New Build: the Snakehead Prototype reimagined.

So I've decided to build what would be my "signature" guitar if ever there were one.

I'm a big Fender History junkie so I'm starting where it all began: the Snakehead prototype. There have been some gorgeous, brilliant snakeheads built by others on this forum so I'm hoping for guidance, encouragement, good times with you all.

I don't have the equipment or the gumption to manufacture my own parts yet, so I'm afraid this will be more a study of creativity, re-imagining, parts collecting, finishing, wiring, and assembly. I've ordered 90% of the hardware and the body from our very own Marc Rutters already. He's building me:

-1.5" Snakehead body from 2-piece sugar pine - all historically accurate except a neck route for a TV jones pickup
-CRS snakehead control plate
-CRS snakehead bridge plate with no pickup-mounting holes (a "jazz plate")
-bakelite snakehead pickguard with notch for neck pickup
-period-correct ferrules, strap buttons, and string-tree.

so the "re-imagined" concepts are in bold. Next, I plan to get a FAT neck. If money were no object, it'd be quarter-sawn rock maple with a Martin-style reinforcement bar and snakehead headstock. Because i can't find a financially feasible source for such a neck, I may end using a fat Muskraft neck with standard tele headstock ala the early black prototype Esquires.

Ordered a pile of parts for really good prices off ebay:
-Gotoh vintage tuners
-Electrosocket jack
-Fender Nocaster knobs (chromed brass)
-CTS 500k pots x2
-18g black/white cloth wiring

so i've got everything on its way and due to arrive in the next 1-2 weeks except the neck and the pup. so what is the pup you ask? this:
http://phousemusic.com/images/supertrongold.jpg

this'll be a "reverse esquire" or "neck-squire" or "mullet esquire" featuring a single TV Jones Super'tron in the neck. i'm hoping to channel some harmony H44 stratotone vibe with the neck-only low DC, powerful-yet-hollow pickup, and the pine body. the tone i'm shooting for is this sound from Marc Ribot with Tom Waits. watch from 2:20 if you're in a hurry:
W0kacLLT248

I'm thinking I want to finish the guitar in a dark, mostly opaque dark chocolate color. This is where the first advice will be needed. I want to create a super thin finish on the body that'll age gracefully. i'm thinking either stain and clear Deft; or trying my hand at dying some shellac. What is the best way to achieve a deep, nearly black-coffee brown? the stuff's gotta be available at Lowes/Home Depot.

Anyway, I'll start with pics wiring the harness in a couple days. I've got a great old cap from the 40's. Here's a really crappy hand-drawn mock-up. i imagine the real thing'll look a little less like it's out of a coloring book:lol::
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/P1030715.jpg

Sounds interesting , the snakehead that coulda/shouda been :smile: , for you color , I would look at dupli color rattle cans , , in an auto parts store or auto paint supply , I would also suggest Minwax lacquer instead of Deft , Deft takes for ever to harden up , and duplicolor has most car colors available , should be able to find a coffee brown , and its an acrylic lacquer that you can clear with the Minwax lacquer .
For your neck did you think about Warmoth , they have a paddle head neck you could easily finish to a snakehead. But either way it does sound cool , Marc , makes some great bodies and hardware. Good luck with your build , oh , here's mine :smile:

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/adirondak50/Snakehead/DSC_0003-1.jpg?t=1341157542

Sounds interesting , the snakehead that coulda/shouda been :smile: , for you color , I would look at dupli color rattle cans , , in an auto parts store or auto paint supply , I would also suggest Minwax lacquer instead of Deft , Deft takes for ever to harden up , and duplicolor has most car colors available , should be able to find a coffee brown , and its an acrylic lacquer that you can clear with the Minwax lacquer .
For your neck did you think about Warmoth , they have a paddle head neck you could easily finish to a snakehead. But either way it does sound cool , Marc , makes some great bodies and hardware. Good luck with your build , oh , here's mine :smile:

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/adirondak50/Snakehead/DSC_0003-1.jpg?t=1341157542


Herb,

Your thread was a big part of my decision to go the snakehead route. that build was amazing!!!

so with the dupli-color/minwax finish, could i still get a thin finish that will "feel" antique-y and check/age gracefully? also, should i look for duplicolor lacquer or enamel (it looks like only the enamel comes in colors. . .)? finally, which minwax product is the best lacquer for guitars?

thanks for your time!

