MiKro

Hello Everyone, this is my first post to the Project Guitar forum, I found this site about a year ago when I first started getting into working on guitars and have found this site and the forum to be a tremendous help. So far, I’ve redone almost all things electronic, refinished guitars, replaced machine heads, refurbished tremolos and such, but I haven’t done much on the wood construction side of the house. I have done a kit assembly project, but so far nothing with actual woodworking aside from some neck pocket adjustments and shaping headstocks. Right now my woodworking experience has been limited to construction and building things like picture frames or the occasional simple shelf or cabinet.

Now I’ve reached a point where I want to go to the next step and build a solidbody from scratch, after contemplating the idea for years. I’ve done a lot of homework and read a few books, including Melyvn Hiscock’s, and I’ve already got the ideas for not only the first, but a few follow on projects as well. The first one I’d like to build is a neck through superstrat style, but before I start, I wanted to ask the advice of some of the forum members.

I’m currently serving in Iraq and won’t be able to start the project (aside from planning) until I return home, which is still almost a year away. However, here I do have access to a reasonable workshop, a decent supply of tools, and most importantly, down time in between missions. As far as wood goes, we have tons of pieces of fir and pine leftover from construction projects that is of decent quality, plus some hardwoods left over from old furniture. My question is this, do you think it would be beneficial for me to build a practice “mockup” guitar out of this leftover wood so that when I return home I will already be somewhat familiar with the wood construction? Or would this be a waste of time? I know that working with these woods will obviously be different than what I plan on using for the real guitar (maple and cherry), but I'd rather have a little first hand experience before I start working on the real deal. Also, since I really want to do a neck through design, I feel like I should get some practice in since it seems to be a little bit more difficult construction than the bolt on's that I'm used to.

Does this sound like a worthwhile idea, or are there any other ideas that I can use to get some practice in? I would like to hear anyone's ideas. Thank you.

First off, God Bless you and everyone there with you. Thank you for serving our Nation..

Now as far as your project goes. I see no problem with your mockup. In fact you may find that with detail to wood selection you may build a very playable piece to boot. Good luck, stay low and be aware. Please keep us posted on the work and your health.

Sincerely,

Mike

Happy New Year Everyone.

I am trying to decide whether to get this arbor buffing system from Stewmac:

Buffing arbor

or

will this dual-action sander that I already own do an decent job in polishing my nitro finishes (I have yet to complete a final wet sand and polish)?

Porter Cable DA Sander

I bought the Porter Cable outfit with several different foam pads and Menzerna liquid polish, glaze, and finishing wax for polishing my car. It works great for that, but it does not spin like a drill, rather it oscillates much like a random orbit palm sander. I was not sure if it will produce enough friction to get a glass like finish in the nitro.

I know many get good results with the finesse pads, but since I already have a fair amount invested in the car polisher I was wondering if anybody has used one of these on guitars with any success. Please help me fight my tool buying addiction if possible

Thanks,

Greg

Have you looked at Grizzly? Buffing Arbor

Saves a few $$

mk

The resin used with fiberglass eats styrofoam, but theres other foams you can use with fiberglass. At my shop we coat a lot of a carvable more rigid foam in fiberglass. If I can find out what it's called I'll let you know.

Adam

Use High density foam at least 1lb/per sqft. Type used in most Radio control planes for the wings. Either coat with titbond then fiberglass or use epoxy and glass. ethier will work. Would suggest using spruce or other light but strong stringers for support. Or yo might consider skinnning the foam wood veneer. This can be done just like balsawood is applied to the wing foam cores using a contact cement for that prupose.

Just an Idea???

MK

Im building necks for a company that is investing a LOT of time and money into an accoustic style fibreglass body. They are hollow though, so no styrofoam. Its all roundsih, eg: no sides/top/back... imagine a balloon in the shape of a guitar body.

So, not a new idea, but nearly

In fact, im sure there was a guitar in the eighties that had a solid foam core and fibreglass external. Was a wierd name, and only a small company. Pretty wild shape too if i recall.

