Guitar project suggestions

[Doctor Jeff]

I am planning to build an electric guitar sometime in the near future and would like some suggestions for design elements. I would like a versatile guitar that works well for jazz. As this is more or less a prototype, I do want to keep the design simple and the costs down.

My original thought was a Tele-style semi-hollow like the 72 Thinline:



However, Randy's post on the Carvin SH550 got me thinking of a more LP shape.

Anyway, right now I am thinking of a Tele neck, a maple body. a humbucker p/u for the neck position and a piezo pickup for the bridge (LR Baggs T-Bridge), potentially blended through a Ctl-X. I think this would give a lot of versatility and different sound possibilities to the guitar.

Any thoughts?

[fep]

I'm intrigued by that Carvin SH575.

What intrigues me is that it has, humbuckers that can split to single coil with a switch, it has a piezo for acoutic sounds, and it has a midi pu for synthesizer.

You said you wanted it to be versitile.

A tele with humbuckers?, that's just not right.

[Doctor Jeff]

Originally Posted by fep

A tele with humbuckers?, that's just not right.

If it was good enough for Ed Bickert, it would be good enough for me.



I think the humbucker would give a fatter tone--maybe could get a switchable SD Triple Shot mounting ring ($30)?

[abracadabra]

My two cents are: If it's your first build, keep it as simple as possible. I think going semi-hollow for a first project is asking for a lot of headaches.

Also, along the lines of keeping it simple, pick a guitar shape for which there are already loads of plans, designs, and tutorials readily available. I would have thought an LP shape would be too tough as it (normally) has an arch top and an angled neck, both of which would be tough to deal with at first.

I'd say go for the tele, but solid. It's a flat, basic, guitar with (as far as I recall), a straight neck like a strat, and it's pretty much the simplest design out there.

But by all means stuff it with humbuckers! It's your guitar so don't listen to anyone else. Put three in there if you want!

[randyc]

A reasonably competent woodworker who didn't mind spending a little jigsaw time making patterns could produce a fair imitation of the CNC routed Carvin 550/575. Apologies for the poor sketch but I think it's OK if you follow along with the explanation -



Some upfront planning needs to be done to make sure the patterns are applied in the correct order and that all cutouts have been accounted for. (By the way, this is the way that I use a router to make custom pickguards, using 1/4 inch plywood patterns. Ditto for routing pickup cutouts in guitar bodies before I made a machine to do it.)

A hand held router with either a collar or flush-trim bit can be used. If a collar is used, you must adjust the pattern dimensions to accomodate the collar offset.

First secure the pattern to the body blank (which should still be rectangular at this point - the pattern can be screwed to the waste corners of the body). Start out by routing the neck pocket and the "islands" for the pickups.

Then route the remaining cuts for the pickup "islands". Finally, installing the last pattern, route the cutout shape. Only the outline shape is controlled by the pattern, the internal waste sections must be removed freehand, being careful not to damage any of the internal shapes previously routed. (Of course, one could always make a pattern for the internal shape too - it all depends on how much time one is willing to expend making patterns.)

Route the guitar top for neck cutout and pickup cutouts, using the appropriate patterns. Glue and clamp top to body and allow to cure. Cut out complete guitar body shape for assembled top/body. Sand curves carefully and then route the step for binding (if used) or corner-round. Finish as desired.

Also, regarding the pickup, one could do worse than a Charlie Christian for both sound and unique appearance

[fep]

Originally Posted by Doctor Jeff

If it was good enough for Ed Bickert, it would be good enough for me.



I think the humbucker would give a fatter tone--maybe could get a switchable SD Triple Shot mounting ring ($30)?

Well I guess I learn something just about every day. I always thought he was a single coil guy

Here he's playing single coil, and a great jazz tone I might add:

YouTube Video

[TAHOEAGLE]

It doesn't get simpler, cheaper, or funkier than an a well built electric cigar box guitar that rocks. They're fun to build. Less detailed, not as complicated as a two pickup solid body guitar. The most expensive part is a good neck. No kits, no plans, just your imagination. They play like a dream when setup right.

[JimBobWay]

Originally Posted by TAHOEAGLE

No kits, no plans, just your imagination.

That's what the marketing folks would call a 'differentiator' - and I'm guessing it sounds as unique as it looks! I play bass as well as guitar, but sold my old P & rig years ago. Recently I had a chance to jam with some incredible players who needed an upright bass, so I bought one of these and put it together. Bogdon Music It was a huge hit, and not just for the novelty. It sounds great! Sometimes simple is the best approach I guess?

[NSJ]

Originally Posted by Doctor Jeff

If it was good enough for Ed Bickert, it would be good enough for me.



I think the humbucker would give a fatter tone--maybe could get a switchable SD Triple Shot mounting ring ($30)?

Don't discount the handmade Jason Lollar Charlie Christian pickups for Tele--they are really really sweet. a beautiful, clear, warm tone but not TOO dark. Do a search on youtube with Tim Lerch demoing them. They are WORTH IT! $165 for the neck pickup.

[Doctor Jeff]

Thanks for the suggestions.

My other hobby is woodworking, so I don't forsee too much trouble with routing or shaping the body. (I think I'll get the neck premade, though.) In addition to the piezo-equipped teles I have been checking out the Parker Fly, which uses a Fishman piezo Powerbridge pickup along with humbuckers. The acoustic sound on those is really impressive.

Also the Reverend Club King with an LR Baggs T-bridge p/u:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYxsn_z9WAU

For the body I am leaning toward a tele shape but chambered like the Thincaster or Reverend. Will probably use maple or mahogany, depending on what I can get ahold of here for the best price, maybe with a spruce top?

If Uncle Sam gives me a nice refund, I'll be on my way!

[abracadabra]

Originally Posted by Doctor Jeff

I think I'll get the neck premade, though.

Maybe for now, but seeing as it's a bolt-on, you could always go back and make your own later!