Sonics 5th build - The Ultracaster (with special sneak peak)

[Simon Barden]

Nice.

The D&G string tree normally gets installed level with the A tuner. But if it's pulling the strings down too much in that position, you could try adding a spacer so it sits a bit higher, rather than add another hole in the headstock. If you've got nothing suitable to hand, you can drill out a ball end from an old string so that the screw will fit through, and use that as a spacer.

[Sonic Mountain]

Yep you're right. It was really just a brain fart, I have no idea what I was thinking. It seems ok, but I willl fix it up eventually.

[dave.king1]

Nice.

The D&G string tree normally gets installed level with the A tuner. But if it's pulling the strings down too much in that psoition, you could try adding a spacer so it sits a bit higher, rather than add another hole in the headstock. If you've got nothing suitable to hand, you can drill out a ball end from an old string so that the screw will fit through, and use that as a spacer.

Great tip right there

[wazkelly]

Cool old last century stickers Sonic. Haven't seen any like those since about 1970's.

[Sonic Mountain]

Both companies are still going although these are reproductions of older logos (not the greatest rego if you look).

I picked these ones up at a VW show recently. I also have a stack of this kind of artwork on file. One day I'll get around to having a big batch done up...I like stickers.

[phrozin]

i quite like the no pick guard Sonic

[Sonic Mountain]

Back from the grave with this one. I quite liked this build, it sounded great and was reasonable to play with one exception.

Early on in the build I noted this:



In trimming the fret ends the factory took way too much of the edge of the fretboard. This resulted in the high E sliding off the fret board constantly, which was super annoying. I tried compensating with nut postion, but was never really satisfied. I also finished it in Rustoleum, which I don't really like, especially since discovering the joy of satin poly on necks.

Anyway, this guitar has been cannibalised for parts on the Deluxester and a few other jobs so it was kind of sad and hanging on the shed wall. Given I'm mostly watching paint dry at the moment I decided to embark on a resurrection. Helped along quite a bit by Woltz offering up some tele bits on the forum earlier.

I have nearly everything to put it back together, I just ordered a prewired plate and tuners from Wish..I think $13 and $12 respectively, so it's going to be a cheap and cheerful rebuild.

So neck off



Frets out



This was gross as well, I figured If I gave it a re-radius it might clean up a bit and also clean up the un-needed chamfer at the top of the board.



It's a little hard to see, but you can make out just how sketchy the original radius on the board was by where the finish has remained while sanding. Lots of low points and wobbles.





Didn't seem to affect playability, but I'm sure it'll be nicer now its properly straight.

Unfortunately this bit of bird poo seems pretty deep. Considering doing an inlay or something there to get rid of it... not sure how enthusiastic I feel...



Also has this bit of untidiness where part of the fret board has been eaten when they've tidied up the heel.. then I've made it worse sanding.

I'm considering radiusing off the corners to tidy it up.



Probably need to order some more fret wire I suppose.

[king casey]

Didn't seem to affect playability, but I'm sure it'll be nicer now its properly straight.

Having done a few radii now, it did occur to me to think why it played so much better.
The process levels the fretboard and evens out the radius.

cheers, Mark.

[Sonic Mountain]

I even briefly considered doing a 7.5, but I know I have a preference for flatter boards so elected to leave it at 12.

Certainly was interesting to see what the factory gets away with!

[king casey]

I even briefly considered doing a 7.5, but I know I have a preference for flatter boards so elected to leave it at 12.

Yes it's all down to personal preference.
I had never played a 7.25 radius before, so it was partly curiosity.
...and kicked off an obsession to address all the other guitars.

cheers, Mark.