RMS

I am trying to figure that one out too, and I am thinking that the wood and scale length has a lot to do with it. But the strange part is that I used to own a 1995 LP Classic and though it had that basic tone of an LP type guitar 24 3/4" scale it seemed no mater what pickup I put in it to tone was just lacking that substance. Now my 1980 LP Deluxe I think sounds good and it was a lot hevier than that Classic was but I am not sure if that matters I played an SG and it blew away anything I have ever played, though I forget what amp I was playing through, this going back 15 years. So was it just a good combination of guitar, wood, pickups and the amp.....I think so.

Plans I have call for 35mm thick or 1.378in. which is about 1 3/8in. If you'd like a set let me know.

Are the plans you have in .dxf or .dwg format if so I would like to see if its the same plan I have, wana swap? The set I have are drawn by a person named M. de Haan.....I found them on the web some where.

This also states 1.378" thk.

I've found the problem.

On the jack, the ground was left bare a bit, and when the plug was inserted it was JUST touching the bare ground.

After a quick fix with electrical tape, she sounds perfect.

Ok, thats part of what amp builders call lead dress, its very important that everything stays neat clean and tucked out of the way. Remember I said to check that jack!! LOL Actually you would think hooking up this stuff like jacks and pots would be easy but somtimes its not, and little things can get over looked.

Glad its fixed,

Rob

Yes, it was to be just that a coffee table. I have no room in my house for that use. It kinds looks like Burl but the grain dont look too deformed or spotted so I am not sure if it is or not BUT it does have that irregular shape to it.

That looks like it would make an awsome coffee table. Kinda looks like I see a bit of burl(maybe???). This is the kinda stuff Melvyn is talking about for acoustic tops-

Peace,Rich

That is a nice stock pile of wood you have there, should be good for what 20 guitars?? what size and thickness are they?

Hey Melvyn Hiscock!

I just got your book in yesterday, awsome! Good easy reading, a read and go build book.

I am glad we are talking here about soft woods, if I can take to another type - Redwood I have a 2" slab of it and I was thinking about a solid body like a LP/PRS type anygood? Do you think it would be strong enough for the neck also?

Thanks for buying the book and I am glad you like it.

I have used redwood on acoustic guitar fronts and it is nice. I would imagine it would work on a body but if it is quarter sawn send it to me and I'll make acoustics out of it, it is hard to get over here!

Redwood may be strong enough for a neck, it depends on the piece. Remember that not all douglas fir is going to be good enough. I chose a tight-grained quartered piece that was obviously quite stiff.

I will send it if you take me on as an appretice

This redwood slab looks like its just cut across the tree (tree bark along the edges) like it was going to be used as a coffee table or somthing, I can't tell because its 20 years old dark and needs to be planed, but it is 6' long 24" wide, I was going to use it in the guitar build off .... I won't go there though!

But check this redwood guitar out:

http://simnettguitars.co.uk/bb/viewtopic.p...038268d81c#2788

Well here it is, the begining of a PG!

Yes, so they're not being used for the actual wiring to the controls.

I'm pretty sure I have the correct legs, you can tell which ones are which by how they're stacked among all the other things of the jack.

Then you may wan't to try this, take another jack and solder two leads w/ aligator clips on it one for ground one for tip, plug the guitar cord from the amp into this test jack, now connect the ground to a good grounding surface in that control cavity somewhere, next use the other clip to poke arround you may pick up a signal where it should not be and that will be the bad wire. If you get no signals no where then you will need to did in another area.

I will be waiting!

... They're Gibsons, and Red is hot, Green and White useless (for my basic wiring) and bare and black ground.

On the jack, there's two connections since it's not stereo. the 'long' connection and the 'short' one (long connection being the one with the longer piece to hold in the plug. The 'long' is hot and the short is ground, am I correct?

What do you mean by useless? you should have these green and white connected together, and tape it off.

On the jack The long is the tip and that is hot, the other is ground, you should make sure you have the right solder legs though vairify that too. Usually its easy to tell be just looking other times I will put a meter on just to make sure, if you get some low resistance value then you know you got it.

