make the rest of the piece work. Im really happy i was able to get it were it is. cant wait to see what it does with a finish on it.:shock:

A kind person has offered to custom make a set of tele pickups for this guitar!! :razz: I should have the specs on them soon.

Looking good - really like the eye in the headstock.

Thanks nosmo! I love finding eyes in wood. This is a pretty unusual one with the thick eye lid.

That eye is cool :)

Nice work. The inlay pickguard is genius!

I can't wait to see the headstock veneer. Never seen that on a tele neck. This is a beautiful guitar.

Nice work on the headstock veneer and dots! It's coming right along.

Beauty, Steve! As you've already pointed out, the eye is super cool.

That eye is cool :)

Thanks Herb. Kinda reminds me of the all seeing eye on the back of a one dollar bill. :lol:

Nice work. The inlay pickguard is genius!

Thanks axedaddy! :grin:

excuse me one sec....

Me - Hey honey axedaddy says i'm a genius!:grin: -

Wife- Don't get carried away Steve he said the pick guard inlay is genius" :roll:

Me - Well that make me part genius right? :?:

Wife - Umm no.

Me- :oops:

Seriously though :smile: this method was allot easier than routing it out. Bummer it only works on designs with top caps.


I can't wait to see the headstock veneer. Never seen that on a tele neck. This is a beautiful guitar.

Thanks Pat! I just need to think of a color for the body or maybe keep it natural.

Nice work on the headstock veneer and dots! It's coming right along.

Thanks b5!

I was having a hard time finding info on blending the fret board and veneer on a tele head stock so I wasn't totally sure how to approach it. i just made my best guess and somehow it worked out. :eek:

Beauty, Steve! As you've already pointed out, the eye is super cool.

Thanks Roger :smile:

Got a little more done. Did the 9.5 inch radius on the fretboard . got my wiring channels and truss rod access channel routed and the top glued down. Is 12 hours enough time to remove the clamps? :razz::?:

I'm getting anxious to trim the top to the body. Well anxious because im very nervous about hitting that maple with the trim bit. without any tear outs and i just want to get it over with so i can breath a little easier. :neutral:

http://allthesound.com/2012/144.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/145.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/146.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/147.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/148.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/149.jpg

Wow! That's a looker! Can't wait to see this one finished; I can tell why you'd think it's easier to inlay a PG into a drop-top, rather than routing it into a slab.

Great fit. And I think you're worrying a little extra, because it's yours, about the thin
maple part. Having it glued to the body should make it all fine when you trim.
I'm an optimist, can you tell?

BTW, I agree 100% about my 9" little, jr. bandsaw. Other than the fact that I can't
buy billets of wood and resaw body blanks, I have no issues cutting out everything else.
Right now, I'm not sure I can save enough buying billets to justify the $500.00 or more
a bigger bandsaw would cost. Your build proves that "it's not the size of the saw, but
the skill of the saw-er that matters".....isn't that an old, famous quote?

Wow! That's a looker! Can't wait to see this one finished; I can tell why you'd think it's easier to inlay a PG into a drop-top, rather than routing it into a slab.

Thanks Picton! Your build came out great! I hope you do a build thread on that acoustic your building i'd love to see that in its various stages. :grin:

Great fit. And I think you're worrying a little extra, because it's yours, about the thin
maple part. Having it glued to the body should make it all fine when you trim.
I'm an optimist, can you tell?

BTW, I agree 100% about my 9" little, jr. bandsaw. Other than the fact that I can't
buy billets of wood and resaw body blanks, I have no issues cutting out everything else.
Right now, I'm not sure I can save enough buying billets to justify the $500.00 or more
a bigger bandsaw would cost. Your build proves that "it's not the size of the saw, but
the skill of the saw-er that matters".....isn't that an old, famous quote?


Thanks emoney! It did trim up a little thin but i think it will be ok.

Lol yeah i think the qoute goes sumpfin like that :lol:

the little 9" saws are tough enough. Right before i started the build the tire on the top wheel came off. I wrapped the wheel several times with friction tape and it has held up for entire build.

Thanks Picton! Your build came out great! I hope you do a build thread on that acoustic your building i'd love to see that in its various stages. :grin:

Gee, thanks! Once it's all done, I'll put something up; I feel badly posting a too-detailed classical thread here, given that most of it isn't even remotely applicable to Teles. Besides, a lot of the technical parts of that build got covered in my uke build thread last year; it's the same basic techniques, only bigger, with a classical.

Anyway, back to the Challenge!

Gee, thanks! Once it's all done, I'll put something up; I feel badly posting a too-detailed classical thread here, given that most of it isn't even remotely applicable to Teles. Besides, a lot of the technical parts of that build got covered in my uke build thread last year; it's the same basic techniques, only bigger, with a classical.

Anyway, back to the Challenge!

Cool I'll have to look back at your uke thread. One day i'd like to tackle an acoustic. But yes your right back to the challange, still so much left to do and time is a drawing near. :razz:

Well...is it out of clamps yet? We wanna see the top glued on and a picture of it with all it's bits in the right places now :razz:

Well...is it out of clamps yet? We wanna see the top glued on and a picture of it with all it's bits in the right places now :razz:
Sure thing man sorry i have been really busy lately running up against two deadlines my son in-law has to submit proof to his insurance company by May 1st that he had his retaining wall replaced, so i have been hustling to get it done for him. Then of course there is the dreaded may 14th deadline which i hope to make. Fingers crossed.

Here is a quick update.

I let the top stay clamped for about 14 hours. After about an hour in i realized that glue might get into the wire channels i routed in the mahogany. I started getting a little nervous thinking it would harden and clog the channels making them useless. I started thinking of ways to clear it if that happened. The best idea i could come up with was to drill holes at each end of the channels and heat a coat hanger up red hot with a blow torch and try and push the glue through.

I drilled the holes and what do you know, wet glue! :razz: Just like it came out of the bottle. Coat hanger in hand i started clearing the glue out. I took a low E string and twisted a pipe cleaner through the ball end and that worked like a charm. It was a little tougher getting the glue out of the truss rod nut but that cleaned up fine as well. Wheww! :grin:

Here i cleaned the glue out of the truss rod access. It works! :grin:


http://allthesound.com/2012/150.jpg

I took the maple's overhang down a little with the drum sander attachment on the drill press then started routing, No fear!:mrgreen:

http://allthesound.com/2012/151.jpg


http://allthesound.com/2012/152.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/153.jpg

The glue eradicator.
http://allthesound.com/2012/154.jpg

I finally got a spoke shave :grin: it's sooo much easier than carving with a finish scraper :mrgreen:
http://allthesound.com/2012/155.jpg


Found this at a yard sale a couple summers ago its a Arkansas oil stone set. It was a big help keeping the spoke shave nice and sharp.

http://allthesound.com/2012/156.jpg

The shaving got a little choppy right about here. I found just pulling from the opposite direction helped alot to smooth out the chops.


http://allthesound.com/2012/157.jpg


http://allthesound.com/2012/158.jpg

Ready to rout the p/u and control cavities.

http://allthesound.com/2012/159.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/160.jpg

I had thought I might chamber the body so i made the template, but i really did kinda have my heart set on a solid body as i prefer the feel and sound.

So i made use of the template to route out the heel so its wasn't a total waste of time. :grin:


http://allthesound.com/2012/161.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/162.jpg

Its starting to look like a guitar! :grin:
http://allthesound.com/2012/163.jpg

I'll tell you what Steve , that looks pretty good just bare wood , that's gonna be stunning with finish on it .
Getting busy when you have a guitar to build is normal in my house , I could sit around for a month and everything would be quiet , as soon as I start a build , everybody calls and everything breaks :lol:
I see you used a spoke shave on the body contour , good job there :wink:

I agree with Herb - That's gonna be stunning with finish.

Well done my Connecticut brother!

Barncaster (Meriden born and raised)

That's looking great, Steve.

It's starting to look like a great-looking guitar! Great work.

I'll tell you what Steve , that looks pretty good just bare wood , that's gonna be stunning with finish on it .
Getting busy when you have a guitar to build is normal in my house , I could sit around for a month and everything would be quiet , as soon as I start a build , everybody calls and everything breaks :lol:
I see you used a spoke shave on the body contour , good job there :wink:

Thanks Herb! Ya know i was thinking the same thing but when i wiped it down with naptha it looks pretty brownish and earth tone-ish. I'll snap a pic in the next round of photos tomorrow so ya can see what i mean.

I went and picked up some RIT dyes today. and im playing around with them a bit to see what i can get on some scrap. I have no idea what im doing :lol: I'm trying for a yellow with some black underneath . I really should have had a better plan as far as the finish goes. :roll:

Isnt it funny how that works out? like you said as soon as you get involved in something everyones pulling at ya.
I'm not complaining though, im getting a free tan out of the deal and all the lobster i can eat at the Nordic Lodge. :mrgreen:

I agree with Herb - That's gonna be stunning with finish.

Thanks nosmo! I hope your both right :)

Mmmmmmmmmm, lobster!

That's looking great, Steve.

Thanks Roger! I'm getting more excited about it the more it comes together.
I'm knee deep in shavings carving the neck :smile:

That is awesome the top looks amazing. Sometimes I like not having a finish plan, at some point along the build path you just know what the finish should be. Regardless I don't think you can go wrong given the woods you are working with.

