I finally started this project in earnest. Seeing that the bridge I wanted was on sale (LB63 from Graphtech), I ordered that last Friday and started ordering the rest of the pieces needed. The first four packages arrived today and one of them included the deluxe-style neckplate so I got to work on the neck joint of the Warmoth body I had gotten off of ebay a while ago. I used the neckplate as a template, then cut with a coping saw, filed and sanded for the new neck joint shape.
Gadget VW
- Thread starter richship
- Start date
A few more pictures. The first shows how the neck join will look - I'll need to fill the existing hole and the end of the turtle's headstock. The second showing a front view of the body and neck, and he third showing that I've already modfied the headstock to better match the contours of the guitar.
The parts continue to roll in. The studs that came with the Graphtech bridge were not right (way too small). And even though the width of the bridge (90 mm) does fit in the recessed rout, when centered on the stud holes, it overlaps on the right side by a hair. So some extra routing to do there.
I also decided to add an upper bout toggle (with an n-tune artist). So more routing fun there.
I also decided to add an upper bout toggle (with an n-tune artist). So more routing fun there.
W
Watershed
Guest
Nice work.
Shame about that hole on the neck.
Oak dowel is easy to come by though.
Shame about that hole on the neck.
Oak dowel is easy to come by though.
The screw hole is pretty tiny, I figured I'd just fill it. The larger mark is part of the burned-in turtle logo. Filler should suffice for that as well.
So a gadget guitar needs a battery box, so after installing one on a 2x6 to practice I routed the body for one. I decided to center on the trem cover since it will be right next to it. I used my drill guide to make some starter holes with a forstner bit and then used a clamped board as a guide for a template bit to rout each side.
So a gadget guitar needs a battery box, so after installing one on a 2x6 to practice I routed the body for one. I decided to center on the trem cover since it will be right next to it. I used my drill guide to make some starter holes with a forstner bit and then used a clamped board as a guide for a template bit to rout each side.
I managed to nick the side of the rout when raising the router (dumb). Probably because I wasn't wearing goggles and crap was hitting me in the face (dumber). Luckily, the flange of the box covers it. Then I got to play with my new extra long 1/4" bit for wire channels.
A little more work tonight. I drilled the extra hole for the deluxe neckplate in the neck pocket and neck. Used a plunge routing attachment for the Dremel to make pilot holes and the drill guide to finish. Put it together and it fits perfectly.
To Watershed - you are right, that neck screw hole should be doweled. I should be able to find 1/8" dowel at the local hobby shop.
To Watershed - you are right, that neck screw hole should be doweled. I should be able to find 1/8" dowel at the local hobby shop.
The replacement studs and other items came in from Stew Mac ($100 of stuff from them fits in a very small box). After installing them (lots of banging) I tested and you can see how the Graphtech bridge doesn't exactly fit in the Floyd rout. It has a more square flange, so it is hitting the rounded edge. Squaring those off with a small Dremel sanding drum more should take care of that. The weird part is that he back of the bridge doesn't fit on the treble side. I'll have to take off a little wood with router there.
I got a bit worried that the bridge was shifted too far to the right and would mess with string alignment, but I used a string to see how it would work and there doesn't seem to be a problem. Since testing that put some hardware on the guitar, I figured I would mock up the layout to see how things looked.
The pickup rings are chromed brass and not magnetic, and shouldn't mess with the sustainer (shown in the neck ring). The EMG 89 for the bridge is still in the old guitar. The knobs will be Volume (pull up to activate tuner), Tone (pull up for single coil), Piezo Volume (pull up for alternate tone), and Midi Volume. There will be a couple push buttons for Midi program change up/down above the back knob and two toggles for the sustainer in front.
I got a bit worried that the bridge was shifted too far to the right and would mess with string alignment, but I used a string to see how it would work and there doesn't seem to be a problem. Since testing that put some hardware on the guitar, I figured I would mock up the layout to see how things looked.
The pickup rings are chromed brass and not magnetic, and shouldn't mess with the sustainer (shown in the neck ring). The EMG 89 for the bridge is still in the old guitar. The knobs will be Volume (pull up to activate tuner), Tone (pull up for single coil), Piezo Volume (pull up for alternate tone), and Midi Volume. There will be a couple push buttons for Midi program change up/down above the back knob and two toggles for the sustainer in front.
TomPerverteau
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Cool!
Disco Scottie
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The headstock shape is complimenting that body very nicely.
It sure looks good, and you seem to know what your doing, can you blend that neck to the body? seems that would be the cat's meow. With that new neck plate and carved or cut portion, it looks like a lot of flat neckwood could be rounded off, and I think you could make it look awesome. But if that makes ya nervous, don't do it.
DangerousR6
Mythical Status
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Looks good, now you need to work on matching the neck to the heel...
DangerousR6
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That would be the tits.... :icon_thumright:richship said:
So guess what tonight's project was...
The scary part was the first stroke with the coarse file. After that it is just about finishing.
The first pic is after the coarse file work. The second is using a flush cut saw on the dowel plugging the neck screw hole (seemed like a good time to do it). I'll use a touch of Walnut stain to match it up later. I still have to fill the end of the turtle's headstock. The last two are the (almost) finished product. It isn't as slick as the Music Man, but it was what my limited tools and skill could accomplish.
I'll probably do a little fine tuning around the corners and get some file marks that the flash picked up that I cannot see under room light. The light/dark line on the last picture is where the edge of where the sealer was sanded off, not an angle.
Thanks for the prodding guys. It looks and feels nice.
The scary part was the first stroke with the coarse file. After that it is just about finishing.
The first pic is after the coarse file work. The second is using a flush cut saw on the dowel plugging the neck screw hole (seemed like a good time to do it). I'll use a touch of Walnut stain to match it up later. I still have to fill the end of the turtle's headstock. The last two are the (almost) finished product. It isn't as slick as the Music Man, but it was what my limited tools and skill could accomplish.
I'll probably do a little fine tuning around the corners and get some file marks that the flash picked up that I cannot see under room light. The light/dark line on the last picture is where the edge of where the sealer was sanded off, not an angle.
Thanks for the prodding guys. It looks and feels nice.
DangerousR6
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Now that is sweeeeet.... :headbang:
Disco Scottie
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Good job, sir!
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