A different "tele" adventure...

Hmm...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_0984.jpg


Should I stay?
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_0985.jpg


Or should I go!
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_0988.jpg

Either way, I'm pretty darn stoked on Kevin's generosity!
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_0994.jpg

Cheers!
Chris

Good advertising!

Either way, I'm pretty darn stoked on Kevin's generosity!
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_0994.jpg

Cheers !
Chris


Yep . Kevin at Curly Maple Wood is a class guy , I bought the top for this build from him

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/adirondak50/p90%20build/IMAG0657.jpg?t=1313944885

He sent this piece along with the top and a note thanking me for the purchase and if I could use the extra piece it was mine free

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/adirondak50/new%20shop/101_0720.jpg?t=1300037031

Which I sliced in two and used on this

http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz246/adirondak50/mahogany%20build/DSC_0004-2.jpg?t=1340552988

Sorry for the highjack Chris , stay or go , either way you got 2 cool looking choices :wink:

Hey Herb,
Feel free to hijack anytime - especially to show such fantastic fiddles!
But please, oh please, make sure that Jet 16/32 isn't in anymore pics: jealousy saps all my creativity (haha).

Good advertising!
Nothing like a happy customer!

I vote for a hybrid: Mostly stay, only without a pickguard to cover the beautiful figured wood, like go. If you're going to paint it, they both look good to me, and I'd have no preference.

And, gee. thanks a lot :roll: You got that song runnin through my head and now I got to go pull it out and listen to it again. :lol:

I vote for a hybrid: Mostly stay, only without a pickguard to cover the beautiful figured wood, like go. If you're going to paint it, they both look good to me, and I'd have no preference.

And, gee. thanks a lot :roll: You got that song runnin through my head and now I got to go pull it out and listen to it again. :lol:

At least I didn't say I was staying at the Copacabana... or Going Crazy from the Heat... haha.

Okay, whatever I do, I won't cover up any wood with plastic (or at least only if I have to...)

Stay or go it's all good for me - though I'm leaning towards "stay" - including the pickguard. It is possible to have too much wood on show you know ...mmm that doesn't sound right does it?

Looking forward to seeing another of your builds - always cool and quirky.

Cheers

I like body #2, but then again I love double cut-aways of all kinds :grin:

Stay or go it's all good for me - though I'm leaning towards "stay" - including the pickguard. It is possible to have too much wood on show you know ...mmm that doesn't sound right does it?

Looking forward to seeing another of your builds - always cool and quirky.

Cheers
Thanks, MG! I know what you mean about too much (double entendre and all...haha.) Restraint is in order, but it's so hard to find sometimes...

I like body #2, but then again I love double cut-aways of all kinds :grin:
If I go, there will be double! (cutaway that is)
Hey Dave! I think I am leaning more toward the double cut away too.

Yep. I ordered a plank from Kevin myself. He gave me a freebie too. I will not order from anybody else. Great guy-quality product-fast friendly service. Cant beat it!

I've ordered a lot from Kevin. The freebies are great!

Yep. I ordered a plank from Kevin myself. He gave me a freebie too. I will not order from anybody else. Great guy-quality product-fast friendly service. Cant beat it!

I've ordered a lot from Kevin. The freebies are great!

Glad to know I'm in good company!

So... I'm sure by now no one is wondering what's going on with this (haha).

But, rest assured, I haven't forgotten!

Since I mysteriously acquired enough lumber for 6 body blanks (thanks again James!), I decided to pursue both options! This is TDPRI after all, and I remember reading the signature of a wise poster that said, "If the question begins with 'Should I build...' the answer is 'Yes!'" So there ya have it!

I don't know why I bother with templates anymore - it's not like I ever build the same thing twice! I guess it's more of an essential brainstorming stage for me...

Here's some brainstorming on the pickguard:

Sketch on masking tape stuck to the outline.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2065.jpg

Transfer the masking tape to some scrap mdf.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2066.jpg

Cut out the new pickguard template and try it on.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2067.jpg

I also work with actual wood! (I know, I know... crazy...)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2069.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2082.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2085.jpg

I LOVE this new dish carving bit!
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2088.jpg

Good thing I remembered to drill the locating holes for the f-holes!
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2086.jpg

What you don't see is the iocaine powder, eating the f-holes through the mahogany!
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2090.jpg
(Or the Bosch jigsaw that preceded the files and sandpaper...)

And, of course, I feel compelled to make a third fiddle with a carved top and back. So, of course, I sketched out a little carving guide:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2062.jpg
I also used an exacto blade to make a bunch of perforations, so I could play 'connect the...' um... 'dashes'. (See the light?)

How about now?
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2064.jpg

Anyhow... Oh yeah! Connect the dashes:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2101.jpg

Then, of course, erase and draw some more.... um... interesting lines:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2130.jpg

And the whole shebang:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2145.jpg
I used my inset template and a template guide bushing to rout the perimeter. This way (hopefully) the outline won't be lost when I rout in the terraces for the carve.... I'm really curious to see how this works out (haha).

I've spent the last 10 years building up a tolerance to iocaine powder. :grin:

That's one crazy looking piece of Mahog. The body shape is tres cool too.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2145.jpg
I'm really curious to see how this works out (haha).
Nice rack............er..................tracing :oops:




On a non-related subject.............there's gotta be a law against owning that much mahogany, right? :twisted:

I've spent the last 10 years building up a tolerance to iocaine powder. :grin:

That's one crazy looking piece of Mahog. The body shape is tres cool too.
I knew it! With all those mad skills, you just have to be a CDPR (Certified Dread Pirate Roberts)!
Thanks, Phil.

Nice rack............er..................tracing :oops:




On a non-related subject.............there's gotta be a law against owning that much mahogany, right? :twisted:

Ya know, Dave, I had a feeling posting that new Freud bit would somehow lead to trouble... but I just stuffed it down inside like all my other feelings...
Rock on, my repressed Brotha!

Cheers Fellas!

And the whole shebang:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2145.jpg
I used my inset template and a template guide bushing to rout the perimeter. This way (hopefully) the outline won't be lost when I rout in the terraces for the carve.... I'm really curious to see how this works out (haha).

Ah, looking forward to this. I see the similarity with your challenge build. But why do I have a funny feeling there will be a few curve balls along the way...:grin:

I'm glad you are doing "stay" and "go". I missed this until now but I would have voted for go. I'm looking forward to this thread developing, reading your writings makes me wish I would have paid attention in English class :razz:, I always enjoy the clever wording.

That Mahog looks great now that you have planed it, I wouldn't have guessed the grain looked like that underneath the rough exterior it had when I saw it.

