FireFly

So when you get to the electric violin we should talk about pickups...

o'rly?

Well look at that! Now I actually have a reason to buy a shop vac. No more feather duster and dust pan for me!

I like it!

I've been using an old bench press set. I attach a threaded rod to the rear strap button, and a crank handle with a flat end to the neck joint. I can rotate my stock like a rotisserie. I like this one more though, because you can stand in one spot while you rotate it on a horizontal plane, and not just a vertical.

Hi!

So, all my shop tools are under a tarp in a storage unit here in NYC. Unfortunately, this means I can't build anything from a block of wood (and haven't been able to for the past 2 years... but that's another story). I have the build bug though, and I still have all my finishing tools. So I offered my services on Craig's List so I can keep up my craft and not get too rusty.

I have, on the way to my home, a pretty cheap-o electric violin, and a super cheap Explorer kit coming in. This thread will be about the explorer. It's supposed to be a one piece body (doubtful considering the size of an explorer) with a set maple neck, all routes done, and no finish. I will be finishing it, inlaying the fb, refretting, upgrading the electronics and hardware, and installing a kahler.

I've been given freedom as far as the finish is concerned. I'm probably going to go with white, with black hardware, or the opposite.

This thread is meant to demonstrate my repair/mod abilities, and not my building skill. I haven't actually built a guitar from the ground up yet.

I'm just waiting for the kit to arrive, so pics will be up by next week!

I was actually defending it

Oh I like that finish! It seems easy enough to do, too.

At least the joins are clean, even, and repeat the pattern at a rate that doesn't make it look like an afterthought. I'd say it doesn't detract from the look on stability of the headstock as much as it would have had it just been haphazardly stuck on there without any sort of repetition of pattern in mind.

I just noticed this thread for the first time... What is it with you and twins???

lol

Anywho, I like them! I like how the arm contour has the back wood peeking into it. Your simple beauty builds are easy to pick out! I think you have a signature style of building, my friend.

Also, scroll saws are for pussies.

I agree with spraying in the shade vs sunlight... However, I don't think it would crack due to that. What usually happens is the outer layer dries first, and all those gasses are trapped under that layer, resulting in a cloudy finish.

That's some good clean looking work, K!

Burls have a lot of end grain showing in a lot of different directions. The end grain absorbs more dye than the rest of the wood, making it appear darker. When performed properly, you can get a sort of "dancing dark color" effect. Like Wes said, I would definitely try it out on some of the scrap pieces to make sure you like how it's going to turn out before you go ahead and dye the big piece.

I usually save dye for woods with a pattern on it, like flamed and quilted stuff. Burls are so random that in my eyes, it would look a little splotchy... But I wouldn't know with that piece, as all pieces are different. I'd be interested in seeing some of the scrap dyed.

I really think it is subjective... some people play their guitar low, some high, some tilt the neck, some have it level with the ground. Some play it behind their head...

*shrug*

I really like my Art Luthier cherry/mahogany dreadnought. It sounds really nice, and with a little sanding of the bridge to get the action right, it plays perfect for me... I do have smaller hands though... I'd recommend trying one out if you get the chance. They're made in Canada. They run between 500-1800, but I bought mine off an "unfortunate" for 30.

Its in Isle 2.5 next to the skyhooks, board stretchers, glass hammers, rubber nails, and headlight fluid.

Actually, the problem with waterproof PVA glues is that they don't accept finish the way nonwaterproof ones do. Creep has to do with your joint and clamping systems IMO.

So as long as you didn't use too much glue, you cleaned up any drip, and your joints are sound, you should be fine.

It may just be me, but I don't see any predrilled holes for strap pins, pickup rings, control cavity covers or jack plates... Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[edit]

nevermind

I just took another peek through the rest of the thread, and I totally see mounting holes in the pickup cavity for the surface mounts, and predrilled holes for the bridge assembly. I was just scared because that finish is looking very nice.

The recessed bridge is interesting. The guitar itself is finishing up nicely!

The constant problem I recieve whenever I work a Gibson Les Paul (studios, and ones that don't have the weight reduction), is the strap pin on the upper hump. I've been in repairs since 2004, and I've replaced at least 50. While it may lower the value of the instrument to not have original parts in it anymore, at least the thing will stay on using a screw with deeper threads...

Also, because of the laminations being applied to USA models, you guys' prelaminate models are going to go up in value.

Now, I've seen a lot of you build what I would consider to be leaps and bounds above the quality that Gibson cranks out of their Tennessee building. For the price, it seems worth it to buy here rather than there.

I'd be lying if I said I didn't want a late 80's SG Studio though

I haven't had a belt sander in a while. There's holes on the other side so you can mount it to a table. Variable speed controls.

Thoughts? Opinions?

I can carve a super thin profile and not get through.

Sounds like an impressive little device if it negates the mistakes of the craftsman!

heel

feel

seel

peel

weel

neel

English sucks.

I really like the heal on this one

You finish beautifully, Andy!

Love your work

I think a dust mask is a little overkill with maple. But it's cool she's getting into it!

As for the deer, Great shot! I always wanted my dad to take me hunting i still wanna do it but I don't wanna sit through the class lol.

I didn't want to stain my Blackberry