Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Twinfan on March 30, 2009, 11:42:58 AM

Title: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on March 30, 2009, 11:42:58 AM
Yes folks it's true, I'm going to build myself a guitar  :)  Well, when I say build I kinda mean 'assemble'  :lol:  Sorry Wez/Jonathon/Bob, but a full on custom build is not required at this point!

Mr Bump's creation, and some of Philly Q's work, got me thinking about the TV Jones pickups I have lying around and what I could 'create' rather than buy.  I'm just checking out a few details but hopefully I'll be ordering a bunch of stuff tonight  :)  More details fo follow later......

For now though, how do I seal a raw maple neck?  I think I've read that Gunstock Oil (or a Gunstock Oil/Wax combo) can be rubbed into it and then topped up as it wears?  If so, where can I get it from?  Something like the US brand Tru-Oil?

Also, can I use the same stuff on a guitar body?  Or do I need to get something different like Danish Oil?
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: MrBump on March 30, 2009, 11:45:08 AM
Good man, Dave!  You'll be giving PRS a run for their money very soon!

Mark.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Twinfan on March 30, 2009, 12:01:08 PM
Cheers Mark - you've inspired me to give it a go!  I like a good project and I had a bunch of parts lying around anyway: pots, cap, switch, pickups, string retainer, straplocks etc
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: MDV on March 30, 2009, 12:07:24 PM
Good stuff!

I think tru and gunstock oil are basically the same thing, and theres little to no practical difference with danish oil either. I *think*.

And yes, you can use that for maple and the same stuff for the body.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Twinfan on March 30, 2009, 12:09:45 PM
Great stuff - cheers!  I'll use the same stuff for both then, something like Gunstock Oil/Tru-Oil.....
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Stevepage on March 30, 2009, 12:38:05 PM
Yes folks it's true, I'm going to build myself a guitar  :)  Well, when I say build I kinda mean 'assemble'  :lol:  Sorry Wez/Jonathon/Bob, but a full on custom build is not required at this point!

Mr Bump's creation, and some of Philly Q's work, got me thinking about the TV Jones pickups I have lying around and what I could 'create' rather than buy.  I'm just checking out a few details but hopefully I'll be ordering a bunch of stuff tonight  :)  More details fo follow later......

For now though, how do I seal a raw maple neck?  I think I've read that Gunstock Oil (or a Gunstock Oil/Wax combo) can be rubbed into it and then topped up as it wears?  If so, where can I get it from?  Something like the US brand Tru-Oil?

Also, can I use the same stuff on a guitar body?  Or do I need to get something different like Danish Oil?

You could also use Tung Oil. Ernie Ball use it on the Steve Lukather necks. I've used it on two of my guitar's necks and it seems to have done a nice job.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Philly Q on March 30, 2009, 12:45:53 PM
I think tru and gunstock oil are basically the same thing, and theres little to no practical difference with danish oil either. I *think*.

And yes, you can use that for maple and the same stuff for the body.

From previous discussions with Wez, I think the first bit's right, Tru-Oil and gunstock oil are basically the same thing.  But that's more of a "finish", which actually sets hard, whereas Danish Oil is more of an "oil" (although I think it does have some hardeners in it as well, so it's pretty confusing). 

I think you can use Tru-Oil as a finish in its own right, but with Danish Oil you'd need to wax it afterwards.  Or something like that.  I'm sure Wez will turn up and clarify.

I've always quite fancied trying an oil finish, but wasn't sure (a) how easy it is to c--k up (b) how difficult it is to maintain.  I always end up buying pre-finished necks and bodies instead.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: MDV on March 30, 2009, 12:50:15 PM
Quite probable, philly, quite probable. Wouldnt have emphasised the *I think* were I certain of the information.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Oli on March 30, 2009, 12:52:39 PM
Tru-Oil can be used on both the neck and the body, gives a nice finish, and is simple to do :)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Philly Q on March 30, 2009, 01:28:24 PM
Quite probable, philly, quite probable. Wouldnt have emphasised the *I think* were I certain of the information.

Yeah, I'm very much in the *I think* category too.  :)   But I'm sure all will become clear as the thread progresses!
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: tomjackson on March 30, 2009, 01:42:54 PM
You can get Tru-oil off ebay.  You just wipe on with a rag, let it dry and then buff it with 000 wire wool which leavs a dull satin.  Then buff with Bri-wax or similar for a nice finish. 

You will probably need about 5 coats of the oil to build the finish off.  You can also either Dye the oil or use a coloured wax if you want to tone down the white of the maple.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Twinfan on March 30, 2009, 01:50:44 PM
Interesting.  I'm after more of an oiled finish, than a 'proper' finish if that makes sense?  And as little of it as possible, just ebough to seal the wood.  So mentioned in this thread is:

Tung Oil
Tru-Oil
Gunstock Oil

WezV to the Batphone please!  :lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: ToneMonkey on March 30, 2009, 02:10:22 PM
Oh dear Twinfan, it's only a matter of time until you get a router and start making sawdust now.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on March 30, 2009, 02:24:55 PM
You can get Tru-oil off ebay.  You just wipe on with a rag, let it dry and then buff it with 000 wire wool which leavs a dull satin.  Then buff with Bri-wax or similar for a nice finish. 

You will probably need about 5 coats of the oil to build the finish off.  You can also either Dye the oil or use a coloured wax if you want to tone down the white of the maple.

No - I would use OOOO grade wire wool, and Liberon brand at that

OOO would be too coarse and would leave scratches

Tru-oil has more hardeners in it than Tung Oil or Danish Oil

I sometimes wipe a coat or two of cellulose sanding sealer on first to seal the wood - seems to work well
I smooth that back once very dry with 0000 wire wool and apply tru-oil
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Twinfan on March 30, 2009, 02:25:18 PM
No chance - my woodworking skills are awful!!!!!  I can assemble and solder, and that's as far as it goes!

Thanks Jonathon.  So I'm looking at 0000 grade wire wool between coats of Tru-oil then?  On both the body and neck?
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: ToneMonkey on March 30, 2009, 02:27:29 PM
You'd be suprised how far good templates get you.  EDIT:  You'll also be bloody good at sanding before you finish  :D

Feline - I read once about sealing with gelatine, you ever tried that?  Also about burninshing with a stone before finishing?  Someone gave me a really old article about finishing guitars.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: MDV on March 30, 2009, 03:21:50 PM
You can get Tru-oil off ebay.  You just wipe on with a rag, let it dry and then buff it with 000 wire wool which leavs a dull satin.  Then buff with Bri-wax or similar for a nice finish. 

You will probably need about 5 coats of the oil to build the finish off.  You can also either Dye the oil or use a coloured wax if you want to tone down the white of the maple.

No - I would use OOOO grade wire wool, and Liberon brand at that

OOO would be too coarse and would leave scratches

Tru-oil has more hardeners in it than Tung Oil or Danish Oil

I sometimes wipe a coat or two of cellulose sanding sealer on first to seal the wood - seems to work well
I smooth that back once very dry with 0000 wire wool and apply tru-oil

Whats the final ranking between the oils then - what would you use for a whole guitar and under what circumstances would you use each one?

I know lemon oil isnt supposed to seal either, but I've found that at least in maple it does confer some protection against engraining dirt - wheres that come on the scale?
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: MDV on March 30, 2009, 03:25:58 PM
You can get Tru-oil off ebay.  You just wipe on with a rag, let it dry and then buff it with 000 wire wool which leavs a dull satin.  Then buff with Bri-wax or similar for a nice finish. 

You will probably need about 5 coats of the oil to build the finish off.  You can also either Dye the oil or use a coloured wax if you want to tone down the white of the maple.

No - I would use OOOO grade wire wool, and Liberon brand at that

OOO would be too coarse and would leave scratches

Tru-oil has more hardeners in it than Tung Oil or Danish Oil

I sometimes wipe a coat or two of cellulose sanding sealer on first to seal the wood - seems to work well
I smooth that back once very dry with 0000 wire wool and apply tru-oil

Oh, and what about micromeshes? They go down to 12000 grit - give frets a mirror finish and I've tried them on one cheap fretboard - very nice result, very smooth indeed.

http://www.stewmac.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi?client=56a0f55686916bf737a98d1af137adc7&action=search&SEARCH_FIELD=NB%3BNM%3BWORDS%3BSPECS&SEARCH_SPEC=micromesh&SUBMIT_ACTION_SEARCH.x=0&SUBMIT_ACTION_SEARCH.y=0
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: FernandoDuarte on March 30, 2009, 04:36:26 PM
Cool! :D
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: ToneMonkey on March 30, 2009, 04:45:18 PM
I don't seem to get on with micromesh. I know people that love it for for polish a guitar, it wasn't for me.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: MDV on March 30, 2009, 04:49:20 PM
I don't seem to get on with micromesh. I know people that love it for for polish a guitar, it wasn't for me.

Why?
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: ToneMonkey on March 30, 2009, 05:06:06 PM
I used it for polishing a body and the surface area seemed too small to make it worth while as I was really trying hard not to get too close to the edges.  You're supposed to go at 90 degrees to the last grade of paper each time so I didn't even give it a go on the sides.  Maybe I should have gone in circles, but I actually followed the instructions for a change.

It was probably me as I don't have much patience for such things.  Sent the guitar off with a tube of T-cut and a few beers to a mate who owed me a favour in the end.  Still, he's not done it, so maybe the micromesh was more efficient afterall  :D

I've heard good things about it, but as with a lot of finishing stuff, it's horses for courses.  Some people swear by it and some don't, you pays yer money and you makes yer choice.

By the way, that kit in Stew-Mac looks a little pricey.  I'm sure I got more sheets as well as a polishing cloth and some liquid poilsh to finish it off for about the same price.  Have a look around model shops on the net as model builders use it.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: tomjackson on March 30, 2009, 05:06:32 PM
Interesting.  I'm after more of an oiled finish, than a 'proper' finish if that makes sense?  And as little of it as possible, just ebough to seal the wood.  So mentioned in this thread is:

Tung Oil
Tru-Oil
Gunstock Oil

WezV to the Batphone please!  :lol:

Tru-oil is Gunstock oil, True-oil is just the brand and yes Felineguitars are correct, I should have put 0000.  In fact I used Liberon 0000 as advised.

Dave if you want to see the finish I have it on the body of my Tele, in fact I have a bottle you could use if you like, would just have to get it back from my mate......
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: MDV on March 30, 2009, 05:11:30 PM
I used it for polishing a body and the surface area seemed too small to make it worth while as I was really trying hard not to get too close to the edges.  You're supposed to go at 90 degrees to the last grade of paper each time so I didn't even give it a go on the sides.  Maybe I should have gone in circles, but I actually followed the instructions for a change.

It was probably me as I don't have much patience for such things.  Sent the guitar off with a tube of T-cut and a few beers to a mate who owed me a favour in the end.  Still, he's not done it, so maybe the micromesh was more efficient afterall  :D

I've heard good things about it, but as with a lot of finishing stuff, it's horses for courses.  Some people swear by it and some don't, you pays yer money and you makes yer choice.

By the way, that kit in Stew-Mac looks a little pricey.  I'm sure I got more sheets as well as a polishing cloth and some liquid poilsh to finish it off for about the same price.  Have a look around model shops on the net as model builders use it.
Fair enough. Just wondering what your experience was with it. I love the stuff.

I'm aware modellers use it, too. It was developed for polishing aircraft windshields though.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: ToneMonkey on March 30, 2009, 05:16:30 PM
I figured that you'd have some, it's the scientist in you.

Since you're a dab hand with it, fancy polishing a guitar for me.   :lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: WezV on March 30, 2009, 05:20:05 PM
yep - tru-oil is the way to go for this.  You want a few coats, leave it for a day or two then rub back with the 0000 liberon wire wool as suggested.   The brand is important, i have some 00000 Colron wire wool here that is never going near a guitar again!!!


i do like danish oil and wax finishes on more oily woods like rosewood or zebrano but tru-oil is better for maples

you will be building a modern eagle clone in no time!!  ;)
 
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: ToneMonkey on March 30, 2009, 05:21:44 PM

you will be building a modern eagle clone in no time!!  ;)
 

Inevitable I would say.  Only a matter of time.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: MDV on March 30, 2009, 05:30:44 PM
I figured that you'd have some, it's the scientist in you.

Since you're a dab hand with it, fancy polishing a guitar for me.   :lol:

:lol: no, no, like I said, I've just used it for frets and one fretboard. Great results, but thats a rather limited group!
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Twinfan on March 30, 2009, 05:35:40 PM
yep - tru-oil is the way to go for this.  You want a few coats, leave it for a day or two then rub back with the 0000 liberon wire wool as suggested.   The brand is important, i have some 00000 Colron wire wool here that is never going near a guitar again!!!


i do like danish oil and wax finishes on more oily woods like rosewood or zebrano but tru-oil is better for maples

you will be building a modern eagle clone in no time!!  ;)
 

Thanks Wez - Tru-Oil it is then  :)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Roobubba on March 30, 2009, 07:59:30 PM


Dave if you want to see the finish I have it on the body of my Tele, in fact I have a bottle you could use if you like

Could I bottle your tele? :D
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: tomjackson on March 30, 2009, 08:25:29 PM


Dave if you want to see the finish I have it on the body of my Tele, in fact I have a bottle you could use if you like

Could I bottle your tele? :D

Anytime, it needs a bit of relicing anyway!
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: dave_mc on March 30, 2009, 08:32:33 PM
good luck, dave. what are you thinking of assembling?
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Philly Q on March 30, 2009, 09:18:51 PM


Dave if you want to see the finish I have it on the body of my Tele, in fact I have a bottle you could use if you like

Could I bottle your tele? :D

So you can carry it with you, wherever you may roam?
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Roobubba on March 30, 2009, 09:20:26 PM


Dave if you want to see the finish I have it on the body of my Tele, in fact I have a bottle you could use if you like

Could I bottle your tele? :D

So you can carry it with you, wherever you may roam?

And sniff it, lovingly?

No.

:)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: FernandoDuarte on March 30, 2009, 09:47:36 PM
Roo, you're showing your secret desires to us :lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Johnny Mac on March 30, 2009, 10:13:42 PM
Sounds interesting. I've been wanting to do one for years but got bogged down with indecision from looking at the 100's of options on Warmouth's site  :? :lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: FernandoDuarte on March 30, 2009, 10:17:59 PM
Wanna some help Johnny, I'm a Warmoth's nerd... this new site I haven't searched a lot, but I know many many options from them, even some that are not shown on the site :lol:

PhillyQ decided to share his doubts and bought a couple instead of single :lol: I'm evil :twisted:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Philly Q on March 30, 2009, 10:24:28 PM
PhillyQ decided to share his doubts and bought a couple instead of single :lol: I'm evil :twisted:

I've got 4 now!  It's all your fault.  :(

 :wink:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: FernandoDuarte on March 30, 2009, 10:26:53 PM
:lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Johnny Mac on March 30, 2009, 10:34:09 PM
Well I'm kind of sold (Provisionally) on a Rosewood Tele and a vintage white Strat.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: FernandoDuarte on March 30, 2009, 11:59:26 PM
Well I'm kind of sold (Provisionally) on a Rosewood Tele and a vintage white Strat.

Nice ones!! Solid Rosewood or chambered? This thing weights a ton!
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Philly Q on March 31, 2009, 12:06:30 AM
Yeah, I was just looking at the rosewood Tele bodies in the showcase.  Even the hollow ones are heavy!  :lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Twinfan on March 31, 2009, 12:42:11 AM
good luck, dave. what are you thinking of assembling?

I've just placed the order with Warmoth  :)

(http://www.warmoth.com/Showcase/images/bodies/medium/t1304a.jpg)

(http://www.warmoth.com/Showcase/images/necks/large/TN2257A.jpg)

Swamp Ash '72 Thinline body (weight 3lbs 10ounces) and a maple 1-11/16" nut Pro series neck with '59 roundback profile (PRS Wide-Fat, basically) and Stainless Steel 6105 jumbo frets  :D

It's having a black-white-black scratchplate, a chrome hardtail strat bridge, vintage tuners, CTS pots, CRL switch, an old paper in oil capacitor, Schaller matt chrome finished straplocks and TV Jones Classic pickups!

Should be fun to put together!
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: FernandoDuarte on March 31, 2009, 01:08:38 AM
Lovely figuring on Ash!
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Johnny Mac on March 31, 2009, 08:50:21 AM
Looks great Dave. Look forward to seeing and hearing at all finished. Nice one!  :D
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Twinfan on March 31, 2009, 09:03:03 AM
Cheers guys - I'm looking forward to getting this together.  I should get the parts in a few weeks.

Stainless steel frets will be an interesting experiment....
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: WezV on March 31, 2009, 09:14:34 AM
looks great
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: MrBump on March 31, 2009, 02:51:27 PM
That's going to be very cool, Dave.

Mark.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: MDV on March 31, 2009, 03:37:22 PM
Thats some good ass swamp ash!
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: dave_mc on March 31, 2009, 04:39:42 PM
wow, that looks awesome, sounds like a great spec too. :)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Twinfan on March 31, 2009, 05:20:26 PM
Cheers folks  :)

Just looking into getting a 70s style "Fecker Testicaster" logo for it  :lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Twinfan on March 31, 2009, 09:39:09 PM
Ha ha!  Got one!

(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r267/junkacct/FECKERTesticaster70sstyle.jpg)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Philly Q on March 31, 2009, 10:11:50 PM
Ha ha!  Got one!

That was quick!  Where did you get it?
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Twinfan on March 31, 2009, 10:40:37 PM
I've not got it yet, but making payment shortly.  If you look on eBay for the Gibbons Less Pull decals you'll find the guy.  I emailed him about Tele decals as he can't sell them on eBay any more.  Fender kicked his ass  :lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Philly Q on March 31, 2009, 11:06:45 PM
 :D  Cool!  I don't need one at the moment, but you never know, for future reference...
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: dave_mc on March 31, 2009, 11:51:03 PM
:lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: FernandoDuarte on April 01, 2009, 01:27:25 AM
:lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Adam.M on April 01, 2009, 02:04:24 AM
 :D
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Twinfan on April 01, 2009, 08:32:45 AM
He's sending me a "Fecker Custom Shop" logo for the back of the headstock too  :lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Plexi Ken on April 01, 2009, 04:55:34 PM
Lovin' the decal  :lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: MrBump on April 01, 2009, 07:09:38 PM
He's sending me a "Fecker Custom Shop" logo for the back of the headstock too  :lol:

Gotta get me one of them!!!
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: 38thBeatle on April 01, 2009, 07:13:29 PM
I am looking forward to seeing the finished item Dave....and indeed the second one you make shortly after.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Twinfan on April 01, 2009, 09:59:08 PM
Not sure what I'd build next if this turns out good!  It should be a belter.  If not, it'll be off to Wez to "fix" it for me!!!  :lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Twinfan on April 02, 2009, 02:01:06 PM
Ok, so I've been looking into the finish.  A couple of questions:

* Is 250g of Liberon 0000 steel wool enough to do the body and neck?
* How much oil do I need, 0.5ltr?
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: WezV on April 02, 2009, 03:45:39 PM
that will be plenty of both
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Twinfan on April 02, 2009, 09:01:56 PM
Thanks Wez  :D

The decals arrived today - I'm still chuckling  :lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: FernandoDuarte on April 02, 2009, 09:19:28 PM
The decals arrived today - I'm still chuckling  :lol:

Do you know if he has vintage "thin letters" style? :lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Twinfan on April 02, 2009, 09:32:16 PM
Yes, he does.......

http://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=9388.msg118845#msg118845
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: FernandoDuarte on April 02, 2009, 09:37:11 PM
:D Awesome!
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Twinfan on April 04, 2009, 02:22:45 PM
The neck and body have shipped from the US and should be delivered on Monday  :o  I'll be at work, so I'll have to pick it up from Manchester in the evening or on Tuesday.

I've picked up some Danish Oil and Liberon 0000 steel wool today too, so work can start over Easter weekend.

Can't wait  :D
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Philly Q on April 04, 2009, 03:00:23 PM
The neck and body have shipped from the US and should be delivered on Monday  :o  I'll be at work, so I'll have to pick it up from Manchester in the evening or on Tuesday.

UPS might phone you up before delivering, to take payment of the VAT and import duty.  Or they may want payment on delivery/collection (I don't know why they're so inconsistent).  So don't forget your cheque book!  :)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Twinfan on April 04, 2009, 03:03:46 PM
Yep, that'll be fun paying that  :(
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Philly Q on April 04, 2009, 03:12:16 PM
Sorry, didn't mean to put a damper on proceedings!  :wink:

Looking forward to seeing the guitar...  I'm sitting here playing my black mini-HB Tele and wondering how anyone can not like the things!
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: FernandoDuarte on April 04, 2009, 03:53:17 PM
Yep, that'll be fun paying that  :(

I'll show the receipts of the ones I paid and you'll feel right :lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror!
Post by: Twinfan on April 06, 2009, 01:25:48 PM
According to UPS the parts are out for delivery today, and as I'm full of "man flu" I'm going to dip out of work a bit early.  I'll either catch them before they deliver or see if I can head off to the collection depot in Manchester.  I'll get some pics up later if I manage to get hold of them.

As an aside, I also picked up some Liberon 0000 steel wool and Rustins Danish Oil (plus plastic gloves and a mixing pot) over the weekend so I'm ready to start the finishing process this week.  The plan is to have the guitar up and running in a week's time, by the end of Easter.......
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 06, 2009, 05:49:09 PM
And here it is.  What do you reckon?????

(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r267/junkacct/Testicasterparts.jpg)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Tellboy on April 06, 2009, 05:55:32 PM
Not sure about the pickguard  :(
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: FernandoDuarte on April 06, 2009, 06:21:01 PM
Usually I'm not found on Tele with big pickguard nor the TV jones pickups, but they're looking good together on this guitar! :D
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Philly Q on April 06, 2009, 06:22:22 PM
Oh bloody hell, why does it take me months to do things and you've got it done in a day?  :x

(Or did you just pile the parts up in roughly the right places?  :wink: )

I don't like the matt-finish knobs (if that's what they are), but that's nitpicking.  I do like the way they've left a decent gap between the switch and the volume control, it always bugs me that they're so close together on regular Teles.  

Looking forward to hearing/seeing how you get on with the oil finish!

Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: gwEm on April 06, 2009, 06:25:05 PM
well, *i am sure* about the pickguard - it all looks great!! :)

i would go for an oil with some sort of tint for the body. maybe red/brown.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: gwEm on April 06, 2009, 06:27:36 PM
or even blue/purple
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: indysmith on April 06, 2009, 07:33:26 PM
Looks SWEET! I bet that'll sound awesome - and yeah you should definitely give the body a bit of a dark tint.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 06, 2009, 07:42:34 PM
I'm going simple with the finish - just natural Danish Oil.  Not going mad on a first effort!

