Baby Monster

For a few years now I've had a running gag with Marty (guitar builder) to make me one of these (at least a willow body). Well all my prodding (and begging) have been to no avail so here goes



The Canadian version (Hammertone) of the Vox product made for only one year.

Now I only intend a passing resemblance so here is my body glue up



Cut out



And the neck blank, my only one piece neck, ever



And now my differences, a longer scale length. The originals are 15.35" and I wanted at least 18". I am NOT doing the octave tuning thing,nah
Also, Fender vintage type tuners, LH and RH. Also a tailpiece and maybe ABR type bridge, Maybe. And only one pickup at the 24th fret/node point. You can't tell me two that close together sound all that different. Except for the middle position which gives you humbucker so how about ONE humbucker already . Just seems common sense to me, but this IS guitars we're talking about . More later, didn't wanna start a thread yet but too many people know so cat's outta the bag. Enjoy

Dave

 

I don't pressure for kind favors

 

I have thought of that but you couldn't do that on this neck, only 18 frets total. The way I get these scale lengths is a closely guarded secret but I guess I can trust you lol. I get the longest scale length I have a template for then subtract from the nut until I'm close. My longest was a classical 660mm. At fret 6 that would be 17.99", I wanted 18" so called it a day. I will make a working template from my steel one to save it in good nic. The reason I use the longest I have? Very simple, to get the most frets

Dave

 

Avante Grphon my Google search says. The only similarity I see is scale length. Mine is 18" and theirs is 18.5" and ALL acoustic. Mine as the Vox and Hammertone is all electric. And that manner not similar to them. The Vox is two single coils mounted straight with middle switch giving you humbucker mode. The Hammertone is the same except bass pickup mounted Tele style, a little ugly if you ask me!! Theirs are one piece painted and turned an octave higher than a 12. Mine is a southern yellow pine core with mahogany ply front and back with veneer on the sides, stained finished in clear.
Theirs uses a mechanical bridge, the Hammertone the fine Gotoh I used on my Tele 12. I have the tailpiece from an Ecko 12 I've had in the scrap box longer than kids around here have been alive lol. For the bridge I'm debating but want an achtop with a saddle slot. I have a handful of old bone compensated saddle blank for acoustic. The idea being, replace the saddle, remove the bridge and adjuster nuts, sink two screws in the body Gibson style, drop on the bridge and have a good day. The backup plan being a Tunamatic but that would require more neck angle than the acoustic bridge( 2 versus 5 degrees). The Vox of course had their Tunamatic and tailpiece. Not really going for that vibe here or octave tuning

Dave

 

It LOOKS and sounds very nice, but that price? With the government fighting my stimulus AND disability, nadiska. Here's a thought, build you one. I'd love that thread and follow like I did the DF classical. Hmmmm, got any Douglas Fir left?



Dave

 

Here's what I have so far

A SET of tuners I don't want, HALF a set I DO want. My last new neck plate I might not use, the pickup I definitely WILL use. Pots I have out the wazoo, ditto knobs. And of course my tailpiece, that ain't cheap sheet metal folk, back when they made them good. Even Teisco was better than the economy crap of today




Awaiting money for the LH tuners and the bridge I hope to use. Almost forgot, my veneer which has to go on before the ply plates. Debating binding but haven't decided, opinions?

Dave

 

The standard for the Maton Diesel A above standard E and where I will start. As I say again, the originals were a shorter scale than I plan and an octave higher than standard tuning. I'll also say again, that is not MY plan

No Marty, a fine bridge but not using it here. My hope is an archtop bridge, only the top, nuts and screws mounted ABR-1 style. Failing that there plenty out there LIKE an ABR bridge from all price points. A new, ungrooved ABR-1 would easily be my second choice but not my wallets

Dave