Hi Guys!
Thought I'd share my first build, I'm attempting to make the body from a block of wood, the neck I'll be using is a lovely bird's-eye maple one I picked up at the Birmingham Guitar show a year or so ago.
I picked up a lovely chunk of heartwood Spalted Beech and below is the current status of the build including some of the working pictures (I made this for a post on social media). I've purposely left some of the bark on the back and some of the rough edges showing for that raw look, the neck pocket is the only part currently routed out.
https://s16.postimg.org/czm8vhyxx/IMG_20161130_200129.jpgThe plan is to have one P90 and an adjustable bridge (because I'm sure I won't set it in the right place first time) with Les Paul Jr esc controls.
I know beech isn't a traditional tone wood but the grain is beautiful and it's my first build so I'm hoping it will sound nice once complete.
Does anyone have any advice for me going forward as it my first build?
I'm thinking a wax/oil finish, I just want it very slightly darker so thoughts on this would also be welcome?
Thoughts on Beech? Similar to maple in tone?
The hunt is on for hardware so if any of you lovely people have a good quality P90 (I'd love a scatter/hand wound) or some Gibson esc hardware laying around then let me know how much you want for it!
If there's any interest (or probably even if there's not) I'll post again after I've done some more work. And sanding, lots of sanding.
Here's a couple of better pics.
https://s16.postimg.org/ag7in98ut/IMG_20161130_185422.jpgRaw Wood:
https://s15.postimg.org/7sm5jn40r/IMG_20161127_233657.jpgBack:
https://s12.postimg.org/qrikc4dyl/IMG_20161130_185737.jpg
Comments
i won't say too much tonally, i have only ever used it for tops... but i don't think its as resonant as maple. it will depend on the piece. Its hard to predict though, as a piece like this clearly has very erratic grain. i wouldn't worry about it
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For the bark I'm going to water down some pva and get it into all the hard to reach areas, it's actually on pretty solidly though as it stands.
My main concern is the bridge at the moment, I want to get a good action but with a bit of movement as it's my first build so I'm undecided on the type to go for.
Dan
Nice piece of wood
If I put some upgraded brass sadles on it I'd guess it would be a pretty good bridge? Or is it worth spending a bit more on maybe a squire or fully adjustable one? By that I mean with 6 adjusters rather than 3.
Thanks!
There's a lot talked and written about 3 or 6 saddles, and what they should be made of. Personally I'd get a modern 6 saddle steel bridge.
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Im hoping to not use a pick guard if possible but if I do it will likely be a cut 6 inch vynl.
I think I'll go with the bridge I have currently and maybe change the saddles later down the line.
Thanks for your input guys!
It's nearly midnight and I'm sanding, haha.
Dan
Dan