Are these both going to be bolt-on necks with a bigsby? I don't know why I automatically think angled set necks when I see mahogany.

Ah, looking forward to this. I see the similarity with your challenge build. But why do I have a funny feeling there will be a few curve balls along the way...:grin:
Hey Daz! Thanks, man. I think morbid curiosity compels you to watch... I'm bound to make some mistakes, and when I feel I've got nothing to lose...well then I just start throwin' the curve balls... Either way, it'll be fun!

I'm glad you are doing "stay" and "go". I missed this until now but I would have voted for go. I'm looking forward to this thread developing, reading your writings makes me wish I would have paid attention in English class :razz:, I always enjoy the clever wording.

That Mahog looks great now that you have planed it, I wouldn't have guessed the grain looked like that underneath the rough exterior it had when I saw it.

Are these both going to be bolt-on necks with a bigsby? I don't know why I automatically think angled set necks when I see mahogany.
Hey James! Funny you mention it - I'm currently having a terrible time trying to pay attention in English class (haha). I don't know why I can't focus... (I'm actually enjoying my classes this time around.)

Yeah, I was pretty stoked to see that grain coming through. I know what ya mean about mahogany and angled set necks. But, yeah, these will be bolt necks, albeit with slight angles... I'm just stuck on the no-truss-rod thing, so I want to make it easy if a neck goes south. At least one will have a Bigsby...maybe both... Speaking of mahogany and angled necks -- those Telepaul Lescasters look fantastic!

Cheers, man!

When I was carving the back on the 2012 Build Challenge guitar, I distinctly remember swearing that it just wasn't worth it and that I would never bother with such a silly thing again...

Now I distinctly remember forgetting that...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2152_zps29584aff.jpg

First, I used the inset template to set the boundary for the outline.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2157_zpsc6a7ba93.jpg

Then I did a bit (pun-meister) of routing wherever I saw fit (which pretty much coincided with where I had sketched the lines... pretty much...)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2159_zps1dbbc931.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2161_zps990248ea.jpg

I got so rabid with the angle grinder that I forgot to take pictures...
This is what it looked like when I finally thought of it:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2164_zps3608e946.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2166_zpsd5607a69.jpg

I also forgot to take pics of the body... So far, it looks like this:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2154_zpsdbf9a6fd.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2155_zpsc06bc165.jpg

Happy Wednesday!

Look in the mirror, there is a sculptor trying madly to escape :grin:

Look in the mirror, there is a sculptor trying madly to escape :grin:

So that's what that is!

(Thanks, Dave!)

I appear to have overestimated the ridgidity of my depth stop...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2187_zpsdacd31fa.jpg

Oh yeah, sardonic pun intended!
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2188_zps251151e4.jpg

I've made a bunch of progress, but rather than bore everyone with what I've already done, I think I might just focus on my screwups (and no - that's not what I was already doing before!)

Looks like I'll be exploring the wonderbulous world of toneports....

Just when I was thankful that I hadn't made my mistakes on the fiddle for my buddy.... BAM! Looks like today is my tuition day...

So, before getting into possible fixes, let me share my lessons.
1) Always double-and-triple-check that the depth stop is secure.
2) Never use a jigsaw on thin material (especially end-grain) without a SECURE AND SOLID backing (note to self: carpet taping it to MDF does NOT count).

So there ya go. I hope this spares someone out there some agony.

On to the fixes:
1) The Tone Portal
I put some masking tape on to keep the cut clean, and then I drilled the holes all the way through (and, yes, I used a backing).
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2191_zpsf1e0aa17.jpg

Then I carefully sketched out the port to ensure clearance around the other too-deep holes while tying in to the lines of the carve (This is the back of the guitar).
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2189_zps3747bda1.jpg

Then I cut it out. (This is before I threw my jigsaw across the yard...)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2192_zps6e0d6a44.jpg

I also made sure that the aperture will accommodate a CTS pot, as I'm thinking I'll leave the top without any f-holes for a nice, clean look.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2194_zps28f9295d.jpg

I used tracing paper to copy and transfer the tone-hole (trademark) (haha) to the other side, but I didn't take no foto...


2) The Jigsaw Debacle

So, just when I thought I learned my lesson and was thankful that my buddy's fiddle was spared - BAM! A foolish move with the jigsaw cracked the plate I've been working on for the last few days. The funny thing (no, I didn't really throw my jigsaw... although had the pug dog been there, I might have been tempted...), the funny thing is that I learned (yes, the hard way) that the router can rip the top bout clean off if one leaves too much for it to grab onto. Well, I'm so smart - I won't let that happen to me (again...). Genius that I am, I decided (after I had already attached the template) to just trim it down to within 1/16th of the template. I mean, what could happen? Anyhow, sorry to go text-heavy on ya there...

So this is where we're at:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2195_zpscf1fe69f.jpg
See the crack?

How about now?
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2196_zps6ea74f1f.jpg

Maybe I'll just make sure people only see it like this.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/IMG_2198_zpsb8e72413.jpg
...

I've already stabilized it with CA glue. I'm thinking I might just carry on and see how bad it shows up under stain and finish... But I've got a feelin' there's gonna be some frantic curveballs ahead...

Hope you're all well and encouraged.
Today kinda left me in the dumps. Thanks for reading/listening.

Cheers,
Chris

YMMV, but on a crack like that, I'd usually drill a small hole at the end as a crack-stop, then plug it as you see fit. I work on the premise that if you don't change the plane of the crack, there is nothing to keep it from progressing from that point on (even if the glued part stays). Just my theory :wink:

YMMV, but on a crack like that, I'd usually drill a small hole at the end as a crack-stop, then plug it as you see fit. I work on the premise that if you don't change the plane of the crack, there is nothing to keep it from progressing from that point on (even if the glued part stays). Just my theory :wink:
I do believe I'll take your theories over my "good ideas" any day.
Thanks, Dave! You saved me much grief down the line.
Now I just need to work a plugged hole into the fix...

Now I just need to work a plugged hole into the fix...
You'll probably want to look up a few methods to do this. FWIW, I'd glue a small oval cleat on the inside of the hole (of the same wood and oriented with the grain), then make up my plug with the maple sawdust and whiteglue (titebond has a white glue now). This lets the cleat bear the stress, and the plug be decorative. There are other ways to do it as well. Why don't you PM James and ask him as well? Nothing wrong with ideas :grin:

You'll probably want to look up a few methods to do this. FWIW, I'd glue a small oval cleat on the inside of the hole (of the same wood and oriented with the grain), then make up my plug with the maple sawdust and whiteglue (titebond has a white glue now). This lets the cleat bear the stress, and the plug be decorative. There are other ways to do it as well. Why don't you PM James and ask him as well? Nothing wrong with ideas :grin:

Okay, so I drilled a couple holes at the end of the crack.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/Dealing%20with%20the%20crack%20and%20moving%20forw ard/IMG_2207_zps6cfa5dd0.jpg

Then I mixed up some white glue and maple dust and stuffed it in there.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/Dealing%20with%20the%20crack%20and%20moving%20forw ard/IMG_2211_zpsa7151462.jpg

Is this the glue of which you speak, Dave?
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/Dealing%20with%20the%20crack%20and%20moving%20forw ard/IMG_2199_zpsc725843d.jpg
I'm really hoping this can work in place of my beloved LMI white glue...

