Andy40's SGD-612

[Andy40]

Well, I took the plunge. As I'm nearing completion on the ol' LP-1SS its time to have a new build on the go. Despite the vote, I considered I needed another build under my belt before I tackle a semi-hollow body. This one, I think is going to test my wiring skills.

My plan is to try and keep it as PBG stock as possible with a few tweaks.

A big special thanks to Tonyw, Wokka and Adam who have not only answered all my nagging PM's but have gone out of their way to supply me with advice and parts for this build I could not get hold of easily.

When I decided on this build I searched the forums and tagged all previous build threads to get an idea for what I am in for. With the exception of wokks, there's not a lot of info so I'm going to try and do my best at a comprehensive diary for those who may consider this one in the future.

Links to previous SGD-612 builds
Wokkas SGD-612 double neck SG - http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au...ead.php?t=1992

steve.timmons238 build - http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au...ead.php?t=3972

Rhays SGD-612 (EDS 1275) - http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au...ead.php?t=2069

Tim's SG twin neck - http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au...ead.php?t=2105

[tonyw]

Good on you Andy for giving it crack, hope it turns out as planned.

[wokkaboy]

well done Andy you will enjoy this build and it will take longer to build with the twin necks and huge body so longer time till you need another kit so missus should be happy about that !
I'll be watching this diary closely so ask any questions you have think I can remember most of my 612 build.
Good luck and take your time

what are the stain/paint plans ?

[FrankenWashie]

I feel that this may become an epic build. I watch on with great interest!

[Andy40]

Wokks, the general plans are as follows:-

- All electrics will/should be PBG standard [but I may modify the wiring a bit to vintage cloth (as I have heaps) and change the pots to Gotohs as they are relatively inexpensive and they are my preferred pot].
- I'm replacing the kit humbuckers (which are not covered) with PBG chrome humbuckers and I'm replacing the PBG ceramic magnets with Alnico 5's and will be wax potting them. [if it stuf it I'll jsut put the kit humbuckers back in
- I'm not going to replace the plastic nut [unless I carve one myself out of bone - presently I have not tools for the job]
-PBG tuners, necks, inlays, pickguards will be PBG standard
- I'm going to try a burst for the colour (haven't decided the colour yet) - [I'f I stuff it, I'll just paint it a solid colour.]
- the finish will be glossy, either tru oil or acrylic

I wanted the kit as a learning process and I wanted the guitar as a muck around beast of an axe

[Andy40]

First Mock Build

Right out of the box I can say you get a lot of guitar for your money. I think its one of the more expensive kits, but when you unpack it you appreciate how much you get with it. double the necks, double the pups, triple the tuners and quadruple the wiring!


Before buying this kit, I checked out a few from other suppliers and reviews of those double necks. One of the big plusses of the PBG kit is that the body is Basswood and the necks are maple. Each of the parts are fairly light but when you put them together with the 18 tuners on the headstocks the guitar becomes heavy very quickly. I could not imagine building and playing a mahogany version of this kit, unless I was actively seeking back and neck problems.



The necks fit snuggly, in fact the 6 string neck fits without holding it! the 12 string, not so much with tuners on the headstock.

The kit came with two different types of washers for the tuners. The 12's were flat washers but the 6's were indented. (weird) I just grabbed 6 disused flat washers from my ST-1 build and now they match.

The pickguards were actually black white black 3 ply, not just black which is a m a s s i v e bonus!

The body shape is almost faultless, but sanding is required

[Andy40]

Now for some of the challenges:-

The bridge pup routs need to be widened to fit the PBG humbuckers.


The side pickguard is bevelled but the centre pickguard is not. I'll need to work out how to bevel it.



The centre pickguard does not completely cover the top switch rout. I'll have to use an off cut to cover.

[Andy40]

The jack hole is a bit munted, but the cover will hide.


The 6 string nut is positioned ok but the 12 string nut is wonky.



Both necks have a slight back bow which I will align later.

Rock on.

[gavinturner]

The kit looks great Andy. A few challenge but nothing you can't handle. Will be watching your build with keen interest!

Cheers,
Gav.

[wazkelly]

Good on ya mate. If I build another PBG kit this is it. Definitely worth it as you said you get 2 guitars for the price of one, albeit a quite expensive one.
Small challenge with the centre switch cover and maybe Pabs can make something for you that might fit. The wiring will be a massive challenge and best to keep things simple. If it were me I'd go with one vol & one tone for each neck and corresponding PUP's otherwise there will be plenty of spaghetti inside those switch cavities.

Good luck and I will be watching and encouraging you on with keen interest.