Well done my Connecticut brother!

Barncaster (Meriden born and raised)

Thanks Barncaster! Damn i didn't know you were a Ct bro! Very cool! If you getback out this way we'll have to meet up and head over to the Red Dog Saloon for a couple cold ones :wink:

That is awesome the top looks amazing. Sometimes I like not having a finish plan, at some point along the build path you just know what the finish should be. Regardless I don't think you can go wrong given the woods you are working with.


Thanks James I hope your right man! , things have gone pretty well so far . my toes are cramped from crossing them :lol: I do wish i had more experience with finishes though : My first build i painted :neutral:

How ya feelin btw:?: better i hope.

Love the build and I'm so glad to hear that somebody else is using RIT dyes. I thought
I was crazy there for a while.

You'll do great on the finishing. We have the utmost confidence in you!

Love the build and I'm so glad to hear that somebody else is using RIT dyes. I thought
I was crazy there for a while.

You'll do great on the finishing. We have the utmost confidence in you!

Thanks so much emoney! I'm gonna give the RIT a go and hope for the best yours looks so nice it inspired me so I did a little digging and heard others had success too.
I did a couple tests last night i'll post some pics in a few minutes , lemme know what you think.

I got most of the neck carved last night and the frets in. I still have some more to take down on the shoulders and a little thickness but its almost there. :razz:

Yesterday was opening day of fishing here in CT, and...ehemmm i spent it working on my guitar and chasing finish supplies. :rolleyes:

I got a chance to play around with the RIT dye. This was the result of my second attempt. I think i like it :smile: , im thinking the majority of the inner portion of the body do the yellow and the outside edges like this sample. I think it would really allow the pick guard to stand out and contrast.

My wife and neighbors all think it looks like a perch. I didn't get to catch one
so i inadvertently made one. :wink:

Feel free to weigh in on this color scheme . I don't want to make a bad choice here, your opinions are important and always appreciated.:?::idea:

Here are some more pics. :razz:

http://allthesound.com/2012/164.jpg

http://allthesound.com/2012/165.jpg

http://allthesound.com/2012/166.jpg

http://allthesound.com/2012/167.jpg

http://allthesound.com/2012/168.jpg

my trusty neck / headstock transition template.

http://allthesound.com/2012/169.jpg

http://allthesound.com/2012/170.jpg

http://allthesound.com/2012/171.jpg

Weighing in at 6.5 pounds , i'm pretty happy with that my ideal target is 7.5 8 would be ok too.

http://allthesound.com/2012/172.jpg

http://allthesound.com/2012/173.jpg

http://allthesound.com/2012/174.jpg

http://allthesound.com/2012/175.jpg

The Rit dyes look like they're doing a great job.

Great job on the neck heel transition steve- very smooth. I like the dye blend too.:-)
In fact I love it all. Gimme Gimme. ;-D

Looks great Steve , nice transition work and dye's are going to really pop that figure :smile:

The Rit dyes look like they're doing a great job.

So far so good im gonna pick up some red tomorrow and try some other stuff.

Great job on the neck heel transition steve- very smooth. I like the dye blend too.:-)
In fact I love it all. Gimme Gimme. ;-D

Thanks junk mutt! :razz:

Looks great Steve , nice transition work and dye's are going to really pop that figure :smile:

Thanks Herb im liking it so far. its real easy to get to the lower frets. I kinda based it on the same type of transition Muzikp used on his awesome build but tweaked it a bit. ,

I am gonna try a sun burst yellow to orange to red /redish black tomorrow hopefully.

I like it! A lot! That RIT Dye, being waterbased and all, I think will really make that
figuring just "explode" off that top. Great transitioning and I can't wait to see the final
product now. I'm sure you know, but wetter is better, and be ready for the "final coat"
when it dries you may have pause and say to yourself, "Hey...where'd my sexy color go?"
But as soon as you hit the top with clear, it'll jump right back at you!

I like it! A lot! That RIT Dye, being waterbased and all, I think will really make that
figuring just "explode" off that top. Great transitioning and I can't wait to see the final
product now. I'm sure you know, but wetter is better, and be ready for the "final coat"
when it dries you may have pause and say to yourself, "Hey...where'd my sexy color go?"
But as soon as you hit the top with clear, it'll jump right back at you!

Thanks emoney! I'm hoping to start the finish Thursday if all else works out. Hope i can pull it off. I tried some red last night but could not get it dark enough to look right. I'll keep trying different things.

It's looking awesome. Are you going to keep the faux binding?