Sounds interesting , the snakehead that coulda/shouda been :smile: , for you color , I would look at dupli color rattle cans , , in an auto parts store or auto paint supply , I would also suggest Minwax lacquer instead of Deft , Deft takes for ever to harden up , and duplicolor has most car colors available , should be able to find a coffee brown , and its an acrylic lacquer that you can clear with the Minwax lacquer .
For your neck did you think about Warmoth , they have a paddle head neck you could easily finish to a snakehead. But either way it does sound cool , Marc , makes some great bodies and hardware. Good luck with your build , oh , here's mine :smile:

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/adirondak50/Snakehead/DSC_0003-1.jpg?t=1341157542


Love this snakehead! Do you have a tutorial on the finish? Im struggling with the finish for my project and I like the look(and local availability of materials) of yours.

Herb,

Your thread was a big part of my decision to go the snakehead route. that build was amazing!!!

so with the dupli-color/minwax finish, could i still get a thin finish that will "feel" antique-y and check/age gracefully? also, should i look for duplicolor lacquer or enamel (it looks like only the enamel comes in colors. . .)? finally, which minwax product is the best lacquer for guitars?

thanks for your time!

Thanks vanguard , glad you liked my build. I would go with Dupli Color lacquer , and stick with lacquers , enamels and lacquers don't play well together. You should seal the body first and get it nice and level for the color coat , deft sand and sealer is good , better than deft lacquer IMO , then go with your color coats , then go with the clear . Dupli Color Perfect Match is an acrylic Lacquer available in almost any color that car manufacturers use , here's a link http://www.duplicolor.com/products/perfectMatch/

Here's the link for Min Wax Lacquer
http://www.minwax.com/wood-products/preparation/minwax-clear-brushing-lacquer
I've used the MinWax spray lacquer with great results , also used deft spray sand and seal and also used Dupli Color , the only caution I would have is go easy with the first coat or so of different products like these , when going from sanding seal to color go a mist coat or two and let dry , then another mist coat or two and let dry , then go heavier coats , same with the clear on top of the color coats. And yes , you can get a nice thin finish , IMO lacquer goes on thin anyway , don't go so thin that you sand through your clear when you wet sand and buff , and the Min Wax will check and age nicely :smile:

Love this snakehead! Do you have a tutorial on the finish? Im struggling with the finish for my project and I like the look(and local availability of materials) of yours.

Hey thanks Fatcat , glad you like , here's the link for the build thread , it's all in there :smile:http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-home-depot/306340-sssssssnakehead.html

Thanks vanguard , glad you liked my build. I would go with Dupli Color lacquer , and stick with lacquers , enamels and lacquers don't play well together. You should seal the body first and get it nice and level for the color coat , deft sand and sealer is good , better than deft lacquer IMO , then go with your color coats , then go with the clear . Dupli Color Perfect Match is an acrylic Lacquer available in almost any color that car manufacturers use , here's a link http://www.duplicolor.com/products/perfectMatch/

Here's the link for Min Wax Lacquer
http://www.minwax.com/wood-products/preparation/minwax-clear-brushing-lacquer
I've used the MinWax spray lacquer with great results , also used deft spray sand and seal and also used Dupli Color , the only caution I would have is go easy with the first coat or so of different products like these , when going from sanding seal to color go a mist coat or two and let dry , then another mist coat or two and let dry , then go heavier coats , same with the clear on top of the color coats. And yes , you can get a nice thin finish , IMO lacquer goes on thin anyway , don't go so thin that you sand through your clear when you wet sand and buff , and the Min Wax will check and age nicely :smile:



Hey thanks Fatcat , glad you like , here's the link for the build thread , it's all in there :smile:http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-home-depot/306340-sssssssnakehead.html

wow, and there's my complete finish tutorial. Herb, you sure are a nice fella. thanks again.