Hey Melvyn Hiscock!

I just got your book in yesterday, awsome! Good easy reading, a read and go build book.

I am glad we are talking here about soft woods, if I can take to another type - Redwood I have a 2" slab of it and I was thinking about a solid body like a LP/PRS type anygood? Do you think it would be strong enough for the neck also?

How would I go about checking to see if the pickups are in working order (even though they're brand new Gibsons)?

Also, would too much solder create bad connections? I don't think I put too much on, but I may have.

Any number of things could be wrong, so you need to go through it all. You can check to see if the pups have a ressistance value like 5k-10k no reading is a short. But most likely they are good. First I would get the wire diagrams for them, and when you join each coil together to make 1 humbucking - make sure on the color code. Then if that is ok do a ressistance check, then make sure the connections you have made are indeed correct. and make sure the jack is wired ok too!

thanks for the good information... just a couple more questions:

- the wiring diagrams i found were for two single coil pickups or two humbuckers... i have a single coil and a humbucker... will the diagrams still work? ( i looked at all the thinline diagrams because that is what i am making)

- i need to know what else to get to wire the guitar... and any advice on the process of wiring?

thanks!

This is a very good site for ALL kinds of pick up configurations wire diagrams.

http://www.guitarelectronics.com/product/WDUHS5L1101

I just wired my Les Paul using the Stewmac wiring kit and 490R / 490T pickups.

I used the diagram at the bottom of this page so as to have independent controls.

I used shielded wire for everything going from the switch to the controls and jack.

I get nothing, no matter what way I turn the knobs, nothing.

On my pickups they have Red (hot) Green and White (coiled together) and Black and open (ground). I used the Black and open wires for the ground and the red wires on the control, but I just left the green and white wires taped and connected to nothing.

Any troubleshooting tips?

Some of the wires are for spliting the coils called 5 wire setups and that sounds like what you have. So basically what I am thinking is that you need to connect the green and white together and tape that off that compleates the loop from two single coils to a humbucker. Do that on each pickup!

Added:

"How do I connect a four-conductor pickup?

For normal series-humbucking wiring, solder the black and white wires to each other and insulate that connection with tape. The red wire is the hot output and the green and bare wires go to ground, usually by soldering them to the back of a pot. If the pickup sounds "out-of-phase" when played with other pickups, use the green as hot and connect the red and bare to ground.

For further instructions select the PICKUP button at the top of the page. Select the model you are interested in. Then select the WIRING DIAGRAMS button."

the only thing you need to do is check with the maker of the pickups for correct color codes.

Hope this helps some!

Well, thats it.

I was nominated as one of the judges by someone (more than one?).

I would like to official decline that nomination. Its too bad, because i was really looking forward to voting, and giving some thorough critiscm and praise to assist people in their craft.

Im not interested now, as this has turned into a free for all competition where there are no strict rules. The fact that there are no firm decisions, means its turning into cariburst mkII, and that was a painful, painful experience. Im too busy to be checking in here and listening to some clown carry on about how he is good to go, while the majority of entrants that THIS COMP WAS DESIGNED FOR, state they dont think he should join.

This is NOT a learning experience for newbs, but a competition to further enhance skills, not normally exercised by guys looking to further their craft. Im up for furthering the craft, thats why i log in here, along with a SMALL SMALL percentage of pro luthiers. Im not here for Litchfield II.

Thats EXACTLY how i see it... Litchfield II. He ALSO was cocky, knew everything, didnt like not being included, etc etc etc.

Building a guitar has LESS to do with machinery safety or handling, and more to do with thorough planning and execution, thoughtful design and application, rather than "can he use a router".

If the rules are SET, and the direction is CHANGED, im up for judging, but not how it is now.

So things are not going as you like them, well the way I see it is the problem is not with me, I am fine I just joined a contest thats all I did. Personally I would swap with you how is that? I will drop if westhemann lets me be a judge, and you can take my place building!

It shows me he has confidence, which is great, and experience in other fields, which is also fantastic.

I applaud him for his skills. :D

Maybe he can be a resource to all of us who are electrically challenged, and I would hope he would be.