If you look at the crack, you can see that it was headed toward the thicker center that will be glued up to the mahogany. Do ya think I still need a cleet, or does it seem stable enough? Thanks, Dave!

Oh yeah, on a positive note, this has given me a new direction and stoke on this project! This is what I worked on today:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/Dealing%20with%20the%20crack%20and%20moving%20forw ard/IMG_2200_zps81cbe8c8.jpg

Cheers!
Chris

Is this the glue of which you speak, Dave?
Yeppers! :grin:


If you look at the crack, you can see that it was headed toward the thicker center that will be glued up to the mahogany. Do ya think I still need a cleet, or does it seem stable enough? Thanks, Dave!
As long as it will be stabilized on the back by a piece of wood thicker than the top. If that's the back itself, so much the better! :wink:

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/Dealing%20with%20the%20crack%20and%20moving%20forw ard/IMG_2200_zps81cbe8c8.jpg

Cheers!
Chris

Magnificent! Almost a Giger feel going on without the creepiness!

Magnificent! Almost a Giger feel going on without the creepiness!
Hey thanks, Phil!
You struck a chord with me on that one - I'm amazed at both Giger's talent and the probable unquiet dreams that guy must have....

So, here's my new vision for this one: Picture the border around the maple and the crack and 'drop' filled with red sparkle. Then picture the pointy bits filled with shiny solder.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/A%20tele%20for%20Jojo/Dealing%20with%20the%20crack%20and%20moving%20forw ard/IMG_2217.jpg
Can you see it too?

^^^ Yep. That's brilliant, I'm looking forward to seeing the shiny solder part too. I also think it looks really good just like it is. The crack and hole is very interesting with the burned looking edge like that. I wish my building troubles left me in your predicaments...yours always end up looking cooler, mine end up in the closet.

I'm off to google this Giger character, all that comes to mind is the device that measures radioactivity and warns you slightly after it's too late.

:shock::shock::shock: I'm back from my Google Giger session. Makes me wonder about his parents. Giger could only be so lucky as to have Anyone's talent.

:shock::shock::shock: I'm back from my Google Giger session. Makes me wonder about his parents. Giger could only be so lucky as to have Anyone's talent.

Darn straight :wink:

^^^ Yep. That's brilliant, I'm looking forward to seeing the shiny solder part too. I also think it looks really good just like it is. The crack and hole is very interesting with the burned looking edge like that. I wish my building troubles left me in your predicaments...yours always end up looking cooler, mine end up in the closet.

I'm off to google this Giger character, all that comes to mind is the device that measures radioactivity and warns you slightly after it's too late.
Thanks, James! I tell ya, it totally ruined my day when it happened. I figure if God can redeem us and creation, well...maybe that story could have an effect on my build. And if it's not gonna happen....well...I'll just add it to the pile... (haha).
:shock::shock::shock: I'm back from my Google Giger session. Makes me wonder about his parents. Giger could only be so lucky as to have Anyone's talent.

Darn straight :wink:
Yeah, I suppose a slight (severe) downgrade in talent might do him some good! He's certainly in touch with the "fearfully" part of "fearfully and wonderfully made"!

Thanks, Guys!

Hey Chris I saw these guits in a magazine the other day. I immediately thought of you, these remind me of the teluchador's.

http://i.imgur.com/ZmG1d.jpg (http://imgur.com/ZmG1d)

Pretty cool! I'm sure you've probably seen them before but...

Hey this thread could use an update huh :razz:.

Hey this thread could use an update huh :razz:.
Yeh Chris, whazzzzup with that? :lol:

Hey Chris I saw these guits in a magazine the other day. I immediately thought of you, these remind me of the teluchador's.

http://i.imgur.com/ZmG1d.jpg (http://imgur.com/ZmG1d)

Pretty cool! I'm sure you've probably seen them before but...

Hey this thread could use an update huh :razz:.
Yeah, those are pretty killer lookin'! Teye guitars are another pretty cool one based off those old Zemaitis guitars.
Thanks, James!

Yeh Chris, whazzzzup with that? :lol:
There are just too many cool threads to lurk in now!:wink:

Cheers, Fellas!
(I'll be updating soon, you know how it goes...)

Hey Chris you need to post something here soon so we know you aren't trapped under your band saw or something else heavy. Where are you dude?

Hey Chris you need to post something here soon so we know you aren't trapped under your band saw or something else heavy. Where are you dude?
Hey James!
I've just been a bit overwhelmed with work and lurking from time to time.
There's just so much cool stuff going on that I just can't seem to bring myself to post updates... I will soon though. I came up with a new two-bolt neck joint idea that I think might be pretty cool... Of course the idea came from a mistake... and I'm pretty sure I've probably ripped it off from someone else... (haha). I have a few headstock ideas I'm planning on sending ya when I finally return your awesome fuzz pedal. Do ya miss it yet? Coming through SLO anytime soon? I'm eager to check out that Goldie/Brockburst. It's looking fantastic!

Hey you are alive...much rejoicing.

No I don't miss that pedal, it seems to work better at your place. SLO, not so much. We are going to Disneyland in a couple of weeks though.

I'm holding off posting the next brokburst update until I recover from the disaster that I'm in the middle of. Apparently my maple top had something in one small spot that the lacquer totally freaked out on. I'm currently generating a healthy supply of used sandpaper.

Good to hear you aren't trapped under something heavy, or if you are...well it's good you can still reach a keyboard.

Hah!
Thanks, man. Rejoicing is contagious.

It'd be pretty cool if we could meet up for lunch or something, but I know that's quite a stretch. I'd love to show you what I'm working on...

We might just have to work something out about that pedal...

Hey Chris,

How is that build coming? Did you finish it? Working on a stacked Tele bridge here that is almost an inch tall. Gotta make room for enough winds! Good to hear from you.

Rob

Hey Chris,

How is that build coming? Did you finish it? Working on a stacked Tele bridge here that is almost an inch tall. Gotta make room for enough winds! Good to hear from you.