I hope this thread will be useful to others as it developes.

I may end using a fat Muskraft neck with standard tele headstock ala the early black prototype Esquires
This is all well and good, but by definition it is no longer a snakehead



What is the best way to achieve a deep, nearly black-coffee brown?
There are many ways of mixing this as shown here, LINK (http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown). I have made brown stain using green walnut shells & denatured alcohol, food colorings and water and Rit dyes and water or DNA. There are many ways of getting there (including using coffee & tea grounds :lol:). Clear shellac is already somewhat milky and can be tinted easily to a creamy brown, which of course can be clear coated with lacquer. Get a few jelly jars and play around with it, there's no noxious fumes or chemicals and it's fun :smile:

This is all well and good, but by definition it is no longer a snakehead




There are many ways of mixing this as shown here, LINK (http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown). I have made brown stain using green walnut shells & denatured alcohol, food colorings and water and Rit dyes and water or DNA. There are many ways of getting there (including using coffee & tea grounds :lol:). Clear shellac is already somewhat milky and can be tinted easily to a creamy brown, which of course can be clear coated with lacquer. Get a few jelly jars and play around with it, there's no noxious fumes or chemicals and it's fun :smile:


thanks for the shellacing tips! as for the whole "snakehead" thing - i consider it a term referring to the guitar as a whole. the snakehead proto had most of its quirks in the body (bridge plate, control panel, routing, pickguard, body thickness, material etc.); regardless, that's why i'm calling this snakehead reimagined, because it will contain many elements of that particular prototype, and be closest to it of all tele variations, but will not be a direct clone.

Do you want some of the grain to show through? If so, I wouldn't recommend the duplicolor, instead I'd go with the Shellac or the other directions that Crazydave suggested. If opaque is fine, then Duplicolor is a fine way to go (It's my prefered color finish). I'll also second the comment about not using Deft clear laquer - it takes forever to harden. I haven't used Minwax, but I've had good luck with Behlens Musical Instrument Laquer (available at Woodcraft stores), a Duplicolor clear laquer I found at Autozone, and Watco brand clear laquer.

so i got this glendale neck for the project. it's short-scale, and mohagony/rosewood with a non-snake headstock. i am so excited about this neck i can hardly stand it. over 1" thick all the way down. i feel it will compliment the uniqueness of this build perfectly.
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/glendale.jpg

so brown is no longer gonna work for body color, obviously. i'm thinking opaque white like Herb's brilliant build above for the B/W contrast and snakehead flavor. if not white, perhaps late 50's tele banana pudding blonde, or even shell pink if i'm feeling crazy. what do you guys think?

Go with the white IMO vanguard , it'll really make the neck stand out and the neck in turn will make the body stand out . Below is a permalink to Barncaster's Snakehead build form a while back and he used a Ford color called " Performance White", take a look see , outta be able to get some Dupli Color in that color . BTW , nice neck :smile:

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-home-depot/234322-gotta-love-snakehead.html#post2750746

Go with the white IMO vanguard , it'll really make the neck stand out and the neck in turn will make the body stand out . Below is a permalink to Barncaster's Snakehead build form a while back and he used a Ford color called " Performance White", take a look see , outta be able to get some Dupli Color in that color . BTW , nice neck :smile:

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-home-depot/234322-gotta-love-snakehead.html#post2750746

decided to go white! went to an auto supply and got a warm, but still stark white. i can't wait til i get all my stuff from marc. i want to wire up my harness in the mean time. Herb, do you have a true-to-size PDF of the control plate; and do you know the approximate length of wire i'll need to run between the jack and the pots?

thanks!

