New Guitar Build

[ericmeyer4]

I got bored with my various summer projects and decided that I needed another one.

I ordered this body blank from Warmoth...



Currently my plan is to put a single Seymour Duncan Custom Custom in the bridge with only a volume control. I also plan to make a wooden pickguard to cover the other pickup holes.

While I was waiting for the body blank to arrive I had to decide on shape. After, what seemed like, several hundred revisions later I arrived at this...



I've really been digging the look of the guitars made by Paul Bigsby in the 40's and the old Mosrite double neck guitars (and modern variations) and those were a big influence on the shape and general look of the guitar. After settling on a shape, a day making the template, and second day routing out the body I have this...



The approximate dimensions are 16" L x 13.5" W x 1.75" D

I wanted to continue the Bigsby/Mosrite theme into the pickguard and I figured an armrest would help round out the look.



It is close, but could be better.



It is better, but I still think it could be improved. Right now I think I will counter sink the control knob into the pickguard. I think that could look really neat.

I am making the pickguard, arm rest, and control cavity cover out of some Alaskan Yellow Spruce and dyed Maple veneer. I plan to glue the yellow spruce on top of the maple and then route the edge with a round over bit.



I didn't want to build my own neck so I picked up a used Warmoth Strat neck. Headstock needs a little modification. Here is my idea for that....



My next step is to sand the side of the guitar to get it smooth. It is just a little bumpy in a few places, then I will start on the arm rest, then I plan to carve the top. I want the arm rest to follow the curve of the body and I think it will be easier to match that curve before I start carving the top. I should be able to clamp the arm rest to the guitar and trim the edge with the router.

I need to tackle the neck pocket too. Warmoth cut it a little small on one side so I need to widen it. I want a tight neck pocket so I think some sand paper and patience will be the best ticket for that.

On the Bigsby guitars often the owner's name was inlayed into the pickguard and with the Mosrites the name was inlayed into the fretboard. I really liked that look and I might do something similar, but maybe on the arm rest. I'll have to see how I like it.


More to come as I progress....



Update- day 3 and 4: Let it sit for a week while I was on vacation and came back to it with a set of fresh eyes. After 2 days of work I was able to smooth out most of the bumps and spots where the router got a way from me on the body. The body still needs some more sanding, but I wanted to get to work on some of the other stuff so I'm letting that sit for a bit. I roughed out a pickguard and it needs a lot more trimming around the top to get it so it flows with the body as it is a little long at the moment. Also, I need to trim around for the neck pocket and the humbucker ring. I also started modifying the headstock. Overall, not to bad with only a rasp, sanding block, and some 60 grit sandpaper.










Update- day 5 and 6: After working on it over another 2 days I was able to get the pickguard completely cut out and glued to the guitar and get the control cavity cover cut out and fitted to the guitar. I am planning on making the control cover magnetic so I don't have to use screws and carved out a little at the top so I would be able to pull it off. I needs a little more sanding to get it right, but I'm wating for the magnets arrive and I will do it all at once. I also rounded the edges of the guitar with a router and my next step to to finish shaping them and get them sanded smooth. Pickguard needs a little more shaping at the top of the guitar so it hugs the contour of the body a bit better, but it should be pretty easy work now that I have it attached.

I still need to fit my strap locks (and I am thinking about counter sinking those), drill for the control knob, cut out for the output jack, and work on the arm rest.


Guitar with pickguard attached


Quick mock up


W/ paper armrest


A little pickguard ornamentation I am working on (still haven't decided if I will keep it on there or not)


Control cavity plate


Control cavity plate close up


I found the original drawing of the guitar and thought I should upload it too

[TheLivingDead]

That's gonna be awesome! Love the headstock and pickguard design.

[ImmortalSix]

Hell yeah man, go go go!

[cakire82]

Looking nice...

[erksin]

I'm on the fence about the armrest - I understand it's key to pull of the Bigsby homage, but the rest is killer. Love the body shape. Proceed!

[ericmeyer4]

Did a bit of redesign on the pickguard and the arm rest. Pickguard was looking a little thin and I wasn't too happy with the design of the arm rest. It looked good for a bigsby, but wasn't quiet working with my design. Still messing with the arm rest.

But I'm happy with the pickguard so it is time to start cutting!

[erksin]

I take it you don't grab your volume knob for pinky swells? That location would bug me.

[BloodRose]

very cool! WOW!! killer and unique. Did you get the blank pre routed? if so, is it pricey? I dont have a router. or a band saw.. oh lord would I butcher it with my hand jigsaw... I love to woodwork and would love to build, but I have no tools or place..

[ericmeyer4]

Erksin- I'm more of a set and forget player. I'm still playing with all of the placements. I might move the volume knob up and use that spot for an output jack.


BloodRose- The blank came out of their showcase and it was prerouted it cost about $140 with shipping. I don't have a lot of the tools either and I had less of a chance of scewing it up if they routed it for me.

[Dr.K]

Very nice. You've got some skills. I'm really not feelin the armrest though.

[ericmeyer4]

Very nice. You've got some skills. I'm really not feelin the armrest though.

I'm not feeling it to much either. Still working on the design and I haven't totally been sold on it yet.

[TheLivingDead]

Maybe something like this?:



But a lil more cleaned up of course. The body shape almost allows an entire f-hole shape.

[ericmeyer4]

^ I like that idea! I'm taking a break from it for a few days so I'll have some time to mull it over.

[erksin]

I think the pickguard is plenty - it would be a shame to cover up all that killer wood, and I think the larger rest would destract the eye from the very cool body shape.

[ericmeyer4]

I think the pickguard is plenty - it would be a shame to cover up all that killer wood, and I think the larger rest would destract the eye from the very cool body shape.

The more I look at it the more I think an arm rest would be too much. Another option I have been considering is taking the yellow spruce, attaching it to the top, and making it a semi hollow body. Only problem I have is that the 2 pieces of yellow spruce are not quiet the same thickness. One piece will need some serious sanding to get them level.

[ericmeyer4]

Update time see op!

[Wattage]

I'm feeling it. Might do a different headstock but that's neither here nor there.

Think Deke

[ericmeyer4]

Deke's Hallmark and TNM guitars were a big inspiration for this project.

I need to get another router bit and I should have the rest of the pickguard done today.

[ericmeyer4]

Pickguard is attached to the guitar and the control cavity cover is cut! OP updated.

[gibson175]

I'm feeling it. Might do a different headstock but that's neither here nor there.

Think Deke

dear god look at that axe!