DJLockjaw
TDPRI Member
I wanted to start a build thread for my third build, and first neck from scratch. I learned some from my first one (https://www.tdpri.com/threads/my-first-scratch-body-build-hh-hardtail.1098438/#post-11533012) but I can still improve. Plus I came across a gorgeous piece of black palm that I think I can get at least 2 fretboards out of.
Haven't done much so far, just put the scarf joint in the neck. The pictures (after the first one) show my process. Basically, I cut the joint on a bandsaw, and then cleaned up with my rough sharpening boards (sandpaper glued to MDF). Then locator pins, and glue and clamp.
The first picture is similar to what my end result will be. The body shape is pretty well locked down, and I really like how the shou sugi ban (wood scorching) has come out in the past. The example here I tried a top coat with white stain to increase the contrast, and it all got sucked into the darker grain, so I won't be doing that again.
Body will be 1.5 inch pine, just cheap dimensional lumber. It was stable enough on my test body (see first picture), and ended up being nice and light overall. That will be a plus, since the black palm I'm using for the fretboard is as heavy as iron! It's a real interesting material - technically not wood, so there isn't a traditional grain or rings. Plus I hear it's a bear to work with, but we'll see. Electronics will be JB/Jazz pickups, with coil split and phase reversal, and PTB wiring. Gold hardware (including EVO frets) and a top stringing bridge on their way.
Haven't done much so far, just put the scarf joint in the neck. The pictures (after the first one) show my process. Basically, I cut the joint on a bandsaw, and then cleaned up with my rough sharpening boards (sandpaper glued to MDF). Then locator pins, and glue and clamp.
The first picture is similar to what my end result will be. The body shape is pretty well locked down, and I really like how the shou sugi ban (wood scorching) has come out in the past. The example here I tried a top coat with white stain to increase the contrast, and it all got sucked into the darker grain, so I won't be doing that again.
Body will be 1.5 inch pine, just cheap dimensional lumber. It was stable enough on my test body (see first picture), and ended up being nice and light overall. That will be a plus, since the black palm I'm using for the fretboard is as heavy as iron! It's a real interesting material - technically not wood, so there isn't a traditional grain or rings. Plus I hear it's a bear to work with, but we'll see. Electronics will be JB/Jazz pickups, with coil split and phase reversal, and PTB wiring. Gold hardware (including EVO frets) and a top stringing bridge on their way.
