Les paul junior build

Sorry it's not a tele. I have a tele build in progress but for now I will share the junior.

Using an all parts Gibson neck

Body is made from an old wool press I think it's blue gum (please tell me otherwise)

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Before and after machining

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Matching grain and trying to miss all of the nail holes

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I'm using a stewmac fixed intonation junior bridge. So used a spare tele bridge to set up intonation/bridge.

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Bridge mount holes done and volume pot hole done

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Brierley p90 made in Adelaide installed.

Problem. The bridge is a vintage and the intonation is set for 4 wound 2 unwound strings. And she doesn't play right, especially the g string

New one ordered

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Old bridge (off) new bridge (on)
Only needed small modification to the mounting bolts on the lathe.
New one also have string grooves

She now plays like a dream

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Linseed oil for a finish

Nice work, I love the simplicity of one pickup and one knob. Your timber looks great too, how much does it weigh?

Looks awesome!

Not sure on exact weight. But lighter than a mex tele.
The other guitars a build use red gum, which is very heavy therefore about 10mm thinner

Very Kool! Can't wait to see it finished.

Great work!
I've heard very good things about Mick Brierley's p'ups but haven't tried them yet.
The only knowledge I have of Blue Gum is that a mate of mine has a lot of it in his house, about 3 1/2 hours south of Perth, but his is much lighter in colour. More of a streaky, creamy colour.
I built a table out of an old wool press about 20 years ago which might have been Tuart?
It was one of the hardest timbers I've ever worked with.

Well it is easy to work with. I was able to do the pickup hole with a drill and a chisel. I couldn't find my pattern bit. Probably a bit soft as it is already showing character from belt buckles ect



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Photo of my air conditioner

Cool. I think I need one of these aircons too.

great job

Photo of my air conditioner

Cool!:mrgreen:

I had some left over timber from the first guitar. So a second build is on the books. Going for a rustic feel

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Front

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back

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Rough cut ready for pattern routing

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Neck routing template

Finally! Someone else is doing a single cut Jr.

Yeah, I would say "rustic" describes that wood perfectly :lol:. Looking forward to the build.

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Old bridge (off) new bridge (on)
Only needed small modification to the mounting bolts on the lathe.
New one also have string grooves

She now plays like a dream

Good work. I'm amazed at how many aftermarket
wraparound bridges are compensated for a wound
G string. I just had to do the same kind of bridge
replacement a couple of weeks ago.

Good job there, keep the photos coming ....

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Neck joint routed


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My two pattern bits. Priceless

Good work. I'm amazed at how many aftermarket
wraparound bridges are compensated for a wound
G string. I just had to do the same kind of bridge
replacement a couple of weeks ago.

FYI, DeAddario makes a set of 10s with an .018 wound G that sound pretty darn good............just sayin' :grin:

WOW! what a beauty!! that looks AWESOME!! :D

Crazy Dave. I would be all for the custom strings but it is a 21st present for a beginner guitarist.
I may use the old bridge on another guitar

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Am having some trouble getting the set neck to fit with no gaps. A few more hours with a file may be needed

I also applied a bit of a curve (5mm) to the top. Makes a big difference

Crazy Dave. I would be all for the custom strings but it is a 21st present for a beginner guitarist.
I may use the old bridge on another guitar

Nothing custom about them :smile:

http://static.musiciansfriend.com/derivates/18/001/185/637/DV016_Jpg_Large_100190.jpg

5$ a set here in the states :wink:

Good luck on this guitar...............and the next :grin:




Dave

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Still waiting on bridge & pickup. So installed volume pot. Made a recess with a forstener bit and made a sanding tool with a stubby and a drill. Worked a treat

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Jumping forward a few weeks. Holidays are great.
Laminated a thin strip of the body timber onto the headstock for strength and looks
Deciding between washers and no washers
Quick assembly and test. There is still a lot of work to do to the nut fret and truss rod adjustment.
And finally the two most recent guitars together.