The knobs are matt finish, as are the straplocks.  I'm using up some parts and I'm mixing/matching hardware.  I like the mix, but each to their own!

And yes Phil, I've just piled them up really.  Everything is attached to the pickguard, but the bridge is just placed on there as is the neck......
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: 38thBeatle on April 06, 2009, 08:03:32 PM
That is going to look great Dave-nice job.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: WezV on April 06, 2009, 08:26:49 PM
I like!
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 06, 2009, 08:59:21 PM
Thanks for your comments guys :)

Just for everyone's info, the neck/body joint is really good.  Not strong enough to pick the body up by the neck without bolts, but it's a nice snug fit.

Even Mrs Twinfan is impressed by the quality of the parts  :o
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Philly Q on April 06, 2009, 09:24:20 PM
Just for everyone's info, the neck/body joint is really good.  Not strong enough to pick the body up by the neck without bolts, but it's a nice snug fit.

That's good to know - I've got several Warmoth bodies, but they've all got Fender necks (which also fit really well).  I might try a Warmoth neck next time.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 06, 2009, 09:34:24 PM
The neck's great - a very similar profile to my McCarty Wide-Fats (which is how I specced it).  Can't wait to get it all bolted together at the weekend.

Wood finishing starts in the next couple of days......
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: dave_mc on April 06, 2009, 11:13:29 PM
Oh bloody hell, why does it take me months to do things and you've got it done in a day?  :x

i know the feeling :lol:

getting back to the guitar- that looks awesome. i don't think there's a single thing about it i'd change (without getting sarcastic and saying i'd have tuners and strings on my version ;) ) :D I'm guessing you're leaving it natural?
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: badgermark on April 06, 2009, 11:22:50 PM
i love it. and can't look at this thread again, i'm not allowed to give into temptation. but dayum that looks good.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Lew on April 07, 2009, 04:08:56 AM
Looks hawt but I reckon a white pickguard would look better and maybe a smaller pickguard?
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Jonny on April 07, 2009, 04:16:01 AM
I'd love to see the outcome after the finish. Looks good.

It's fuelling my Warmoth GAS :)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: MrBump on April 07, 2009, 06:46:29 AM
Very nice, Dave.

There's a VERY distinct Tele thing going on on this forum at the moment...

On a related note, my Fecker Testicaster decal arrived yesterday!!!  Will be applying that at the weekend!!!

 :D

Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 07, 2009, 07:22:42 AM
To answer the comments/questions:

The scratchplate is the right size and shape for a '72 Thinline Telecaster - that's what the body is.  The cavities are large so it needs a big guard.  White pearloid is the normal colour on the Fender reissues, so to be different I chose three ply B-W-B.

Yep, the body will be a natural finish.  This was my inspiration for the finish/scratchplate colour combo:

(http://www.rumbleseatmusic.com/images/full%20size%201033w/72fenderteleThinlineNAT.jpg)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Philly Q on April 07, 2009, 08:50:10 AM
This was my inspiration for the finish/scratchplate colour combo

[jaw dropping]  :o  [/jaw dropped]
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 07, 2009, 09:04:47 AM
Do you like it Phil?  ;)  :lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: indysmith on April 07, 2009, 09:26:17 AM
Well I certainly do :o
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: AndyR on April 07, 2009, 10:08:49 AM
Tis looking good there TF :D

Didn't like the pickguard shape when I first saw it, but it's kinda growing on me.

I am as amazed as Philly over the timescales (with somewhat less experience, and therefore less "issues", than he might have :lol:)

What's happening over nut-cutting and fret-dressing? Are you going to do this yourself? (apologies if I've missed/skimmed over this earlier - I'm going through a "busy patch" at the moment and not able to put the proper attention into the BKP forum :lol:)

Oh, and Philly, on the "switch close to the volume control". I just tried this out on a switch I'm about to replace: Take the knob off, then use a pair of pliers to put a small bend into the blade - I did about 15 degrees at the most. I bent mine "down", away from me when I'm playing. I'd read about this ages ago, but... it actually works! Switch much easier to use with the pinky... (and the switch isn't broken :lol:)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 07, 2009, 10:34:19 AM
The nut was fitted by Warmoth and is already cut.  Frets were installed by Warmoth too, and having run my hands over the neck it feels like they've done a great job.  Lovely and smooth fret ends  :)

I'm planning on bolting it all together, getting it fired up, and seeing how it sounds.  I'll do any minor initial tweaks myself, but if it looks like it needs a bit more specialist knowledge I'll take it to my usual luthier for a full setup.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 07, 2009, 10:35:59 AM
Quick question - should I drill the strap button holes before applying finish to the body?  Or leave it until later????
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Philly Q on April 07, 2009, 10:36:29 AM
Do you like it Phil?  ;)  :lol:

If yours turns out looking like that, Dave - and hopefully it will - I'll be mighty impressed!  

Good tip about the switch Andy, I believe that's what Danny Gatton used to do.  I might give it a try.  Also Rockinger in Germany make a Tele control plate with the volume control moved a little further away from the switch, which is a very sensible idea.



Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Philly Q on April 07, 2009, 10:44:25 AM
Quick question - should I drill the strap button holes before applying finish to the body?  Or leave it until later????

I don't know what the pros would suggest, but I'd do all the drilling - strap buttons, scratchplate, whatever - before finishing, then just countersink the holes a little once the finish is on.

It sounds like they did a good job on the frets etc.  When I had a Warmoth neck - which I kept for about 10 years but never used  :roll: - the fret installation seemed really neat but they'd left the ends very square.  It wouldn't have been playable without some extra work.

I think I might have to invest in some Warmoth necks.  I was looking at one of my Highway One necks last night and I've become so used to the big neck on the ES-339 the last few weeks that the Fender neck felt like a toothpick.  :(
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Philly Q on April 07, 2009, 10:55:57 AM
On a related note, my Fecker Testicaster decal arrived yesterday!!!  Will be applying that at the weekend!!!

Question for both Mark and Dave - are you going to try finishing over the decals, or just stick them on top of the finish?  I know the latter is the old skool way, but personally I'd prefer the thing to be properly sealed in place.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 07, 2009, 11:51:19 AM
I'm just putting the decal on after the oiling.  I'm not 'finishing' the guitar so it'll look odd if I try and finish just the headstock with clearcoat.

I'll drill the pilot holes before oiling the body then - cheers Phil  :)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: noodleplugerine on April 07, 2009, 11:51:22 AM
I'm getting such Tele gas... Its insane... Never had this before. Makes me want to pick up a highway one or something.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: PhilKing on April 07, 2009, 12:26:47 PM
On a related note, my Fecker Testicaster decal arrived yesterday!!!  Will be applying that at the weekend!!!

Question for both Mark and Dave - are you going to try finishing over the decals, or just stick them on top of the finish?  I know the latter is the old skool way, but personally I'd prefer the thing to be properly sealed in place.

I've done it both ways.  Glen precoats his decals so they are a bit stronger than some of the other after market ones. 
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Philly Q on April 07, 2009, 12:37:13 PM
On a related note, my Fecker Testicaster decal arrived yesterday!!!  Will be applying that at the weekend!!!

Question for both Mark and Dave - are you going to try finishing over the decals, or just stick them on top of the finish?  I know the latter is the old skool way, but personally I'd prefer the thing to be properly sealed in place.

I've done it both ways.  Glen precoats his decals so they are a bit stronger than some of the other after market ones. 

I've read, but not sure if it's true, that it's possible to spray nitro over something like Tru-Oil?   :?

I wouldn't attempt to spray finish a whole neck (too messy, although I have done it before when I was young and patient), but I would be prepared to spray just the face of the headstock and oil-finish the rest.

But I guess the sensible option is just to put the decal on the surface and replace it if it wears off!
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: _tom_ on April 07, 2009, 12:42:25 PM
Looks nice but I think the body needs some tint so it doesnt look so bright and unfinished. I really like the look of that Fender you posted :) bwb looks best on natural guitar bodies I think, white looks cheap and horrible.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: WezV on April 07, 2009, 12:47:28 PM
Looks nice but I think the body needs some tint so it doesnt look so bright and unfinished. I really like the look of that Fender you posted :) bwb looks best on natural guitar bodies I think, white looks cheap and horrible.

oil will tint slightly, but not much so this will be quite a blonde guitar to begin with... it should age and darken nicely though
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: _tom_ on April 07, 2009, 12:59:05 PM
The gun stock oil I used on my strat body darkened the wood nicely. just quickly photoshopped the body a bit darker/redder so you can see how much nicer it will look, Dave :P

(http://i43.tinypic.com/2wncwvq.jpg)

just realised I accidentally had the bridge selected as well though so its gone an odd colour :\
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 07, 2009, 01:08:36 PM
oil will tint slightly, but not much so this will be quite a blonde guitar to begin with... it should age and darken nicely though

That's what I'm after Wez  ;)  A nice natural blonde finish from new, but something that will age well.  This is just a nice simple build after all  :)

I'm itching to hear it, hoping it will be a mix of Billy Gibbons and Malcolm Young.....
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: MrBump on April 07, 2009, 02:28:42 PM
On a related note, my Fecker Testicaster decal arrived yesterday!!!  Will be applying that at the weekend!!!

Question for both Mark and Dave - are you going to try finishing over the decals, or just stick them on top of the finish?  I know the latter is the old skool way, but personally I'd prefer the thing to be properly sealed in place.

I've done it both ways.  Glen precoats his decals so they are a bit stronger than some of the other after market ones. 

I've read, but not sure if it's true, that it's possible to spray nitro over something like Tru-Oil?   :?

I wouldn't attempt to spray finish a whole neck (too messy, although I have done it before when I was young and patient), but I would be prepared to spray just the face of the headstock and oil-finish the rest.

But I guess the sensible option is just to put the decal on the surface and replace it if it wears off!

It said in the blurb that it should be applied to a previously finished headstock - mines got a satin finish, so I was going to give it a light coat of spray, then the decal, then another light coat.  I think that will look OK...
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: ToneMonkey on April 08, 2009, 11:49:11 AM
That tosser out of Franz Ferdinand was on Jools Holland playing a tele very simliar to the one you posted for your inspiration (can't see the pics of yours as I'm still stuck on the works server  :().  His wasn't a thinline and had the larger scratchplate that went towards the top horn (or lack of).
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 08, 2009, 11:56:54 AM
Yep, that's a 70s Custom......
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: ToneMonkey on April 08, 2009, 12:08:20 PM
Is that what you're building?  Nice axe, shame about the tw@t  :lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: WezV on April 08, 2009, 01:01:28 PM
i like the 70's customs and deluxes... its what prompted me to spring for the Wide Range humbucker HTH was selling recently.  i ordered a blackguard to go with it yesterday so i guess i am building a guitar around that one pickup
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Philly Q on April 08, 2009, 01:15:18 PM
Is that what you're building?  Nice axe, shame about the tw@t  :lol:

One swallow doesn't make a summer, and one tw@t doesn't make a '70s Tele Deluxe uncool! 

In fact, I'm not sure there are enough tw@ts in the world to make a '70s Tele Deluxe uncool....



(I don't think Franz Ferdinand are all THAT terrible anyway...)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 08, 2009, 01:43:37 PM
I'm not building a Custom/Deluxe, I'm building a Thinline  ;)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: AndyR on April 08, 2009, 01:46:54 PM
Leaving yourselves open to Roo abuse here folks :lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Roobubba on April 08, 2009, 01:47:42 PM
Is that what you're building?  Nice axe, shame about the tw@t  :lol:

One swallow doesn't make a summer, and one tw@t doesn't make a '70s Tele Deluxe uncool! 

In fact, I'm not sure there are enough tw@ts in the world to make a '70s Tele Deluxe uncool....



(I don't think Franz Ferdinand are all THAT terrible anyway...)

You're getting this the wrong way round, fellas... It's the Tele that makes the player look like a tw@t! Simple fact, nothing you can do about it, other than ditch the tele...
Hey ho.
Roo

EDIT I hit the post button and the little red line came up telling me that someone else had posted....  How did you KNOW, Andy?! :D :D :D
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: AndyR on April 08, 2009, 01:49:45 PM
I dunno, using "tw@t" and "tele", in the same sentence... repeatedly...

Just asking for trouble... :lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Philly Q on April 08, 2009, 01:54:27 PM
Leaving yourselves open to Roo abuse here folks :lol:

Ah, bollox to Roo.   :twisted:

Tele Customs, Deluxes and Thinlines are cool as fvck..... Franz tw@tting Ferdinand, bulbous bits and all.


(Sorry Roo, no offence!)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Roobubba on April 08, 2009, 03:13:11 PM
Leaving yourselves open to Roo abuse here folks :lol:

Ah, bollox to Roo.   :twisted:

Tele Customs, Deluxes and Thinlines are cool as fvck..... Franz tw@tting Ferdinand, bulbous bits and all.


(Sorry Roo, no offence!)

Lol at 'Franz tw@tting Ferdinand'

:D
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: FernandoDuarte on April 08, 2009, 08:47:08 PM
:lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: MDV on April 08, 2009, 09:09:14 PM
So, tele lovers and haters can unite with mutual hatred of Franz tw@tting Ferdinand?

Seems reasonable to me.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: ToneMonkey on April 08, 2009, 10:07:28 PM
Yeah, I'm happy with tha too.  tw@t haters of the world unite.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: badgermark on April 08, 2009, 10:21:53 PM
I hate Franz Ferdinand. Though every time Roo or one of his tag alongs disses teles i'm gonna post a picture of me looking badass with a tele.

(http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu178/crushingtokyo/IMG_0211.jpg?t=1239225626)

Suck it Roo.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: FernandoDuarte on April 08, 2009, 10:25:38 PM
I hate Franz Ferdinand. Though every time Roo or one of his tag alongs disses teles i'm gonna post a picture of me looking badass with a tele.

Suck it Roo.
:lol:
lol
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: MDV on April 08, 2009, 10:27:47 PM
So, when are you going to post a pic of you looking badass?
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: dave_mc on April 08, 2009, 10:33:28 PM
I hate Franz Ferdinand. Though every time Roo or one of his tag alongs disses teles i'm gonna post a picture of me looking badass with a tele.

(http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu178/crushingtokyo/IMG_0211.jpg?t=1239225626)

Suck it Roo.

that's a long strap...
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Philly Q on April 08, 2009, 11:06:08 PM
That is a long strap.  I'm guessing if I put it on, that Tele would be brushing the ground like Phil Mitchell's knuckles....

But anyway, I don't actually hate Franz tw@tting Ferdinand, but I'm happy to go with the flow.  Nice to have a bit of harmony on a Tele-related thread.   :P
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: WezV on April 08, 2009, 11:48:06 PM
went to see franz ferdinand a few years ago, they were supported by editors and graham coxon. 

Editors where awesome and completly eclipsed FF who may have the odd catchy song but just cant play live (i know that because actually i have been to see them a few times)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: _tom_ on April 09, 2009, 12:19:02 AM
I HATE Editors. The singer is so monotonous and they all seem so posh :lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: indysmith on April 09, 2009, 12:36:31 AM
Just watching Tuesday's Jools Holland; Franz Ferdinand are opening and reminded me of this thread. All I can say is WOW - TONE. Really REALLY gooooood tone.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: indysmith on April 09, 2009, 12:38:01 AM
seriously... probably the best tone I've ever heard!
All three guitars (including the bass) are the best sounds I've EVER heard.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: WezV on April 09, 2009, 08:38:13 AM
I HATE Editors. The singer is so monotonous and they all seem so posh :lol:

they are a bit posh and i really didnt want to like them, the guys voice is very impressive live  - a huge 3D sound that fills any room (or field for that matter).  i felt sorry for Franz going on afterwards, it was always going to sound thin in comparison

Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: headtheball on April 09, 2009, 08:53:34 AM
Kind of on topic. I had the good fortune to see Graham Coxon a while back in Queen's Uni, Belfast, and the man does produce some seriously tasty live tone. It's one of the few times I've heard a Marshall and thought "Aha! So that's what people mean" about them.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Roobubba on April 09, 2009, 11:59:06 AM
I hate Franz Ferdinand. Though every time Roo or one of his tag alongs disses teles i'm gonna post a picture of me looking badass with a tele.

(http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu178/crushingtokyo/IMG_0211.jpg?t=1239225626)

Suck it Roo.

Hey badger, what is it that you're looking longingly and lovingly at? The headstock? :)

Roo
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: badgermark on April 09, 2009, 12:07:29 PM
Yeah I love the headstock. It's beautiful. And thanks for commenting on the length of my strap :) I'm 6'4 and like my guitars low, so the strap is the biggest Levy's one i could find.

i'm really looking forward to seeing Dave's tele finished, I have plans for a thinline tele, maybe mahogany body with a set of Abraxas pickups in it.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Ian Price on April 09, 2009, 12:09:32 PM
Kind of on topic. I had the good fortune to see Graham Coxon a while back in Queen's Uni, Belfast, and the man does produce some seriously tasty live tone. It's one of the few times I've heard a Marshall and thought "Aha! So that's what people mean" about them.

I like Graham Coxon's stuff. Very talented and underrated IMO. Much better than when he was in Blur, I get the feeling he was stifled quite a lot.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: MrBump on April 09, 2009, 05:33:14 PM
Yeah I love the headstock. It's beautiful. And thanks for commenting on the length of my strap :) I'm 6'4 and like my guitars low, so the strap is the biggest Levy's one i could find.

i'm really looking forward to seeing Dave's tele finished, I have plans for a thinline tele, maybe mahogany body with a set of Abraxas pickups in it.

Nice strap, Mark - I'm also a fairly tall chap, and struggle to find a good long 'un - both fofr my tele and my Yam SG.  Where did you get yours from?

Mark.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: badgermark on April 09, 2009, 06:11:50 PM
Yeah I love the headstock. It's beautiful. And thanks for commenting on the length of my strap :) I'm 6'4 and like my guitars low, so the strap is the biggest Levy's one i could find.

i'm really looking forward to seeing Dave's tele finished, I have plans for a thinline tele, maybe mahogany body with a set of Abraxas pickups in it.

Nice strap, Mark - I'm also a fairly tall chap, and struggle to find a good long 'un - both fofr my tele and my Yam SG.  Where did you get yours from?

Mark.

Just a standard Levys nylon web thing. Got it from a local music shop. Got them on almost all of my guitars, nothing worse than having your strap too short and looking like a nonce.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Roobubba on April 10, 2009, 12:56:19 AM
Yeah I love the headstock. It's beautiful. And thanks for commenting on the length of my strap :) I'm 6'4 and like my guitars low, so the strap is the biggest Levy's one i could find.

i'm really looking forward to seeing Dave's tele finished, I have plans for a thinline tele, maybe mahogany body with a set of Abraxas pickups in it.

Nice strap, Mark - I'm also a fairly tall chap, and struggle to find a good long 'un - both fofr my tele and my Yam SG.  Where did you get yours from?

Mark.

Just a standard Levys nylon web thing. Got it from a local music shop. Got them on almost all of my guitars, nothing worse than having your strap too short and looking like a nonce.

I totally agree with you on that, Badger! I use the same straps, for the same reason. :)

Roo
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: indysmith on April 10, 2009, 12:58:02 AM
heyyyy - I like my straps short :(
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: MDV on April 10, 2009, 01:01:41 AM
I keep my guitars quite high, so as I can play em right :lol: (Then I do use quite a bit of reach fingering - nothing extreme but precludes low guitars.

When all I did was bash powerchords and play in the box, then it was low ;)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Perandor on April 10, 2009, 01:21:31 AM
So, tele lovers and haters can unite with mutual hatred of Franz tw@tting Ferdinand?

Seems reasonable to me.

Who's dissing Franz Ferdinand?  I like a couple of his songs
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: MrBump on April 10, 2009, 07:36:30 AM
I keep my guitars quite high, so as I can play em right :lol: (Then I do use quite a bit of reach fingering - nothing extreme but precludes low guitars.

When all I did was bash powerchords and play in the box, then it was low ;)

Yeah, I think it's a compromise between having the guitar high enough to accomplish what you need to technically, and not having it so high that you look like a dork.

I personally am long in the body and short in the leg - if I wear a guitar too high (and because I'm tall, normal straps are often too short) I look like a complete tw@t.

And I didn't pick up the guitar to look like a complete tw@t.  I can do that well enough without one, thank you very much...

Mark.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: WezV on April 10, 2009, 08:41:49 AM
Roo's guitar would look really odd played high up... i think that goes for most ofset shapes

i like the fact badger is clearly giving us the finger :)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: _tom_ on April 10, 2009, 12:15:11 PM
Couch Guitar Straps are pretty long as well and look cooler than nylon straps :P - http://www.couchguitarstraps.com/
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: badgermark on April 10, 2009, 12:22:44 PM
Roo's guitar would look really odd played high up... i think that goes for most ofset shapes

i like the fact badger is clearly giving us the finger :)

Yeah when bashing powerchords it helps to give the wanky metal fans the finger :)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Will on April 10, 2009, 12:54:36 PM
(http://www.findagrave.com/photos250/photos/2005/4/5593_110494426822.jpg)

If you can't play it at that height, you are officially wanking :lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: ilÿti on April 10, 2009, 01:56:53 PM
I keep my guitars quite high, so as I can play em right :lol: (Then I do use quite a bit of reach fingering - nothing extreme but precludes low guitars.

When all I did was bash powerchords and play in the box, then it was low ;)
This man speaks reasonably. Players who hold it at their knees just look like douches, Dime's and drunks. And I mean that with no disrespect, I'm sure that's what they are going for.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 10, 2009, 02:00:28 PM
Right - to get this thread back on topic!!!  :lol:

I've just drilled the screw holes for the jack socket, and the strap button holes, into the body.  The bottom button hole has missed the centre line by about 1mm as the drill bit drifted.  No biggie, and by the time the straplock is on it'll be barely noticeable.

Just got to drill the holes in the neck for the tuners and I'm ready to start oiling.  A few people have mentioned putting a light stain on the wood first, but I'm just going 'au naturel'.  Mrs Twinfan says leave it as it is, so that's a good enough reason for me!

First coat will be a 50/50 mix of white spirit/Rustins Danish Oil to let it soak into the wood better as a sealant.  I'll be using some cotton rags to apply it.  I'll put some pics up after the first coat is done later today......
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Philly Q on April 10, 2009, 02:32:54 PM
Just got to drill the holes in the neck for the tuners and I'm ready to start oiling.  A few people have mentioned putting a light stain on the wood first, but I'm just going 'au naturel'.  Mrs Twinfan says leave it as it is, so that's a good enough reason for me!