I am hear to help anyone anyway I can thats what forums are all about.

But his entry is still completely innapropriate,

...and this is a prime reason why...

the participants should just build and not be the voting committee at the rise of every new little issue.

With one small stone he has gained entry into your castle.

You are going right smack-dab down the yellow brick road of Carrieburst, with obviously no lessons learned, and History shall bequeath upon you Her brigade of sorrows.

Do you vote for a President or Prime Minister just to have them ask you civilians constantly what they should do with every issue that crosses their plate?

No.

Would you want to live in a country that was run like that?

I seriously doubt it.

Its a "FUN" build off not a "WAR" holly cow guys lighten up will ya.....geeeeshhhhh! I have a real good feeling about Westhemann that he is going to do a fantastic job!

Garehanman i know i did not cave anything as im not making the rules

but

"He is a completely innapropriate entry, END OF STORY"

that is well said

but i have looked at his site (what he has posted anyway "dreamtone.org")

and it makes me wonder how he is a newbie that knows nothing

and this is a direct quote from his mini jcm 800 build

"This kit is not for a beginner or armature and It is not intended for your first diy amp build. Electrical skills, knowledge and safety are all needed to build this kit"

so either he is no beginer or does not listen to his own advice

Legal Liability issues, in tube amps there are very high voltages , approx. 500V so one slip with a test probe could end your life. Its really all about safty, and I am supplying the kit so I have to make that statement.

The worse thing that I can do in this competion is hack of my had on a band saw and then bleed to death before I can get help, though my 20+ years working with power tools says that its highly unlikely so maby just a lousy playing gitar is all. And in the mean time I am going to have FUN!

#1

...i don't know why rms wants to join a competityion his first day on the forum,but whatever.

I was researching making guitars and thinking about either buying a PRS or SG or putting one together from warmoth. Doing a search on the subject brought me here to this forum. Then when I saw the post about the guitar build off for “FUN” kind of thing going on I got all warm an fuzzy in side.

Let the guy into the silly competition. It's only for s&g's, afterall. If he sticks to the rules and doesn't ask too many questions along the way, then you can't fault him. If it's not meant to be, he'll come out in the wash. If it works out, then more power to him. my $.02

fair enough...he's in.we never said no newbs.i think you will find august shows up very quickly..truth is i don't know most of the entrants very well...there might be more first timers in there for all i know.i don't know why rms wants to join a competityion his first day on the forum,but whatever.

but do keep in mind when i get around to writing the rules there will be a small clause against "what should i do here?" type of questions.

i thik most of the fun of this comp. is going to be the unveiling at the end in which all of these guitar we have never seen before are there all at once for us to gawk at.

Great and I move forward positively from this point on!

Let the guy in the silly competition. It's only for s&g's, afterall. If he sticks to the rules and doesn't ask too many questions along the way, then you can't fault him. If it's not meant to be, he'll come out in the wash. If it works out, then more power to him. my $.02

peace,

russ

Thanks to the people supporting me on this!

Dude, enter the build and have fun with it. If you're worth your salt around the shop, I have no doubt you'll be able to come up with something. It's your rep on the line, so why worry?

Besides, if the end result sucks, who really cares? I've seen plenty of firewood come out of Drak's shop the past couple of years.

Thanks, and I agree!

Yes, and in the sense of "fun" they don't want it being bogged down by a noobie. I'm all for equal participation, but I have to say I agree here, no noobs. That's one of the MAIN discussion points in one of the previous threads about this contest. Plus, as a noob you don't really have anything to prove.... so why?

Chris

How is it going to get bogged down, their is a time frame with an end date?? No I don't have anything to prove, I am looking for a challenge and I like the fact of the contest itself. Besides inovation is where a new person can be helpfull, and that is a judging point, along with best built and best design.

So the way I see it, I am highly qualified for this contest!

this is where you sign up to enter the guitar build off...first general outline is as follows.

you sign up with your post...in that post you enter your opinion of the 3 top guitars you would like to build...at the end of the week (next sunday)we will compare notes and decide on mutiple qualifying builds...for example...a les paul single cut and a prs double cut are comparable builds...so if those are in all of your lists...they would both be eligible...(that is just an example)

try to keep in mind guitars that are useful to the most people...so that nobody is left with a guitar they won't use.

also..keep in mind that ,though it may be changed if you don't like the idea,that there will probably be a "pot" of guitar supplies donated by you entrants(though you do not have to enter to donate)which will be sentto a neutral third party for safekeeping.

so

Nothing above states anyone new to guitar building can not enter this build off. Remember the person that sparked this contest used the word "FUN"

I just love it when newbs argue. First way to get themselves off side, so no one assists them.

Time to adjust the rules Wes, some guys dont seem to get the hint

What Rules? They have not been established yet.

one of the rules of the competition that will most likely be instated is that there are to be no ongoing discussions evolved around each entry..so you need to already be familiar with the requirements of building a guitar to enter this one.and since the idea is also for a working tutorial of the build,you really are out of your element as of yet.

just build your guitar at your own pace and enter in "guitar of the month" when finished.the guys in this competition are already at least familiar enough to not have to discuss every facet as it is built...

i am afraid rms that you should not be in this...put one under your belt first...trust me,if this one works out well,we will do it again,and you will be more ready next time.

How about this, I will adhare the above rule and wont ask for any help here. I will just buy a book.

I can do a working tutorial thats not a problem for me.

If you are a newb, DO NOT enter the comp. Why do you want the added pressure of a competition on top of trial and error, or learning, when building your first guitar. You are asking REAL basic questions, yet wanting to compete against guys who have proven they can build a nice looking instrument. Let them compete, and just you worry about building SOMETHING rather than competing.

Hopefully there is a rule which states only known members can join in.

I don't mind coming in last place, and it aint like I am green working with power tools or craftsmanship!!

For once I agree with Perry. Just build for fun now. It's way better for your first couple of builds. Trust me.

Chris

I aint saying this is going to be easy, but I am a fast learner, and I like challenges, anyways from what I have heard you guys need all the help you can get participation wise!

I AM IN ALL READY!

Hi Folks, I am new to guitar building and also not to mention the basic "RULES" or do's and dont's of this build off coming soon. What I would like to find out is 1) will I have to cut my own fret slots? I am still in on this either way I was just wondering. 2) what specialty tools will I need, I am not talking router or belt sanders these basic power tools I already have.

I did some tallys on the guitar build off poll also:

14 people entered, and voted below for these shapes/guitars:

8 votes for the LP

7 votes for the Tel.

6 votes for the PRS

6 votes for the Expl.

5 votes for the strat

2 votes for the SG

1 vote for the Arctop

1 vote for the V

Happy Holiday Everyone!

Redwood is a softer wood in terms of hardness, and that could be less desirable fora solid body(the finish you choose could makea bit ofa difference, but it will still be prone to dings if you are not careful). Glueing is not a problem(original tightbond will work just fine). Even very oily woods like Cocobolo can be glued with tightbond(a freshly planed surface will make for a better joint though). Wood will just get better with age so that is not anything but a plus(as long as it has not ben stored in the weather).

Good luck!

Rich

Thank's, I will need it!! It will be my first build, and I am going to be asking lots of questions.

Can I recommend a "book" that tells you how to build from start to finish? Boy can I!

www.island-photo.us/mux

Enter (have to have flash installed), use the big guitar to navigate to the volume knob, there will be a full length build tutorial there for download. 35 pages, 90 pictures. It's about my FIRST build, so it shows all the mistakes and everything. Good learning tool IMO

Chris

PS: Rich, I recommended it for aocustic use?! :S Are you happy about what you've done to me?!

Nice Job, really nice! I always like the hollow body electric guitars.

Whatever else it'll be, it will be pretty darn soft.

Yeah you are right, even after 20 years it does seem kind of soft. I wonder how that will affect the tone?

I was wondering about glueing because redwood is a oily type of wood I think? like a cedar....

also I really did't want to start another topic so can anyone recomend a good easy to read book that will take from start to finish on building an electric guitar?