gpcustomguitars Posted November 15, 2011 Report Share Posted November 15, 2011 (edited) Hi! My son informed me the other day that Santa said I should build him a guitar... Well, he's half my height so i figured an 1/2 guitar looking like my own LP should be just right. I picked a piece of pine, turned it against the grain for the stripes to look like maple stripes, got another piece of quartersawn pine for neck, a walnut scrap that was darkish enough for fretboard, and here goes. All pics taken with the phone, sorry, as I'm doing this while moving the shop to the new (bigger ) room. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0103.jpg http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0104.jpg Edited November 15, 2011 by gpcustomguitars Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gpcustomguitars Posted November 15, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 15, 2011 First, I drew up a cardboard template for the fret slots, inlay and all the plastic bits. The plastic stuff was made by taping the paper tape over some misc stuff I had around, and cut out with scissors. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0105.jpg Then the headstock was shaped, it took about 2 mins - this small stuff gets done so fast... http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0106.jpg Made some cuts to lead the saw, and cut out the binding for the fretboard. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0107.jpg http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0108.jpg http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0109.jpg Fret slots sawn. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0110.jpg Will glue the binding like this, just letting it straighten for now. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0112.jpg Bound the end of fboard, also, laminated the nut out of 2 pieces of binding. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0113.jpg Neck so far - ready for fine sanding to 12 in radius, inlay, fretting. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0114.jpg http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0115.jpg And bound the body...it was full moon that day which makes me a little nuts, so in one session I managed to get tearout, burn the bearing on the binding router bit, glue myself to the guitar like i never did before and crack a router collet. Anyway, no real harm done, this was an easy fix with some filler, and it will get an subtle sunburst. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0116.jpg I plan to string it with nylon for safety, I found really small fretwire, and will improvise tuners with some nuts and washers, so it can be tuned to an open chord. So basically not a ~real~ guitar, but pretty much playable. If he shows real interest in it, we'll make an 3/4 sized one after a while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plinky Posted November 16, 2011 Report Share Posted November 16, 2011 Excellent Xmas gift. You're son will be ecstatic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjiscooler Posted November 16, 2011 Report Share Posted November 16, 2011 It looks like flamed maple!! Thats the best gift idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdshirtman Posted November 17, 2011 Report Share Posted November 17, 2011 So does that use a standard bridge or a smaller one? Is smaller where do you find them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gpcustomguitars Posted November 17, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 17, 2011 I'll have to make one out of aluminum stock. Actually, I'm preparing to mark it out as I'm typing this. Still, I have an dilemma - to do a just a wraparound bridge (quicker and easier) or to make an ABR too? Won't be making fine tuning bits anyway, but something that looks reasonably close. The tuning keys will also be improvised, I have a simple 2-washer idea for holding the strings in tune. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gpcustomguitars Posted November 17, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 17, 2011 I decided to do the whole thing - ABR + ST. When drawn on stock, doesn't look like too much work. I'll make the saddles out of abs strips, superglue them to the ABR body, and spray it lightly. Hopefully, it'll work just fine. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0117.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gpcustomguitars Posted November 18, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 18, 2011 I can also fit the tuner bodies on the same piece. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija01191.jpg Then, making the tuner key button blanks out of abs and cutting them out with exacto knife. Will shape them with sandpaper some more, and drill for the axis. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0120.jpg http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0121.jpg http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0122.jpg http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0123.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gpcustomguitars Posted November 18, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 18, 2011 Drilled and cut aluminum stock with dremel, will shape it later today. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0124.jpg First mockup. Parts are very rough, but shows some promise. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0125.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ljbarbeau Posted November 18, 2011 Report Share Posted November 18, 2011 Drilled and cut aluminum stock with dremel, will shape it later today. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0124.jpg First mockup. Parts are very rough, but shows some promise. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0125.jpg That looks really promising. I really dig this build eventho it's a toy guitar... My son is only 11 month but when he's old enough I'm gonna do the same for him. I think it's a great idea and it's a personalized gift that he will be able to keep for his life and give to his son one day. Killer work man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gpcustomguitars Posted November 18, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 18, 2011 (edited) Thanks!!! Shaped ABR with a rasp some more, and turned two...thingies I had in the parts bin in the drill press so they fit the bridge. They need some shortening, and I'm thinking about threading the lower side to be hight adjustable. We'll see if it's worth it... http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/dscn3007.jpg BTW I COULDN'T make an better pic, tried about 10 times and this one is the best...should stick with my phone, it does better job. Edited November 18, 2011 by gpcustomguitars Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gpcustomguitars Posted November 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2011 Some more work done over the weekend, not much, but I still got enough time I think. First, roughly cut pieces were shaped by file and sandpaper. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0126.jpg Then, I decided to thread the abr posts. Still have to file the tops, I just cut off the extra length. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0127.jpg Tuner pieces roughly cut. The stainless nails will serve as axles for the keystones to turn (without doing anything). http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0128.jpg Added the saddles made of abs scraps. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0129.jpg And the pile of parts. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0130.jpg http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0131.