First Guitar - with images

[jchumley]

Thanks guys:

JacksonMIA: As for color, I was planning a sunburst but I think now I would rather go with a blue translucent finish.

Rich S: I was not aware of MIM but I will be spending a lot of time there now!
The bridge I have for it is a hipshot baby grand bridge. I think it is cool looking.

MARVAR: It is a bit late on the slothead, I have already cut it and I am fond of slotheads anyway. They are a pain if you have to make quick string changes but I don't play anywhere but on my couch. Scale length is 25" and I bought a slotted board. I can cut slots, I have the fret saw from the banjo building but it was worth the price of the slotted board when weighed against the aggrivation of slotting!

LSP: Its a flat top. I have built a banjo and a neck for another banjo but that was 13 years ago. I do have a woodshop in my garage and basic woodworking skills though. As for planning, I planned the banjo for over a year. I planned this guitar for about 2 weeks and have been building now for three weeks. The nice neck wood is left over from my banjo.

Here are some images. The top should be on and trimmed this weekend.

 

[JacksonMIA]

Re: First Guitar - with images

Wow. That looks really good. I think translucent blue will look great on that top. Keep us posted with pics.

 

[ericmeyer4]

Re: First Guitar - with images

That is going to be a nice guitar!

 

[Guest]

Re: First Guitar - with images

Immense mojo oozes from that. I like it. Keep up the good work

 

[JacksonMIA]

Re: First Guitar - with images

For some reason I didn't notice it before, but that's an awesome idea for the back plate. When it's painted, you almost won't be able to see it.

I guess that's why I didn't notice it before.

 

[jchumley]

Re: First Guitar - with images

For some reason I didn't notice it before, but that's an awesome idea for the back plate. When it's painted, you almost won't be able to see it.

I guess that's why I didn't notice it before.

I figure when I stain it blue, the white plastic binding on the back access plate will be blue plastic binding. If I like it, I'll leave it alone. If not, I'll scrape it white.

Here is the look I am going for (by Don DiMasi, from the Guitar ReRanch site gallery):

 

[Naps]

Re: First Guitar - with images

Nice design. And that's a really sweet blue to be going for. I wish you much luck, and enjoyment. Keep us posted.

 

[Curly]

Re: First Guitar - with images

that is a very original project!!! I love it!

before I read your post I looked at it, and thought 'sunburst' but whatever ... I love blue guitars, too plus, shooting a 'burst kinda scares me

I'd do the top blue, and do the back and sides an amber or similar color .. the maple on the neck would also look nice with a vintage amber tint

I look at that guitar, and help but think, "open tunings"

I also like those Baby Grand bridges ... they're beautiful

what kind of pickup are you going to use? ... I'm thinkin' something a little different - FilterTron? P90? Charlie Christian?

 

[jchumley]

Re: First Guitar - with images

that is a very original project!!! I love it!...
what kind of pickup are you going to use? ... I'm thinkin' something a little different - FilterTron? P90? Charlie Christian?

Thanks Curly.

I am basically a traditionalist in general and I was going with a sunburst. For some reason though, when I saw the blue guitar it got under my skin. I already got the blue dye and vintage amber for the neck! (you read my mind) I haven't decided whether to go blue for the whole body, just the top or just the back and top. I still have time to think about it.

As for Pickups, I don't know much about them so I went with a JB at the bridge and a Jazz at the neck but I added a Phat Cat in the middle just to make things interesting. THe schematic is on the SD website and is the last of the humbucking schematics.

Jeff

 

[Rotten Guitar String]

Re: First Guitar - with images

It's looking sweet