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Smarty

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Everything posted by Smarty

  1. The cello-ish look is what I was going for. I just simplified the curves and made the side curves larger. As for the strap button, I agree. Besides, it looks hideous where it is. (could just be my sloppiness though) At the same time though, the body is much larger behind the bridge than conventional guitars. I'd best make the final decision after (if) it's built. Thanks for the input.
  2. Well, I revised it a little in Photoshop. Again, it was a quickie so the details are a little off. The design allows for 20 frets - not great, but it's meant to be a rhythm guitar anyway. I'm thinking of making it semi-hollow seeing as the body will be somewhat large. Any suggestions are appreciated.
  3. Yeah, they were just quickies to see if they would look nice. The actual drawings are no more than three inches in height, limiting the detail I can put in. I need to get a CAD program or some larger paper and some rulers and ducks.
  4. Last night I took the liberty of designing a guitar and a bass for once (if) I get to the commercial stage of lutherie. I'm looking for some professional, unbiased opinions on them. http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/8546/gu...designs20wz.jpg Regards, Al
  5. Most manufacturers are using catalyzed finishes now. (ie. they are chemically inert) While being sturdy and environmentally friendly, they cannot be chemically removed. Hand-sanding is the only way (that I know of) to remove it successfully. It doesn't really bother me though. It's always amusing to see if there's a failed sunburst underneath, especially because the body is routed for an HSH setup. (unless Squier is that cheap that they would use only one body for their entire line) I'll probably be toting the Kodak with me when I remove the finish. I'm working with a professional wood-worker throughout the cosmetic stage of the project so I can get some good photos of what equipment to use and how to use it.
  6. A good idea is to look for a place that does custom boat covers and see if they'll do the job if you provide the materials. They'll have the correct industrial equipment for making strong, industrial grade textiles. Just remember to provide your own materials and a good thorough drawing that includes measurements and areas that need reinforcement. Edit: Also try automotive upholstry shops.
  7. Copper shielding is on my agenda. I must have forgotten to type it in. (rather long list for my first project, but I'm working under the supervision of professionals) I've been looking at the pickup winding machine on StewMac (one of my favourite window-shopping places) and have been considering it. Most of my friends have low-end knockoff guitars aswell, so purchasing one could be a good investment. As of now I'm investigating the best way to remove the original finish. I'm unsure what kind it is though. To be safe, I'll be sanding it off. Just in case it's (for some wierd reason) a nitrocellulose lacquer, will a chemical mask be sufficient? Edit: I looked at your bass project. It looks very nice. In fact, it's going to be one amazing rig when finished. Good luck. I can't wait to see the end result.
  8. ... or a coping saw and sandpaper. Absolutely. Just remember for either to try your design out on some scrap wood first - especially if you're inexperienced with wood tools. It's better to ruin $50 of scrap wood (exaggeration) than a $100-300 neck. Woodworking shops or high schools are great places to try for scrap wood. It will likely cost you no more than $20 for enough to completely master your tools and design.
  9. Well, I'll start by saying that I'm no professional. In fact, this is my first project - a learning experience. My plan is to turn my 2004 Squier Affinity Series Stratocaster into something that I can use on stage with my friends in our new band. I am going to be refinishing it to match my 2005 Fender Stratocaster XII in a brilliant Lake Placid Blue. I've already done a complete rewire. The lower tone control now works the bridge pickup and each tone control has its own capacitor. There are no ground loops now either. Hum has been reduced to a point where I can run it at 10 on my Frontman 15G (clean channel) without anything annoying. Also added, is a 0.001uf treble bleed. My next step is to strip the original Navy Blue Metallic paint and route the control cavity a little wider. (the original is off-center and will create a ground loop with the pot shells against the cavity shielding) I will then (after learning to of course) spray it in Lake Placid Blue using a water-based laquer to be environmentally friendly. The finishing enhancements will be a four-ply set of pickguard and tremolo cover in White Pearloid/W/B/W. I will then save my pennies for vintage-style tuning machines and custom shop pickups. Here is what I have so far. (not much changed, just some new roller trees, five tremolo springs, and redone electronics) Any suggestions are welcome.
  10. There are also parts companies that make strat necks with unshaped headstocks. The upper side is tapered and drilled for tuning machines, but the lower side is left large and square so that you may shape it however you please. It's not hard at all either - all you need is a band saw to get close to the lines and a table router to finish the shape. Then you just sand it smooth and finish it.
  11. Also try shielding the cavities and pickguard of your guitar and eliminate ground loops (star grounding is an excellent strategy). There are many tutorials available that cover the subject in-depth. Just by eliminating ground loops in my Squier Strat, I've got it to a very reasonable level of hum. I can turn my cheap Frontman 15G amp to 10 on the clean channel with it and I have almost no hum. Guitarnuts.com has a very good tutorial that you should try out. Regards, ~Al
  12. Does anyone know where I might find some plans for an Ibanez Jem777? I am beginning in lutherie and thought that it would be a nice second build after I finish my telecaster. I've been having a hard time finding plans though. Any help would be appreciated. Regards, ~Al (Canada)
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