WOW Steve! That is looking killer! You are almost ready for mockup and sound! Dude, call me. I wiped my phone accidently of you number.

Dude, great JOB!

Wow, it is shaping up beautifully. Way to go!!!

This is going to be a nice-looking build. There's a lot of figured maple getting turned into teles this month, and I can't say that's a bad thing at all.

It's looking awesome. Are you going to keep the faux binding?

Thanks James :grin: I'm going to try to do the faux binding. We'll see how it goes.

WOW Steve! That is looking killer! You are almost ready for mockup and sound! Dude, call me. I wiped my phone accidently of you number.

Dude, great JOB!

Thanks! It's getting close brother! Can't wait to get this baby wired up with those custom DSG (Dirty South Guitars) pickups they are gonna make this extra special. :grin:

Wow, it is shaping up beautifully. Way to go!!!

Thanks Craig! So far so good! Keeping my fingers crossed :mrgreen:

This is going to be a nice-looking build. There's a lot of figured maple getting turned into teles this month, and I can't say that's a bad thing at all.

Thanks Picton! This is my first time using it and i don't mind saying its a pain to work with, at least this piece is , When i got it i could not believe how raised the grain was, almost like fur! :lol: I have a pic somewhere i'll have to dig it up.

I still have a little ways to go on sanding and prep to put the finish on and i still have the jack to drill and the side dots. Waiting till now to do the side dots was a not so good choice. The four closest the body are gonna be a pain.

I got the string through holes done today. Here's a few pics.


First i figured out were the bridge will live, then marked the 6 string through holes. I used a punch to make divots so the bit would not wander. Then drilled the holes quarter way through with a hand drill. I then used the dremel router with the same bit to drill the high and low E string holes all the way through.

http://allthesound.com/2012/176.jpg


http://allthesound.com/2012/177.jpg

I flipped the guitar over and aligned the bridge with toothpicks and marked the remaining 4 holes on the back side and repeated the same steps i used on the front. pretty easy and accurate.
http://allthesound.com/2012/178.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/179.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/180.jpg

I used tape to gauge the depth for the ferrules.
http://allthesound.com/2012/181.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/182.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/183.jpg

Not to bad, a little chipping around a couple edges, those will fill in fine.


http://allthesound.com/2012/184.jpg

Great job on the string holes! Man, the lines and contours all look really good. There are just so many examples of great workmanship this year, and Steve, yours is right up there with the best of them.

Very nice, looking forward to seeing the top with the dye.

Great job on the string holes! Man, the lines and contours all look really good. There are just so many examples of great workmanship this year, and Steve, yours is right up there with the best of them.

Thanks Roger that is so incredibly nice of you to say! :oops: Your right , so many amazing builds this year. Its really just a honor to be a small part of this challenge. I'm always in a state of amazement watching the other build threads and the inspiring talents here.

Very nice, looking forward to seeing the top with the dye.

Thanks Glen that makes two of us! :razz: I'm getting itchy to get the finishing started.

Man, I hate to bring this up, but it looks like one of your ferrules is 1/256th off from the
rest. Hate that you have to redo this whole build now, but those are the breaks I suppose.

Seriously though, great job. You've really got a beauty in the works here!

This is my Rit dye stained baby...scarlet. Rit dye works great.

125333

The Rit dyes look like they're doing a great job.

Man, I hate to bring this up, but it looks like one of your ferrules is 1/256th off from the
rest. Hate that you have to redo this whole build now, but those are the breaks I suppose.

Seriously though, great job. You've really got a beauty in the works here!

Damn! I was hoping no one would notice. I cant slip anything past you emoney. I guess it could still be used for fire wood. Does mahogany cause much creosote
in chimneys i wonder? :mrgreen: Thanks man! I hope so, im trying real hard.

This is my Rit dye stained baby...scarlet. Rit dye works great.

125333

Wow that looks great! how did you get it so deep red?

I was kinda dreading doing the fret markers because i thought i had worked myself into a box next to the body, where there is a will, there is always a way. :idea: courtesy of my rarely used spring handled mirror.

http://allthesound.com/2012/185.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/186.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/187.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/188.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/189.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/190.jpg

I used these on my first build and liked them, This time i buried them much deeper so they will glow at least a couple hours with a good charge.

http://allthesound.com/2012/191.jpg

oooh, I like

Luminlays?

oooh, I like
:razz:

Luminlays?

Naa just some glow in the dark side dots i got off eBay last year from seller philaluthiertools.

That looks great!! Those are really cool, I think I'll look into those for the future.

That side marker drill... man you should have patented that before I just did.

Actually that is genius! I'm really impressed on that one, it's a great solve there.

Hey Steve,

Those are sweet!

