New Showcase Body Build Underway

[fdesalvo]

I like the cuts of your jibs, my friends.

 

[fdesalvo]

Some updates.  The second layer of CA has been applied to the chipped area and is building up nicely.  Should buff out without issue.

The frets measure within spec of 6150s, but I discovered that the majority of the fret slots are a bit shallow.  While the tangs have bottomed out, there is still some gap beneath a few of the frets - enough to accommodate a fingernail.  Have a look at the last fret...thinking I might have to send this one back.

 

[Cagey]

I'll bet that overhang bent down while that fret was being pressed in, so the fret never seated right. I'm surprised it didn't break. It's easier than you might imagine. I've had it happen. That's why I had Doug make me this lovely little jig...

Screws in using the neck mounting holes, and allows you to put pressure on that overhang without risk of bending/breaking it.

 

[fdesalvo]

That's a sweet little jig

 

[Cagey]

You really need something like that if you're going to use an arbor press rather than a fret hammer to seat the frets because you can put a helluva lotta pressure on there without realizing it. Second neck I did using that press I broke the fretboard completely off at the 22nd fret. Fortunately, it was one of my necks and not a customer's. 1st neck was a customer's, so I really dodged a bullet on that one.

 

[stratamania]

@Cagey, what is the little overhang  jig made of ?

Does it just cover the heel or is it longer ?

On the chip in the paint near the recess, I wonder if it is worth for future reference brushing some thin CA along the area of the paint edge and recess as a possible prevention to chipping.

 

[Cagey]

@Cagey, what is the little overhang  jig made of ?

It's just aluminum. I can't find my original drawing, but as you can see there isn't much too it. It's not obvious due to the poor lighting in these shots, but Doug made it into two pieces as that's actually easier than machining it out of one block.

Does it just cover the heel or is it longer ?

It's just the heel. I use a neck support caul as a backup for the rest of the neck length...

 

[stratamania]

Thanks Cagey, that makes sense. Just was curious on the overall set up.

 

[fdesalvo]

On the chip in the paint near the recess, I wonder if it is worth for future reference brushing some thin CA along the area of the paint edge and recess as a possible prevention to chipping.

Way ahead of you on that - already done.  Should be helpful, as there will be no finish "edge" for the trem to grab as I install it.  I barely touched it and that chip came flying off.   

 

[BigSteve22]

Frank- Is that a Warmoth neck?

 

[fdesalvo]

Frank- Is that a Warmoth neck?

No sir.  I wanted a neck with a floyd shelf and no side adjust mechanism.  Had to go outside for that.  It's cold and dark out here.

 

[mayfly]

Frank- Is that a Warmoth neck?

No sir.  I wanted a neck with a floyd shelf and no side adjust mechanism.  Had to go outside for that.  It's cold and dark out here.

Hope they have the same kind of warranty, because I think you should send that one back!

 

[fdesalvo]

Frank- Is that a Warmoth neck?

No sir.  I wanted a neck with a floyd shelf and no side adjust mechanism.  Had to go outside for that.  It's cold and dark out here.

Hope they have the same kind of warranty, because I think you should send that one back!

Indeed - waiting on the RMA.  Only ordered from them once and the neck was great.  I prefer working with Warmoth, but the options I want fall outside of their catalog.  I have a spare strat neck to use while I wait.  I just want them to replace a few frets.

 

[BigSteve22]

Frank- Is that a Warmoth neck?

No sir.  I wanted a neck with a floyd shelf and no side adjust mechanism.  Had to go outside for that.  It's cold and dark out here.

The reason I ask, is because I'm waiting to hear back from USACG regarding a neck I spec'ed out with them. Want to try a few different things which are unavailable from Warmoth: a little more radius on the compound because I play a lot of "cowboy" type chords, a "C" profile that's  slightly thicker, and a 1.650" nut that's right in the middle between 1-5/8 and 1-11/16.

Is your neck from USACG by any chance? I've heard good things about them, but have no personal experience.

???

 

[fdesalvo]

Frank- Is that a Warmoth neck?

No sir.  I wanted a neck with a floyd shelf and no side adjust mechanism.  Had to go outside for that.  It's cold and dark out here.

The reason I ask, is because I'm waiting to hear back from USACG regarding a neck I spec'ed out with them. Want to try a few different things which are unavailable from Warmoth: a little more radius on the compound because I play a lot of "cowboy" type chords, a "C" profile that's  slightly thicker, and a 1.650" nut that's right in the middle between 1-5/8 and 1-11/16.

Is your neck from USACG by any chance? I've heard good things about them, but have no personal experience.

???

It's a Musikraft neck.  USACG - I have a spotty relationship with them.  They changed ownership some time ago and the new staff is fairly green - the new foreman used a neck I ordered to help train the the new shop crew.  In the end, the neck was not built to my spec.  I also had them build and paint a strat body back in 2012.  The paint job was awful. I've seen good work come from their shop, but not for me.

 

[BigSteve22]

...I've seen good work come from their shop, but not for me.

Good to know, thanks.

 

[fdesalvo]

...I've seen good work come from their shop, but not for me.

Good to know, thanks.

Best of luck in your quest - they are capable and I'd prob take a chance on them again with a neck.  They choose really beautiful cuts of wood.  I'd just make sure that you keep on top of communications.

 

[fdesalvo]

Alright - neck is on its way back for a refret.  Update next year hah.

 

[rgand]

Alright - neck is on its way back for a refret.  Update next year hah.

Good show. You going to send them a picture of Kevin's cool support?

 

[fdesalvo]

I was gonna send Kevin over there  :laughing7: