Gav's Super-Strat Build (Thank's Andy!)

[gavinturner]

hi guys,

Well, I finally managed to clean out a spot in the shed to create a new workspace, I bought a few replacement tools (especially an electric drill) and I'm now in a position to actually start building again! I've been itching to get going on the kit that Andy sent me and today I managed to get a simple mock build together, test the neck for straightness and bolt the bugger on. This last part was especially easy with my new drill - I can't believe I've never tightened neck screws with an electric drill before!

Anyway she's looking pretty sweet. I'm going to leave her a bare-knuckle build with no rings around the pickups and just all bare wood. The grain on this body is really nice, even though I can't work out what the wood type is. It doesn't look like basswood to me, but maybe it is. Maybe alder? Any ideas Andy?

For a finish I'm planning a trans-black dye job to bring out the grain. I was also thinking it might be cool to add some "natural wood" hot-rod flames (you all know how much I love hot-rod flames right? :P). The idea is to mask the flames off with frisket while I'm staining in the hope that they will stay nice and clean and the rest of the body blackens.

Kinda sounds like I nice look I think, but I have to get the flames right. I did a bit of freehand sketching today to see what it could look like, but I don't like the results. I think the flames definitely need to stay more towards the bottom of the body. It needs to be much less surface area. I'll have another go tomorrow. What do you guys think?

cheers,
Gav.

[Andy40]

Phoar! nice plans Gav. Great to see you coming up with some great ideas. I was told it was a "ST special Kit" consisting of an Ash body Rosewood FB with Gold hardware. Loving the bare-knuckle build idea.

[wazkelly]

Love the naked hardware look. Glad to know it's Ash as I couldn't pick it from those shots.

[koldo2552]

Interesting idea! Black with natural flames... lets see what happens.

[dave.king1]

Have a look at a James Burton Tele for inspiration with the flames

[gavinturner]

Have a look at a James Burton Tele for inspiration with the flames

Hmm not bad Dave! Maybe a few more flames than I had in my minds eye. I was thinking along the lines of a Thinline Tele I built a year or so ago:




But with the strat, a few less flames even.

cheers,
Gav.

[Hobastard]

Just try pulling the Template down a little bit, I reckon it's pretty close to Spot On.....

[gavinturner]

Just try pulling the Template down a little bit, I reckon it's pretty close to Spot On.....

You might be right Hobastard! I'll give it a try tomorrow.

cheers,
Gav.

[Fretworn]

Aren't you tempting fate with those flames Gav. Or is it a single finger salute to the electricity gremlins?

[wokkaboy]

kit looks great Gav. Glad you are back to building axes, must feel good !

plans for the build sound great, can't wait to see how it turns out !