Gavmeisters Beatle Baritone

[Gavin1393]

Really grateful to get this lovely flamed Maple guitar, it's a Beatle Baritone.

Here are the first pictures...
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/a8m88-Photo3.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/84y2o-Photo2.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/rkhho-Photo1-1.jpg

[lawry]

Hey Gav,
This is going to be a build I will watch with interest.
Not many baritone guitars around at the best of times but to see one emerge will be fantastic.
Love the headstock shape and the grain is sweet.

[Bass Guy]

Alrighty then! Looking forward to seeing how this one turns out...

[Gavin1393]

Update on the headstock!
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/1pdt0-Baritone.gif

[keloooe]

Nice one Gav, what tuners are you using?

[wokkaboy]

sounds awesome Gav, so your just getting some bushes to fit guitar sized tuners in the large holes in the headstock ? Hope your doing the lovely flame cap in conch girl ?

[Gavin1393]

Pest, I have some mini bass tuners and some mini guitar tuners to choose from. I have also obtained some ferrules/bushes to ensure a tight fit!
Wokka, DB was completely out of Conch Girl. Something about limo's finding out about the colour being popular amongst the ladies. Have had to opt for saffron......

[stan]

wow, this is going to be really cool

[Gavin1393]

Ok, so the beatle baritone is starting to take shape.....given it the second coat of paint, a mix of red and red mahogany(my own blend). The top is saffron from Wudtone.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/99z86-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/816r1-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/dw90r-image.jpg

[Gavin1393]

Just realised i did no justice to the back of the baritone, so here is a shot of the back!
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/9oge7-image.jpg

[wokkaboy]

Wow looks stunning Gav. That flame top is wicked. Still think conch girl would have looked better

[Andyport]

Wow Gav, beautiful colours.
This is looking absolutely superb.

[adam]

Hey Gav, is this an HB-4 you're converting to a Baritone guitar?

[WeirdBits]

That Saffron top is looking choice. I suspect this project is going to attract a lot of interst, still a 30" scale?

[Gavin1393]

Hi Ad's ! It is indeed a HB-4, or as I have renamed it, an HBB-4 and Scott I have kept it at 30" scale. Will put 13's to 70's on it when the time comes to string it up.

[keloooe]

That looks sexy with the colours there Gav!

[Analyst69]

I love what you are doing with this conversion.

Been interested in Baritone Guitars for a while and the HB4 with its 30 inch scale is obviously a great donor guitar.

Is this one of those ideas that comes in the middle of the night (or middle of a beer?).

Look forward to seeing this progress.

Cheers

Darren

[Gavin1393]

Hey Daz, sitting in the naughty corner certainly gives one time to think! But this one was always in the plan. The neck at its narrowest point (the nut) is 43mm exactly the same as an electric and the tuner holes are also easily adapted! Seemed like a good idea!

[lawry]

I'm intrigued by this a lot, Gav. In fact, I'm seriously considering it as my next build (which won't be until the wet season is over in Mackay - verrry humid here). Please include info on where you get the awkward stuff too (nut, bridge, tailpiece etc.). But especially the strings. Where the hell do you get them?

[Gavin1393]

My local music store has them in stock. I will likely change the lowest tone string to a 70! The HB has a nlock of wood supporting the curved sound board but nothing that would support the bridge so i have made a curved block to fit flush against the block and which i shall use to fasten the bridge saddle. I will still be using the trapeze to support the string tension and i will be checking as to whether or not I need to extend the bridge saddle block to the back of the guitar. I'm hoping the block used already will suffice.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/3w84g-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/d67b2-image.jpg

[maxaxe]

I reckon this is a seriously ingenious conversion.
I would be all at sea tackling one like this (Let alone trying to play the thing)
Looking slick already, so it ought to be a stunner when it's complete.

BTW: I have a secret project lurking under the bed which will sorta be this baritone's baby brother
(one fine day) Please keep this under your hat.

[Analyst69]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Gavin1393 on December 7, 2013, 14:11
Hey Daz, sitting in the naughty corner certainly gives one time to think! But this one was always in the plan. The neck at its narrowest point (the nut) is 43mm exactly the same as an electric and the tuner holes are also easily adapted! Seemed like a good idea!

Sooo...The Naughty corner isn't necessarily a punishment then, rather an opportunity to become inspired...so that's why I've seen people apparently on purpose saying the bad words :)

I have a HB4 on the way...but its my first Bass build so I will keep it that way but maybe one day I'd be tempted to do something like this. I suspect you may inspire a number of people to give something like this a go.

Brilliant work and I love the detail you are putting into the build diary (things like the block for the bridge are nice to know about).

Can't wait to see and hear this one when its done.

Cheers

Darren

[Gavin1393]

Made some adjustments to the pickup chambers so that I can fit some active EMG's....
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/1gi8v-image.jpg

[lawry]

They're interesting clamps you're using there Gav. I've never seen them before. Are they readily available?

[WeirdBits]

Lawry, if Gav has them then StewMac has them (http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Clamps,_support_tools/Cam_Clamps.html), or should that be the other way around...

[lawry]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from WeirdBits on December 14, 2013, 08:52
Lawry, if Gav has them then StewMac has them (http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Clamps,_support_tools/Cam_Clamps.html), or should that be the other way around...

LOL. yeah, which came first , the StewMac or the Gav?

[Gavin1393]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from lawry on December 14, 2013, 10:02

/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from WeirdBits on December 14, 2013, 08:52
Lawry, if Gav has them then StewMac has them (http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Clamps,_support_tools/Cam_Clamps.html), or should that be the other way around...

LOL. yeah, which came first , the StewMac or the Gav?

Ahem,,,,!!! ...and that's exactly how the obsolete discussion regarding the chicken and the egg originated!

Yep! These clamps are handy, not too much pressure but they can go places few other clamps can!

[Brendan]

I think Gav is the reason Stew Mac are still in business...then again he might be a shareholder in the company and just trying to boost his own profits.

[Gavin1393]

Did 5 full neck treatments yesterday. The baritone was one of them!
Frets all levelled, re crowned, polished and dr Ducks on the fretboard, although this pic was taken before!
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/52si6-image.jpg

[Gavin1393]

So now to put together some pickup surrounds...
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/26gq5-Photo.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/03066-Photo-1.jpg

[Gavin1393]

... and a control panel....designed from scratch!
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/3829r-Photo-3.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/z4yp2-Photo-4.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/9s7ka-Photo-5.jpg

[Gavin1393]

...and to then fill it with a three way switch, two tones and two volume controls!
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/wg13d-Photo-6.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/3217i-Photo-7.jpg

[lawry]

Hey Gav.
They're swanko looking pots. Are you putting in an active system with quick-connects or are they standard with a particular brand? It's looking really swish.

[Andyport]

I absolutely love your attention to detail Gav...think you may be even more pedantic than me!!
Been watching this one progress, and I must say, it is looking gorgeous.

[Gavin1393]

Hey Lawry, active system going in with this one...almost no soldering to speak of. EMG 81's and EMG 85's!

[lawry]

Cool. I have a strong leaning to EMGs. I have HZs in two of my basses and 81/85s in a Strat copy and an SG copy. They're pretty hot and they sound great. I don't have the swanko pots though because I scored just the pickups on an ebay win and made my own pre.

[Gavin1393]

The swanko Pots are really only the supplied EMG's with some knobs stolen from my supply of knobs destined for effects pedals!

Connecting up the active EMG pickups!

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/n4x81-Photo-8.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/e61hx-Photo-9.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/hu7az-Photo-11.jpg

[Gavin1393]

All of this has to go into the body through that little rectangular hole!
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/4ki37-Photo-12.jpg

[Gavin1393]

Nearly there!

Bridge, trapeze, Machine heads and strings to come.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/49rtv-Photo-13.jpg

[lawry]

This is a brilliant idea of a guitar Gav. You're gonna have to post a video when she's done.

[Brendan]

Looking great Gav! Excited about this one!

[Gavin1393]

Time to put the saddle in place.

First up to take the finish off the body....using 80 grit and Titebond. Need a good adhesion.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/935d4-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/mk2yg-image.jpg

[Gavin1393]

Not far to go now, the trapeze can be put on tomorrow if i get the time, then to make the nut and put on the Baritone strings!

[Fretworn]

So you are gluing the bridge down? I thought it might have been kept as a floating bridge..

[Gavin1393]

I did think about keeping it as a floating bridge, but my acoustic habits took over and demanded I glue it down to ensure the sucker doesn't move about. I used Titebond which can be reheated and the bridge converted back if I ever change my mind! (Also this bridge is fitted with adjustable saddles which mean't I could take more of a risk and glue it down!) :)

[wokkaboy]

looking good Gav, love your mods and the no soldering of the EMG system. Can't wait to hear a sound demo, what gauge strings are going on this baby ? Pretty disappointed you haven't pumped out any conch girl builds lately !

[Gavin1393]

DB refuses to supply me with any more Conch Girl...I think it could be because I keep painting his front door with it.
I have Elixir Baritone's 12-68 going on this baby! Shortened and shaped the Trapeze Bracket this morning, but then felt I was rushing things, so I stopped and put it all away until later. Nut to shape and then to give her a test run.
A standard guitar's standard tuning (from lowest string to highest) is E A D G B E as you will all know. Baritone guitars are usually tuned a perfect fifth lower (A D G C E A), a perfect fourth lower (B E A D F? B), or a major third lower (C F B? E? G C). Standard scale length is 24.75 to 25.4 inches and the Beatle Baritone (hehe) is 30.1 inches...I'm thinking I should be tuning to the major third? (C F B? E? G C) Any qualified thoughts out there?

[wokkaboy]

I know nothing about baritone guitars Gav, DB built one so maybe chat with him on his scale length. Presuming the longer the scale length the deeper the tone of the strings. Just have to see what string tensions/tunings work after it's complete and ready to play !

