RainDownMyBlues Posted May 27, 2004 Report Share Posted May 27, 2004 Ok I plan on eventually make a guitar. I'm new to this but will make sure I plan it out fully and comepletely. Thats why I'm going to have a long preperation period. Ok I'm not completely sure on what type of body I want first off. I love the SG body style, but I also think that everyone and his brother builds one right? Oh well If I go with the SG I think I will do lacewood(don't know how that will turn out) or try the Swamp ash with red fill. I want a 25 1/2 scale with 24 frets. Do I have to change the whole guitar for this or what? I'm not sure on scale changes. I know I read somewhere the reason the neck pickups in 22 fret guitars sound like crap is because they set on the 24 th fret. Which is a neutral tone or something stupid like that. So is that actually true? Anyway do I have to change where the pickups and such are placed? I also want to put a Floyd Rose bridge on it. If I order a Floyd do the routing specs come with it? Also what is the difference in sound between the seperate pole peiece pickups and the bar ones? Is there a major differnce in sound? I would like to make it a neck through guitar. Would a pice of swamp ash the demensions for a neck through be uber expensive? Also is there any other online tuts on how to make a neck through besides wes's whole thing(I've read through it all). Would I have to angle the neck on an SG style guitar, and how would you do this on a neck through? Thank you for tolerating all my stupid stupid questions. I appreciate any answers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregP Posted May 27, 2004 Report Share Posted May 27, 2004 My usual disclaimer-- I haven't built my own guitar yet, though I'm working on one... so any of these pointers aren't from an expert perspective: I think you'll find that people argue CONTRARY to what you say about 22-fret necks. Most people believe they sound BETTER because the pickup is in a position to pick up frequencies and a stronger signal than if it's nudged further back. Some people don't notice a very big difference. The ultimate deciding factor for most people is that they like having the extra frets for playing another tone higher. When you ask if you have to 'change the whole guitar', I'm not sure exactly what you mean. If you're planning on building a guitar based on an SG template or CAD drawing, then yes you will have to make significant changes to certain things; however an authentically 'SG' look will still be possible with the same basic shape and style of a typical SG. Don't know about the Floyd or whether it comes with specs, but if you get a Floyd you should be able to find plenty of people here to help you out with the routing. I can't imagine an SG with a Floyd, but that's the great thing-- it's your personal vision that matters! The wood needn't necessarily be uber-expensive for a neck-through, though I don't have any links or suggestions for you. As for an angle, that will all depend on what kind of hardware you go with. I haven't built a neck-through, or even researched it very carefully, but I personally would likely choose hardware that leaves me without having to do a neck angle. That's just me, though. Oh, and welcome to the forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westhemann Posted May 27, 2004 Report Share Posted May 27, 2004 what i understand about the 24th fret pickup placement(on a 22 fret guitar) is that it lacks a certain frequency response...the les paul neck pickup certainly sounds dead to me...but on my 25" scale 24 fret v,the neck pickup is very sweet i say go with the 24 frets Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
truerussian558 Posted May 27, 2004 Report Share Posted May 27, 2004 . I know I read somewhere the reason the neck pickups in 22 fret guitars sound like crap is because they set on the 24 th fret. Which is a neutral tone or something stupid like that. So is that actually true? Anyway do I have to change where the pickups and such are placed? this could be argued, but only for the open string. since when you fret the string you basically shorten the scale, but maintain tension =higher pitch. so the "24th fret" actually moves (that is the point where one of the 3d overtone (a note that is divided into 4 waves 2 octaves higher then the fundamental note) divisions are). and besides its not the matter of how many frets there are it depends where you place your pickup i can understand how it would lack tone because the point of the 3d overtone is the point where the string is divided so there is little vibration right above this point, but you could always move your pickups farther from the neck without the need of 24 frets Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ManWhoSoldTheWorld Posted May 27, 2004 Report Share Posted May 27, 2004 Also, if you want to build a neck thru SG, theres CAD drawings for a neck thru SG on www.guitarbuild.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveq Posted May 27, 2004 Report Share Posted May 27, 2004 Yeah, that 24 vs 22 fret thing isn't worth worrying about (in my opinion). I have a couple of 22 fret and a couple of 24 fret guitars and the difference in sound between them is affected by more things than the pickup placement. I'm not saying that there is no difference but there are so many other things that affect the sound of a guitar that I don't think it's worth worrying about this issue. If you want a 24 or 22 fret guitar - build it and don't give the pickup placement vs sound issue another thought. It depends on who you buy the Floyd from - most of them (in my experience) do not come with any documentation. There's tons of info here - look in the pinned threads. I would strongly recommend making a full sized drawing of the guitar before doing anything. That way, your questions will be answered concerning locations, ... It will also probably show you things you may not have considered if you hadn't done the drawing. A side view drawing is a valuable thing to have also. If you do choose to use a Floyd - don't forget to check into the various radii of your locking nut (if you use one), fretboard, and the radius of the Floyd itself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RainDownMyBlues Posted May 27, 2004 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2004 ...the les paul neck pickup certainly sounds dead to me...but on my 25" scale 24 fret v,the neck pickup is very sweet Yes the neck pickup on my Epiphone standard Les Paul sounds dead also(Burst bucker). When you ask if you have to 'change the whole guitar', I'm not sure exactly what you mean. If you're planning on building a guitar based on an SG template or CAD drawing, then yes you will have to make significant changes to certain things; however an authentically 'SG' look will still be possible with the same basic shape and style of a typical SG. I meant Pickup placement and the body length to accomedate it. I don't plan on keeping the orriginal electronics anyway. I have some Ideas for that . So basicly I just find the SG style confortable to play and I like the looks of it. As for an angle, that will all depend on what kind of hardware you go with. I haven't built a neck-through, or even researched it very carefully, but I personally would likely choose hardware that leaves me without having to do a neck angle. That's just me, though. With a Floyd to you have to have a neck angle? Oh and does the SG have an angle on the neck? If it does will it sill be comfortable to play without it? I can't imagine an SG with a Floyd, but that's the great thing-- it's your personal vision that matters! I wanted to do a Floyd on that body style because I havent seen it much. I also would just like to have a guitar with a floyd on it for tuning accuracy. About the same thing with the neck through though. I liked that idea because, it might prove a challange, but from what I've heard the results are worth it. I would strongly recommend making a full sized drawing of the guitar before doing anything. That way, your questions will be answered concerning locations, ... It will also probably show you things you may not have considered if you hadn't done the drawing. A side view drawing is a valuable thing to have also. I was planning on making a full sized drawing this weekend, but I need to figure out how to work my dads CAD program to get it to print full sized . Cause I don't have an SG to look at for measurements and I can't find any were thats gives sufficent measurements for an SG...or any guitar for that matter. Before I do the drawing though I need to consider what kind of electronics and hardwear I'm installing so I can figure the placement for that at the same time. I am also rather concered about the pickup placement with a 24 fret neck because I want my first to sound decent. Maybe I'm expecting to much out of the first but this project I will take as much time as needed. And will not cut corners. ...you could always move your pickups farther from the neck without the need of 24 frets I did actually want the 24 frets though, not for sound, but for my playing. Oh, and can someone address my question about the straight rail pickups vs. the seprate pole ones? Or should I just go to the electronics forum and ask? Thank you again for all your help guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westhemann Posted May 27, 2004 Report Share Posted May 27, 2004 Also what is the difference in sound between the seperate pole peiece pickups and the bar ones? Is there a major differnce in sound? i find that the rails sound more balanced without any dropoff during bends Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregP Posted May 27, 2004 Report Share Posted May 27, 2004 The only comparison I have for that is that I used to have a hot rails pickup in the bridge of my Strat, and now I have an SD L'il '59 in the bridge of a Pacifica. So it's not exactly a/b... 2 completely different pickups on 2 completely different guitars. I liked the sound of both. I don't think you'll find anyone saying anything like "rails have more output" or "rails are more trebly" or anything like that, since the coils have more to do with it than the rail or pole-pieces. But many people WILL agree about the even sound during bends, as per Wes' post. Myself, I don't have discerning enough ears. I never notice drop-offs during bends on any of my pickups in any of my guitars. Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RainDownMyBlues Posted May 27, 2004 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2004 I see, thank you guys You've been a big help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RainDownMyBlues Posted May 28, 2004 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2004 I also think I'm making the neck much thinner like a certain Ibanez model I love. The neck on my les paul is a bit chunky for doing anything on the higher strings comfortably. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themikestro Posted May 28, 2004 Report Share Posted May 28, 2004 I might be wrong..... but...... The SG is a pretty thin guitar and I THINK that you'd have to make it a bit thicker to fit one in, you'll need to (in my experience) make the body a little longer to make the guitar a longer scale length and fit a floyd and 24 frets, unless you are happy with having the bridge all the way down the bottom of the guitar. I'm planning on making my next guitar out of lacewood and by all accounts it seems like a fine wood, so good luck with your project, you are going to have to dig deep for the materials on this one though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RainDownMyBlues Posted May 28, 2004 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2004 I might be wrong..... but...... The SG is a pretty thin guitar and I THINK that you'd have to make it a bit thicker to fit one in, you'll need to (in my experience) make the body a little longer to make the guitar a longer scale length and fit a floyd and 24 frets, unless you are happy with having the bridge all the way down the bottom of the guitar. I'm planning on making my next guitar out of lacewood and by all accounts it seems like a fine wood, so good luck with your project, you are going to have to dig deep for the materials on this one though! Are you making the body completely out of lace wood? Or are you just putting a cap on it? I know the body will have to be thicker for the Floyd and electronics. I'm going to a guitar shop today to play a Gibson Voodoo SG cause I like the finish on it. So far my plans have massacared the original SG. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hotrock Posted May 28, 2004 Report Share Posted May 28, 2004 So far my plans have massacared the original SG. Yeah that sort of thing happens quite a lot around here I'd advise that you buy Melvin Hiscocks book and read it through. That'll answer most of your questions before you've even thought about asking them. Definately draw it out though and you'll see it all comming together. Oh, and welcome to the forum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RainDownMyBlues Posted May 28, 2004 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2004 So far my plans have massacared the original SG. Yeah that sort of thing happens quite a lot around here I'd advise that you buy Melvin Hiscocks book and read it through. That'll answer most of your questions before you've even thought about asking them. Definately draw it out though and you'll see it all comming together. Oh, and welcome to the forum Yes well I'm getting the book but I have to order it. So I'm impatiant and ask anyway . I'm sorry . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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