Noobanez

Thanks for the help guys, looks like I"m buying a bandsaw and a router.. I was orginally looking at a router that was a 'combo' came with a table and detached for hand use as well, sounds like the consensus here is to spend a bit more and get a better hand router and just make my own table for it... The book should be here this week, then it's off to the hardware store and lumber yard...

So I have a miter saw (Dewalt), I'm getting a table router... I'm wondering can I just use the Miter Saw to make the big major cuts on the body and then use a bandsaw, jigsaw, or even just route closer to the body? Or is the miter saw going to be 'too tough' on the wood or glue? 2nd - Clamps? Every video I see uses those little clamps with the balls on the end, and put 100 clamps every inch of the body.. so is there a reason I shouldn't use the c-clamps I have, and is it really necessary to use so many?

So I would love to build a new guitar with one of the new Ibanez SynchroniZR bridges (the one on the SV). I use my wammy enough to want one but not so much I need full dive bomb protection. So the problems: assuming I could find the Ibanez trem or their other full one (ZR), I hear they are incredibly expensive and a pain to route and set... So what's an alternative? Sure I could get a full floyd rose? Or I hear great things about the Kahler's the only problem....they are hidious! I know it sounds odd, but I really dislike they way they look (especailly compared to the S-ZR or ZR), I looked at Kahler's site and did see one that didn't seem too gaudy (x-trem), and of course it's only sent to manufactures... So I'm open for opinion and discussion, and if you know where I can get the S-ZR bridge please let me know. or something that looks slick and works. Thanks in advance.

I'm between Harrisburg and York, probably 45min from Reading.. let me know where the place is, and a number I'll give them a call before I come out there. Thanks, I'd definatly prefer not gluing 2 pieces together, I was hoping to find some that size.

Ahh that makes sense..... Thanks again.. stoped by Lowes at lunch, they have a sprayer for $40... and Poplar sheets too... $26 for about 15"x 6'or7'

I'd like to build something with a quilted top and dye it... I found some Ash Burl (http://www.veneersupplies.com/product_info.php?products_id=5723) very inexpensive and have a unique look, wondering if anyone has used Ash for a top sheet before? Thanks,

Thanks for all the advice guys.. I read up on scale legnth, for the kids I'm good probably use a 20.7 (maybe a 22.5) but I think I'll have to measure the frets manually, can't seem to find templates that small.... I'm ording the book from half.com now, and I've asked some locals about locations for wood, and I'm looking on-line, but what the 8/4, 4/4 etc???? Also what's the least expesive way for me to paint the bodies? I have a compressor (Dewalt for Nail/Staple guns) but I don't know if it's worth it for me to fork out cash for a sprayer, wondering if there is acceptable aresol alternatives. Thanks for all the help.. you guys rock, I'll keep you posted as I get everything started... working on the designs now..

Thanks.. I was going to ask what boook should I get.. so that takes care of that. It's amazing understanding an instrument/music is different that building it. I think I've decided to build my daughters (5 & 3) guitars first, this way they are smaller, so there is a bit less work, and if they don't sound perfect it's ok, it will make nice decorations for their room:). I'm guessing it would be oky to use some plywood for practice, (except the fretboard = rosewood or similar). or is the cost similar for poplar or pine as foil1more suggested?

So after searching for the right neck and/or guitar I wanted, I've decided to build my own. I have most of the tools in the garage and this gives me an excuse to buy the one's I'll need. My largest concern is the actual working and shaping of the wood, so before I drop the cash on mahogny, ebony etc.. what would be some good cheap wood I can pick up and build a body and neck so I can get a good understanding of how the tools will work and my capabiities. 2nd. how do I determine what radius, scale legnth, pick up position etc are needed? I will model my work after most Ibanez standards becuase that's what I prefer to play, but can I really use and radius I want, and place the pick ups anywhere? How can I make sure intonation and tuning are going to be right. Thanks in Advance!