[Gavin1393]

I'm not sure my logic works but I figured in the extra 4.7 inches there would be another three frets....hence a third down?

[Gavin1393]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on January 7, 2014, 12:20
I know nothing about baritone guitars Gav, DB built one so maybe chat with him on his scale length. Presuming the longer the scale length the deeper the tone of the strings. Just have to see what string tensions/tunings work after it's complete and ready to play !

Funny story, but DB only gets to see / not touch his Baritone when he visits Ad's!!!

[wokkaboy]

sounds fair logic to me Gav but thats a wild guess. So another DB build gone to to home of the tele napper. Last time I saw DB he was holding onto his latest scratch builds for a change !

[Gavin1393]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on January 7, 2014, 14:23
sounds fair logic to me Gav but thats a wild guess. So another DB build gone to to home of the tele napper. Last time I saw DB he was holding onto his latest scratch builds for a change !

Maybe that's why you don't see too much of his scratch builds on the forum anymore.....?? :)

[wokkaboy]

you have a good point Gav !

[Gavin1393]

Some dowel shaped to 14mm because no-one seems to supply it locally in anything other than 12 or 16mm
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/1jek2-image.jpg

[wokkaboy]

whats the 14mm dowel for Gav ? Looks like you did a good job resizing them they look circular still !

[Fretworn]

Quote from Gavin1393 on January 7, 2014, 12:11
A standard guitar's standard tuning (from lowest string to highest) is E A D G B E as you will all know. Baritone guitars are usually tuned a perfect fifth lower (A D G C E A), a perfect fourth lower (B E A D F? B), or a major third lower (C F B? E? G C). Standard scale length is 24.75 to 25.4 inches and the Beatle Baritone (hehe) is 30.1 inches...I'm thinking I should be tuning to the major third? (C F B? E? G C) Any qualified thoughts out there?

I'd probably try for a perfect 4th down and see how that sounds, but if the string tension is too sloppy tune it up.

[WeirdBits]

Quote from wokkaboy on January 8, 2014, 09:33
whats the 14mm dowel for Gav ? [...]

I'm guessing he has four slightly fat bass tuner holes he needs to plug and re-drill smaller to match the two new ones, maybe?

[Gavin1393]

Bridge and trapeze now in place. Supported by strap holder.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/63nny-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/jrt9z-image.jpg

[Gavin1393]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from WeirdBits on January 8, 2014, 10:18

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on January 8, 2014, 09:33
whats the 14mm dowel for Gav ? [...]

I'm guessing he has four slightly fat bass tuner holes he needs to plug and re-drill smaller to match the two new ones, maybe?



...and because I couldn't get ferrules to insert into the oversized Bass Tuner holes! The good thing is that the 'washers' for the machine heads will cover the plugs completely (provided I drill them dead-center).

[Bass Guy]

If you tune a major third down ( C, F, Bb, etc) you'll have the perfect Twin Peaks guitar sound...

[Brendan]

Looking nice Gav - but is the neck pup a little Julia (left of centre)? I can't tell if it's loose or if it's parallax that's giving me the "not quite right vibe".

[Fretworn]

I can see what you mean as well, but I find it hard to judge in photos of guitars that have carved tops.

[Gavin1393]

Haha, no, it's dead straight and dead square....

I run two 600mm rulers from the neck at 90 degrees to the frets before fixing them to the body. Might just be the light. Also remember that they are recessed at the moment and will only be set once the strings are on! :)

[wokkaboy]

yes never question the intonation master Gavmeister !

[Gavin1393]

yeah! That's right! :)

or he might change your posts to look like this....


/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Fretworn on January 9, 2014, 10:08
I promise to send all my guitars to Gavmeister and Woks for safekeeping.


/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Brendan on January 8, 2014, 22:54
I promise to send all my guitars to Gavmeister and Woks for safekeeping..

[Gavin1393]

The dowel plugs glued into place and then drilled to receive the machine heads. Nut shaped and marked in preparation for the baritone Strings!
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/t7wl8-image.jpg

[Gavin1393]

The saddles on the bridge i purchased privately had only the thinnest grove, so these had to be filed to size to (as opposed to only worrying about the nut) ! Double work! Mutter, muttter!
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/11fz2-image.jpg

[wokkaboy]

wow thats come up a treat Gav, can't wait to hear this one

[lawry]

Looks like it's almost there Gav. Really hanging out to hear those low vibe tones. I love some of the 'surf' tunes done on a baritone. It's going to be so cool.

[Gavin1393]

And here she is.....
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/yz9g2-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/k94om-image.jpg

[pablopepper]

Looks super cool Gavin. Can't wait to hear what it sounds like. How has the string spacing ended up?

[wokkaboy]

another sweet build Gav, look forward to hearing this

[Gavin1393]

Done and dusted!
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/k8c8v-Photo-6.jpg

[Fretworn]

Great job. Looks fantastic and a brilliant idea.

[lawry]

Man that looks slippery smooth, Gav. Can't wait to hear what she sounds like.