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdshirtman Posted November 21, 2011 Report Share Posted November 21, 2011 This is turning out to be a very interesting build. I cant wait to see where the tuners are going. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Posted November 23, 2011 Report Share Posted November 23, 2011 This is turning out to be a very interesting build. I cant wait to see where the tuners are going. I'm no guitar engineer, but I'd say the tuners go on the headstock. Traditionally anyways. This is a very cool build. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdshirtman Posted November 23, 2011 Report Share Posted November 23, 2011 This is turning out to be a very interesting build. I cant wait to see where the tuners are going. I'm no guitar engineer, but I'd say the tuners go on the headstock. Traditionally anyways. This is a very cool build. Funny. You know what I meant! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gpcustomguitars Posted November 23, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 23, 2011 Thanks guys! I hope to do the inlays today, too cold in the shop until I finish everything, and I didn't get the right moment to mess up the dinning table It's real cold here, will have to think up some way to warm the shop up fast, my wood stove is a bit slow for the small amounts of shop time I can squeeze in. I have an pile of unfinished projects to prove it http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0136.jpg http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0137.jpg Regarding the tuners I'm planning them in 2 similar ways, will see which one wins. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gpcustomguitars Posted November 24, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 24, 2011 And the inlays done! This was the biggest problem timewise, because it's cold and I couldn't do it in the shop for another few days, and when at home, I can only work real late when everybody is sleeping, so noise is out of the question... So, this is my kitchen table setup. Dremel was too noisy, so i cut out the inlay cavities by hand, using exacto knives. This little vise works great for this type of work. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0138_0.jpg The clamps http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0139.jpg And done! http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0140_0.jpg http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0141_0.jpg http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0142_0.jpg Prior to this I profiled the neck with rasp and sanding drum. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0143.jpg No coffee was harmed while making these pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Posted November 24, 2011 Report Share Posted November 24, 2011 That's so tiny. Good work for an xacto knife. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gpcustomguitars Posted November 25, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2011 Frets are in, filed for binding. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0144.jpg Nut in place. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0145.jpg Will have to cut new binding strips, these are not tall enough. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0146.jpg First layer of TR cover. Nescaffe plastic lid (black) looks suspiciously similar to the second layer I need. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0147.jpg Next, neck binding, the neck pocket and shape and fit the neck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gpcustomguitars Posted November 28, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 28, 2011 (edited) Some more pics! Glued the nut and the fingerboard binding with superglue. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0148.jpg http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0149_0.jpg Roughing out the binding with exacto knife. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0150.jpg http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0151.jpg Tapered the neck using a coarse rasp and sandpaper. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0159.jpg Shaped the neck using exacto knife and sandpaper. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0160.jpg http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0161_1.jpg Starting the tennon with...yes...exacto knife, then fitting the neck. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0162_0.jpg http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0163.jpg http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0164.jpg http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0171.jpg Still not done with fitting the neck, fill finish it today, and glue it in. Then I get back to tiny plastic bits. Edited November 28, 2011 by gpcustomguitars Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prostheta Posted November 28, 2011 Report Share Posted November 28, 2011 This has to be one of the most fun guitar projects I have seen in a while! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gpcustomguitars Posted November 29, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 29, 2011 Thanks Prostheta! I'm having lots of fun doing it! BTW, how to glue in a neck in on a toy guitar? With a toy clamp It worked great, because it fit very snugly already. http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0172_0.jpg http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0173.jpg http://www.samsvojmajstor.com/portal/sites/default/files/fotografija0175a_0.jpg I'm planning to sand it down, fill any cracks or voids, and seal it with one or two coats of nitro, then attach the covers, and start the color coats. The biggest problem so far is that the pine is much softer between the rings so it sorta scalops when sanded. Not a big issue when you sand a larger piece, but on this small stuff it slows everything down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Our Souls inc. Posted November 29, 2011 Report Share Posted November 29, 2011 The toy clamp is awesome ! This is a really neat looking build. You have great skill to accomplish this build using the tools you're using. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prostheta Posted November 29, 2011 Report Share Posted November 29, 2011 If this doesn't get entered in GOTM then you'll get banned. A full six strings? Wow. You'll need to make sure your son stays small enough to play it! I bet it would be a great size for an electric ukelele. Sanding is a fair problem on pine, but it's great when you want to antique furniture....ripping out the softer grain using steel wool and rubbing in dark Briwax looks fantastic. I've found that woods with drastically varying softness in the grain is great for scraping. I take a simple trapezoidal "Stanley" blade, turn over a burr on one edge using the side of a screwdriver and you've got an instant solution (except for the curves). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gpcustomguitars Posted November 29, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 29, 2011 (edited) Thanks guys! He'll outgrow it in a few months, but that's actually great , we'll just make a bigger one if he shows some real interest in it. With real pickups even BTW, it's about as big as my mandolin. Prostheta, I'm too shy about my builds as it is, so I would need some serious drinking to enter GOTM I'll try to turn a burr on a blade tonight, never thought of it, I usually just scrape with...yes, exacto knife replacement blades. They could give me an endorsement or something... Edited November 29, 2011 by gpcustomguitars Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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