Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
At The Back => Time Out => Topic started by: Bainzy on August 22, 2006, 01:28:37 AM
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...as I'm starting to make my own guitar parts. Should be really fun as it's the last thing I've not yet done in terms of guitars, I've painted, assembled, drilled, set up parts, but never made my own from timber simply due to lack of tools.
To help me pay back the initial investment of the tools I need to get quickly, would you guys like some rediculously cheap guitar bodies routed to Fender neck pocket dimensions (ie. ala Warmoth)? I'm talking like wood cost plus £20 or something. Although being my first few bodies they wouldn't be inferior quality, as I've had plenty of woodworking experience, it's just that the first ones might take a bit longer as I will have to furnish brand new templates.
I'm just floating the idea out there, as I'm curious as to whether there'd be much demand for this stuff. I'm also gonna post progress pics and tutorials in threads so you guys can follow it and see whether you think you'd like to try it yourselves.
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I'm really interested in the whole guitar body thing. I was just thinking the other day that I would like to get a superstrat body to go with my old neck.
Would you be willing to ship to the US as I do not live in the UK (as of right now). I plan to try to make a trip there for LGS next year but I cannot find any info on when it'll be on next year.
Cheers
Joe
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I guess so - I'm not really wanting to run a business though, just thought I'd do a few for some forum mates in the first few weeks after I get the gear.
One thing I'd like to be able to build is the Jackson Soloist body that Warmoth offer on their site, I love the way it accomodates for 24 fret necks and still has Fender Strat neck pocket dimensions.
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For bodies you probably want a small bandsaw or good scroll saw and a good solid router. Templates and good router bits will get you a long way. A drill press will also come in handy
Nice bandsaw:
http://www.axminster.co.uk/recno/1/product-Perform-CCBB-Bandsaw-21702.htm
Nice starter router:
http://www.axminster.co.uk/recno/2/product-Axminster-AW635R-Router-21373.htm
I would also get a router bit with a bearing ON TOP, (not on the end). The you can use a template with the router for your pickups, control cavity and neck pocket and even the shape of the guitar. If you are after doing specific copies of guitar shapes then you can get templates a few places on the web.
In the US:
http://www.guitarbuildingtemplates.com/electricguitar.htm
Or send a message to Simo, the moderator of the UK guitar builders forum at:
http://simnettguitars.co.uk
He sells some nice templates but doesnt have as many as the shop in the US
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BC Rich Stealth body maybe? 8)
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...as I'm starting to make my own guitar parts. Should be really fun as it's the last thing I've not yet done in terms of guitars, I've painted, assembled, drilled, set up parts, but never made my own from timber simply due to lack of tools.
To help me pay back the initial investment of the tools I need to get quickly, would you guys like some rediculously cheap guitar bodies routed to Fender neck pocket dimensions (ie. ala Warmoth)? I'm talking like wood cost plus £20 or something. Although being my first few bodies they wouldn't be inferior quality, as I've had plenty of woodworking experience, it's just that the first ones might take a bit longer as I will have to furnish brand new templates.
I'm just floating the idea out there, as I'm curious as to whether there'd be much demand for this stuff. I'm also gonna post progress pics and tutorials in threads so you guys can follow it and see whether you think you'd like to try it yourselves.
Kudos to you for trying it. I'm still trying it, lol!
Yeah get a decent bandsaw, plus you may want to invest in an extractor fan/vacuum for it as the dust will be a pain and can clog the blade.
Sash Cramps are a must, you'll need atleast 2, I'd recommend 3 long ones for the body as it will be easier. For the neck various G and F clamps are handy. When I glued the wood for my neck laminate (which I still havent finished) it took 14 clamps to get it right. Try Machine Mart for this as they're quite cheap on a few ranges.
Machine Marts online clamps range (http://www.machinemart.co.uk/ranges.asp?g=116&r=2133)
Wickes also have some quite nice G clamps for 6 and 8 quid. They have a good, large spring clamp for 2 handy for setting things up while getting the proper clamps in place.
A drill press is also handy. Dont buy a hobbyists one, you'd need a proper floor standing one, and these can be about 180 quid.
I made me own templates and cut them out of ply. Use marine ply as it will last longer and will spinter less :wink:
Chisels, sharpening stones, various spoke shaves and planes are very handy, but go for quality, not the run of the mill you get in B&Q.
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One more thing, bandsaw blades, get decent ones. I've been recommended Saw Tech ones from a local timber merchants, though I've not been able to get ahold of any yet. The range you get in most DIY stores is terrible and they seem to blunt rather easily. :roll:
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Thanks for the posts - you guys rock :twisted:
I'll be looking into getting the router this week, that model is the best I've seen so far in that price range so I might put an order in.
