Lava Tele

[Ddbltrbl]

Here we go!
I got the frets leveled and the Schaller Minis installed tonight.

All taped up and no place to go. Really only had 2 frets that need minor adjustment, for the most part it was righteous right from Warmoth.

Last screw, waxed and ready.

Schallers in place.

Will probably start mounting stuff on the body tomorrow. :guitarplayer2:

 

[fdesalvo]

This is easily the nicest looking guitar I've ever seen.

 

[Death by Uberschall]

:hello2:

 

[Ddbltrbl]

Someone sent me a PM asking about the drill size I used on the screws when mounting the mini Schallers, so I thought I would share my answer with everyone. Not that I'm an expert or anything, but maybe I can save someone from make the same mistakes I have.

I used a 1.5M bit, but in the US it would probably be ~1/16". An easy way to guesstimate the size drill is to go for a bit that is about the same size as the screw shaft would be if the threads were smoothed off. You can probably visualize that pretty close.

Even with pilot holes remember to wax your screw threads!! Even cheap birthday candle wax will work, but I hear some prefer beeswax. I've also heard people caution against using any moist waxes (like paste wax).

These screws are surprizingly easy to twist the heads off of (speaking from experience)!  :doh:  Actually, the only one I've twisted off on a guitar was a truss rod cover screw. You know, one of the ones right there out in front of God and everybody!  :doh:  :doh:

Fortunately I have some engraving tools lying around and was able to cut a slot in the top of the screw shaft and remove it with a small screw driver. But, it was a real pain to do.  :sad1:

So, I also recommend if a screw starts to get hard to turn as you're putting it in, take it back out and put more wax on it!! :redflag:

I promise, you don't want to go thru the trouble of removing one you've twisted off!!  :sad:

 

[Cagey]

I concur. 1/16" is what I use.

 

[2ManyShoes]

That is a beautiful neck.

 

[Doughboy]

What kind of wood is that? It's amazing? Cocobolo?

 

[Ddbltrbl]

OK I finally got to work on this.
Installed the string ferrules on Monday.

The bridge and pickups on Wednesday.

Finished wiring up the 4-way and pots on Saturday.
Bolted on the neck and finished the setup today!
DangerousR6 is working on a neckplate to go on it and it will be all done!

And, here it is!

I'm in heaven. Never was real comfortable with Telecasters before. but this one has made me a believer. The neck is as awesome to play as it is to look at, the Fralin pickups are great, especially with the 4-way switch!

@Doughboy - Yes, the top and neck are Cocobolo, the body is Mahogany.
:guitarplayer2:

 

[Updown]

:blob7: WOW  :blob7: WOW  :blob7: BLOODY WOW  :blob7:



JUST STUNNING 

JUST PERFECT  :headbang:

That 2nd last pic .... Looks like flames in a fireplace  :icon_thumright:

Great work  :icon_biggrin:

Hope you post lots of pic's in the completed section, as this sure deserves that.

 

[taez555]

Oh my god that thing is beautiful!!!

What a stellar concept and combination of woods. 

Great job man!

 

[stubhead]

The Rain Forest Boogie Demons are coming for you in your sleep....

Actually I just finished reading "Clapton's Guitar" by Allen St. John, a great book about a crazy backwoods luthier named Wayne Henderson who builds some of the best repro "Pre-War" acoustic guitars anywhere. Lots of woodporn talk/facts, including that the majority of the highly-prized, getting rare, pay-out-the-ass-for-it-now "Brazilian Rosewood" was actually... burned off. A bit went for firewood, but it was mostly just... burned. To clear the land. Ignunt forners.... :-\

 

[Death by Uberschall]

:headbang1:

 

[Cagey]

...the majority of the highly-prized, getting rare, pay-out-the-ass-for-it-now "Brazilian Rosewood" was actually... burned off. A bit went for firewood, but it was mostly just... burned. To clear the land. Ignunt forners.... :-\

Ignorant farmers? No. stupid environmentalists. The landowners had a valuable cash crop that the morons in charge decided could not be used, and actually made its use all but illegal. So, what once had value and purpose became a useless impediment to the use of what was left - the land. Why not burn the trees off? Can't do anything with them and the land is useless otherwise.

 

[DangerousR6]

That is a stunning tele David, glad my photochopping brought you to together. :laughing7:

I'll get on your plate for that combo of awesomeness as soon as I'm finished with Adams brass bridge... :icon_thumright:

 

[Tipperman]

This is as hot as Kate Beckinsale in tight leather.

 

[DangerousR6]

Some Hot Rock for Lava Tele..

 

[stubhead]

This is as hot as Kate Beckinsale in tight leather.

God- DAMN - Tebow went Hollywood a lot faster than I expected.

 

[Ddbltrbl]

Some Hot Rock for Lava Tele..

Thanks, Dangerous, Looks perfect! It'll be a great finishing touch!

 

[DangerousR6]

You're welcome, it should be there soon.... Tell you wife I'm sorry... :dontknow:

 

[Ddbltrbl]

You're welcome, it should be there soon.... Tell you wife I'm sorry... :dontknow:

Now that she's seen the finished guitar, I think she has totally forgiven you!!  :laughing7:
Thanks again for the plate! :guitarplayer2: