Need some suggestions for my next build! (jazzmaster!)

[Caleidoscope]

Right so I want to make a jazzmaster! I want to build a shredder but I don't want to get another pointy guitar!

I was thinking of making it really classy, a clear finish on the body and get a really nice wood top with all gold hardware.
The body is probably going to be mohagany, a wenge neck and an ebony fretboard with some pearl inlays.

What wood could I get to make a really nice top and what finish should I use?

I was also wondering if I had to get the Jazzmaster neck to go with it or not, because I would like to get a different neck than the standard fender headstock.

Also is the jazzmaster bulky enough to be a shredder? It seems alot smaller compared to other guitars and I hope that wouldn't affect the tone that much...

So many questions.....

 

[dNA]

I don't think bulk is any concern for a shred guitar. Most shredders play basswood guitars w/ trems - not really much bulk to that sound if you ask me. it's all pickups at that point IMO

would you consider a wenge top as well?

 

[Caleidoscope]

Ok so I'm reassured!

I'm considering anything at the moment! =D

 

[dNA]

if it's not too heavy, you could do one all wenge. and i'd go with a split jazzmaster, just so you see less plastic and more nice wood

 

[Mor Paul]

I think a simple high-grade flame maple top would be good.

 

[Caleidoscope]

Wow I like the color of wenge I hadn't thought about it for a top laminate but damn, it looks sexy with gold! Flame maple could work but I'd need to put a finis that darkens it up a bit.

 

[dNA]

Wow I like the color of wenge I hadn't thought about it for a top laminate but damn, it looks sexy with gold! Flame maple could work but I'd need to put a finis that darkens it up a bit.

Flame maple always looks nice- personally I'd do like a cherry burst. but that's not very metal. That's why I thought the wenge would work. and it would be cheaper to leave it unfinished. Plus, it'd be a lot more unique than the flame maple.

 

[Caleidoscope]

Is it better to leave wenge unfinished? Warmoth still gives me the option to finish the top with clear gloss even tho I chose wenge and I can't finish the back without choosing to one on the top.

 

[dNA]

hmm. well i think most people would slap you for finishing wenge, but I could be wrong. I actually thought it doesn't take to finishes well because it's oily or something.
I don't know if you can finish the back and not the front - easiest thing to do would be call. Personally I'd just buy it unfinished and oil it myself.

 

[Mor Paul]

hmm. well i think most people would slap you for finishing wenge, but I could be wrong.

Slaps are only applicable on necks.

 

[Caleidoscope]

Ok =D Thanks for the help!

 

[AutoBat]

I was also wondering if I had to get the Jazzmaster neck to go with it or not, because I would like to get a different neck than the standard fender headstock.

Nope, it's just a style between the usual (good looking) strat headstock & the (ugly) CBS style.
Pop whatever headstock you want on that beast.

 

[mullyman]

I was thinking of doing a Jazzmaster with a fancy top, Floyd Rose etc... I hate the bridge on a Jazzmaster. I was over at a friends place and he has a JM so I was eyeballing it with "Warmoth" on my mind. After looking at it really closely I realized that a Floyd on a JM would really leave a whole lot of wood hanging off the back there. It would look unbalanced, in my opinion. I may still go forward but my thoughts have definitely changed quite a bit.
MULLY