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Sorry for the last post, it came off different than I intended :oops: .
Anyways, I commend you for getting into building your own stuff. I've been interested for a long long time, but never gotten my stuff together.
I like what all the other mates are saying, but I think you might find a small planer to be helpful too. They make some inexpensive bench-top models nowadays.
Also find a good wood supplier, as good ones are few and far-between.
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Sounds like a good plan, Bainzy!
When you're set up, let me know!!
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Also find a good wood supplier, as good ones are few and far-between.
Tell me about it! That's the only thing I'm still yet to find, though I'm working on it. I'm also hoping to find someone who can get me any wood that's a bit older than modern production if possible, for making '54 strat and '59 LP replicas that sound more authentic.
Sounds like a good plan, Bainzy!
When you're set up, let me know!!
Will do! By the way, you wouldn't happen to know anyone with a template for a George Lynch ESP reverse headstock would you? :wink:
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PM me, I might be able to help you. :)
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Tell me about it! That's the only thing I'm still yet to find, though I'm working on it. I'm also hoping to find someone who can get me any wood that's a bit older than modern production if possible, for making '54 strat and '59 LP replicas that sound more authentic.
Wood kind of reaches a natural maturity and settles as I call it, after about 5 years, a max of 10, so thats the age of the cut wood if you ask me. Going for very old wood is pointless, unless you want to cut up an antique :lol: You'd need to rough cut it to shape and leave it for that time in a good environment.
You dont just have tonewood suppliers for woods, try any merchant. I go to a marine timber merchant for my little projects. They know nothing about musical gear, but it may end up being cheaper if you can come to learn what to look for and tap test for. Avoid knots and big splits, test out little splits to see how deep they may be (its like an iceberg sometimes :roll: ) by gently flexing the wood if you can.
When I tap test I lay the wood across my shoulder, just put the edge of my ear against it and tap with my knuckles or finger nails. I'm listening for a longish "pop!" that is bright and clear and not too bassy. Others may have other methods or listen out for other characteristics
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Tell me about it! That's the only thing I'm still yet to find, though I'm working on it. I'm also hoping to find someone who can get me any wood that's a bit older than modern production if possible, for making '54 strat and '59 LP replicas that sound more authentic.
Wood kind of reaches a natural maturity and settles as I call it, after about 5 years, a max of 10, so thats the age of the cut wood if you ask me. Going for very old wood is pointless, unless you want to cut up an antique :lol: You'd need to rough cut it to shape and leave it for that time in a good environment.
You dont just have tonewood suppliers for woods, try any merchant. I go to a marine timber merchant for my little projects. They know nothing about musical gear, but it may end up being cheaper if you can come to learn what to look for and tap test for. Avoid knots and big splits, test out little splits to see how deep they may be (its like an iceberg sometimes :roll: ) by gently flexing the wood if you can.
When I tap test I lay the wood across my shoulder, just put the edge of my ear against it and tap with my knuckles or finger nails. I'm listening for a longish "pop!" that is bright and clear and not too bassy. Others may have other methods or listen out for other characteristics
When I mean old wood I mean really wood that wasn't taken from a modern plantation where every tree is planted the optimal distance from each other, and they all turn out the same, and are cut at the same age. I'm after some wood that came from trees that grow longer and randomly in old forests, as it's got generally got more character and vibe.
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To help me pay back the initial investment of the tools I need to get quickly, would you guys like some rediculously cheap guitar bodies routed to Fender neck pocket dimensions (ie. ala Warmoth)? I'm talking like wood cost plus £20 or something. Although being my first few bodies they wouldn't be inferior quality, as I've had plenty of woodworking experience, it's just that the first ones might take a bit longer as I will have to furnish brand new templates.
Would this be just for the bodies 'as is'? Or would they be routed for pickups/electronics, drilled for hardware etc?
I know this is kind of a cheeky question, but I'd be VERY interested, dependent on your answers :D
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If you want it routed for certain pickups, rear routing etc that's totally fine. I would think it kindof defeats the object if the bodies weren't, so it's not cheeky in my opinion. Just spreading the good karma by helping out some forum buddies 8)
I'd just be a bit reluctant to drill holes for unusual scratchplates and import bridges, as you know what a pain in the arse they can be for fitting with different brands. Unless you provide me with measurements, then it'd be fine.