Rob

Heya Rob!

You guys are bringin me back from the dead, I tell ya!
I still haven't finished that build, but I did start a few in the meantime...
Actually they were more for proof-of-concept than the good, old-fashioned scatter-brained stuff I'm prone to... I gouged a neck heel on the router, and, while alternating between tears and strong words, came up with the idea of a locking neck pocket (kind of like on those Connexts toys...). The build is getting closer, though, I think I just shot for the stars on it... It'll get there.

On one of the builds, I'm going to try a 25.26 scale length and a reverse tele bridge. I'm curious to see how the stacked tele bridge works in that setup, since the distance from the bridge might sweeten the highs (and the lows are so tight and girthy to begin with). Also the mule I used it in had a 24.75 scale, so maybe the extra .51 will lend it a touch more snap and spectrum while keeping the growl that's so addictive about that pup. And I do believe I'll be routing the neck for a p90 (cough, cough), a deep p90...

Good to hear from you too! Let me know what I can contribute (I do believe I remain indebted at the moment....), and I'm also open to whatever clever twists you want to try.

If you want some snap.....................try a 27" scale. Just add 1.5" to the first fret of a std 25.5" scale and your first fret now goes where the nut was. Takes some getting used to, but if you want some "snap", you'll love it :wink:

Here are some cryptic pics:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_3409_zps11f422e0.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_3408_zpsd82d4961.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_3407_zps4f391e06.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_3406_zps8b84c7f1.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_3405_zps7eb7a0e7.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_3412_zpsa5fd46a3.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_3415_zps69f582bd.jpg

I like that heel/ neck pocket design. Also that headstock is really sick!

If you want some snap.....................try a 27" scale. Just add 1.5" to the first fret of a std 25.5" scale and your first fret now goes where the nut was. Takes some getting used to, but if you want some "snap", you'll love it :wink:
Yeah, um... either my fingers didn't get the memo that I'm not a little girly-man or they knew better.:mrgreen:
Seriously though... I thought maybe just a touch more snap, but staying close enough to the Gibby scale to keep the mids and responsiveness for vibrato and bends. Of course, I'm sure it's all pretty psychosomatic... to a point...

I like that heel/ neck pocket design. Also that headstock is really sick!
Thanks, Bentley!

Nice to see you back anyone - good to see you thinking outside the (Telecaster) square as usual. Really like the thinking behind that neck joint - don't think you'll get any "play" for minor lateral adjustments though...

Measure twice etc:razz:

cheers

Yeah, um... either my fingers didn't get the memo that I'm not a little girly-man or they knew better.:mrgreen:
It does take some getting used to :lol:. Personally I don't see enough difference between 25.26 and 25.5 to make it worth while, but hey, you may be onto something. FWIW Martin used a 25.34 on a LOT of their dreadnaughts and as we know, they work well :wink:

I don't think I've seen anyone (else) shape the back of a neck with a bandsaw; muy macho!

Heya Rob!

You guys are bringin me back from the dead, I tell ya!
I still haven't finished that build, but I did start a few in the meantime...
Actually they were more for proof-of-concept than the good, old-fashioned scatter-brained stuff I'm prone to... I gouged a neck heel on the router, and, while alternating between tears and strong words, came up with the idea of a locking neck pocket (kind of like on those Connexts toys...). The build is getting closer, though, I think I just shot for the stars on it... It'll get there.

On one of the builds, I'm going to try a 25.26 scale length and a reverse tele bridge. I'm curious to see how the stacked tele bridge works in that setup, since the distance from the bridge might sweeten the highs (and the lows are so tight and girthy to begin with). Also the mule I used it in had a 24.75 scale, so maybe the extra .51 will lend it a touch more snap and spectrum while keeping the growl that's so addictive about that pup. And I do believe I'll be routing the neck for a p90 (cough, cough), a deep p90...

Good to hear from you too! Let me know what I can contribute (I do believe I remain indebted at the moment....), and I'm also open to whatever clever twists you want to try.

Hey Chris,

I've got one of my tall Tele pups here that got damaged when I shipped it to Roger. It's looking at me pathetically from my bench and wants a rewind. I have some ideas on sweetening the highs. Watch your mailbox.

Rob

Nice to see you back anyone - good to see you thinking outside the (Telecaster) square as usual. Really like the thinking behind that neck joint - don't think you'll get any "play" for minor lateral adjustments though...

Measure twice etc:razz:

cheers
Hey MG!
Thanks for that. Yeah, it definitely cuts both ways!
(see what I did there?) haha.
Cheers!

It does take some getting used to :lol:. Personally I don't see enough difference between 25.26 and 25.5 to make it worth while, but hey, you may be onto something. FWIW Martin used a 25.34 on a LOT of their dreadnaughts and as we know, they work well :wink:
I reckon your right, Dave. (That's always a safe bet...)
But I figure if I keep telling myself it's a finely tuned scale length, I'll start to believe it. Really, it's just a fret shorter from the 26.76 scale I did on last year's challenge build. So it's actually no extra work for me. But, of course, that's not a factor in my decision.... 25.26 really will unlock the secrets of mystical scale length!

I don't think I've seen anyone (else) shape the back of a neck with a bandsaw; muy macho!
Thanks! I know I've seen it somewhere... but I can't remember where...
It's a 3/4" Woodslicer blade, and, after slicing off the facets, pulling the stock backwards against the blade removes material a lot like a rasp (but without the elbow grease) So... Para mi, es muy perezoso (except for the acknowledgment that the wrong move could sever a body part or destroy the neck...haha)

Your EJ build is spectactular, by the way!



Hey Chris,

I've got one of my tall Tele pups here that got damaged when I shipped it to Roger. It's looking at me pathetically from my bench and wants a rewind. I have some ideas on sweetening the highs. Watch your mailbox.

Rob
Hey Rob,
I've got just the place for it and promise to provide it a loving and nurturing home.
(Really looking forward to hearing what you've got cookin'.)

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_3408_zpsd82d4961.jpg
That old pine plank is going to howl! The neck joint is a seriously impressive feat. I applaud your creativity and risk-taking, Sir.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_3408_zpsd82d4961.jpg
That old pine plank is going to howl! The neck joint is a seriously impressive feat. I applaud your creativity and risk-taking, Sir.

Hey Dano!
Welcome aboard, Buddy.
I need to hurry up and finish that thing to make sure it works as planned... Then you can carry on with that howling thing you're talkin about.
Now I'm going to have to update this thread... Grrrr...
Cheers!

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_3406_zps8b84c7f1.jpg



Hey Chris!

I can't believe nobody picked up on this, but it appears you've milled a bridge from a solid billet. How did you do it, I've been wanting to and wondering if I could do that with a router. Looks great!

Hey Chris!

I can't believe nobody picked up on this, but it appears you've milled a bridge from a solid billet. How did you do it, I've been wanting to and wondering if I could do that with a router. Looks great!

That's exactly what I was about to ask. It looks way better than any other bridge I've seen. Although Armadillo guitars makes a milled one that looks awesome.

http://www.armadilloguitar.com/shopping/images/guitarparts/DSC00657.jpg

Good to see you back Chris, looking forward to seeing any progress you want to post. I love the style of this one.

Hey Chris!

I can't believe nobody picked up on this, but it appears you've milled a bridge from a solid billet. How did you do it, I've been wanting to and wondering if I could do that with a router. Looks great!

I love's me some aluminum :smile:, but it is some nasty stuff IME. Aluminum oxide is blacker than a sharpie and ruins a polishing rag....................good thing I get 'em at Walmart :lol:

Don't know how I never saw this thread until now, but it looks like you're up to some great tricks as usual :wink:. Looking great, Chris.

Yeah love that neck pocket and the milled bridge! I thought about milling a bridge like that a couple of times. Looking good!

"If you want rules, read the IRS tax code. If you want to build guitars, make some sawdust." -Colt W. Knight

Hey Chris!

I can't believe nobody picked up on this, but it appears you've milled a bridge from a solid billet. How did you do it, I've been wanting to and wondering if I could do that with a router. Looks great!
Thanks, Phil!
Yeah, I used my dad's milling machine. I've thought about trying to use a router to make a tailpiece, but I'm struggling to come up with a way to secure the part... I'm also a little sketched on keeping it slow and steady...

That's exactly what I was about to ask. It looks way better than any other bridge I've seen. Although Armadillo guitars makes a milled one that looks awesome.

http://www.armadilloguitar.com/shopping/images/guitarparts/DSC00657.jpg
Thanks, James!
Yeah, that Armadillo stuff looks great!

Good to see you back Chris, looking forward to seeing any progress you want to post. I love the style of this one.
Thanks, Daz! Good to "see" you too!

I love's me some aluminum :smile:, but it is some nasty stuff IME. Aluminum oxide is blacker than a sharpie and ruins a polishing rag....................good thing I get 'em at Walmart :lol:
You know I've been waiting to ask: How can I finish this thing? Will spray lacquer work? I kind of want to keep the rough, machined look... so I don't know about plating.... (I don't know anything about plating anyway! haha). What say you, Dave? How would you seal this thing?

Don't know how I never saw this thread until now, but it looks like you're up to some great tricks as usual :wink:. Looking great, Chris.
Hah! Thanks, Roger! There are a lot of great threads right now; I'm still struggling to get out of 'lurk mode'. You've got me wishing for barnwood!

Yeah love that neck pocket and the milled bridge! I thought about milling a bridge like that a couple of times. Looking good!

"If you want rules, read the IRS tax code. If you want to build guitars, make some sawdust." -Colt W. Knight
Thanks, man!

You know I've been waiting to ask: How can I finish this thing? Will spray lacquer work? I kind of want to keep the rough, machined look... so I don't know about plating.... (I don't know anything about plating anyway! haha). What say you, Dave? How would you seal this thing?


With aluminum (which that appears to be) it starts to oxidize the second you quit polishing it. You can plate it I guess, that's far above my pay-grade. On those that I want to keep the finish intact I just hit the plate with some clear lacquer. At some point it will break down and start to oxidize, just much slower than normal. On some, I just let nature take it's course (like on a prototype let's say). On some guitars, that fits right in with the vibe I want :wink:. The most efficient finish (if you know someone who does this) is to have it anodized. It imparts a tough skin that wears well as is tough to remove :grin:

Do a search for DIY anodizing. You can do it with battery acid, a battery charger and RIT dye. Any color you want.

With aluminum (which that appears to be) it starts to oxidize the second you quit polishing it. You can plate it I guess, that's far above my pay-grade. On those that I want to keep the finish intact I just hit the plate with some clear lacquer. At some point it will break down and start to oxidize, just much slower than normal. On some, I just let nature take it's course (like on a prototype let's say). On some guitars, that fits right in with the vibe I want :wink:. The most efficient finish (if you know someone who does this) is to have it anodized. It imparts a tough skin that wears well as is tough to remove :grin:
Yep, it's aluminum. I do love the stuff, but, yes, it's messy and can't come clean... I thought of anodizing, but then I'd have to detail it out more than I am currently willing to...

Do a search for DIY anodizing. You can do it with battery acid, a battery charger and RIT dye. Any color you want.
Now why am I not surprised that you've got the inside scoop on this?
(Thanks, Nosmo! Good to "see" ya.)

I figure I should give some kinda update, but I don't got much...

I did get this little guy though:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/2013%20Different%20Kind%20of%20Tele%20Adventure/IMG_3472_zps204a4902.jpg
Pure awesomeness. It's the closest thing I've found to a top-bearing spiral pattern bit. There's a little gap between the cutter and the bearing, but it's workable and cuts CLEAN. I just wish Freud would learn to package their bits in something that could be used to store them... versus something that cuts the b'geebers out of you while you're struggling to free your new prized possession from it's plastic prison.

I also finally broke down and got one of these:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/2013%20Different%20Kind%20of%20Tele%20Adventure/IMG_3471_zps5a0feb96.jpg
I had to order it on line, since the salesperson at the local HD said, "Oh yeah, we don't carry them anymore. We just sold the last one we had last week for 50% off." GAHHHHHHh!!!!! So instead, I paid full pop to have it show up in a beat-to-crap box entirely devoid of ANY paperwork at all...:confused:

Anyhow....
Here's another proof-of-concept-type jobby that I'm working on:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/2013%20Different%20Kind%20of%20Tele%20Adventure/IMG_3454_zpsb5208f9e.jpg
It's got that new 2-screw neck joint and a 25.26" scale. It'll also get a reversed tele bridge (to be filled with some magic by Brother Barncaster) and a TV Jones p90-sized super'tron in the neck.

And this is what I do while I'm waiting to figure out things that stump me on the builds I'm trying to finish...(did that make sense?)

Yes, I am also infected by the LP zeitgeist:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/2013%20Different%20Kind%20of%20Tele%20Adventure/IMG_3460_zps67b1462a.jpg

And some other influences by old friends:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/2013%20Different%20Kind%20of%20Tele%20Adventure/IMG_3449_zpsfc327f88.jpg

Cheers!
Chris

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/2013%20Different%20Kind%20of%20Tele%20Adventure/IMG_3454_zpsb5208f9e.jpg

That's a cool headstock, really cool.

Do a search for DIY anodizing. You can do it with battery acid, a battery charger and RIT dye. Any color you want.

Things that make you say "Hmmmm"

Things that make you say "Hmmmm"

Monica?? Is that you??? :shock::mrgreen:

Battery acid and Rit dye..Add some rum and you get Grog.

Loving your stuff here, Chris! ;)

That's a cool headstock, really cool.

+1

The whole feel of the guitar is very nice indeed!

You know I've been waiting to ask: How can I finish this thing? Will spray lacquer work? I kind of want to keep the rough, machined look... so I don't know about plating.... (I don't know anything about plating anyway! haha). What say you, Dave? How would you seal this thing?



I remember looking up about plating on google a while back. It was too long ago to remember the details, but do a search on "plating kits", or something similar (you might need to specify what you want to plate with, ie. nickel).
I recall reading it all and thinking "yes, I will remember that I can do it that way if I ever need to", and if I am thinking that, then I have no doubt at all that you could DIY plate it.

This kooks like just the ticket- I keep meaning to get a kit from them. Probably this summer..

DIY Plating (http://www.caswellplating.com/electroplating-anodizing/nickel-plating-kits/electroless-nickel-plating-kits.html)

Will that work with aluminum ??

Will that work with aluminum ??

I haven't taken the plunge yet, but their site says it will work with aluminum as long as the aluminum is primed with some other chemical they sell.

Will that work with aluminum ??

It should do. It says at the bottom that "This system will plate aluminum if the metal is primed with Zincate first". Not surprisingly they happen to sell Zincate as well.
I am sure this was one of the sites that I looked at.

EDIT: Rich beat me to it.

It's definitely intriguing. I think Herb might have used this system.. Maybe he will chime in here. I know I found out about it on THD and read up on it from there. I really want to try it. ;)

This kooks like just the ticket- I keep meaning to get a kit from them. Probably this summer..

DIY Plating (http://www.caswellplating.com/electroplating-anodizing/nickel-plating-kits/electroless-nickel-plating-kits.html)

Rich , I used that kit to nickel plate some steel bridges and control/neck plates for my snakehead esquire last year , I got great results and it was a fairly easy process , like anything else preparation of the items to be plated is essential IMO , I would/will use Caswell again ;-)

Chris , nice metal work , I like ;-)

Rich , I used that kit to nickel plate some steel bridges and control/neck plates for my snakehead esquire last year , I got great results and it was a fairly easy process , like anything else preparation of the items to be plated is essential IMO , I would/will use Caswell again ;-)

Thanks for the confirmation! I thought that was your information. I really, really want to try that, it would be handy for all these little metal parts I seem to be fabricating lately.

Loving your stuff here, Chris! ;)
Thanks, Rich!
Your Osprey build thread from a few years back was (and remains) a major influence on me. Very inspirational. Thanks for all the info in this thread too!


+1

The whole feel of the guitar is very nice indeed!
Thanks, Phil! A great compliment, considering the source.


That's a cool headstock, really cool.
Thanks, James! Almost cool enough to enjoy a glorious place on one of your builds.... almost...


I remember looking up about plating on google a while back. It was too long ago to remember the details, but do a search on "plating kits", or something similar (you might need to specify what you want to plate with, ie. nickel).
I recall reading it all and thinking "yes, I will remember that I can do it that way if I ever need to", and if I am thinking that, then I have no doubt at all that you could DIY plate it.
I dunno, Daz, I think you might be too skilled to play the "If I can do it, anyone can" card. (see what I did there? haha)
Thanks for the info!


Chris , nice metal work , I like ;-)
Thanks, Herb! I just hope I can muster the skill and determination to properly "Herb" it!

Thanks, James! Almost cool enough to enjoy a glorious place on one of your builds.... almost...


Pfft! Whatever...

Funny how things fit together with interesting timing. I was contacted today to build a Mahogany P-Bass with a maple cap. It will be a 5-stringer and he strongly dislikes the Fender headstock. Got any cool inspiration for a 5-string p-bass head stock? He seemed to prefer an angled head stock over a flat Fender type one.

Got any cool inspiration for a 5-string p-bass head stock? He seemed to prefer an angled head stock over a flat Fender type one.
The 4 + 1 Musicman (maybe reshaped comes to mind) also, a 3 + 2 would be cool as well :wink:

Pfft! Whatever...

Funny how things fit together with interesting timing. I was contacted today to build a Mahogany P-Bass with a maple cap. It will be a 5-stringer and he strongly dislikes the Fender headstock. Got any cool inspiration for a 5-string p-bass head stock? He seemed to prefer an angled head stock over a flat Fender type one.
It don't hurt to try! Are you going with a 1.875 nut?
Which aspect of the F headstock does he find intolerable?

The 4 + 1 Musicman (maybe reshaped comes to mind) also, a 3 + 2 would be cool as well :wink:
3+2 would be cool!

How about a Tele headstock shape?

3+2 would be cool!


Yes.................yes it is :grin:



https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS7Je-z7Js4HjKBFLrhk1m0f0iG5AD-CLNDu6HkJ6-psy3mzgYoLw

I'll be watching this. Nice restyling!

I'll be watching this. Nice restyling!
Thanks, man!

I finally got to work on the fiddle this thread is about.

Here's the obligatory forstner-bit hog-out shot:
http://mob38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_3531_zps4914c4fb.jpg
Can you tell I finally found a use for some of those old templates I have layin' around?

Here's why I love that spiral hinge/mortise bit:
http://mob38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_3534_zps35c33754.jpg
Nice, clean cut with no tear-out.

When I did the test fit, I saw that the neck pocket was about .25 too shallow. I was a bit worried about lining up the template, until I realized that I could just use the neck itself to align the template with the neck pocket. Hah! I love it when I realize simple truths before making stupid mistakes. Here's the obligatory hold-the-body-by-the-neck-to-show-how-snug-it-fits shot:
http://mob38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_3538_zpsab5432c5.jpg
I'm really stoked on how this turned out. Quality Control will be happy.

Here's my quality control team:
http://mob38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_3485_zps3d3e7a39.jpg
http://mob38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_3495_zps74a1bd99.jpg
Pretty much, it works like this: Any time they hear me grunt, groan, say "dangit!", etc... they grab the first thing they find and come beat the b'geebers outta me. It's really effective.

I'll 'splain later...if needed....
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_3628_zps60591e6d.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_3630_zpsff96b0b7.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_3732_zpsac0b5616.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_3733_zpsea646749.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_3734_zpsdc317345.jpg


Cheers!

It's very "anyone" isn't it? More intriguing construction methods I see. Diggin' the cartoon-ish headstock too.

Have you been known to wear a green jacket with question marks perchance?

First build of Chris's I ever saw, it took me 10 pages to figure out what the heck he was doing. The heart of an artist with a little mad scientist thrown in :grin:

It's very "anyone" isn't it? More intriguing construction methods I see. Diggin' the cartoon-ish headstock too.

Have you been known to wear a green jacket with question marks perchance?
Thanks, MG!
I do like green... and I often have a question mark over my head (or would if I were in a cartoon...). (Cheeky monkey:mrgreen:)

First build of Chris's I ever saw, it took me 10 pages to figure out what the heck he was doing. The heart of an artist with a little mad scientist thrown in :grin:
Thanks, Dave! I think it took me 10 pages to figure out what I was doing too:mrgreen:.

I can see through your f-hole :mrgreen:

Wait...why can I see through your f-hole, doe's this not have a back yet?

I can see through your f-hole :mrgreen:

Wait...why can I see through your f-hole, doe's this not have a back yet?
Soundhole, James, SOUNDhole! (:mrgreen:)
Yeah, I'm at sort of an impasse trying to figure out how to get the best transition between the smooth maple, the shiny sparklies and the distressed mahogany.... It'll just happen one day (soon), but after I glue the back on, there'll be no turning back! I'm getting closer though...

...and laconic as ever...:mrgreen:

Routing for the tonebar:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_4894_zps1253974f.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/nothingeverhappensonmars/media/IMG_4894_zps1253974f.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_4895_zpsbf0bf5ec.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/nothingeverhappensonmars/media/IMG_4895_zpsbf0bf5ec.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_4896_zpsa2d0ec12.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/nothingeverhappensonmars/media/IMG_4896_zpsa2d0ec12.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_4898_zps6f010e81.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/nothingeverhappensonmars/media/IMG_4898_zps6f010e81.jpg.html)

Sanding contours (and other stuff I can't remember because I didn't update the thread when I took the pics...)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_5491_zps22e78217.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/nothingeverhappensonmars/media/IMG_5491_zps22e78217.jpg.html)

Skipping a bunch of updates.....
...
...

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


And waiting for the finish to dry so I can get on with it!
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_5520_zpsf11d6a99.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/nothingeverhappensonmars/media/IMG_5520_zpsf11d6a99.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_5525_zps1f7f5953.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/nothingeverhappensonmars/media/IMG_5525_zps1f7f5953.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_5526_zps26329072.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/nothingeverhappensonmars/media/IMG_5526_zps26329072.jpg.html)

I put the other guitar together today and played it for a bit. It needs a fret leveling and some fine-tuning to the set up, but it's super fun to play and the bridge pup sounds fantastic! I'll try to get it dialed in and post some clips later this week.

Cheers!
Chris

Lost updates? Oh the humanity! :shock:


Looking good Chris :grin:

That's it. Gonna get that Tannenbaum grün stain out of the drawer :)

Cracking axe.

Lost updates? Oh the humanity! :shock:


Looking good Chris :grin:
Yeah, lapses in updates from me... who'da thunk it! (haha)

Thanks, Dave!

That's it. Gonna get that Tannenbaum grün stain out of the drawer :)

Cracking axe.

Thanks, man! I just so happened to order some red tortoise binding... I did get teased about a Christmas guitar when the wife saw the order.... haha.

Yeah, lapses in updates from me... who'da thunk it! (haha)

Thanks, Dave!

Thanks, man! I just so happened to order some red tortoise binding... I did get teased about a Christmas guitar when the wife saw the order.... haha.

What's the deal with two screws only?

Miss ya Chris!

Rob

What's the deal with two screws only?

It's a locking joint based on an idea I got from thinking about guitars while looking at my kids' toys:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_3409_zps11f422e0.jpg

Miss ya Chris!

Rob

Hey thanks, Rob! I've been stuck in work and lurk mode...

I did get the most recent stacked tele bridge wired up, and it does sound glorious! I just want to get the guitar set up properly before posting a clip. I did get lost playing it for about an hour or so last night though...

First build of Chris's I ever saw, it took me 10 pages to figure out what the heck he was doing. The heart of an artist with a little mad scientist thrown in :grin:

I just stumbled on this again today.

Dave, same thought going through my head.

That neck pocket is genius!

Nice to see this thread moving again. I'm still scratching my head though - and no it's not lice.... so is the green fronted one getting the sparkles (you mentioned earlier) which with the red tortoishell binding will become the Christmascaster?:shock:

'splain away:grin:

I just stumbled on this again today.

Dave, same thought going through my head.

That neck pocket is genius!
Thanks, man!

Nice to see this thread moving again. I'm still scratching my head though - and no it's not lice.... so is the green fronted one getting the sparkles (you mentioned earlier) which with the red tortoishell binding will become the Christmascaster?:shock:

'splain away:grin:
Well.... Is like dis... I don' always say which guitar in my head is goin' to be appearin' in the thread.... :mrgreen:

The sparkles are on the one that started this thread, the green one is a proof-of-concept thing that just sort of happened along the way, and the red tort binding will go on an LP type thing (that very well may be happening by Christmas and be green:mrgreen:). But who knows what the future will bring? (haha)

Good to "see" ya!

First... why I hate chickens...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_5536_zpsc0d365d6.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/nothingeverhappensonmars/media/IMG_5536_zpsc0d365d6.jpg.html)
See the footprint in it? Seriously! The whole yard beckons, and they have to unload right where I'm working? Seriously?!?

Okay... It's alright... sort of...
Moving on here...

All dolled up with a really tall "nut":
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_5535_zpsc95861f5.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/nothingeverhappensonmars/media/IMG_5535_zpsc95861f5.jpg.html)

Tuned to pitch by a somewhat tall nut:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_5537_zpsa02f9118.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/nothingeverhappensonmars/media/IMG_5537_zpsa02f9118.jpg.html)

Leveled with 220 on an extruded aluminum angle:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_5539_zps7d64233c.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/nothingeverhappensonmars/media/IMG_5539_zps7d64233c.jpg.html)
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_5540_zpse538e2fd.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/nothingeverhappensonmars/media/IMG_5540_zpse538e2fd.jpg.html)

Re-crowned and polished:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_5549_zps8af79c1a.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/nothingeverhappensonmars/media/IMG_5549_zps8af79c1a.jpg.html)
Note the outrageous passing of time? (haha)

And... Paging Brother Barncaster!
This fella needs the ol' paradoxical fat and articulate humbucker that likes being stuffed under a pickguard "stealth" style!
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_5552_zps1c0dc953.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/nothingeverhappensonmars/media/IMG_5552_zps1c0dc953.jpg.html)
See? It'll be a stealth esquire with way too many knobs - that's funny right there!

Just finished reading this whole thread...! Sorry I'm late to the party, but better late than never, I guess!

Anyway, great stuff here. Love the Strat-Tele-Bigsby headstock.

First... why I hate chickens...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_5536_zpsc0d365d6.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/nothingeverhappensonmars/media/IMG_5536_zpsc0d365d6.jpg.html)
See the footprint in it? Seriously! The whole yard beckons, and they have to unload right where I'm working? Seriously?!?



Man, what do these chickens eat?:lol:
Very nice guitar, I like the green color two.

Hi Chris, good to see this thread back. What is the neck wood you are using? It looks a bit like pencil cedar, or perhaps wild cherry. Whatever it is, it sure is nice.

Man, what do these chickens eat?:lol:
Very nice guitar, I like the green color two.
Judging from the condition of their bums, I'd say they mainly eat tail feathers...:shock:
Thanks for the encouragement, Nick!

Just finished reading this whole thread...! Sorry I'm late to the party, but better late than never, I guess!

Anyway, great stuff here. Love the Strat-Tele-Bigsby headstock.
Thanks, man!

Hi Chris, good to see this thread back. What is the neck wood you are using? It looks a bit like pencil cedar, or perhaps wild cherry. Whatever it is, it sure is nice.

Hey Daz,
It's a piece of really light paduak, in weight and color. It feels great and is really 'alive'. I'm eager to hear it (even though it's on the back burner at the moment...)

First... why I hate chickens...
[/URL]
See the footprint in it? Seriously! The whole yard beckons, and they have to unload right where I'm working? Seriously?!?

Okay... It's alright... sort of...
Moving on here...

All dolled up with a really tall "nut":
(http://s38.photobucket.com/user/nothingeverhappensonmars/media/IMG_5536_zpsc0d365d6.jpg.html)

Tuned to pitch by a somewhat tall nut:


Leveled with 220 on an extruded aluminum angle:
(http://s38.photobucket.com/user/nothingeverhappensonmars/media/IMG_5537_zpsa02f9118.jpg.html)


Re-crowned and polished:
(http://s38.photobucket.com/user/nothingeverhappensonmars/media/IMG_5540_zpse538e2fd.jpg.html)
Note the outrageous passing of time? (haha)

And... Paging Brother Barncaster!
This fella needs the ol' paradoxical fat and articulate humbucker that likes being stuffed under a pickguard "stealth" style!
[URL="http://s38.photobucket.com/user/nothingeverhappensonmars/media/IMG_5552_zps1c0dc953.jpg.html"]
See? It'll be a stealth esquire with way too many knobs - that's funny right there!

Hey Chris,

The bucker would be kind of far away from the strings. Might affect output. Maybe a 12" or no radius on the board and deeper than normal neck pocket? This is R&D stuff! I love it!

Rob

Hey Chris,

The bucker would be kind of far away from the strings. Might affect output. Maybe a 12" or no radius on the board and deeper than normal neck pocket? This is R&D stuff! I love it!

Rob
Okay, okay.... I think I've got some inspiration.... Whaddaya think:

Twin blades that stick up out of the pickguard, tall coils, mounted on a short legged paf base (maybe...), kinda like your pafirebird... but a magnet setup like a paf....

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/nothingeverhappensonmars/IMG_5552_zps1c0dc953.jpg

Why is the bridge routed the opposite way?

Why is the bridge routed the opposite way?

All the weird stuff goin' on with that body, and you pick up on THAT? :lol:

All the weird stuff goin' on with that body, and you pick up on THAT? :lol:

Ahaha, I try!:mrgreen:

Why is the bridge routed the opposite way?
Well... In theory it'll give sweeter highs and tighter lows. In reality... I just think it looks cool! :mrgreen:

All the weird stuff goin' on with that body, and you pick up on THAT? :lol:
Weird stuff?!? An international literary genius, and likely polyglot, and the best descriptor you can find is "weird stuff"?!?:mad:
(Heya Jupiter!:mrgreen:)

Ahaha, I try!:mrgreen:
Thanks for tryin', Bentley!:mrgreen:

An international literary genius, and likely polyglot, and the best descriptor you can find is "weird stuff"?!?:mad:


I'm a professional; every frickin' word I use is calculated. :cool:

In all seriousness, nobody else on the Home Depot has a creative process anything close to yours--and I mean that as the highest compliment.

Okay, okay.... I think I've got some inspiration.... Whaddaya think:

Twin blades that stick up out of the pickguard, tall coils, mounted on a short legged paf base (maybe...), kinda like your pafirebird... but a magnet setup like a paf....

Oooooooooooo,

I'm having impure thoughts on that design. Two polished blades simply coming through the pickguard. PAF base. Mojo blade bobbins. This can be done but might take a while. I need the distance measurement from the underside of the strings to the body surface to get the max blade height right. Let me know.

Rob

I'm a professional; every frickin' word I use is calculated. :cool:

I'm pretty sure that's my favorite quote of all time. I nearly snorted!

In all seriousness, nobody else on the Home Depot has a creative process anything close to yours--and I mean that as the highest compliment.
Thanks, man! I suppose you're allowed a few discretionary lapses here and there...:mrgreen:

Oooooooooooo,

I'm having impure thoughts on that design. Two polished blades simply coming through the pickguard. PAF base. Mojo blade bobbins. This can be done but might take a while. I need the distance measurement from the underside of the strings to the body surface to get the max blade height right. Let me know.

Rob

You know I like the way you think, Rob!
This will definitely be worth waiting for.
I'm pretty sure the distance will be around .350, but I'll have a more precise measurement in about a week or so...

Very neat idea with the pickups.. What do you think the extra tall bobbins would do? Does that just move the magnetic field up higher? You'd need pretty tall magnets even if the bobbins were right up against the pickguard..

Very neat idea with the pickups.. What do you think the extra tall bobbins would do? Does that just move the magnetic field up higher? You'd need pretty tall magnets even if the bobbins were right up against the pickguard..
Heya Bentley,
I should probably defer to Rob on this one...but, from what I've read, given the same number of windings, a taller coil will have more clarity while a fatter coil will have more mids. The tall bobbins, however, also afford the opportunity to put more windings. The magnet will actually be a bar magnet at the bottom, with the blades extending up through the pickguard. So, in short (hopefully that's just a poor pun...:mrgreen:) the tall bobbins will facilitate the clarity and responsiveness needed for a pup that will be further from the strings than normal. The pickguard might not be that big a deal, since it's not really much thicker that a p90 cover... Somebody please school me on this if I'm missing the mark.