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Thread: PJSprog Build #1 - KH-1

  1. #1
    Member PJSprog's Avatar
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    PJSprog Build #1 - KH-1

    I've wanted a Klein guitar since I first saw an ad for one back in the early '90s. Oddly shaped as it is, it's oddity somehow appealed to me, as did the ergonomic design. Of course, like most, the price of these guitars kept me from ever having the opportunity to even play one, much less own one. And the used prices these days? Crazy!

    So, one day awhile back I stumbled upon the Pit Bull Guitars website while searching for guitar kits. Lo and behold, they have a kit for the Kleins! Awesome. I mulled the idea for quite awhile, and when I finally came back to give it serious consideration, they were gone. I sent a message to them inquiring about the kits, and Adam replied that they had some issues with a recent shipment of these kits, and had pulled them. They sorted the troubled ones, and still had several in stock. He told me there were potential issues with the neck alignment and locking system setup, but would sell me if I was willing to deal with it. I agreed, and he shipped me one on 05 December. It sat in Customs in Chicago for a couple of days while they determined it wasn't any manner of contraband, and it finally arrived here yesterday. Not bad at all.

    When I got home from work, I opened the carton to check the contents. Everything seemed pretty well packed.
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    Looks like everything I'll need to build a functioning guitar.
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    Stock pickups, which I'll use and see if I like them. If not, pickups are easy enough to change.
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    The bridge is the Chinese knock-off of the Steinberger system. I've read a lot of bad reviews of these in various places, but none by people who've actually used one. Again, I'll use it and see how well it works.
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    Looks like there's a five picture limit per post, so continued in the next ...
    What Did You Play Today? ~PJS~

    Build #1) KH-1 - November 2019 GOTM

  2. #2
    Member PJSprog's Avatar
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    The body is in good shape right out of the box. No serious repairs should be necessary. The one thing it doesn't have is the relief shaping for belly and arm. Doesn't look like that'll be too much trouble with basswood.
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    I fit the body and neck together, and it's a very tight fit. From just eyeballing it, the neck alignment doesn't look awful either.
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    I'm planning to build this as it came, from all stock parts. If something becomes untenable, I'll address that as I go. I already know I'll probably have to make some adjustments with the headless nut.

    I may or may not get started on it this weekend.

    Really, really looking forward to finally getting to play one of these.
    What Did You Play Today? ~PJS~

    Build #1) KH-1 - November 2019 GOTM

  3. #3
    GAStronomist FrankenWashie's Avatar
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    Nice detail PJS, look forward to seeing how it all goes. What are your plans for colour scheme? Or are you going to leave us in suspense?
    FrankenLab
    Hand crafting guitars, because Death Rays are expensive.


  4. #4
    Mentor DarkMark's Avatar
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    I’m curious about these guitars. I’ll be following your diary with interest.

  5. #5
    Member PJSprog's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by FrankenWashie View Post
    Nice detail PJS, look forward to seeing how it all goes. What are your plans for colour scheme? Or are you going to leave us in suspense?
    Nah, no suspense. I'm thinking of something in the medium to dark gray range for the body.

    Not sure yet about the neck. I'm considering maybe staining it, then an oil finish.
    What Did You Play Today? ~PJS~

    Build #1) KH-1 - November 2019 GOTM

  6. #6
    Overlord of Music dave.king1's Avatar
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    They do look rather similar to the Ovation Deacon / Breadwinner except for the headstock & tuning system

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Never been attracted to this type of guitar but this thread will be one to watch

  7. Liked by: PJSprog

  8. #7
    Mentor Andyxlh's Avatar
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    Nice report on the supplied parts. Not sure if it's the sort of guitar I'd play, but it certainly is interesting to look at! Whenever I play a headless instrument I start a tone sharp...

  9. #8
    Overlord of Music Fretworn's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by dave.king1 View Post
    They do look rather similar to the Ovation Deacon / Breadwinner except for the headstock & tuning system

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Never been attracted to this type of guitar but this thread will be one to watch
    I think I read somewhere that the improved ergonomics of the Ovation guitars lead to the development of the Klein. That might be a furphy though.
    Current:
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    First Act ME276 (resurrected curb-side find)
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    JBA-4
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    Scratch Lapsteel
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    Wishing:
    Baritone
    Open D/Standard Double 6 twin neck

  10. #9
    Overlord of Music Andy40's Avatar
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    That bridge does look the business. I'm sure it'll be fine
    Build #1 - ST-1 - Completed
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    Build #4 - SGD-612 - Completed
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  11. #10
    Such a weirdly shaped guitar, but I kinda dig it
    #001 (LP-1S) [finished - co-runner up Nov 2018 GOTM]
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