Widening Neck pup route in Strat with Veneer?

[Nostalgic Distortion]

So I want to turn my Flame top Stratocaster into a H/H Strat, the problem is the body is routed for a H/S/S setup like most Stratocaster bodies these days? Now I had this same issue when I installed that guard into my black Strat, I used a chisel & a Dermal, took about 5 mins & it was done! It act came out really good too but my concern with doing the same to this one is the Veneer chipping or getting messed up? The Blacky is a 97 standard but the Flam top is almost brand new. Will I be all set to knock out the neck route to make a 1/2 swimming pool thing or will the Veneer give me problems?

 

[kramersteen]

Re: Widening Neck pup route in Strat with Veneer?

It could explode.

 

[Nostalgic Distortion]

Re: Widening Neck pup route in Strat with Veneer?

It could??? Although, I'm much more concerned about the Veneer separating from the body or it chipping someplace the guard wont cover?

 

[kramersteen]

Re: Widening Neck pup route in Strat with Veneer?

It could??? Although, I'm much more concerned about the Veneer separating from the body or it chipping someplace the guard wont cover?

Stanly knife around the area first that way it will help prevent a chipout past the planned template area.

 

[King IzzO)))]

Re: Widening Neck pup route in Strat with Veneer?

^^^That, just to be safe, but if it was glued well it would be fine.

 

[kramersteen]

Re: Widening Neck pup route in Strat with Veneer?

^^^That, just to be safe, but if it was glued well it would be fine.

Some of those are paper thin so i imagine every precaution will be needed.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Widening Neck pup route in Strat with Veneer?

masking tape over the area
draw on masking tape where the pickguard will be
stay inside the lines

remove tape when finished

 

[Nostalgic Distortion]

Re: Widening Neck pup route in Strat with Veneer?

Thanks for all the advice! It turned out great! I ended up using the tip of my chisel to score a line where I wanted the downward cut to go, I then chipped away the lacquer carefully so any chips went towards the pickup cavity, once I got that done I chipped away a small section of veneer where the lacquer was? Afterwards removing the pieces was easy as pie! I did put a bit of super glue gel to keep the lacquer from chipping any further? Not that it was going too but it was open & I figured just to be safe? My computer died last night & I don't even know if I can attach photos on this thing but if you want to see it look a my photos post entitled " My 6 favorite Duncan-ized guitars " in the Guitar Shop, it's soooooooo PURDY!!!