I agree with Mrs Twinfan  :D .  The grain of the swamp ash is going to come out beautifully with a natural finish anyway.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: blue on April 10, 2009, 04:18:22 PM
(http://www.findagrave.com/photos250/photos/2005/4/5593_110494426822.jpg)

If you can't play it at that height, you are officially wanking :lol:

ah, at the time i thought steve clarke was just the coolest man alive!  i used to sit and watch the in the round...in your face live video every week!  he did ruin a lot of lovely old gibsons with kahlers though!  at that height i can barely manage a couple of open chords, never mind anything more challenging, so i have no idea how he did it.  i've only seen Duff Mckagan (coincidentally, another tall bleach blonde alcoholic!) wear a guitar as low


Twinfan;  that guitar is looking great!  intrigued as to how the tv jones'll sound in it.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Will on April 10, 2009, 05:01:41 PM
I watched it last night as I couldn't sleep :D
I don't think he actually retrofitted any Kahler's himself, bought them like it, or were made for him.
Its not actually that hard when its that low, something feels comfy.

Good to hear progress on the guitar TF, you should have challenged Phil to a race, it may have inspired him
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Philly Q on April 10, 2009, 05:28:11 PM
Good to hear progress on the guitar TF, you should have challenged Phil to a race, it may have inspired him

 :lol: :lol:

It takes a lot to inspire me, and I'm not naturally competitive... impending death or the kidnap of one of my (non existent) children might just about do the trick. 

I might try to finish off the Mira or something this weekend, if I don't get invited round by my blessed ol' parents.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 10, 2009, 06:37:20 PM
OK - first coat is on.  This stuff is REALLY easy to apply.  Like seriously easy!  I used a little plastic mixing bowl and watered the Danish Oil down with white spirit, somewhere between a 25%/75% and a 50%/50% mix.  This is so it would soak in and seal the wood better.  The ash body lapped it up, the maple neck less so as it's less porous.  The second coat (of straight Danish Oil) will be going on around midnight tonight.

Meanwhile, here's the pics of the first coat while it's drying.  The neck is bit ordinary looking and hasn't changed much so I won't bother photographing it again.  The grain in the body has really popped out through, which is nice  :D

(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/Warmoth%20build/Coat1_body_front.JPG)

(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/Warmoth%20build/Coat1_body_back.JPG)

(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/Warmoth%20build/Coat1_neck.JPG)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Ian Price on April 10, 2009, 06:39:17 PM
It's looking good Dave, very good indeed!
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Parts pic added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 10, 2009, 06:40:57 PM
Cheers Ian!  The pic of the front is a bit lighter than it really is as it's right next to the window.  It's closer to the colour in the back pic.

I'm just off to start putting the electrics together.......
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (First oil cost pics added)
Post by: Philly Q on April 10, 2009, 07:06:00 PM
It's gonna be awesome, I can feel it in my bones!
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (First oil cost pics added)
Post by: MDV on April 10, 2009, 07:11:15 PM
That really is some fine ash.

But you have a book on slash?

Wtf?

Does it say "Pentatonic", over and over again, on every page?
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (First oil cost pics added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 10, 2009, 07:56:19 PM
Nope, it just says "Heroin"  :lol:

I'm a big Slash fan.  He's the reason I play electric guitar.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (First oil cost pics added)
Post by: dave_mc on April 10, 2009, 08:08:21 PM
looking good :)

i don't keep my strap that high, but there's surely a happy medium between "round your neck" and "round your knees"... :?
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (First oil cost pics added)
Post by: _tom_ on April 10, 2009, 08:09:22 PM
Nope, it just says "Heroin"  :lol:

I'm a big Slash fan.  He's the reason I play electric guitar.

+1!

I thought it was a great read.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (First oil cost pics added)
Post by: keith on April 10, 2009, 08:56:44 PM
Yo Dave nice plank bro looks like another Manchester meet to christen it
cheers

keith
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (First oil cost pics added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 11, 2009, 12:46:02 AM
Cheers Keith  :)

Update for the evening:  the second coat is on and the electrics are all wired up except for the output jack.........

(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/Warmoth%20build/Coat2_body_front.JPG)

(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/Warmoth%20build/Electrics_back.JPG)

(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/Warmoth%20build/Electrics_front.JPG)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (2nd oil coat pics added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 11, 2009, 08:53:44 AM
Penultimate oil coat is now on  :D  The body and neck feel much tackier as I wipe the excess oil off now so I'm clearly in the "layer building" part of the finish.  The wood is now sealed and it's building up the protective coating.

I'm out seeing the folks for the rest of today, so the final coat will go on tomorrow morning.  Everything's looking good for a first assembly on Monday.  Woo hoo!!!!

(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/Warmoth%20build/Coat3_body_front.JPG)

(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/Warmoth%20build/Coat3_body_back.JPG)

(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/Warmoth%20build/Coat3_neck_back.JPG)

(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/Warmoth%20build/Coat3_neck_front.JPG)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (2nd oil coat pics added)
Post by: Roobubba on April 11, 2009, 09:08:38 AM
Is that guitar 3 stories tall, and is your kitchen in fact upside down?
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (2nd oil coat pics added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 11, 2009, 09:12:38 AM
Ha ha!

The neck is hanging from a lampshade over my kitchen table  :)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (2nd oil coat pics added)
Post by: martinw on April 11, 2009, 09:20:05 AM
Looking good.  :D
Only 3 coats though? My Eggle took about a dozen using Danish oil.

Are you rubbing back between coats?
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (2nd oil coat pics added)
Post by: Philly Q on April 11, 2009, 09:22:55 AM
Looking good.  :D
Only 3 coats though? My Eggle took about a dozen using Danish oil.

I was wondering about that, I've read articles talking about 10-15 coats, even with Tru-Oil (which I think builds up more?).

I'm going to try to find a proper "how to" article somewhere, I'm sure Jonathan and/or Wez have gone into it in some detail in the past.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (2nd oil coat pics added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 11, 2009, 09:55:51 AM
I'm doing exactly what it says on the tin for the finish, using a mixture of interior/exterior use prep:

* Thinned first coat with white spirit
* Undiluted 2nd, 3rd and 4th coats
* 3 undiluted coats are all that's required
* No rubbing back required between coats
* Final coat will be applied with Liberon 0000 steel wool for a smooth finish

10-15 coats sounds mental!  :o  I guess it depends on the exact finish used, and how close to basic Linseed Oil it is.  This Rustins one has extra polymers etc to speed drying and I guess thicken the finish:  http://buildyourguitar.com/resources/tips/danshoil.htm

Also, I'm not going to be gigging it heavily every night for 40 years so protection isn't a major issue.  If it was, I would be after a hard finish.  I'd like this one to be just protected enough to not damage the wood with normal use, and relic/age really nicely  :D
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (2nd oil coat pics added)
Post by: Philly Q on April 11, 2009, 10:45:25 AM
Well, I don't know, I read so much stuff I forget which bits are "good advice" and which bits are "don't do that".  :lol:

Building up numerous coats is certainly what I'd do with a spray finish - you "cut it back" every few coats with wet/dry paper to keep the surface totally flat, so even though there are lots of coats the paint isn't just getting thicker and thicker.

But I don't know how much of that principle can be applied to oil finishes.  I think you still do "cutting back", but I'm not sure if you have to do it with wire wool or if you can use wet/dry paper.... and there was something about buffing the final coat with wax, but I can't remember that properly either.  :roll:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (2nd oil coat pics added)
Post by: gwEm on April 11, 2009, 01:13:45 PM
Well, I don't know, I read so much stuff I forget which bits are "good advice" and which bits are "don't do that".  :lol:

Building up numerous coats is certainly what I'd do with a spray finish - you "cut it back" every few coats with wet/dry paper to keep the surface totally flat, so even though there are lots of coats the paint isn't just getting thicker and thicker.

But I don't know how much of that principle can be applied to oil finishes.  I think you still do "cutting back", but I'm not sure if you have to do it with wire wool or if you can use wet/dry paper.... and there was something about buffing the final coat with wax, but I can't remember that properly either.  :roll:

thanks for this incredibly helpful post philly  :lol: :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (2nd oil coat pics added)
Post by: Philly Q on April 11, 2009, 02:10:20 PM
thanks for this incredibly helpful post philly  :lol: :lol: :lol:

 :oops:  Well, it was packed with ideas.... even if none of them turn out to be applicable.   :P
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (2nd oil coat pics added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 12, 2009, 12:32:32 PM
:lol:

I've just applied the final coat, using steel wool.  After leaving the oil for around 10-15 minutes, I wiped off the excess with a fresh piece.  This should give a nice smooth finish without any 'nibs' of oil build up.  Hopefully I won't have buff down the finish when it's dry now  :)

Assembly starts tomorrow, after I've drilled the holes for the tunes in the headstock.......

(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/Warmoth%20build/Final_coat_body_front.JPG)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Final oil coat pic added)
Post by: WezV on April 12, 2009, 12:46:31 PM
tru oil and danish oil give very different oil finishes.    Danish oil sets in the wood and cannot really be built up.  Tru oil will set on the wood and can be built up to a lacquer like high gloss.

when using danish oil i use a lot of coats wetsanded with the oil into the wood and buff off all the cr@p.  After i day or two i finish it off with a rub down with briwax and wire wool

When using tru oil i wipe it on liberally, leave if 15 minutes and wipe off any gunk and give it an hour or so before repeating.   I do this between 5-10 times depending on the wood then it gets buffed off after a couple of days rest with the wire wool.  If going for high gloss i would repeat this process till the finish was quite thick, doing 5 or so coats before cutting back and doing some more.  the final coats would need to be done with some skill.

So yeah, a few coats on the maple neck and a few more than that on the swamp ash body would be what i would do.  but you cant really go wrong with it, if it feels dry give it more.  if it gets too shiny take it back a bit with the wire wool!!
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Final oil coat pic added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 12, 2009, 12:51:25 PM
Thanks Wez  :)  It doesn't feel dry at oil, it feels like there's a nice layer of oil protecting the wood.  I think the 4 coats I've given it will be fine.  It it wears off too quick or starts to look dodgy, I can always strip it down and re-oil it.  I don't think I'll need to do that though.

Can't wait to start getting it bolted together tomorrow!  :D
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Final oil coat pic added)
Post by: Roobubba on April 12, 2009, 01:03:26 PM
Tele-hatred to one side for the minute (though not out of the foreground...), that wood does look very nice. I like the grain.

Roo
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Final oil coat pic added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 12, 2009, 01:15:40 PM
Yeah, it's a cracking piece of wood - really distinctive.  It looks even better in the flesh.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Final oil coat pic added)
Post by: 38thBeatle on April 12, 2009, 02:34:15 PM
Yeah the wood looks superb. The bulbous bit particularly looks great.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Final oil coat pic added)
Post by: Philly Q on April 12, 2009, 03:11:33 PM
Yeah the wood looks superb. The bulbous bit particularly looks great.

 :lol:

I think I've said this before, but I do like the way it's centre-joined with that almost bookmatched effect.  Warmoth take great pains over that (although I have a solid-colour one which is still two-piece, but with the join well off centre - fair enough, sensible use of timber).

I've seem some new natural-finish Fender American Standards where the ash bodies are two- or three-piece but they've made absolutely no effort to match the grain patterns.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Final oil coat pic added)
Post by: MDV on April 12, 2009, 03:21:19 PM
Looks great Dave.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Final oil coat pic added)
Post by: FernandoDuarte on April 12, 2009, 05:44:16 PM
Looking really cool! :D
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Final oil coat pic added)
Post by: Roobubba on April 12, 2009, 06:30:44 PM
Yeah the wood looks superb. The bulbous bit particularly looks great.

Chuckle!

:P
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Final oil coat pic added)
Post by: d1dsj on April 12, 2009, 07:04:07 PM
Great job Dave, real nice chunk a wood. Looking forward to tomorrows pics! :)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Final oil coat pic added)
Post by: indysmith on April 12, 2009, 07:33:24 PM
It doesn't feel dry at oil
Oh dear :roll:
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Final oil coat pic added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 12, 2009, 07:49:13 PM
Dodgy typos again!

Doesn't feel dry at all, it's slightly gummy as it's drying.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Final oil coat pic added)
Post by: Bradock PI on April 13, 2009, 01:03:43 AM
That wood finish looks really cool Twin you will soon be dumping all those PRS factory models for your own fine work  :).
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Final oil coat pic added)
Post by: Ian Price on April 13, 2009, 09:33:12 AM
That wood finish looks really cool Twin you will soon be dumping all those PRS factory models for your own fine work  :).

This could be true Dave. You should get a "Twincaster" headstock decal made up for it.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Final oil coat pic added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 13, 2009, 11:48:36 AM
^ I like it!

Quick update - it lives!!!  :D  :D  :D  :D

All wired up, scratchplate and output jack fitted, tuners in place, bridge on etc etc.  Just fitted the bass E to check the electrics work and they do!  Woohoo!  All looking good  :)

Just going to fit the decals now, then string her up and fit the string tree.  Then it's time for a full setup.  Pics and a tone report later today........
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Final oil coat pic added)
Post by: AndyR on April 13, 2009, 01:39:23 PM
And? and? ... you've had nearly two hours now :lol:

Looking forward to it...
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Final oil coat pic added)
Post by: Philly Q on April 13, 2009, 01:51:21 PM
Quick update - it lives!!!  :D  :D  :D  :D

All wired up, scratchplate and output jack fitted, tuners in place, bridge on etc etc.  Just fitted the bass E to check the electrics work and they do!  Woohoo!  All looking good  :)

Just going to fit the decals now, then string her up and fit the string tree.  Then it's time for a full setup.  Pics and a tone report later today........

All that whilst I've been filing down two pickup rings (to match the string angle) and filing the edges of the scratchplate to fit my Mira.

Ah well, if a job's worth doing, it's worth... overdoing.  :|
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Final oil coat pic added)
Post by: Twinfan on April 13, 2009, 02:29:21 PM
Ha ha!  Been busy then Phil!

All up and running now, just going to have some lunch and then do a full setup.  I've tested every is all OK by playing along to Tres Hombres  ;)

Full report to follow later, but here's a teaser for you all......

(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/Warmoth%20build/Complete_headstock_front.JPG)

(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/Warmoth%20build/Complete_headstock_rear.JPG)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Teaser pics added!)
Post by: badgermark on April 13, 2009, 02:39:17 PM
Holy balls! Slot head tuners. I like! Show us the whole thing you dirty tease.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Teaser pics added!)
Post by: AndyR on April 13, 2009, 03:30:25 PM
Slot head tuners.

Is there any other sort? :lol: (I wish those gibson types used 'em as well - expecially on an Explorer...)

Show us the whole thing you dirty tease.

Amen to that, brother :D
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Teaser pics added!)
Post by: Philly Q on April 13, 2009, 03:52:26 PM
Oooh, it's lookin' good. 

I must get some of those decals.
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Teaser pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on April 13, 2009, 05:08:22 PM
Right - she's all done and photographed.  May I present "Honey"  :D

Some front pics:

(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/Warmoth%20build/Complete_front1.JPG)

(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/Warmoth%20build/Complete_front2.JPG)

(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/Warmoth%20build/Complete_front3.JPG)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Teaser pics added!)
Post by: JDC on April 13, 2009, 05:08:37 PM
I love the branding twinfan!
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Teaser pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on April 13, 2009, 05:09:09 PM
And some back pics:

(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/Warmoth%20build/Complete_back1.JPG)

(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/Warmoth%20build/Complete_back2.JPG)

(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/Warmoth%20build/Complete_back3.JPG)
Title: Re: Twinfan is going custom! Shock horror! (Teaser pics added!)
Post by: JDC on April 13, 2009, 05:10:21 PM
this tele looks roo friendly with that controller layout
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on April 13, 2009, 05:24:20 PM
Some info on the build:

Everything I ordered was in the "Showcase" so it was ready to go.  All they had to do was to fret the neck and add a nut.  From ordering to delivery it was 2 weeks.

The quality of the wood is very, very good.  It's nice and light - Warmoth quote the body weights of Showcase items on their website and mine was 3lbs 10oz.  Most importantly for a home build, everything was perfectly done.  The body and neck were sanded completely smooth - I had to do NO work to the body and neck at all, other than to oil it and drill a few holes.  The neck fits the body pocket EXACTLY, all the holes are in EXACTLY the right place and are of the right diameter etc.  I literally just oiled it up and bolted it all together.  It was that simple!  Tonally the wood seems excellent, and I think it'll only get better with use.

The only slight downside to the build is that it feels like a brand new guitar!  It needs wearing in a bit, especially when compared to my CS Relic.  But then you'd expect that I guess  ;)  :lol:

Tonally - well, it's like a bigger, more ballsy sounding Tele with an acoustic woodiness from the semi-hollow body.  Very raunchy, and great for Texas Blues styles.  It would make a great indie-style rhythm guitar too.

It'll be getting it's first run out next week at my new blues band's first rehearsal, and will probably be the main guitar for that band  :D
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: gwEm on April 13, 2009, 05:24:56 PM
result! the oil has darkened the swamp ash, and it looks less anaemic.

what bridge did you go for? the vintage or narrow spaced? if the normal hardtail spacing, do you find the high and low E too close to the edge?
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: AndyR on April 13, 2009, 05:26:10 PM
Don't carried away there JDC :lol:

It looks grand TF - hope it plays as well as it looks.

It's great when you manage to get something done over the Easter break (that's not cleaning/ironing/decorating :lol:), isn't it?
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on April 13, 2009, 05:26:27 PM
gwEm - It's vintage (wide) spacing, as that's what the body was drilled for.  The strings are fairly close to the edge near the 22nd fret, but it plays and feels fine  :)

Andy - yep, it's been a good weekend!
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Afghan Dave on April 13, 2009, 05:26:54 PM
I've been waiting to see it.. Lovely job!
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Philly Q on April 13, 2009, 05:27:51 PM
Turned out great, and I'm amazed how quick you were.

Now how does it sound?
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on April 13, 2009, 05:28:32 PM
Read a few posts up, Phil  ;)
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Philly Q on April 13, 2009, 05:32:08 PM
Read a few posts up, Phil  ;)

Ooops.  :oops:  The posts were appearing so fast I missed that one.

I see your point about it feeling new.  But it should wear in fast with the oil finish, I guess.  :)
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: dave_mc on April 13, 2009, 05:36:27 PM
excellent, that looks great :) any particular reason why you went for the strat-style saddles?

and don't get it all covered in grass stains... :lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: 38thBeatle on April 13, 2009, 05:43:02 PM
Tis truly a magnificent specimen there Dave.
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: WezV on April 13, 2009, 05:47:36 PM
now that i like a lot.
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on April 13, 2009, 05:49:24 PM
excellent, that looks great :) any particular reason why you went for the strat-style saddles?

Cheers Dave.  It's got that bridge as it's correct for a '72 Thinline Tele and that's what Warmoth drilled the body for  ;)

Thanks for the kind words folks - I'm off to play it again.......
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Ian Price on April 13, 2009, 05:55:40 PM
Looks awesome Dave - I'm now planning a warmoth strat. Thanks!
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Philly Q on April 13, 2009, 06:01:13 PM
Looks awesome Dave - I'm now planning a warmoth strat. Thanks!

You'll probably have it finished before I get mine done!  :roll: :wink:
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Ian Price on April 13, 2009, 06:07:22 PM
Looks awesome Dave - I'm now planning a warmoth strat. Thanks!

You'll probably have it finished before I get mine done!  :roll: :wink:

I very much doubt it Philly! I need money first - will be selling some stuff soon, including the Signature LP I bought from Dave a few months ago  :? Bloody GAS is a nightmare.
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Johnny Mac on April 13, 2009, 06:11:50 PM
Looks great Dave, I'm impressed how quickly you got this done!  :D
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: gwEm on April 13, 2009, 06:35:02 PM
inspired by twinfan, i just gave my Warmoth Jazzmaster a good hammering :evil:
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Ted 'N' Leo on April 13, 2009, 07:54:19 PM
Looks great TF! When will we be getting a sound clip?
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on April 13, 2009, 08:19:40 PM
I'll see if I can get a clip done tomorrow evening and bung it up on YouTube.....
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: FernandoDuarte on April 13, 2009, 09:38:23 PM
:o  Awesome!
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: ailean on April 13, 2009, 10:06:15 PM
Sorry Dave, late to this party.

That looks really nice, I hope it works for you as well!

Sue was looking that the warmoth site tonight, and I'm blaming you...
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: jibidy on April 13, 2009, 10:25:23 PM
That looks awesome Twinfan!! Time for another???
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on April 13, 2009, 10:33:56 PM
Dunno what I'd build if I did another!  I would definitely do it again  :)

Just to close this off, a couple of final pics.

The inspiration:

(http://www.rumbleseatmusic.com/images/full%20size%201033w/72fenderteleThinlineNAT.jpg)

And the pretender  ;)

(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/Warmoth%20build/Copycat.JPG)
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Ian Price on April 13, 2009, 10:39:22 PM
Nice stuff Dave - that's a nice looking thinline you based yours on. Did you have a spare relic case lying around waiting?
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on April 13, 2009, 10:44:59 PM
Ha ha!  As if!

That's one of my McCarty Rosewood cases.  It's been used, shall we say!
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: dave_mc on April 13, 2009, 10:53:35 PM

Cheers Dave.  It's got that bridge as it's correct for a '72 Thinline Tele and that's what Warmoth drilled the body for  ;)

Thanks for the kind words folks - I'm off to play it again.......

ah, ok, yeah that makes sense, thanks. :lol: i'm not too well up on vintage specs, haha :D
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: 38thBeatle on April 13, 2009, 11:06:33 PM
Do you know what would be good? well same guitar with P90 type- so get to it my good man.
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on April 13, 2009, 11:21:03 PM
I've tried P90s, but I just can't get on with them.  Too fat in the bass for my playing style, I just accentuate their character  :(  The TV Classics are similar in that they're clear and zingy, but they don't have the flubby bass  :)

The guitar doesn't sound that humbucker-y, I'm getting some really good SRV tones out of it  :o
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: WezV on April 13, 2009, 11:33:43 PM
dammit dave, i really like my tv jones filtertrons for what they do.  i am planning a parts guitar like a decent version of a squier 51 with a original tele wide range in the neck and i already ordered a blackguard 50 for the bridge but you just made me think i should order one of those tv jones tele bridges to use the pickup i already have.... if i do that i need to build something for the blaggard too
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: gwEm on April 14, 2009, 12:17:49 AM
if i do that i need to build something for the blaggard too

build a trans-yellow swamp ash jazzmaster, white pickguard, with the blackguard horizontally like a jaguar...
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: badgermark on April 14, 2009, 09:50:22 AM
if i do that i need to build something for the blaggard too

build a trans-yellow swamp ash jazzmaster, white pickguard, with the blackguard horizontally like a jaguar...

Gwem you just gave me a semi.
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Roobubba on April 14, 2009, 09:54:55 AM
if i do that i need to build something for the blaggard too

build a trans-yellow swamp ash jazzmaster, white pickguard, with the blackguard horizontally like a jaguar...

Gwem you just gave me a semi.

Go and polish your tiny tele headstock, that should finish it off :)
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: WezV on April 14, 2009, 09:55:12 AM
so which one of you is paying for it!!
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Madiac on April 14, 2009, 06:06:23 PM
Where do you get those kind of stickers, like Testicaster etc? Are there any companys that make custom stickers etc?
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: badgermark on April 14, 2009, 06:11:29 PM
if i do that i need to build something for the blaggard too

build a trans-yellow swamp ash jazzmaster, white pickguard, with the blackguard horizontally like a jaguar...

Gwem you just gave me a semi.

Go and polish your tiny tele headstock, that should finish it off :)

Will do, I'll race you whilst you polish all the penile extrusions from your guitar. I think I'll win this race.
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: sgmypod on April 14, 2009, 06:11:38 PM
Nice going of tele's but that is pretty
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on April 14, 2009, 06:16:16 PM
Where do you get those kind of stickers, like Testicaster etc? Are there any companys that make custom stickers etc?

As mentioned earlier in the thread, I got mine off a guy on eBay.  Look onthere for Less Pull......
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: PhilKing on April 16, 2009, 01:15:43 PM
Where do you get those kind of stickers, like Testicaster etc? Are there any companys that make custom stickers etc?
His name is Glen Ellard and his email is 'artyfarty1@blueyonder.co.uk'
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on April 16, 2009, 01:30:30 PM
Just a quick update on the tone of this guitar.  I took it to Doppelganger rehearsal last night and Martin reckoned it sounded very 335-ish, and had a real bit of charcter.  It sounds nothing like you'd expect it to, and it's a really great guitar!
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Philly Q on April 16, 2009, 01:56:05 PM
I keep forgetting to ask, Dave - how are you getting on with the compound radius?
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on April 16, 2009, 03:24:54 PM
Pretty well!  I don't really notice it when playing leads.  The only thinkg I'm learning to adapt to at the moment is that some chords get out of tune if I play my usual sloppy style and I slightly bend a string or two.  The flatter radius and the skyscr@per frets mean it's easy to sharpen notes.

I'll get used to it and play more accurately!
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Philly Q on April 16, 2009, 03:51:48 PM
Sounds OK - I was thinking I might try a compound radius next time, just because 95% of the necks in the Showcase are compound radius!

I just (half an hour ago) got my new Warmoth Strat neck :D .  Looks good, lovely timber!  As you said, though, it feels very, very new!

The SRV profile is a little slimmer-feeling than I expected, but still chunkier than a Fender C-shape.  The fret job is much better than I anticipated - the last Warmoth neck I had, years ago, had really square fret ends, there's no way it would've been playable "out of the box".
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on April 16, 2009, 04:30:20 PM
After just a couple of hours playing on mine it feels much better now - not as new.  It's also starting to get some worming and buckle rash on the back, which is cool.  I want to get this one nicely worn in  :D
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Adam.M on April 17, 2009, 10:59:36 PM
Oooh that does look nice...

I wish they did better bass stuff.
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: FernandoDuarte on April 17, 2009, 11:12:14 PM
I wish they did better bass stuff.
???
better or more options???
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Adam.M on April 17, 2009, 11:27:56 PM
I wish they did better bass stuff.
???
better or more options???

More options...

No one ever seems to get bass stuff quite right.

Not saying that I can either... I'd just buy a Warwick Corvette $$ and have done with it if I had the cash, Lol.
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Adam.M on April 17, 2009, 11:34:17 PM
Wow - I never knew Warmoth did a PRS a like 7 string!!! and the neck is 25" too, WOW!

Now this is something I'd get a Warmoth for... something that you just can't get...

This has me rather excited. Look at me, I'm oozing with excitement. Ooooooooze.
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Bradock PI on April 17, 2009, 11:53:57 PM
If you ooze onto your guitar you may spoil the finish, I think Ibanez do an ooze proof finish but it costs mucho $$ extra
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: WezV on April 18, 2009, 12:39:31 AM
I wish they did better bass stuff.
???
better or more options???

More options...

No one ever seems to get bass stuff quite right.

Not saying that I can either... I'd just buy a Warwick Corvette $$ and have done with it if I had the cash, Lol.

more options come from custom builds!!!... i am currecntly doing myself a fairly standard bass but its nice to have options like an A neck (very skinny nut but just right for the average guitarist).  that will be partnered with a nice alder body, maple nck and fretboard, BKP P-bass pickup and i am toying with the idea of including an ACG/john east preamp to turn a simple P-bass idea into a tone monster

bass stuff can be done alright... if you pay your dues to the vintage fellows and also throw some modern playability and tone shaping into the mix it can work quite well. 
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Adam.M on April 18, 2009, 03:34:29 AM
I wish they did better bass stuff.
???
better or more options???

More options...

No one ever seems to get bass stuff quite right.

Not saying that I can either... I'd just buy a Warwick Corvette $$ and have done with it if I had the cash, Lol.

more options come from custom builds!!!... i am currecntly doing myself a fairly standard bass but its nice to have options like an A neck (very skinny nut but just right for the average guitarist).  that will be partnered with a nice alder body, maple nck and fretboard, BKP P-bass pickup and i am toying with the idea of including an ACG/john east preamp to turn a simple P-bass idea into a tone monster

bass stuff can be done alright... if you pay your dues to the vintage fellows and also throw some modern playability and tone shaping into the mix it can work quite well. 

I'd love to see pictures of that one at some point! I've never heard of an A neck before though... or is it like a V shaped neck?

Ultimately it's a case of 'i don't know what i want but i know it's not this' with me. The Warwick Infinity NT is pretty close to what I'd want actually. Hmm.

The proportions always look just slightly skew iff, and it really naggs me. It seems either you go Precision, Jazz, Music Man or ReallyWeirdUglyThing

I'm going to spend some time with some paper and see if i can rough out an idea I'd actually like...
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: badgermark on April 18, 2009, 10:07:49 AM
Think Wez is talking about neck sizes, not profiles. If i remember Fender necks can be A or B, A being smaller than B at the nut. Fender shortscales (musicmaster, bronco, mustang etc) had these designations.
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: WezV on April 18, 2009, 10:22:06 AM
yeah its nut width not thickness/profile.  i think A-necks are just over 1 1/2" wide at the nut
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on June 18, 2009, 03:30:33 PM
I know this is an old thread, but here's a quick update for you all.

The "Testicaster" has got quite a few hours playing time on it now and it's really settled into being a musical instrument.  Tonally, it's got a lot of character to it and quite a unique sound.  The Filter'Tron pickups are low output and you get a really nice "335 crossed with a Strat" neck tone, and a clear-yet-beefy bridge.  It sounds nothing like a Tele!  Both Shobet and MartinW were pretty impresed with it when they played it.

The only slight issue with guitar has been the neck.  It's a fantastic profile, really chunky like a PRS Wide Fat, but as I bought the Warmoth Pro Series neck it comes with a bi-way truss rod.  Fine, nice and modern, but it weighs twice as much as a regular one-way!  This combined with the semi-hollow swamp ash body means it's neck heavy, and enough for me to be annoyed by it.

So a plan has been hatched......

I've just ordered a second neck from Warmoth as a replacement.  It's made from Goncalo Alves which is also known as Tigerwood or South American Zebrawood.  I fancied something a bit different and with some interesting grain to go with the highly figured Swamp Ash body.  This one is from the Vintage Modern series and has a regular thin profile plus a vintage truss rod - that should stop the nose dive issues!  Plus it doesn't need finishing either as it's a bit like rosewood (a bit waxy/oily) which is great for feel and maintenance!

As for the current chunky neck?  Well, let's just say there's a plan underway, so watch this space  ;)

Anyhow, here's the replacement neck that's heading off to have stainless steel jumbo frets and a graphite nut fitted shortly...

(http://www.warmoth.com/Showcase/images/necks/large/vmt1733a.jpg)
(http://www.warmoth.com/Showcase/images/necks/large/vmt1733b.jpg)

(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/Warmoth%20build/Complete_front2.JPG)
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: sgmypod on June 18, 2009, 03:50:00 PM
Clips.....so want some tv jones
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on June 18, 2009, 04:01:18 PM
I'll get some clips done when I've swapped the necks over.  I'm about to start taking it to bits.......
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Philly Q on June 18, 2009, 04:29:53 PM
Interesting looking wood, but Im not sure how it'll look with the lighter-coloured body.... and I wouldn't fancy the Standard Thin shape.

I've got a couple of Warmoth Pro necks (not fitted to anything yet of course!).  They'll be going on solid bodies, but pretty light ones, hope I don't get the neck-heaviness issue.

Sorry for being all negative.   Looking forward to the pics in due course!
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on June 18, 2009, 04:39:37 PM
No probs Phil!  The body isn't actually that light in the flesh, it was a really sunny day when I took those pics.

I'm quite happy with regular profile necks, and the new one isn't Ibanez Wizard thin.  More like a regular C shape Fender neck.......
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Philly Q on June 18, 2009, 04:52:52 PM
I was just starting to get comfortable with thinner necks, but then I got the ES-339 and now the Fender C shapes feel like toothpicks!  I can live with the standard C shape, but I probably wouldn't buy another Fender now unless it had a fatter neck. 

(Hmmm, wonder what the neck on that relic is like?  :wink: )

I think the '59 Roundback is the only Warmoth shape for me, really.  I have an SRV one - which in theory is the thickest after the Fatback, Boatneck and '59 - and even that feels a bit too skinny.
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: dave_mc on June 18, 2009, 11:17:02 PM
that's an interesting-looking neck. :)
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Ian Price on June 19, 2009, 08:41:14 AM
I was just starting to get comfortable with thinner necks, but then I got the ES-339 and now the Fender C shapes feel like toothpicks!  I can live with the standard C shape, but I probably wouldn't buy another Fender now unless it had a fatter neck. 

(Hmmm, wonder what the neck on that relic is like?  :wink: )

I think the '59 Roundback is the only Warmoth shape for me, really.  I have an SRV one - which in theory is the thickest after the Fatback, Boatneck and '59 - and even that feels a bit too skinny.

I'm considering getting a thicker neck for my strat as I'm getting really comfortable with them now. How thick are the roundbacks? I'd like to have some idea before pulling the trigger!!
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on June 19, 2009, 09:00:46 AM
The '59 roundback that I have is thick, a bit smaller and rounder the the huge U on Shobet's Tele if you played that at the Manchester meet...
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Ian Price on June 19, 2009, 09:14:52 AM
I certainly did and found it a little too large for my liking!
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Zaned on June 19, 2009, 10:29:08 AM

Pretty well!  I don't really notice it when playing leads.  The only thinkg I'm learning to adapt to at the moment is that some chords get out of tune if I play my usual sloppy style and I slightly bend a string or two.  The flatter radius and the skyscr@per frets mean it's easy to sharpen notes.

I'll get used to it and play more accurately!

I have always loved those one-of-a-kind woods! A great looking neck, it brings a great visual character to a guitar.

I noticed that you have stainless steel frets on it, big ones. True, they force one to play with a lighter touch on the left hand. This results in less finger fatigue and also less fret wear, which is a true bonus. Of course, now that you have stainless steel frets on it, I doubt you'll have to change them on the next couple of decades  8)

How are you liking the SS frets? My upcoming custom guitar is gonna have SS frets, tall AND narrow.

-Zaned
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on June 19, 2009, 02:44:37 PM
I like 'em, they do seem a bit harder though which is odd, I wasn't expecting to notice any difference!  Just a different feel I guess....
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Denim n Leather on June 19, 2009, 02:48:24 PM
Awesome!
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Philly Q on June 19, 2009, 03:41:00 PM
The '59 roundback that I have is thick, a bit smaller and rounder the the huge U on Shobet's Tele if you played that at the Manchester meet...

Agreed, the big Tele necks are very deep at the nut, which I don't like - in fact they're pretty much the same same thickness for the whole length of the neck.  I'd guess the Fatback would be the Warmoth equivalent. 

The '59 Roundback is like a Gibson neck, almost a semicircle in cross-section, nice and fat at the 12th fret but only about 22mm at the nut.
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: FernandoDuarte on June 20, 2009, 03:31:51 PM
:D think could look good with that neck or something alike in color!
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: PhilKing on June 20, 2009, 05:49:43 PM
I have a goncalo alves neck from Warmoth on a tele (though I got a Kingwood fingerboard on it).  It has the SS frets too.  I really like the feel of it and I am sure you will enjoy playing it.  Mine has the Clapton V shape.

Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: FernandoDuarte on June 20, 2009, 07:34:41 PM
I think this one looks the best:
http://www.warmoth.com/Showcase/ShowcaseNeck.aspx?i=vmt1706&Body=1&Path=Neck
(http://www.warmoth.com/Showcase/images/necks/large/vmt1706A.jpg)

But this could also be cool:
http://www.warmoth.com/Showcase/ShowcaseNeck.aspx?i=TN2360&Body=1&Path=Neck
(http://www.warmoth.com/Showcase/images/necks/large/TN2360A.jpg)

Both don't need no stinking finish :D
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Zaned on June 20, 2009, 08:02:58 PM
That is pure guitar porn, Fernando!

I bet that style would work really well for this sort of finish: http://www.amfisound.fi/amfisound_galleria/artist/jonne_routa/jonne_routa.htm

Those Amfisound guys are building me a guitar, and they offer that 'Wooden' -style finish as a regular option. Won't be on my guitar though.

Sorry for the off-topic, Twinfan!

-Zaned
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on June 20, 2009, 11:23:07 PM
Cheers PhilKing - I'm getting a Fecker decal too  ;)
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: sgmypod on June 20, 2009, 11:31:29 PM
I knida like the v..wood on it is very nice.....damn guitar porn
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: indysmith on June 23, 2009, 01:47:36 PM
Cheers PhilKing - I'm getting a Fecker decal too  ;)
Where from? I was looking for one for my parts-o-caster but couldn't find one. :?
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on June 23, 2009, 02:06:47 PM
Look for decals on eBay, and you'll find the guy doing "Partscaster" ones etc.  If you get in touch with him, you can get Fecker ones.  He's not allowed to advertise them  ;)
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Philly Q on June 23, 2009, 02:10:29 PM
This is the chap:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-FRANK-N-STEIN-DECAL-FUN-LOGO-FOR-YOUR-PROJECT_W0QQitemZ120438003271QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Guitar_Accessories?hash=item1c0aaa1647&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1683%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-FRANK-N-STEIN-DECAL-FUN-LOGO-FOR-YOUR-PROJECT_W0QQitemZ120438003271QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Guitar_Accessories?hash=item1c0aaa1647&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1683%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50)
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on June 25, 2009, 07:23:11 PM
Interesting looking wood, but Im not sure how it'll look with the lighter-coloured body....

Well the neck's here and I think Phil was spot on  :oops:  However, with chrome machine heads fitted and shiny strings it'll break the colour of the neck up a bit.  I'm just waiting on some tuner bushes that should arrive tomorrow or Saturday, so I'll get it finished on Sunday.....

(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/Warmoth%20build/Front%20partial.JPG)

(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/Warmoth%20build/Rear%20partial.JPG)
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: dave_mc on June 25, 2009, 08:28:17 PM
that looks ok (quite nice actually), i don't really see what the problem is (unless it looks different in real life, of course!). :) i guess you could do a slightly darker coat on the body if it really annoys you? I have no idea what kind of work that'd entail, though :lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: indysmith on June 25, 2009, 10:18:47 PM
I love it!
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: FernandoDuarte on June 25, 2009, 10:20:48 PM
On that pic it looks close to the maple in colour... looks cool, perhaps a little less light can help to get the real color :)

But NOW it's looking awesome!
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: 38thBeatle on June 25, 2009, 10:39:37 PM
Looking good- especially the bulbous bit.
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: indysmith on June 25, 2009, 10:42:24 PM
Looking good- especially the bulbous bit.
I'm sorry, I realise I'm a little late here, but I've never been quite sure which bit is the 'bulbous bit'... Is it the top horn?
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Philly Q on June 25, 2009, 10:42:46 PM
It looks fine there in the sunlight, but I guess the colour difference is more pronounced in more subdued lighting?

I quite like the way the grain patterns make it look almost like a worn, dirty old maple neck.  I think it would look great on a black body, but it'd be a shame to hide the grain on the ash body.

That's the problem with Warmoth stuff isn't it?  You buy a neck, you buy a body.... then you think "hmmm, maybe if I had this neck on that body, but then I'd need another neck for this body".... and before you know it they're breeding like rabbits.  :lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Philly Q on June 25, 2009, 10:43:32 PM
Looking good- especially the bulbous bit.
I'm sorry, I realise I'm a little late here, but I've never been quite sure which bit is the 'bulbous bit'... Is it the top horn?

The upper bout, where the switch would be on an LP.  I think.  :lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: 38thBeatle on June 25, 2009, 10:44:17 PM
Looking good- especially the bulbous bit.
I'm sorry, I realise I'm a little late here, but I've never been quite sure which bit is the 'bulbous bit'... Is it the top horn?

Well Indy I am not entirely sure myself but yes I think that is the bulbous bit that offends. Rarely have I seen such a good one though.
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: FernandoDuarte on June 25, 2009, 10:54:50 PM
and before you know it they're breeding like rabbits.  :lol:

:lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on June 25, 2009, 11:30:06 PM
Cheers guys - it is a bit more pronounced in the flesh.  It was very sunny when I took the pics, for a change in Manchester!  That guitar seems to bring out the sun  :D

I think a slightly darker body stain would just make it perfect.  I'll leave it for now though and re-oil it when it wears a bit...
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: AndyR on June 26, 2009, 08:52:50 AM
It's looking good.

Probably only you can tell at the moment on the dark/light thing, I can't really judge from photos.

I'm wondering whether one of the things unsettling you might be the patterns though? The grain on both pieces is pretty, but maybe they don't complement each other too well? However, I think you're right about tuners, and especially strings - that'll break it up a bit. I've got a feeling you're going to be alright. :D
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on June 26, 2009, 08:58:12 AM
Yeah, should be OK in the end I think.  Looking forward to getting it finished!
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: sgmypod on June 26, 2009, 09:54:07 AM
Clips
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on June 26, 2009, 08:47:48 PM
It needs to settle in, and I've got some fret buzz issues, so clips will have to wait a little bit.  May take it to a tech for a full checkover.  Looks and sounds pretty darn good though!  You can feel the neck resonating in your hand as you play, and it weighs hardly anything!

(http://www.doppelganger-rock.com/Twinfan/Warmoth%20build/Complete%20Part%20Two.JPG)
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: FernandoDuarte on June 26, 2009, 09:38:18 PM
Seems England is sunnier than Brazil is nowadays :(
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: indysmith on June 28, 2009, 01:33:44 AM
Seems England is sunnier than Brazil is nowadays :(
It has been nice! It's 28 degrees in my room right now with all the windows open (at 1.33am!). Don't know what's going on!
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Ted 'N' Leo on June 28, 2009, 02:07:53 AM
Seems England is sunnier than Brazil is nowadays :(
It has been nice! It's 28 degrees in my room right now with all the windows open (at 1.33am!). Don't know what's going on!

It was that temp in my office on tuesday, i'm fairly sure that can't be legal...
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: FernandoDuarte on June 28, 2009, 02:08:06 AM
Bah of course, there is summer... here is winter...
But completely gray and wet :(
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Philly Q on June 28, 2009, 10:08:56 AM
Bah of course, there is summer... here is winter...
But completely gray and wet :(

Wanna swap?  It's going to be 30 degrees this week, they reckon.  :(
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: FernandoDuarte on June 28, 2009, 11:57:36 AM
Bah of course, there is summer... here is winter...
But completely gray and wet :(

Wanna swap?  It's going to be 30 degrees this week, they reckon.  :(

30 is easy! If it only was cold here now I would be really alright, but hate gray sky and rain... even more than 30+ degrees
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: dave_mc on June 28, 2009, 03:39:18 PM
Bah of course, there is summer... here is winter...
But completely gray and wet :(

it's like that here all year. :lol: except for the roughly 5 days a year when it's nice, and then it's unbearably humid and muggy if the temperature hits much above 20C. :(
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Philly Q on June 28, 2009, 04:18:18 PM
Bah of course, there is summer... here is winter...
But completely gray and wet :(

it's like that here all year. :lol: except for the roughly 5 days a year when it's nice, and then it's unbearably humid and muggy if the temperature hits much above 20C. :(

I like the sound of that.  I could always go away somewhere colder for those 5 days.
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: dave_mc on June 28, 2009, 04:54:08 PM
you kinda don't realise it until the day, which makes it hard to go anywhere :lol: plus i probably exaggerated a bit, it's more than 5 days in a year, and often it's unbearably humid even when the weather is cr@p :lol: ... we've actually had pretty good weather so far this year, this is the second heat-wavey kind of spell. But the humidity makes it unbearable. I actually think it's worse than england in that respect, even when I've been in england in heatwaves much hotter than it ever is here, it's been more bearable than here. :lol:
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Philly Q on June 28, 2009, 05:15:27 PM
Yeah, humidity's a big problem in London as well - especially on the Tube, which is absolute torture from May to September (and isn't very pleasant the rest of the year either).  I grew up near the coast in South Wales and don't remember humidity ever being a problem..... although I course I wasn't a moany old git then.

People always go on about some hot countries having a "dry" heat which allegedly isn't so bad.  But I'm not about to find out.   :lol:

(How off-topic can you get?  :lol: )
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: dave_mc on June 28, 2009, 06:41:29 PM
:lol:

yeah, if you ask me the humidity here is worse than london. Bear in mind, that's only from the ~3 weeks i've been in London. But it's never that hot here without being unbearably humid.
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: FernandoDuarte on June 29, 2009, 10:21:59 PM
by wet I mean raining without end :( but here is beach, so high humidity...
I like coldness but hate rain and grey sky...
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: gwEm on June 30, 2009, 01:32:42 AM
Looking good- especially the bulbous bit.
I'm sorry, I realise I'm a little late here, but I've never been quite sure which bit is the 'bulbous bit'... Is it the top horn?

got to love the bulbous bit.. roo does!
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Philly Q on July 07, 2009, 12:22:53 AM
Here I go, resurrecting this thread again...

Just coming back to the neck-heaviness issue, I've been wondering if it's more down to the trussrod or the actual neck profile?  There's quite a lot more wood in a '59 Roundback than in a Standard Thin. 

I was just looking on the Warmoth forum and apparently the dual-action rod only weighs 1.6 oz more than the vintage rod.  That's not a lot really, especially since it's distributed along the full length of the neck.


(Yes, I am trying to decide between a Vintage Modern and Warmoth Pro neck!  :wink: )
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on July 07, 2009, 09:07:02 AM
It's probably a combination of the two things Phil.  The neck was certainly noticeably heavier than its replacement.....
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: sgmypod on July 11, 2009, 11:55:05 AM
any clips
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: Twinfan on July 11, 2009, 12:01:21 PM
Not yet - it needs a fret dress.......
Title: Re: Twinfan has gone custom! (Completed guitar - pics added!)
Post by: sgmypod on July 11, 2009, 12:07:33 PM
ahh