Ash hardtail strat build thread!

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Treadplatedual

Treadplatedual

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I started a new hardtail start tonight!

It will be a 25.5" scale (obviously) with a top loading hardtail bridge. I'll toss 22 tall narrow frets on this beast, and the neck will mirror my Tele build's - flame maple, though this time with a maple board and I'll leave it unstained.

I haven't decided on pickups or electronics yet - I may go HSH, or I may go HSS. Probably the latter.

Here's progress thus far:
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This will be the first of a pair, the second being a fretless p-bass for my dad.
 
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D_W_PGH

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Built one sort of like this last year from parts. Northern white ash body, but the neck is bubinga (too hard/heavy in my opinion) and I put a toploader bridge on it - hardtail.

Strat style guitar for guys who like telecasters.
 
EsquireOK

EsquireOK

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Very cool. Good luck.

I am building one too at the moment. I'm reproducing a '55 heavily contoured factory ash hardtail, as if it was ordered in a "true" custom color opaque white.
 
perttime

perttime

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Following...
That is a pretty piece of ash - and I like hardtails. A natural finish sounds good, unless you want to tint it slightly to look "aged".

My natural hardtail Stratocaster has a thick and smooth finish - and the natural TeleStrat partscaster has a minimal finish that actually lets me feel the wood grain. The more organic grainy feel is my preference.
 
ladave

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Looking great! Following thread.

Putting the last coats of clear on my hardtail strat today. Mine is just a partscaster build, would love to be able to do what you do.
 
Treadplatedual

Treadplatedual

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perttime said:
Following...
That is a pretty piece of ash - and I like hardtails. A natural finish sounds good, unless you want to tint it slightly to look "aged".

My natural hardtail Stratocaster has a thick and smooth finish - and the natural TeleStrat partscaster has a minimal finish that actually lets me feel the wood grain. The more organic grainy feel is my preference.
Click to expand...

I'm with you. My dad specifically requested that on his, it NOT be glass smooth, so I'm doing the same here. I'll likely leave the wood natural, and either do a poly or tru oil finish which will add a slight amber to it.

ladave said:
Looking great! Following thread.

Putting the last coats of clear on my hardtail strat today. Mine is just a partscaster build, would love to be able to do what you do.
Click to expand...

Awesome! I've never had a hardtail strat, and the trems on all the strats I've owned have gotten zero use.

Also, you could definitely do this - it's tedious at times (sanding! Argh!) but surprisingly easy once you have a rhythm down!
 
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perttime

perttime

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Treadplatedual said:
...

Also, you could definitely do this - it's tedious at times (sanding! Argh!) but surprisingly easy once you have a rhythm down!
Click to expand...
Building from scratch, you need a good place for working wood - and some tools. I believe most find a router a great help.... Those things scare me.

Some companies sell routed but unfinished bodies. That would certainly be my way if I ever decide to roll my own.
 
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