Barncaster

That looks great!! Those are really cool, I think I'll look into those for the future.

Thanks! They are really handy when your just sitting there in the dark messin around on the fretboard.

That side marker drill... man you should have patented that before I just did.

Actually that is genius! I'm really impressed on that one, it's a great solve there.

:lol: Thanks! If you get rich on it kick me a couple bottles of RITT :razz:

Not genius really Ryobi makes a 7-1/2 in flexible shaft bit extension, i think they have them at home depot, i was just making due with what i had kicking around. I gotta say though it worked very well and the price was right :grin:

Hey Steve,

Those are sweet!



Barncaster

Thanks Barncaster they are inexpensive too i think they were only 4.99 and i have done two tele's and should have enough for two more.

I'd like to try the Luminlays ugly guitar guy mentioned, they look like they are a little nicer though alot more $$. Wish i had heard of them sooner. though i doubt it would be very hard to change them out later on. :smile:

Those dot markers are awesome, even in the day when they aren't glowing they look really cool. Excellent job on the ferrule holes, I like your method.

Nice "save" on the side markers. Love the lumidots, too!! Great build.

Those dot markers are awesome, even in the day when they aren't glowing they look really cool. Excellent job on the ferrule holes, I like your method.

Thanks James glad you like!:grin: , That shot is actually a low light they don't look green at all under normal lighting more of a dark translucent .

Nice "save" on the side markers. Love the lumidots, too!! Great build.

Thanks man! its getting there preparing for the finish now. more pics up in a sec.

Deep breath.... This part has me really really nervous, here goes nothing!.:shock:


Time to grain fill the pickguard.

http://allthesound.com/2012/192.jpg

I cleaned out the pours with a little keyboard vacuum.

http://allthesound.com/2012/193.jpg

Then i mixed up my grain filler and rubbed it in to the wood. Thanks Dirty Al for the tip! :razz:

http://allthesound.com/2012/194.jpg

I let it set a few minutes then i scraped off the excess filler with a razorblade then lightly wiped it down with a slightly damp rag.



http://allthesound.com/2012/195.jpg


After it dried sanded the filler back and cleaned it then applied some sanding sealer. let that dry for 30 mins then sanded that back. I bought some dark walnut stain and did the mahogany bottom of the neck pickup cavity. it blended pretty well.

http://allthesound.com/2012/196.jpg

I figured I would try the same grain filler and stain on the mahogany for my body color. I think it will help tie the pick guard into the over all look as opposed to a natural redish paler look. :?: :idea: :mrgreen:

This shot is with a couple heavy coats of lacquer

http://allthesound.com/2012/197.jpg

Looks to me like you've worried about nothing.....

Looks to me like you've worried about nothing.....

Thanks emoney. I'm not so worried about the grain fill its pretty easy actually. It's the Ritt on the quilt , the faux binding and the lacquer that has me stressin :neutral:.

I tried sanding one of my test pieces of quilt back to see how clean it would be if i had to redo it, didn't clean up so well, seems its really a one shot deal.

maybe im letting it soak to deep?

Got to work on grain filling the mahogany and then the dark stain. Things went pretty smooth and the faux binding is working out as well , so far so good. My goal today is to get the dyes on the top and hit everything with the first couple coats of lacquer.


http://allthesound.com/2012/198.jpg

http://allthesound.com/2012/199.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/200.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/201.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/202.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/203.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/204.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/205.jpg

More to come later on. :grin:

This is looking absolutely beautiful. Have you given any thought to a Caribbean burst?? ;-)

Barncaster

Stunning! What a great looking guitar.

For what its worth - I did a dye burst on a Warmoth body. Wanted to have a faux binding. Didn't work out so well. If you get some stain on the top of the binding it's no big deal. After sanding it just makes the grain pop. But if you get it on the end grain forget it. It soaks in too deep to clean up. Just be careful around the edges and you'll be fine.

This is looking absolutely beautiful. Have you given any thought to a Caribbean burst?? ;-)

Barncaster

No way, dude. Tartan would look better...:wink:

This is looking absolutely beautiful. Have you given any thought to a Caribbean burst?? ;-)

Barncaster

Thanks so much! :razz: It's funny you should ask that! :wink: I would not call it a Caribbean exactly, i'm thinking Tide-Caster . :lol:

Stunning! What a great looking guitar.

For what its worth - I did a dye burst on a Warmoth body. Wanted to have a faux binding. Didn't work out so well. If you get some stain on the top of the binding it's no big deal. After sanding it just makes the grain pop. But if you get it on the end grain forget it. It soaks in too deep to clean up. Just be careful around the edges and you'll be fine.

