dpm99

After working on my first project for about eight months, I believe I'm still a newbie myself, but let me see if I can answer some of those questions for you. 1. I'll let someone with more experience tackle this one. 2. Yes. I've done it. Be aware though that you'll have to get to a really high grit before it will look right. At that point, you're more or less polishing. 3. I say no, but as noted, you can use wood too. However, plastic is much easier, imho. 4. Yes, the trussrod is contained entirely within the neck. Are you sure that's an Epi LP Standard? It looks like the LP Studio. The main reason I ask is that the Studio should have a bolt-on neck (bolted in) vs. a set neck (glued in). If it's a bolt-on, take it right off. Be careful with it, but there are no unusual precautions you need to take. In fact, if you want to get into guitar building, I say take the whole thing apart and put it back together again. You'll understand the guitar better afterward. 5. There are a number of ways to go about that one. If you can't find one, you may be able to make your own. Go to the main page (projectguitar.com) and check the tutorials. There's one in there somewhere. As a final note, I think almost everyone here will agree that building slow is a good thing when you're learning. Good luck! -Dave

This this: http://www.projectguitar.com/tut/body.htm It sounds like you need some basic instruction on how to use a router too. Are you doing this for shop class? If so, your teacher can help.

Welcome Toneblind! Look forward to hearing your questions.

My thought was, "How are you going to play the guitar if the fretboard isn't attached to the neck?"

Hey Erik, Make sure you post progess. This is one of the most useful and inspiring threads I've ever found here. It's looking a lot better! -Dave

Yeah, have you taken that tape off yet? How did it go?

You'll enjoy the book. We've all read it. Also, there's no reason you can't make the guitar sound in tune, provided you do your research (i.e. read the book). As others have said, it's worth finding a straight piece of maple for your neck. You're looking at a wood investment of probably about five bucks, if you find the right sized piece. Maple's pretty cheap. Make sure you update everyone on your progress, and take lots of pictures!

Welcome. Prepare for a lot of reading. The answer to most of your second part is yes. It's your guitar, and you can do what you want. I'll say this before somebody else does - pick up Melvyn Hiscock's book on electric guitars before you get started. It's a fun book, and will help you a lot. One thing though - you need to make sure you've got a good understanding of that intonation and tuning thing before you even try. Do some research on "scale length" to get you started.

Here's another idea for you. Go on Craigslist and find something that needs work. Then take it apart and fix it. That's what got me started. I grabbed a Yamaha EG112, took it apart, and put it back together again with new pickups. Then I sold it to a friend for a profit of ten bucks. That's a much cheaper way to get into things.

It was about a year ago, so my memory is sketchy. I remember them being pretty bright with lots of treble, but not much more. There are a lot of demo videos on YouTube that give a fair representation of the sound.

I played one of the Taylor hardbodies once. I'll say this. The pickups sound different. They weren't particularly to my liking, but they certainly weren't bad. The neck, on the other hand, felt amazing.

Kenny, that neck is crazy. I love it.

Wow Erik. I read through this whole thread earlier today and was hesitant to reply, but I'm really impressed by the positive attitude you've kept through the whole thing, and the tenacity you showed in repairing it. Can't wait to see how it comes out. -Dave

There are at least two species commonly referred to as Texas Ebony or Mexican Ebony. That looks like the stuff. It's a rare and sought after wood for turning stock. Looks like you've got some good stuff!

Have you emailed David Myka yet? If not, you most certainly should. He's hands down one of the nicest guys in the business, and I can just about guarantee you he'll not only respond, but be willing to you figure out the whole mess. Also, make sure to post pictures as some point. I'm really curious to find out what that Texas ebony looks and sounds like on a guitar. I've got about forty acres lying dormant in Brown County, and have been considering planting a few things.

Yeah, I'm no expert, but I agree with your logic. The bridge shouldn't vibrate any differently, and the tension shouldn't be any different. In fact, it might help to prevent wear on the bridge plate to do it your way. I can't imagine any tonal differences would be significant. The biggest reason most people wouldn't want to do this would probably be the pain of restringing through the sound hole. Personally, my arm wouldn't fit in there. But if the guitar's for you, why not?

I use the Fulltone Clyde Standard Wah. It's awesome. I sorta wish I had the deluxe, but I doubt I'd ever be switching around the sounds anyway. The standard sounds perfect just the way it is. http://fulltone.com/stpframe.html

Ok, yup. Found the Teisco with those fret markers. Thanks!

You guys seem to know a bit about this, and I don't think this is hijacking the thread, so... Does anyone have thoughts on the effects of the bridge plate on tone? I have a source for some ugly Brazilian Rosewood, and I've been wondering if it would be beneficial to go that route. How would you use the ferrules? Do you want to put them where bridge pins would be and just string it by sticking your hand in the sound hole? Also, you've seen these, right? Does this accomplish what you're looking for?

Well, I'll say this. You guys are making feel a lot better about all the necks I've botched.

I really like those position markers. Forgive my ignorance, but I've never seen them done that way before. Was that your own idea?

It sounds like he's gonna put a cheap acoustic top on there. $20 is about right for that.

Dugg, In making those recommendations, are you taking into consideration how oily the wood is? How do you feel about those glues for rosewood and teak? -Dave

Wow, that looks like a great product for this stuff. And just as I was resolving myself to leave it as a one piece neck. Well, I don't have to decide immediately.

On the same subject then, do you think it's a mistake to scarf the headstock?