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After a long weekend away from building, I was able to get quite a bit accomplished last night and this evening. First up was dressing fret ends. Let's just say that my fret work needs work. But I got it done and then started on carving the neck. I went at it with a rasp, files, and sandpaper, and after about 2 hours I was done. In keeping with the theme of the guitar, the neck is a little...ummm...rustic .

Anyway, on to the pics

That thing is just cool!

Rodger!
Holy crapoli dude! This is lookin badazzz! I saw the first pic, saw that it needed sanding, then read what ya said - great point - keep it rough - I still think it needs a couple bullet holes in it. Let me know - we have an arsenal of ammo down here in Tampa Bay!

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"Talking about music is like dancing over architecture".
See the most insane first guitar build: http://www.virgilguitar.com
http://www.youtube.com/VirgilGuitar

Thank you, fellas. Virgil, that first pic is before I finished sanding actually, so it is a little bit cleaner than that, but it still has its beauty marks

That guitar is oozing MoJo before it's even done being born!

I didn't read the entire thread, but I was wondering if you had considered a darker fretboard (rosewood, etc...)?

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Jim Hansen

Despite my fretting woes, I've applied the finish and wanted to get some updates up.

Too cool, Roger!

Thanks Alan. I gave up on trying to build my own bridge out of the ammo box. I didn't have anyone with a drill press large enough for me to get the string-through holes done right, so I had to go with a top loader bridge. The ammo box wouldn't have been strong enough to carry the string load.

Lot's of mojo on that one!

I hope it plays and sounds nice for you. It'll be a treasure for sure...

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Jim Hansen

Roger,

It looks very good. Early on, I guess I didn't get it, but it has a very cool vibe. Since I can't leave well enough alone, how about using 22 cal shell casing in leau of wood plugs for the back string inserts?

Well done!

Danny R. Little

Roger!
This guitar has taken on a look that can't be matched - I love the idea that is finally coming to fruition for ya and the wood is perfect - can't wait to hear it!

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"Talking about music is like dancing over architecture".
See the most insane first guitar build: http://www.virgilguitar.com
http://www.youtube.com/VirgilGuitar

Imagine what it'll look like in 50 years.

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http://www.tinyhouseandland.com

I'll tell ya', I'm getting pretty danged frustrated at this point. I did some rework to the fretboard to give another go at fretting. I was pretty confident in my board being flat, and my slots deep and wide enough, so I bent some more fret wire and started installing with my newfound knowledge of proper hammering technique. The frets still weren't seating properly, so I pulled them out and took a good look at the fret slots. Apparently I'm not as good as I thought . My slots are cut on an angle, so as the frets entered the slot, they would contact on one edge but not the other. Sooooo now it's off to build my 3rd neck and fretboard. I may try to salvage this neck, but I tried steaming off the fretboard, and it didnt' work at all. I may try to run it through the jointer to remove the fb, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it will end horribly.

On the bright side, I plan to build a couple of new tools/jigs before I start again including a better fretwire bender and a nice fret slotting jig.

I know you learn a lot by making mistakes, but danged if I ain't tired of learning so much on this build

Maybe you'll have better luck with a rosewood fretboard!

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Jim Hansen

I would try my best to keep the neck and just maybe try getting a pre-slotted fretboard (as suggested a rosewood one would "evil up" the look of this badazz guitar!)- I bought one for my first build and on this second build I cut my own already - it's a matter of proper tools (Mo' money baby!) I have the miter box and Japanese fret saw from StewMac - as well as the slot depth gauge - all essentials as far as I'm concerned - also I broke down and bought the fretwire bender from them as well - every time I spend more green, the bigger sheet-eeetin grin it gives me cuz I am making things easier as I go along. You spent a while contemplating your first build and now you are nearing the end with even more brick walls that are facing you - I hate to sound like an optimist, but all of these roadblocks are getting you better at tackling things on the next go-around. While I was working on my first build (not that long ago) I did TONS of reading, research, experimentation until I was pretty confident I could do it without screwing up (too bad). If it's a matter of waiting till you can get the right tools - then move on to something else in the meantime (reading about electronics lol) Keep it going bro - we got faith in ya!

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"Talking about music is like dancing over architecture".
See the most insane first guitar build: http://www.virgilguitar.com
http://www.youtube.com/VirgilGuitar

Me usually don't pay much tention to Electrics,
but dude, this ones got class.

blessings
Padma

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Audiences and dispensations on Thursdays ~ by appointment only.


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Dang Jim, you're just not gonna drop the rosewood fb thing, are ya? . You may have me talked into it. I'll do some shopping around today and see how much I can find one for, oooorrrr if any of you kind gentlemen here would care to knock one out real quick, I'd much rather pay someone here than anyone else ...

