Warmoth Strat, Done!

[DocNrock]

So here is how I spent my Saturday.

First, I had to black out the trem pocket and put a little piece of foam in there to protect the wood:

Then, there was the wiring, which I may end up redoing with 250K/0.047uf electronics.  http://www.unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=3281.0  I'm also going to paint the routes with conductive paint.  Shown with RS guitarworks pots and cap:

The front view:

Then came the part that gave me the "willies"  It was time to drill on that gorgeous body.  OK, I'm glad I read the tips about masking tape where drilling.  That was a cool tip.  The pickguard and jackplate screw holes were the first.  Whew, that went OK.   Then it was time for the strap buttons.  First, the one at the base of the body.  OK, that wasn't so bad.  The one in the upper horn scared the bejeesus out of me, though.  I kept imagining that I was going to go through the body.  Slow and steady...OK, good.  Done for now.

Now, when is that neck going to arrive?

arty07: :rock-on: :guitarplayer2:

 

[kataar]

wow, beautiful wiring job and body man!  :kewlpics:

 

[blue313]

Didn't think I was going to like the gold hardware against that finish, but it looks great.  Can't wait to see the finished product!! :headbang:


I took a tip from Dan E on the upper horn strap button for drilling angle.  Tape a dowel (pen/pencil/etc) to the back of the body, along the side of the horn, to use as a guide.  Also tape off the drill bit at the proper depth.  Takes all of the guess work out of it.

 

[DocNrock]

Thank you very much, guys! 

Regarding the horn strap button, I did something similar.  I laid out a piece of masking tape on the front and followed that trajectory. 

 

[DangerousR6]

This would look killer on it....... :icon_biggrin:

 

[DocNrock]

arty07: :headbang1: arty07:
where is the drool icon?


Thanks, bud!  More orders to come later.

 

[DocNrock]

OK, time to finish this project!

After initially wiring this with 500k/0.022uf, I had found out the recommendation for the pups I chose was 250k/0.047uf (real humbuckers, but single coil sized...go figure).  Since I had to rewire it anyway, I ordered a copper shield from Rothstein. 

The routes also got treated with conductive paint.

I then redid the wiring with the new electronics.

The original plan was for a maple neck with maple fingerboard, gold frets, and abalone dots.  Since  that custom neck is still about a month out, I got impatient and grabbed a cheaper one off the showcase.  This one is maple with an ebony fingerboard, gold frets, and phenolic dots.  I'll have to wait to see what the maple one looks like, but I'm kind of digging the ebony on this build.

Now to drill for some of the final components.

The "keystone" of the build (thanks Doug).

Now, it just needs strings and a setup, then a pic for the completed project gallery.

:rock-on:

 

[kataar]

wow man, that looks incredible!  :kewlpics:

 

[DangerousR6]

That looks friggin' awesome Brent, but I do believe It'd be better with the all maple neck. Is the one coming a birdseye or flame?
:headbang1:

 

[DocNrock]

Is the one coming a birdseye or flame?
:headbang1:

Quartersawn

 

[DangerousR6]

hey Brent, being the Jackson person as I, saw this and thawt.......Saaaaaaaaweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet....

 

[El Cicatriz]

Nice guitar!  Are "BCJ" your initials?  Mine too...

 

[DocNrock]

Thanks, yup, and welcome!

 

[DangerousR6]

hey Brent, being the Jackson person as I, saw this and thawt.......Saaaaaaaaweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet....

Hellllllllllo what about the camo...........? :icon_scratch: :toothy10:

 

[DocNrock]

Missed that before.  Pretty cool SL2H.  I like the inlays.  That must be a custom shop.

 

[Mor Paul]

I'd have to say it would look better without the truss rod cover.
Great build, though! :icon_biggrin:

 

[Soloshchenko]

What is this anti truss rod cover vibe that sweeps these boards? Without it on this guitar it doesn't look finished to me.

Great build, keep that truss rod covered.

I fancy doing a floyd rose guitar in the future.

 

[Mor Paul]

What is this anti truss rod cover vibe that sweeps these boards? Without it on this guitar it doesn't look finished to me.

Great build, keep that truss rod covered.

I fancy doing a floyd rose guitar in the future.

I just think it clutters the headstock. Looks a bit cleaner to me without it.