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If you want it routed for certain pickups, rear routing etc that's totally fine. I would think it kindof defeats the object if the bodies weren't, so it's not cheeky in my opinion. Just spreading the good karma by helping out some forum buddies 8)
I'd just be a bit reluctant to drill holes for unusual scratchplates and import bridges, as you know what a pain in the arse they can be for fitting with different brands. Unless you provide me with measurements, then it'd be fine.
I was referring to standard strat scratchplates, holes for the trem mounting screws etc, just standard 'vintage' strat stuff :) Nothing extreme or too different :lol:
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Oh yeah that'd all be fine - if you want me to drill the scratchplate holes to the same spec as a modern Fender USA made strat, I can drill it to that spec:
(http://www.warmoth.com/pickguards/images/strat_9.gif)
without you having to send me your pickguard to drill the holes for. Trem spring holes, bridge screw holes are all fine.
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Oh yeah that'd all be fine - if you want me to drill the scratchplate holes to the same spec as a modern Fender USA made strat, I can drill it to that spec:
(http://www.warmoth.com/pickguards/images/strat_9.gif)
without you having to send me your pickguard to drill the holes for. Trem spring holes, bridge screw holes are all fine.
Sounds good to me :D
Do you use MSN or Yahoo Messenger's at all? Could talk about it in more detail and not 'clutter' up the forum with specifics :)
ALso, what would are you thinking of using?
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I take it you mean wood? Whatever I can get my hands on basically, in enough quantities. So far I've found a source for maple, african mahogany, and northern ash at what seems to be a reasonable price, but I'm still trying to find a dedicated dealer of exotic timber and tonewoods.
Add me on msn - I won't be online much but it'll take me a while to get all the gear together, make the templates etc, so there should be a fair bit of time to discuss it. You can PM me here at the forum though, as I check forums every day or other day.
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I take it you mean wood? Whatever I can get my hands on basically, in enough quantities. So far I've found a source for maple, african mahogany, and northern ash at what seems to be a reasonable price, but I'm still trying to find a dedicated dealer of exotic timber and tonewoods.
Add me on msn at bainzy_200x @ hotmail.com - I won't be online much but it'll take me a while to get all the gear together, make the templates etc, so there should be a fair bit of time to discuss it. You can PM me here at the forum though, as I check forums every day or other day.
Yeah I meant Wood. Had a little brain fart when I was typing my last reply :lol:
I'll add you on SMN at that address and/or PM you through here too.
Cheers.
Brow
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If you are doing the bodies kinda cheap I might be interested in a Jackson soloist shaped body routed for an angled bridge humbucker and neck single, without a pickguard and dive-only floyd :) Probably asking way too much there but let me know if its possible.
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That wouldn't really be any harder to be honest Tom, you know it's actually easier to make rear routed bodies. Everyone seems to think it's hard because Warmoth charge extra for it, but if you look at a rear routed body, there's far less routing than on a strat body. Might be a month or two before I get my hands on a decent soloist template and jig to route the correct floyd neck pocket angle though.
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Oh right well let me know whenever you have everything sorted out and if I have enough money I'll definately be interested :)
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i'll have one bainzy.
Strat Body, routed for one humbucker in the bridge (front routed electronics etc) standard strat template really.. made out of mahogany unfinished.
I'll even come collect it myself since I live in Thornbury (just outside of bradford which very close to bingley) (excuse to nag you for a go on your plexi).
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i'll have one bainzy.
Strat Body, routed for one humbucker in the bridge (front routed electronics etc) standard strat template really.. made out of mahogany unfinished.
I'll even come collect it myself since I live in Thornbury (just outside of bradford which very close to bingley) (excuse to nag you for a go on your plexi).
lol!
That sounds good, and should be relatively easy to do. What bridge type were you thinking of?
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Bainzy:
You can pick up a lot of CAD files for templates here:
http://www.guitarbuild.com/
As for wood and other supplies, have a look at:
Touchstone Tonewoods
David Dyke
Craft Supplies (where I get my stuff from because I go to Buxton occassionally)
LMII - US
Stew Mac - US
They're the main ones although the posh timber yard near me can do some nice woods.
Remember that if you are routing bodies for other people that the necks that they can be using can all be different, so you may need to do something special with the neck pocket. The depth of the neck pocket can also depend on the bridge being used.
I bought a planer and a jointer for building guitars, but ended up selling them as they weren't seeing any use. I would also say that you don't need a bandsaw for bodies just yet (unless you can afford it that is). You can rough out the shape of the body with a jigsaw (making sure that you're a fair way outside the lines as a jigsaw blades moves off vertical when you go round corners). You can then put your template on and run round it with the router (and flush cutting bit) in small passes.
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Hey Bainzy I'd like it with a vintage strat Trem.. y'know the ones with lots of screws in, 11 hole american standard scratch plate..
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That's cool - I've got the template for that (and a Telecaster) arriving this week, so I just need to find a source of Mahogany. Are you bothered what type of Mahogany is being used? I can do African or Honduras, the latter is significantly more expensive. African is used by Warmoth in their Mahogany bodies though, so it's not by any means a cheap-out.
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ill go for the cheaper african, its just going to be a project guitar.. Does not have to be totally amazing just want something that plays like my strat but is gonna sound nearer to a les paul
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For wood I get air dried stuff from Tyler hardwoods in Wiltshire near Burbage. They've got a great selection of stuff, and have all the mahogany you could ever want. You will need to buy it by the board though, but looking at the response you're getting here I don't think that'll be a problem as you'll do 10 bodies easily.
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Yeah, I just spoke to a guy at a timber yard nearby (Arnold Laver) and he said that they'll plane it to 1 3/4" no problem, so I'll probably get a very large 8" wide board of West African Mahogany from them, cut it in half, glue the two planks together to make a massive 16" blank, and make several two piece body blanks from it. I'm quite looking forward to making some bodies from this wood, from what I gather they should turn out really nice.
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When I said by the board I meant 3 feet by 8 feet ;)
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niceone bainzy..
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When I said by the board I meant 3 feet by 8 feet ;)
3 feet wide, or thick? :lol:
3ft wide by 8 ft long at 1 3/4" thick would be perfect for building bodies, heck I could build a one piece triple neck Strat body with that :o
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This sounds like it's all going to plan now mate!
Would something along the lines of a Gibson LP DC Junior be too much to ask?
I fancy putting some MQ's in something :lol:
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Just the body, or the neck too? If it's just a body, would you want it routed to bolt on Strat spec, or glue-in? Would you want the 4 degree angle for a tune-o-matic bridge? I haven't got the LP Standard template yet, but if I did go ahead with a Junior it'd have to be reworked from that template so might take some time.
I'm only doing bolt on bodies right now for this job, if I did do anything more advanced it'd be next year on eBay or something - I'm just about to start Uni this month so my time is gonna be pretty limited.
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Just the body, or the neck too? If it's just a body, would you want it routed to bolt on Strat spec, or glue-in? Would you want the 4 degree angle for a tune-o-matic bridge? I haven't got the LP Standard template yet, but if I did go ahead with a Junior it'd have to be reworked from that template so might take some time.
I'm only doing bolt on bodies right now for this job, if I did do anything more advanced it'd be next year on eBay or something - I'm just about to start Uni this month so my time is gonna be pretty limited.
I dunno mate, I'm just brainstorming! :lol:
On 2nd thoughts, I'd prob stick with a swimming pool routed Strat. That way I can change the scratchplate for different configs of pickups etc :)
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Bainzy,
I've got AutoCAD plans for a Gibson LP DC if you want me to email them to you.
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Bainzy,
I've got AutoCAD plans for a Gibson LP DC if you want me to email them to you.
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That would be kickass thanks, just send em to contact @ shredaholic dot com :D
The Strat and Telecaster router templates I ordered arrived today, so I'm off to buy a ton of Mahogany tommorrow and should have my first few bodies done before I get off to Uni.
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email sent
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I'd definatly be interested in a strat body, especially if you could do a gotoh-wilkinson trem routing for it. Have you found a place that will sell you Alder or swamp ash?
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I've found places that will sell any type of wood, but I'm struggling to find anywhere that I'll be able to put regular orders into and get enough wood for 1 guitar body for less than £50 after shipping costs since most places are in America.
SL Hardwoods are supposed to do genuine Honduras Mahogany but are out of stock at the moment. Arnold Laver were a disappointment, they apparently don't do West African Mahogany anymore, but hadn't bothered to take it off their website or inform half the staff.... :roll:
So right now all I've got decent sources for is Hard Ash, Maple, Sapele and Walnut, so it looks like I won't be getting anything made before I start uni this month. :cry:
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SL Hardwoods are supposed to do genuine Honduras Mahogany but are out of stock at the moment.
They are local to me - seem quite helpful
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Yeah I also found that, even though they didn't have the wood in stock they gave a prompt email response and suggested close alternatives (Sapele) or ringing them to discuss. I'll definately order from them in the future when they have something I'm after in stock.
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Bainz, PM me your address. I have a template for you!
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PM Sent!
(if there's 2, delete one of them as I may have sent it twice :lol: )