Music man-Tele mashup

KingSub

Just started what should be an interesting project.
I've wanted to build a Tele style guitar for a while, but I also am a big fan of the compact MM Axis style body....so why not have a combo of the two!

I'm also planning on making my own neck for this project, but I'm going to use a donor neck from an OLP MM1 for starters, and then make my own later on.

The build has evolved as I'm going along, developing into a semi-hollow body (because freehand routing is fun!)

Hardware is going to be all black, with EMG T pickups. 

Here's some pics on the build so far from block of wood to starting to shape the body.

Winny_Pooh

Nice styling and a modern heel. Thumbs up

PeteC

Excellent - how did you cut that teardrop f hole so precisely at the narrow end ?   

Great job - love MMs.  I have a lovely Silhouette Special which I parted with and regret. 

KingSub

how did you cut that teardrop f hole so precisely at the narrow end?

Good old powered fret-saw/Hegner. Drilled the hole at the big end and then fed the blade though and reattached it.

KingSub

Finished off the body routing, quick shape and sand on the oscillating sander, and some edge routing.

Wasn’t sure if I was going to curve the front edge or leave it crisp, but a slip of the router when cutting out the body decided it for me!

Lots of fine sanding now.

TTony

That’s an interesting woods combination

KingSub

It's literally what I had lying around that was the right size!
Back and middle stripe are beech, and the side-top pieces are sapele.

KingSub

Bit more sanding and shaping and a quick mock-up with hardware...

Jalapeno

Looking stupendous ! love it !

DartmoorHedgehog

I agree - really like the look of that.

KingSub

Having access to a laser cutter is useful!
Just made a surround for the neck pickup.

PeteC

love it ! it reminds me a bit of some of the 80/90s Rickenbacker solids - the Atlantis was it ? ....or something like that. 
Nice clean look. 

KingSub

I need to source black screws for the bridge and pickups (why sell a black bridge with silver screws?!).
What's a good and not too expensive source?
Or just go for the cheapest on eBay?

Sarge

Don't know why but it reminds me of a Shergold, lovely stuff. 

SteveRobinson

KingSub said:

I need to source black screws for the bridge and pickups (why sell a black bridge with silver screws?!).
What's a good and not too expensive source?
Or just go for the cheapest on eBay?

Don't buy cheap screws, they can easily shear as you screw them in. A reputable supplier such as allparts or wd music is best.

KingSub

Cheers, will have a look at those.

It's my first proper build from scratch, as opposed to kits, so still working out where is best for bits n pieces.

Danielsguitars

I really like the look of it, nice build

lysander

Excellent stuff ! I love these compact shapes too, looks great.
What are are these pickups like, are they active ?
I agree about avoiding cheap screws, removing a sheared screw is no fun, having had to do it for a once for a tuner, it’s not worth it.

KingSub

Yup active EMGs. They seem to get decent reviews, but we'll see.

Couple more bits done this evening after work....
Routed out an area for a recessed neck plate. Not as neat as I'd like, needs a bit of tidying up.
Also drilled the hole for the jack socket.

Been over the whole body with 600 paper, and debating whether to go up to 1200 before oiling/waxing.

Oh yeah, and sanded off the headstock of the OLP neck. Some nice grain under there...

entee

Flipping heck, that looks excellent - nice original design.

lysander

Where will you be putting the battery ?