Guitars by Jake

So I was comissioned to build this guitar by a friend, and I liked the idea so much I decided to make two! Only one is pictured here, I have the neck for the other halfway done, and I still gotta make one more body blank, but this should give the idea of what its gonna turn out like. I still need to perfect the pickguard design, as it will be (hopefully) made out of birdseye maple. Im sure it wont come out sounding anything like the guitar that inspired it, but accurate recreation is not my goal. Im hoping it will sound good in its own way!

Funny I see this post up. Client just walked out with the bass 5 minutes ago! The new neck worked out perfect, and I think I even changed my method on future builds, because of this experience. (what doesnt kill you only makes you stronger, right!) Honestly the only thing that bugs me now is those block inlays. Not that they were jumping off of the fretboard or anything, but I added some # 10 super glue around the edges, hoping it would soak up a little, just in case. (very happy client by the way.) Maybe I will put up some pics soon.

Yeah, Ive used it before, but never for a neck......Ive been getting some wierd requests lately. Guess that comes with custom building. Oh well.

Anybody ever use mesquite for a neck? How about a 5 piece with ash stripes. I am sure there will be a weight issue, but with that aside, any opinions on stability, difficulty working,........

I managed to get the fret board off the neck using a heat lamp, cost me all of 5 bucks. I decided to replace the neck however, just to be on the safe side, as this was for a client. I too believe it was just a clamping error. This time around, I glued the fretboard on before shaping the neck, and it came out perfect! Only really lost a couple of days, and that was only because of glue dry time. (normally I like to shape the neck a little first, but due to this experience, I think I have a new method.)

Thanks guys. Has any one seen black pearl that is really black in color? Thats kinda the thing at this point. I had a long conversation with the client the other night, discussing different options, and so far its either recon stone, ebony, or onyx. Of course I am still researching for ideas. I completely gave up on obsidian at this point, seeing as now the inlay got a little more creative. I really like the idea of black pearl as it is readily available, and I have some experience with mop, and abalone. I just couldnt sell him on any that I found, because it wasnt dark enough.

I was just wondering if anyone has tried using obsidian, or anything of that nature forr inlay material. I have a potential client that would like something like that. Maybe block inlays, or something fairly simple. Also, how hard would it be to get it to the right shape? I may have to talk him into black pearl, but I thought I would ask anyway.

Drak... As far as being a seasoned luthier, I certainly feel that noone should judge their own merit. So I will not. But on your advice, which I fully agree, I don't plan on using this board to create a series of heavy guitars. I WILL buid one, just cause I cant help it. The rest of the wood will go to chambered bodies, or neck splices and the such.( nothing goes to waste in my shop!) But Ill tell you one thing, My common sense tells me that this is some heavy stuff! (Might make a great table top!)

I have used alot of african mahogony, and have seen some really light stuff, and some really heavy stuff. This one is a monster! I got it from the same place I have been getting my wood from for quite some time. The guy I work for has been getting it there too. Never had an issue with unseasoned lumber. I might know someone with a moisture meter though.....

Most of the guitars I build using that shape and setup are in the 7, or 8 lb range. I have made a 10 lb guitar, but it had a marble wood back. I fear these guitars I am going to start soon, will all be around that weight if I dont do something like chamber them, but I dont do that because of the way I carve them. Maybe its time for a new model!

I recently purchased a large board of african mahogony to build some solid 1 piece body guitars. When loading the board into the car, I noticed it was fairly heavy. I figured once the body blanks were cut out that they wouldnt be too bad. Well, I cut one out today, and weighed it. It came in at about 8 lbs! I still have to shape and route it, but I dont think these will be light weight guitars. This is some seriously dense wood! Hopefully that translates well into good tone. I know some people like a more solid feeling guitar, but the majority will want lighter instruments. any body here build/play heavy guitars?

Thanks everybody. Yeah, Ive never come across nothing like this, and I have built quite a few necks using the exact same method. I guess I either missed something along the way, or the wood just had a bad attitude. Jaden, I think thats exactly whats going to happen. I am considering heatlamps however. Luckily I have just enough wood left over for the headstock veneer!

The neck is in mid-build. As far as relief goes, If I max out the truss rod, and check with straightedge, I still have a bit of a back bow. sort of a hump in the middle section.

I see you haven't put the frets in yet. I would just level the board with a leveling block. I have thought about that, but I have some rather nice block inlays in there. The fretboard is probably thick enough, but I am not looking forward to sanding through, and replacing inlays. I am considering taking it apart, and salvaging the fretboard and truss rod, but making a new neck blank and starting fresh.

I am buiding a four string bass, and after gluing up the fretboard, I ended up with a bad back bow. I am using a double acting truss rod, but I pretty much max it out trying to correct it. Also, I dont want this bass going out to the world and suddenly falling apart due to the fact that it is under stress from the truss rod. I have made many necks this way, and never had anything this bad happen. Should I steam off the fret board? And if so, what is the best technique/tools. I have seen it done, but Im kinda nervous about trying it myself.