Thanks man! I just finished up for the day. I i had a couple small runs i sanded most of it away , its certainly passable. i really lucked out actually with the dye and the dark body stain i was amazed the maple came out so clean. Pics in a sec

Finished up today with the Ritt and 5-6 coats of rattle can lacquer. \
It was really windy all day so it made it a little tough but i managed to smooth out a drip or two. :wink:

It came out a little different than the test piece i had chosen but close enough. I think like it! :grin: It looks like a blonde tele floating in the water.

If i can get on ten more coats tomorrow i think i can wet sand and wire up in time. :mrgreen:



http://allthesound.com/2012/207.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/208.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/209.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/210.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/211.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/212.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/213.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/214.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/216.jpg

Veery NIIIce !! That really popped the grain, allthesounds. The mahogany turned out beautifully too. Congratulations on a beautiful build.

Veery NIIIce !! That really popped the grain, allthesounds. The mahogany turned out beautifully too. Congratulations on a beautiful build.

Thanks!! I'm pretty happy with how it turned out :grin:, i suppose i should get a good night sleep and see it again in the morning to be sure. :lol:

You're doing great work! I was really staring at your pic
of the back of the body. The wood color, the belly contour,
the neck body transition -- all super nice!

Boy, that turned out nice!

Wow Steve,

Just really serene to look at. I'm seeing a lot of blue this year and nothing over the top. This is really tasteful. Well done. This will most definitely get the stamp of approval from Herb!

Barncaster

You're doing great work! I was really staring at your pic
of the back of the body. The wood color, the belly contour,
the neck body transition -- all super nice!

Thanks b5!! I wanted a body color that would compliment the pick guard which is black walnut I got some dark walnut stain for the pickup cavity, it would have never occurred to me to put it on mahogany but it was handy when i did my grain fill tests. :grin: I think doing the carving with a spoke shave really helped to make everything flow without getting outta control fast.

Boy, that turned out nice!

Thanks nosmo!

Wow Steve,

Just really serene to look at. I'm seeing a lot of blue this year and nothing over the top. This is really tasteful. Well done. This will most definitely get the stamp of approval from Herb!

Barncaster

Thanks man , I hope so i really have allot of respect for his work / opinion.

Here is a morning after shot and of the bottom. :grin: I'm hoping to finish shooting the lacquer today.

http://allthesound.com/2012/217.jpg

That looks fantastic, Steve! The faux binding came out realy good, too.

Never fear the RIT!

Looking uber sharp

Steve,

It really does look like water! Amazing.

Barncaster

That looks fantastic, Steve! The faux binding came out realy good, too.

Thanks Roger! , A couple little spots bleed through but i was pretty pleased when i pulled back the tape for the first time.!:razz:

Never fear the RIT!

Looking uber sharp

It's a lovely piece of kit when its done with RIT! :lol: Thanks emoney!

Steve,

It really does look like water! Amazing.

Barncaster
The more coats i get one it the more its looking like water. Honestly its not exactly what i was going for but I'll swim with it! :lol:

Maybe i'll call it the Water-caster ? or maybe pond caster since i live on a pond. , looks like wave , surf have already been used. :neutral:

This is looking fantastic.
I love that neck joint and the side dots!
Looks like it would be really comfortable and inspiring to play.

6 more light coats with some 600 grit sanding in between. I opened a new can of Watco lacquer and hit the face again and got some nasty runs. So i completely saturated the top with a ultra heavy coat and laid it flat so it would self level and here it sits for a while.

http://allthesound.com/2012/219.jpg

Anyone for a swim? Looks awesome Steve well done!

Anyone for a swim? Looks awesome Steve well done!

Thanks! :grin: Maybe i'll wait 1 hour after eating before i play it.:wink:

This is looking fantastic.
I love that neck joint and the side dots!
Looks like it would be really comfortable and inspiring to play.

Thanks anyone! I got a chance to hold it a bit today and man it really is so very comfortable.

New page a couple new pics. under low light it has more of a green hue and less blue. You can see a little spot on the binding next to the neck were the top dye ran down a little i sanded as much of it off as i could without effecting the thickness of faux binding. there is another spot in the same place on the other side of the neck :neutral:

http://allthesound.com/2012/220.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/221.jpg

Hey, if it's in the same spot on both sides, then it's a design element :razz:

Hey, if it's in the same spot on both sides, then it's a design element :razz:

I like that!! that will be the story im sticking to.:wink: I tried after i sanded it to hit with straight DNA but it did little to fade it. I wonder if peroxide or bleach would have worked.

Gees the guitar is looking nice! Pure class. The inlayed pick guard looks fab too!

Dude, this is a contest, you don't point out your flaws....