Thanks a bunch, Virgil. I've got to tell you that the encouragement you've been giving me has really helped. It's just been very frustrating because I'm so stinkin' close and yet soooo very far away. It's like 1 step forward and 3/4 of a step back. I know what you mean about the tools thing too. I browse google and the various websites daily, drooling over the specialty tools and jigs that I'd love to have. Unfortunately I don't have the space or cash to buy a lot of this stuff, so I'm trying to figure out the bare minimum that I need to have. Of course that doesn't stop me from daydreaming about my dream shop with radial arm saws set up for fretting, a couple of drill presses set up for various tasks, a band saw, table saw, planer, jointer, jigs and templates lining the walls ready for whatever project I have at that point...oh well.

Padma, thanks for piping in here. You've got such a unique take on just about everything, so I appreciate that you dig what I'm doing. Thanks

Very cool Roger - yeah, about a year ago, my guitar building venture started. I have things set up where all of the monies I make for teaching guitar go to bills, mortgage, food, etc. Any "side monies" (Web, video, graphics, whatnot) ONLY go to this new addiction called lutherie. 9 out of 10 times I have money earmarked before it even arrives, so I can buy "the most important stuff first".

This addiction had me sell off my PA, a few guitars and whatnot, but I also have a couple family members buying me goods here and there. I too do not have all the room for the goods - I need a really good bandsaw, drum sander, planer(that's13" or more) and a drill press that isn't 2mm shy of drilling out my bridge stud holes. I am currently building some jigs and hopefully mo' monies will be heading BOTH our ways soon to create pieces of art that make REALLY great ear candy as well. Even though I can't afford some of those bigger tools right now, my friend Steve is a cabinet maker and has the BIG planer, BIG bandsaw and the drum sander, so for the time being, it's nice to have that network. A few months ago I seriously asked myself why didn't I go into a cheaper hobby like crochet? In the meantime, as long as I'm cutting or sanding ANYTHING, I have a smile on my face - hope you can too brother!

_________________
"Talking about music is like dancing over architecture".
See the most insane first guitar build: http://www.virgilguitar.com
http://www.youtube.com/VirgilGuitar

Roger,

Did you use a 25.5 scale length? I happen to have some walnut fret boards @ 24.9 scale length. I'd certainly give you one if you are interested. I use a table saw jig to cut my slots. Walnut of course isn't a usual choice for fretboards but I was building some guitars for grandkids and family (keeping costs down). Looks would be fine and the fret slots are accurately cut. You'd have to move your bridge to match the scale by .6. If interested email me directly at dannyrlittle@hotmail.com.
BTW the FB is oversized and have a 12"radius or no radius.

Keep at it!

Danny R. Little

Thanks a bunch, Danny. Email on the way

Ok guys, I've got a question. I've got someone from a different forum telling me how to compensate for the smaller scale fretboard that Danny offered to send me. I hate to say this, but I'm not following at all and was wondering if you guys could validate what he's saying is accurate. My degree is in English, so math and I aren't terribly close friends

Roger,

All I would do is make certain the distance from the 12th fret to the nut is the same as the distance from the 12th fret to the middle of your bridge compensation range. You can manage that in any combination to two things: 1) nut placement and 2) bridge placement. I would do what looks the best given the things you can't change at this point, such as pickup placement, pickguard, etc..

But, tell you what...my LMI template has a 25.4" scale, just 0.1" off the normal fender scale. How about I send you a walnut fb at that scale? It should make it a little easier. I usually radius my fb @ 12", but Fender does a tighter 9 1/2" or so. I'll do 24 fret slots and leave maybe an inch of extra wood past the nut or zero fret position and then you can cut off each end where you need to. I'll also leave it flat so you can put on whatever radius you prefer.

Email me your shipping address. It will take me a day or two to get to it, but I am anxious to see the finished project!

Danny R. Little

Danny, that would be awesome. Thanks so much! As for radius, I was doing a 12" radius anyway, so what you normally do would be perfect. I sent you an email back on the 28th that had my info. I send it again though

Roger:

For some reason (moon alignment?) I did not receive your email. Perhaps I mistyped it originally.

dannyrlittle@hotmail.com

Roger,

Shipping the fretboard today. Sorry for the delay. I am preparing to retire at the end of this month and things are a bit hectic. I left every dimension a bit on the long side thinking you can take some off but can't add any. It hasn't been sealed or anything. I was using Tru-Oil (amber) on mine after it is glued to the neck, etc. That will darken it up and show the grain. It is a 25.4 scale with a 12" radius.

Danny