CasinoCaster Build, Take 2.......

[BigSteve22]

That came out great

I don’t know what to say ...

Excellent build Steve...

Thank you, Gentlemen, one and all! It's great to have my efforts appreciated here, where so many great guitar designs have been posted by so many talented builders! It's an honor to be counted among you...

 

[BroccoliRob]

I'm droolin' over here, my nugget, straight DROOLING

you got the touch

you got the power

 

[BigSteve22]

I'm droolin' over here, my nugget, straight DROOLING

you got the touch

you got the power

Thanks Rob! (I think.....)
I only understand about half of what you say, but that sounded like a compliment!  :icon_jokercolor:

 

[BigSteve22]

One comment:  The case looks like a private label SKB.  Is that your impression?

Basically, yes...

Trevor, quick update: The case looks to be a private label version of a Roar Runner RRMEG. (Which makes sense as the MF case is a model MGMEG.) If you compare the two, the only differences I see are the color of the lining, and where the Road Runner badge would be on the MF case, there is none. (But the recess to mount the badge is!)

Oh yeah, one other difference: Price. Road Runner is listed at $139US, while the MF is listed at $99 and is often on sale at 10% off.

 

[BigSteve22]

More Build Notes...

Mounting  the Switchcraft short style, LP 3-way selector switch, took a little playing with. First off, the reach nut was a little too long. This resulted in the nut tightening against the switch before it hit the body.

Solution: A little fine, 220(?), sandpaper took about .050" off the bottom surface of the nut.

Now  it tightened against the top of the body. Unfortunately, because the top is curved, (carved), it only tightened against one edge, and didn't want to stay tightened.

Solution: I used a #10 O-Ring, (11/16" OD x 1/2" ID), around the threaded portion of the switch, pushed down to the base of the threads. This sits between the switch body and the inner surface of the guitar top, and works sort of like a flexible lock nut. It compresses as the reach nut is tightened, giving the entire inner edge of the switch a resilient surface to tighten against, providing added resistance for the reach nut to pull against,  and simultaneously provides added friction to help keep the switch from rotating. Seems to be working nicely.

------------------------------------------------------------

The side mounted output jack kept loosening up. It's a Pure Tone with standard threaded hardware. The redesigned Pure Tone jacks eliminate the poor jack-to-plug fit of the originals. They also grab the plug very firmly, so every time the plug turns, it torques the jack.

Solution:  Loctite 242. Been holding for a few days now, looks to be good to go.

 

[rgand]

More Build Notes...

Mounting  the Switchcraft short style, LP 3-way selector switch, took a little playing with. First off, the reach nut was a little too long. This resulted in the nut tightening against the switch before it hit the body.

Solution: A little fine, 220(?), sandpaper took about .050" off the bottom surface of the nut.

Now  it tightened against the top of the body. Unfortunately, because the top is curved, (carved), it only tightened against one edge, and didn't want to stay tightened.

Solution: I used a #10 O-Ring, (11/16" OD x 1/2" ID), around the threaded portion of the switch, pushed down to the base of the threads. This sits between the switch body and the inner surface of the guitar top, and works sort of like a flexible lock nut. It compresses as the reach nut is tightened, giving the entire inner edge of the switch a resilient surface to tighten against, providing added resistance for the reach nut to pull against,  and simultaneously provides added friction to help keep the switch from rotating. Seems to be working nicely.

Nice solution, Steve. It sounds like it should work good.

 

[rauchman]

Absolutely gorgeous!  You are inspiring me to build a Mooncaster.  Always liked Warmoth's version of the Starcaster, and yours is stunning.  Beautiful

Where does one get the decal that you put on the headstock?  That's a really nice touch.

 

[BigSteve22]

Where does one get the decal that you put on the headstock?  That's a really nice touch.

Thanks rauchman! Glad you like it. I got the basic design from:
https://www.kisspng.com/png-tattoo-rose-png-image-56964/
Its a .png file of a rose tattoo design.

I modified it in photoshop to add the gold inserts, and then warped my "Twin Mountain" text into it. That design was then sent to Rothko & Frost:
https://www.rothkoandfrost.com/
They make the best, thinnest, water slide decals I've ever seen. Two weeks later. decals in hand.

 

[rauchman]

Where does one get the decal that you put on the headstock?  That's a really nice touch.

Thanks rauchman! Glad you like it. I got the basic design from:
https://www.kisspng.com/png-tattoo-rose-png-image-56964/
Its a .png file of a rose tattoo design.

I modified it in photoshop to add the gold inserts, and then warped my "Twin Mountain" text into it. That design was then sent to Rothko & Frost:
https://www.rothkoandfrost.com/
They make the best, thinnest, water slide decals I've ever seen. Two weeks later. decals in hand.

Thank you for the info.

I have to apologize, while I saw the great pics of the guitar, I didn't actually read the thread.

Thank you for sharing your story about this guitar.  This must be tremendously personal for you.  Again, thanks and also again, what a beautiful guitar!

 

[BigSteve22]

...I have to apologize, while I saw the great pics of the guitar, I didn't actually read the thread.

No apologies necessary! I posted an awful lot of info all at once, can't say I'd have read the whole thing on first run through either.....

 

[JPOL007]

What an awesome job!!! That is beautiful :icon_thumright:

 

[BigSteve22]

What an awesome job!!! That is beautiful :icon_thumright:

Thanks Brother, glad you like it! I knew going in that the traditional feel of this project might not resonate with some players, but the overall reaction has been pretty positive.