The white will look great. I don't have a pdf of Marc's body but I do have one of the body I made which should be pretty close to what Marc is making for you , I wouldn't do the wiring harness until you have that control plate , that is a tight control cavity and it took a little bit of fitting when I did mine , the vintage cap I used was on the large side so it was a bit of a job to solder up everything to fit , I've attached the pdf below , but like I said I would wait on the hardware. To get full size prints of sections off the pdf just use the snapshot tool , highlight the area you want to print out and set scaling to actual size or none .

The white will look great. I don't have a pdf of Marc's body but I do have one of the body I made which should be pretty close to what Marc is making for you , I wouldn't do the wiring harness until you have that control plate , that is a tight control cavity and it took a little bit of fitting when I did mine , the vintage cap I used was on the large side so it was a bit of a job to solder up everything to fit , I've attached the pdf below , but like I said I would wait on the hardware. To get full size prints of sections off the pdf just use the snapshot tool , highlight the area you want to print out and set scaling to actual size or none .

thanks!

just thought of a potential problem: since the body is thinner than standard, does that mean i need shorter neck-mounting screws so they don't go into the neck too deep?

Yep , I used 1 1/2" , got them from Mcmaster carr , check with Marc , see if he has any slotted shorter neck screws available.

Hey Herb,

How is that video coming? I can't wait to hear it. Am I being a pain about this? ;-) Yup.

Rob

Hey Herb,

How is that video coming? I can't wait to hear it. Am I being a pain about this? ;-) Yup.

Rob

Still looking for a better video camera Rob , didn't forget :)

Maybe a better title would be Non-Snakehead.

I think the control plate on the original prototype is one of its less-cool attributes so why would you go for that if you're not trying to copy the original?

When I built my Snakehead back in 2005, I used Krylon Ivory Gloss. However that was back in the day when Krylon was acrylic lacquer.

......http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/jwells393/Esquire%20Prototype%20Facsimile/EsquireInCase400.jpg

Maybe a better title would be Non-Snakehead.

I think the control plate on the original prototype is one of its less-cool attributes so why would you go for that if you're not trying to copy the original?

When I built my Snakehead back in 2005, I used Krylon Ivory Gloss. However that was back in the day when Krylon was acrylic lacquer.

......http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/jwells393/Esquire%20Prototype%20Facsimile/EsquireInCase400.jpg

i wasn't sure what neck would be used when i started this thread. interesting bit of info about you not liking the snakehead control plate, but i think i'll appeal to your sig on that one. i think the control plate/thin body/pickguard are the snakehead's coolest features by far. for me, if i'd have used a snakehead neck, it would have been for historical reasons only as i find 3x3 tuners annoying.

in other news, anyone know if the snakehead proto had dowel plugs in the back of the body? if so, were they in the same location as on other early telecasters?

in other news, anyone know if the snakehead proto had dowel plugs in the back of the body? if so, were they in the same location as on other early telecasters?

vanguard , the only dowel plugs I am aware of being on the prototype are on the neck , I don't know of any on the back of the body and have not heard of any on the back of the body , but I could be wrong in my assumption.

If you need some short slotted neck mounting screws, send me a pm. I can send you a set.

alright, so i got the short-scale Glendale neck and it's gorgeous, as is all their stuff. got it new off ebay for a very good price (i.e. cheaper than i could get any good neck from allparts). finished in hi-gloss lacquer, perfect fretwork, striking rosewood, and an amazing fat profile that transitions from a 1" thick V to a 1.03" thick D up high.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/glendale.jpg

then came my least favorite part of assembling a guitar: reaming for tuner bushings and getting them to fit just right. i used an 11/32" bit and carefully reamed out the excess lacquer by hand. then i had to further clear the holes out with some sandpaper wrapped around a drill bit. lubed the bushings with dollar store tea candles and pressed them in with some 1/4" plastic bits to protect the finish and disperse pressure. took some mild squeezing with a clamp; not a lot, but enough that they are snug. i hate that part:

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030737.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030739.jpg

and here are some pics of the neck almost ready for install (check out that tadeo-taper and those real clay dots!). it came ready to install with a nice, narrow bone nut. waiting on a 1950-style string tree (along with all the fun stuff) from marc rutters. oiled the rosewood and used some swirl remover to buff out some "character" i applied when reaming with sandpaper:rolleyes::

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030738.jpg

amazing, fat elliptical radius:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030740.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030736.jpg

i got my TV Jones super'tron on the same day; all these fun parts with nothing to attach them to:roll:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030742.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030743.jpg

more parts with nowhere to go (except the tuners, of course):
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030716.jpg

vintage cap candidates to be tested with alligator clamps a ways down the road. everything from .1 down to .001 in PIO, paper/wax, vitaminQ, bumble bee, etc. got all these at an electronics supply co. for like two bucks:lol: (edit: looks like one of those buggers is missing a lead! guess that one's out. . .). so now we wait for a package from mr. rutters and then the sanding, finishing, etc. begins!:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030744.jpg

and a cruddy scribble of where we're headed which i scratched up just to get an idea of finish colors, hardware colors, pickup placement,etc.:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030745.jpg

vanguard , gotta say that is one beautiful neck .

alright, finally got my stuff from Marc Rutters. all of this stuff is perfect. marc is absolutely the man for these things. custom body, pickguard. . .custom everything really; he threw in a bunch of free stuff for reasons beyond me and shipped it EXPRESS to get it to me in 24 hours from CA to GA; wow.

here's the body:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030751.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030753.jpg

the bakelite pickguard:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030755.jpg

and the misc. hardware:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030780.jpg

started out spraying some Deft sanding sealer; about 6 thin coats:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030756.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030757.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030758.jpg

then i started shooting the white (duplicolor nissan pure white lacquer):
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030760.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030761.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030759.jpg

getting more opaque. . .
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030767.jpg

and color's done:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030779.jpg

loaded up some clear minwax spray lacquer on the guard to that old-timey glow; probably 6 heavy coats:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030762.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030774.jpg

and that's where we're at for the moment. the pickguard has a bit of orange peel, but it's about the same amount you get on a nocaster or AV52 guard from fender. do y'all think i should wet sand to flat and buff it out?

by the way, i chose all the lacquers and got other invaluable advice from our own Herb, thanks a mil!!!

Lookin good vanguard , Marc is a great to deal with and his work is top notch. Your re - imagined snakehead is turning out to be one sharp dressed guitar.

the mandatory mockup:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030781.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030782.jpg

and some of the wiring:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030785.jpg

and done (except for knobs. pots are too tall for the AV52's i ordered?):
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030791.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030792.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030789.jpg

LOL
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030795.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c150/thespiralboys/smokey%20telecaster%20build/P1030787.jpg

vanguard , can you put a few washers on the back side of the control plate/pots to lower the shafts to fit the knobs ?
I think that is an elegant looking axe , formal classic tuxedo looking , I like it .

Hey V,

That is beautiful! When do we get to hear it?

Rob

I like the new type of mount for the pots. It's original! That would be a great guitar to take to a wedding gig

I like the new type of mount for the pots. It's original! That would be a great guitar to take to a wedding gig

Do a goggles search on Snakehead Esquire , that control plate was used back in 1949 on the great grand daddy of teles :)

so the idea here was to blend concepts from an h44 stratotone (fat neck pickup, fat neck, no bridge pickup); LP jr (fat mahogony/rosewood neck); and the prototype/snakehead tele (thin pine body, control plate, pickguard, bridge plate). after playing this thing for a while, it's got a voice that sounds a bit like all three! it's super fat/full sounding, but has a nice compressed, slightly hollow attack. it sustains forever too. you can tell it's a tele, but it sounds just as much like an old stratotone. this was fun!!!

This looks excellent!! Really like how the white turned-out.