I'm making guitar number 7 - Finished!

PeteC · August 2023

Good progress -
shaping up very well !

richman6100 · August 2023

Following this with real interest @axisus, looks like a great project. Love build threads and I'm in awe of you guys who can build guitars from scratch. Keep the photos coming. :-)

SteveF · August 2023

Looks good. Can't wait to see this one.

I'm interested in how you did the truss access. I'm going to have to drill a hole once I have done the transition and hope I do it in the right place but your way looks much more reliable.

DiscoStu · August 2023

axisus said:

Fuck yeah!

axisus · August 2023

SteveF said:

Looks good. Can't wait to see this one.

I'm interested in how you did the truss access. I'm going to have to drill a hole once I have done the transition and hope I do it in the right place but your way looks much more reliable.

Once I have taken the headstock down to the right depth I just rout the truss rod channel all the way out. This means that I can check the rod is in the right place before glueing the fretboard on.

axisus · August 2023

Weekend efforts

Router plus template to sort the body shape

First practice at f-hole - complete fail (using my dads scroll saw)

Second go much better (drilled holes, used dremel then sandpaper and files)

axisus · August 2023

Made a P90 template

A quick shot of my messy indoor space, not a great work area!

A quick mock-up in my luxurious outdoor space

A bit of night time body chambering - first steps.

Neilybob · August 2023

wow this looks amazing!

SteveF · August 2023

Great progress

this is going to be so cool

axisus · August 2023

A day off work so I got some more sorted.

Tidied up the chambers. I just did it freehand as none of it will show for the final guitar

Glued the fretbpard on to the neck

axisus · August 2023

Routed the pickup holes, then measuring for trem placement.

Taking out the wood for the trem with a forstner bit

Tidied up on the front

and also sorted on the back

The top feels a tad weak around the f hole, so I'm going to add a strengthening bit. This is a rough attempt, but as it won't be seen I may just use this for the final thing.

hollywoodrox · August 2023

Mate you’re really clever it’s going to look amazing

WezV · August 2023

The routing looks very tidy, especially consdering it was done free hand... but I would consider adding a block back where the strap button goes.

It might not need it, but better safe than sorry

axisus · August 2023

WezV said:

The routing looks very tidy, especially consdering it was done free hand... but I would consider adding a block back where the strap button goes.

It might not need it, but better safe than sorry

I meant to leave that bit in, but I was routing and went straight through without thinking! You are right I should add a bit back in, good call, thanks.

Also - not everything was freehand routing, just the pockets to lighten the body. The 'neat' bits had templates!

BigMonka · September 2023

The guitar's looking great!
But I also want to know about the Beetle under the tarp!

axisus · September 2023

BigMonka said:

The guitar's looking great!
But I also want to know about the Beetle under the tarp!

Ahh yes, oldest son who no longer lives with us told me a few years ago that he'd bought a Beetle and he needed to keep it at our house! It's an old pain in the ass rust bucket, but he loves it and is over most Saturdays doing something to it. Major operations as well, not just fannying around. The engine is currently in pieces in our garage.