Gees the guitar is looking nice! Pure class. The inlayed pick guard looks fab too!


Thanks for the gracious compliment Deepsouth!

Really looking nice. Looks like you do excellent woodwork. Sure do want to see how this turns out.

Dude, this is a contest, you don't point out your flaws....

Flaws? What flaws? I only see elements of design. :razz:

Flaws? What flaws? I only see elements of design. :razz:

And Pee Wee meant to do that summer-salt

And Pee Wee meant to do that summer-salt

Couldn't tell ya why Pee Wee does what he does. What i can say is there is a method to my madness and any little issues that may pop up will be remedied in due time. I didn't come this far taking my time with each step to do a hack job at the end.
If i'm not totaly happy with my outcome by the 14th i will not declare it finished. It's not about winning for me , but building the best guitar i can build with what i have and have a little fun along the way.. :smile:

... but building the best guitar i can build with what i have and have a little fun along the way. :smile:

And you're doing a hell of a job!

And you're doing a hell of a job!

Thanks Roger! I try :oops:

Really looking nice. Looks like you do excellent woodwork. Sure do want to see how this turns out.

Thanks man! That makes two of us! :lol: I think Tom Petty said it best "The way-yay-ting is the harrrd-est par-art"

Today was a grey day so the outside pics were a little dull, but i did manage to get my final coats of lacquer on today and for better or worse she hangs for at least the next week.

DSG pickups are due to arrive soon, I can't wait !! then its wet sanding, cut the nut and get this baby wired for sound. :grin: I don't expect much to report between now and then , maybe now i will get a chance to catch up on the everyone elses amazing build threads and have a couple cold ones. :grin: Ohh i think first i should clean up all that bird seed on the ground so no birds eat lacquer coated food. :rolleyes:


http://allthesound.com/2012/222.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/223.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/225.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/226.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/227.jpg

Looks glorious. Great job!!

Looks glorious. Great job!!

Thanks Kwerk! :grin:

This is insanely cool! Great job and beautiful build.



http://allthesound.com/2012/122.jpg

This is insanely cool! Great job and beautiful build.

Thanks Guitarnut! I'm glad i used a different approach this time inlaying the pick guard it made for a tighter fit.

I kinda had my doubts on the quilt at first , if i would be able to tame the grain. Somehow its all worked out well. Here is a close up shot of the grain before I started working it.

http://allthesound.com/2012/quilt1.jpg

Waiting for lacquer to dry is kinda like waiting on a slow train.

Reminds me of a song Mr Leroy wrote for Shooter years back. Partied with these guys one night at a lil hole in the wall somewhere in east bum@#$ Ohio what a great night of J&J (Jägermeister & Jams). :cool:

WCmZYaPA5og

As long as we're waiting, I just had a random thought. You should pick up the bird seed and replace it with rice. I've heard that if birds eat rice and then drink water they can explode. How cool is that? :twisted:

As long as we're waiting, I just had a random thought. You should pick up the bird seed and replace it with rice. I've heard that if birds eat rice and then drink water they can explode. How cool is that? :twisted:

Maybe you should use seasoned rice, that way when they explode they will already be sorta marinated from the inside and taste great.

Didn't mythbusters do a thing on exploding rice eating birds?

As long as we're waiting, I just had a random thought. You should pick up the bird seed and replace it with rice. I've heard that if birds eat rice and then drink water they can explode. How cool is that? :twisted:

That's a interesting idea but im afraid it might be hard to wet sand while in traction after the missus lets me know how she feels about it. :lol:

I can't believe there were 2 responses to my post. Haven't you guys learned yet to just ignore me?

I can't believe there were 2 responses to my post. Haven't you guys learned yet to just ignore me?

whaaa? ohhh... sorry i was busy ignoring you . :rolleyes:

phenominal workmanship there! I love the inlaid pg, never seen that before. So purdy, maybe you outta put a pg over it. ;) :) :)

But, it's gonna be well worth the wait! (even if Nosmo is coming in and messing up
your thread....hahahaha)

Jeez you guys, I'm tellin' ya - don't pay any attention to me. I'm just having a few cold ones and checking out the threads :lol:

But seriously....that video is great, really enjoyed it. Your guitar is looking awesome as well.

I guess you can pay attention to that or not as you please.

phenominal workmanship there! I love the inlaid pg, never seen that before. So purdy, maybe you outta put a pg over it. ;) :) :)

Thanks soo much! Ya know that's a cool idea since its flush with the top that would be a possibility though i'd have to find a way to attach it without drilling holes.:smile:

I remember this from another thread. How did you end up taming the grain?


I kinda had my doubts on the quilt at first , if i would be able to tame the grain. Somehow its all worked out well. Here is a close up shot of the grain before I started working it.

http://allthesound.com/2012/quilt1.jpg

But, it's gonna be well worth the wait! (even if Nosmo is coming in and messing up
your thread....hahahaha)

I hope so emoney, guess we'll know better once i string this baby up :shock:

Jeez you guys, I'm tellin' ya - don't pay any attention to me. I'm just having a few cold ones and checking out the threads :lol:

But seriously....that video is great, really enjoyed it. Your guitar is looking awesome as well.

I guess you can pay attention to that or not as you please.

Thanks nosmo! Glad you enjoyed Leroy's video those guys make some great music. Last time i check up on him, he was touring with Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow. I keep hoping to catch him again at another smaller local venue.

I remember this from another thread. How did you end up taming the grain?

Good memory! Yep i did ask for some advise a while back here on what to do , drum sander seemed like the best way to go from the reply's so i asked a buddy of mine who has a cabinet shop if i could use his. It was quite cool of him to let me use his stuff and amazing how quick it was. Thanks again Jim if your reading this ! After that it was alot of block sanding with finer grits then finished it off with my cabinet scraper.

That is an AWESOME gtr!! Congrats!!! LOVE the "pickguard"!!

That is an AWESOME gtr!! Congrats!!! LOVE the "pickguard"!!

Thanks for stopping by and checking it out Chris! It's getting close! :grin:

The lacquer is drying pretty slow with all the grey damp , rainy weather we have been having but its dry enough to handle and with time ticking i figured i would start working the nut and get the frets dressed up a bit.

http://allthesound.com/2012/228.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/229.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/230.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/231.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/232.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/233.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/234.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/235.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/236.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/237.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/238.jpg
http://allthesound.com/2012/239.jpg

Cool! :cool:

I got the nut & frets pretty much done and everything sets up beautifully. The action is just where i like it with no buzzing or dead spots. The neck is right on. (big sigh of relief). :grin:.

Pretty much whats left to do is sand down the top of the nut even with the strings finish polishing the frets , wet-sand as soon as the lacquer is ready and get this thing wired up for sound. Its getting close :razz:

http://allthesound.com/2012/240.jpg

SWEET! Love it when everything works out :mrgreen: Can't wait to see it all buffed out and hear it screamin'

Excellent work. Very nice guitar. Waiting to hear it....

Is the circular plug a fret crowner? (Don't know if crowner is a real word). Looks like it would work perfectly.

Is the circular plug a fret crowner? (Don't know if crowner is a real word). Looks like it would work perfectly.

A kinda crude one , i used a small jewelers round file and made a grove in the bottom. It works pretty good.

SWEET! Love it when everything works out :mrgreen: Can't wait to see it all buffed out and hear it screamin'

Excellent work. Very nice guitar. Waiting to hear it....

Thanks guys I'm getting anxious myself. :razz:

Nice job Steve! Tapped singles coming at ya. Nice to see this guitar come to life!

A kinda crude one , i used a small jewelers round file and made a grove in the bottom. It works pretty good.

Great idea! Dang, I wish I'd seen that before I did each of mine laboriously with a flat jeweller's file!

Nice job Steve! Tapped singles coming at ya. Nice to see this guitar come to life!

Awesome Al you rock!! Can't wait to get those bad boys wired in and crank this baby up!

Great idea! Dang, I wish I'd seen that before I did each of mine laboriously with a flat jeweller's file!

It works well to clean up the fret after you file, i do use a flat jewelers file for the rough shaping, then switch to the grooved wood and start with a piece of 600 then 1000 then 2000 then 0000 steel wool. I make the groove just a tad wider and taller than the fret to accommodate the paper.

The action is just where i like it with no buzzing or dead spots. The neck is right on. (big sigh of relief). :grin:.

http://allthesound.com/2012/240.jpg

Man I'm glad to hear that, like really really glad. Thankfully you made our design successful on the first attempt, I'm still chasing perfection on mine. Nice work Steve it's looking really good.

Man I'm glad to hear that, like really really glad. Thankfully you made our design successful on the first attempt, I'm still chasing perfection on mine. Nice work Steve it's looking really good.

Thanks James that really means alot. :grin: I'm sure you will get things to where your happy.
After your minor set back with the neck my heart sank but i had no doubt you would find the best way to correct it and move on to the finish.
I checked to make sure i knew where our iron and tin foil was just in case. :eek:

Our design and approach were similar but pretty different in our builds, its hard to say with certainty why i lucked out. I'm just happy to have gotten this far. :razz:

The finish line is in sight man, we are gonna hit it. :razz:

This is looking great Steve , can't wait to hear it , great finish work there. :smile: