First, thanks to the many users of this forum (and that one about telecasters too) for contributing so much useful content. The technical content is great but the passion for adding DIY (even just a little) to peoples' musical instrument experience is inspiring.
I have owned a 1979 SG Standard since college and it plays well but I don't like all the sounds, and I have always liked the looks of Fenders the most among solid-body guitar makes. The JM is my favorite body shape, the T-type has the most appealing (simple) controls and sound pallet. So the Jazzcaster was an easy choice for a first build.
The neck (Strat headstock, quartersawn Indian Rosewood) arrived from Warmoth looking good. With the fretboard level (Stew Mac notched straightedge) it looks like frets are nearly perfect from the factory, despite leveling and crowning not being part of Warmoth's process. I believe there is just enough work to do for me to get a taste of spot-level and crown, without the job being very big or intimidating at all. Grover midsized Rotomatics installed with no problems.
Ordered the body yesterday after (like many users) hours of playing with the online configuration tool and photo editing software. Eventually decided to go away from mahogany (which I think is beautiful) and take the full Fender route of cheaper alder and nicer finish. Candy turquoise.
All that's left is to choose pickups. The body is routed P90 neck P90 middle for the most options down the road. P90 or Gibson mini humbucker or Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates humbucker tucked into a P90 cover. Ordered two pick guards, one with the neck slot open and one with the middle slot open, to try each position.
So, in 8-10 weeks look for an update to this post (ha!)
Cheers
I have owned a 1979 SG Standard since college and it plays well but I don't like all the sounds, and I have always liked the looks of Fenders the most among solid-body guitar makes. The JM is my favorite body shape, the T-type has the most appealing (simple) controls and sound pallet. So the Jazzcaster was an easy choice for a first build.
The neck (Strat headstock, quartersawn Indian Rosewood) arrived from Warmoth looking good. With the fretboard level (Stew Mac notched straightedge) it looks like frets are nearly perfect from the factory, despite leveling and crowning not being part of Warmoth's process. I believe there is just enough work to do for me to get a taste of spot-level and crown, without the job being very big or intimidating at all. Grover midsized Rotomatics installed with no problems.
Ordered the body yesterday after (like many users) hours of playing with the online configuration tool and photo editing software. Eventually decided to go away from mahogany (which I think is beautiful) and take the full Fender route of cheaper alder and nicer finish. Candy turquoise.
All that's left is to choose pickups. The body is routed P90 neck P90 middle for the most options down the road. P90 or Gibson mini humbucker or Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates humbucker tucked into a P90 cover. Ordered two pick guards, one with the neck slot open and one with the middle slot open, to try each position.
So, in 8-10 weeks look for an update to this post (ha!)
Cheers