Perry the guitar was made in the late sixties and it was made by MicroFrets. They had an inovative nut design that allowed individual string intonation at the nut also had height adjustment as well. I bought one in 1968 was actually a very nice playin guitar. also very light weight. They are still manufactored by a new maker using the same name and design as far as the nut goes since the patent ran out on the nut design years ago. That's the only foam/glass guitar that I remember.

MK

Well Its' 11:31 pm Central Time. So I guess it's coming so HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone. maybe a little early but here it comes.

I wish and pray that it is better thatn 2006 for everyone

MK

Go Mikro! I TOTALLY had forgotten this from earlier. But when i saw the neck conversion pics it came right back! Good on ya bro! Looks sweet!

Chris

I have to sort through many maqny pics, I think I have more that will fill in the gaps alittle better. I am pleased how the conversion went though. It really feels good when in your hands. Also this thing is weighing in at about 3lbs 14oz so far,( without hardware ) so I think it is going to be pleasant on the neck and back as well. LOL:)

mk

Well if you remember back to April when this started, A Squire neck converted to set neck for my nephew.

Getting old and having health problems have slowwwwwed me down but I see daylight at the end of this tunnel LOL:)

The build

Well, i forgot to get some pics during but It's almost ready to add the hardware.

Just clearcoated again!

My Nephew is waiting for this one. It's not perfect but I think it will be a nice player.

MK

So I guess it's to late for me to enter?

mk

I'm looking for a strat replacement neck. I want it to match my 91 american strat as much as possible. Who makes the best?

Uh Maybe Fender? Or try Brians site for Fender replacements.

Calvert Music

mk

The XXX is anemic and definitely not what I'd use for metal. I had a chance to pick one up from Brooks Mays before they went out of business for $900. That included head, cab, and all cables/footswitch/accessories. But when I played through it, the modern channel just didn't do anything for me. It's good to hear that the JSX is better. My personal favorite of the Peavey line is the 5150/6505. It's absolutely brutal, and the 6505 has a very good clean channel to boot. I regret selling my 5150 combo.

Amen on the 5150 LOL:))) wish I still had mine

mk

You can use TONS of different woods. The OLF "official luthier's forum" has a BUNCH of sponsors who deal almost exclusively in acoustics wood: ie: sides for bending up the wazoo. And like Rich said... since you want shallow sides, I'm sure if you go "what single sides without matches do you have lying around?" they'll jump on that and give you a sweet deal. Cause they can't really sell a SINGLE side, and that's pretty much what you want, and then to cut in half. HOWEVER, I WOULD recommend cutting it in half and then bending it... I just forsee cracking when the bandsaw sawing down's pressure is put on the already bent pieces...

Chris

Chris,

The technique for bandsawing this type of lam has been used for many years in the woodworking industry. Bent laminate post type lamps are done this way in order to route a slot in both pieces for a metal tube to run through for the electrical wire, then they are glued back together to form a bent post. This is partially what allows them to be UL certified. so if the the thickness is 1/2" or better I would not hesitate using a good bandsaw and blade.

Just my .02

MK

Hello,

I am going to do a contoured heel on a Jazzmaster style body and had a question. I did a search on this but didn't find what I was looking for. My question is, if I contour the body will I use the same (verticle) hole pattern as the original? If I do this won't the screws set awkward in the chamfered holes of the neck plate? I realize I will have to use shorter screws on the one side but I am not sure whether I will have to drill the screw holes at an angle so they match up with the neck plate chamfers or do you just use the original holes. It appears to me that the screws heads will stick up off the plate to one side with the original holes. This may cause you to catch your hand on the edge of the screws.

Your help is greatly appriciated.

M29

Have you considered a set neck? It would eliminate the problems of possible strenght issues at the join. Since contouring the body would lessen the amount of body material I would think this would make for a weak joint. Whereas a set neck or neck through this problem should not exist if executed properly.

Just my .02

MK

I do understand the part about the thickness, but i'm a little confused about laminating for highth. how would that work?

MK

So for this project i'm gonna need wood for the sides of the body... does anyone know where I can buy really wide wood for the sides so i only have to bend one side and then cut it in half to attain both sides. This would make it easier to get a symmetrical body. Would acoustic guitar side wood be wide enough to cut in half?

You could always use forms and laminate up the side about 4 in in highth and whatver thickness you desire then cut it for two 2in /highmatching pieces. I hope that makes some sense???

MK

Sounds like maybe using a wet goat skin stretched over the frame, like a banjo head used to be made.Interesting idea!.

MK

Rich, thanks for showing us those links. I agree that it is nice to see to such acts of kindness. It is great that people can get so close on a forum and are willing to help each other that much. That said, I am not able to help anyone at the moment, but I hope that someday I will be able to help like that. Money is limited right now, but this charity idea has my full moral support. Also, thanks for the links....I have never seen that site before but it looks like it will be another helpful place to look at.

MiKro, Merry Christmas to you and everyone else too.

-Mike

Thanks Mike and no apologies are needed for not being in a position to help at this time. YOU contributing to this thread is help in itself through your written support. So Merry Christmas to you as well.

MK

Send it to you Rich!? Naw.... if he's up for a REAL challenge he sends it to ME and sees if the review is positive. That would be a true challenge. But all joking aside, I think this could be a really fun project. And as for what someone said about an charity auction later (was that you once again Rich) I think that'd be a GREAT idea. And then the forum, instead of having to hire PBS money collection experts (Mikro: lol, j/k buddy) we could have a lump sum of money sitting around to always be able to undertake our charitable actions whenever we want without having to wait around for money to roll in.

I also think that perhaps the idea of a monetary cap on the entries should be placed. IE: you can only use $X on your build, further leveling the playing field. I mean, if we want this to TRUELY be a "who can take stuff and make a great guitar" then the monetary cap would make sense... cause on most occasions, the guy that can afford to throw in SD blackbacks is going to have a sonic advantage over the guy that can only afford to throw in some used Ibanez humbuckers he picked up off ebay (ESPECIALLY if that person is then assumed to throw his build up for auction... not that they may not be charitable, but some can't afford as MUCH charity as others). And lastly, before anyone argues this point: no a monetary cap won't limit people's abilities to make a great guitar. If anything, it'll force them to make BETTER, because the cap will force them to concentrate the money in areas that will lead to it's best use. IE: if someone is GREAT at something they can concentrate their skills there, while concentrating their money on their not so good parts... call it the great equilizer?

But as always, jsut thoughts/suggestions.

Chris

I would really like to see this turn into an auction for the site. I don't really think a cap on anything is needed. This is NOT a brutal contest(any comp would be in fun). However... I seem to recall Brian had mentioned wanting to develop a newsletter/e-zine/or full on magazine. I would love to see some fund raising to allow for something of that nature. It is just a thought, but like I said I believe the guys who made guitars in the first round would be the ones I would look to for direction. They put the effort and followed through.

Peace,Rich

P.S. Mike take a look at this unpromted responce to help a fellow member on the OLF.

this

and this

this also

It really inspires me to know how much people really can care about each other, and to see a person that gives so much offered supported without the need to ask. The OLF is an amazing group of people.

Rich,

Thanks for bringing these examples of unselfish giving to this forums attention. Hopefully many others here will understand the true meaning of their message. We as a group have extended ourselves beyond the local realm of visual contact and physical acuity by interacting here online. With that, friendships and understanding have been established. Family can include the extended existence of those we cannot touch or see as are ones many distant relatives even if far removed, they are still family.

This forum of so many diverse individuals with a common thread is a family as well. Some laugh, argue,agree, and disagree, they move on, as life dictates, we have and will continue to lose those that God has chosen to have with him as well These are just the things that happen with large families. Families do this as one, we also cry together when there is a loss. So helping each other should not be such a hard thing here as well. Unfortunately, many people see the online communities as a free for all or at minimum, I paid, WHAT DO I GET??? While I'm not trying to knock anyone here, since this group is one of the finest bunch I've had the privledge of being involved with. I learn something everyday. It matters not what the age of the person I learn from is, it is that I learn. I thank everyone here for that. The season of giving is here so help those in need and less fortunate than yourself wherever you are.

With that I'll get off my soapbox and say to everyone here, I wish each and everyone a Most Heartfelt Holiday Season, may God Bless each and everyone of you.

Sincerely,

Mike

SNIP>>>>>>>>>> money collection experts (Mikro: lol, j/k buddy) <<<<<<<<<<SNIP

Chris

I only wish I was a MONEY COLLECTION EXPERT If I was, we would have more than plenty of $ for the BP Tribute and some extra for the family as well.

Thanks for the kind words though Chris.

Merry Christmas to you and everyone on the forum as well

MIke

Woah! Sweet idea.... I fly all over the world all the time to visit my parents where-ever they may be at the time. Chances are I've got some sweet miles built up. If ya'll do do this... let me know!

Chris

mk

This isnt' a joke i searched and didnt' see anyone posting here about it so i am guessing no one else knows right now.

Bill aka Lovekraft died a couple of days ago. I found out about it when i called friday night to see what he was up too. its strange we talked abotu music a few months ago and this song by catherine wheel black metallic kept popping up on my mp3 player and i like it but not enought to hear it 50times in one night but anyway taht was one of his songs he was diggin on. things are really strange like that.

anyway i posted this to say farewell to a friend and to let the pgf comunity know of our loss.

if everyone would keep his family in their prayers i am sure they would appreciate it.

ed

This post is from Bill's (Lovekraft's) wife Jennifer. I found this site on his computer and knew how much time he spent with you guys. He loved the information he got from you all and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with you. He will be greatly missed in the music community here in Alabama. I thank you all for your kind words. I've read the posts regarding his death and I'm grateful that he was able to share himself with so many.

Bill became sick Wednesday (12/6/06) and was rushed to the emergency room here in Prattville, AL He was diagnosed with a severly inflamed pancreas which dehydrated his body and caused his kidneys to shut down. On Thursday (12/7/06) at approximately 3:00 p.m. he left this life to go to a greater gig. I miss him very much. I thought all of you should know this and know that she spent many hours with you and I know he will miss you all.

Jennifer Love

Prattville, AL

This isnt' a joke i searched and didnt' see anyone posting here about it so i am guessing no one else knows right now.

Bill aka Lovekraft died a couple of days ago. I found out about it when i called friday night to see what he was up too. its strange we talked abotu music a few months ago and this song by catherine wheel black metallic kept popping up on my mp3 player and i like it but not enought to hear it 50times in one night but anyway taht was one of his songs he was diggin on. things are really strange like that.

anyway i posted this to say farewell to a friend and to let the pgf comunity know of our loss.

if everyone would keep his family in their prayers i am sure they would appreciate it.

ed

Bill will be truly missed here at PG and his legacy here will carry on in his posts of past. To you Mrs Love, I offer a great heartfelt hug for your loss. To you and your family, our gratitude to a wonderful man. Our prayers to you and family as well. If we can be of help in this time of loss, please let us know. May God bless you and your family. Rest in peace Bill Love.

Sincerely,

Mike Kroening aka MiKro

Damnit! Now I'm really tempted to come!

Chris

Chris I'll check my frequent flyer miles if that helps.

MK

Well I'll even fire up the smoker and do ribs, chicken and brisket, someone else will need to bring the beer though if I'm providing the meat LOL:))))

MK

My dad runs the Cousin's BBQ off McCart. If you really want some awesome BBQ, I'll bring it.

Sounds Good,

I don't even have to cook now

MK

yeah...a rattlesnake would keep a maryland mafiite locked in the house for days...texan'd just get a hoe and cut it in half.

heck...i bet a junebug would mess up their world...

not to mention killer bees and fire ants

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!

Now be nice Wes LOL!! Just because they think a HOE is a pro ( i mean a ho) is no reason to speak unkind of those not acustomed to the ways of life South of the Mason Dixon line.

And speaking of snakes, , My last Dove hunt I got 14 rattlers and 3 dove LOL!! Just north of Sweetwater

Happy Holidays everyone the season is upon us.

Mike

If I had tons of free money lying around, I'd be u p for a PG get together beer-a-thon BBQ something, thing. Alas... any and all cash from goes to lumber and tools lol

It's like the luthier catch 22 haahah

Chris

MK

all texas birth certificates say county..

Now this is getting weird!!! LMAO:) So who wants to drive here for a beer or more ( I have plenty of Scotch, Rum, Vodka and Crown)? Sounds like fun to me!!!!!

I'm up for company LOL:))))))) My Kids aren't coming in town this year, so plenty of room LOL

Mike