PDA

View Full Version : Wokkas scratch tasmanian blackwood build



wokkaboy
15-04-2014, 01:45 AM
Hi all,
was lucky enough to go and see Dingobass ran me through building a neck from scratch on Friday, I learnt so much and know now what tools and materials I need (thanks heaps DB by the way). Wish I took some photos of the neck building process. I've had a body blank of tasmanian blackwood for a few months and have been waiting for a neck. I didn't know what body shape I was going to cut so left the headstock a paddle shape.
The photos are after I've roughly shaped the back of the neck and drilled paua shell fret dot markers. The body shown is a spare strat body
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/8ry26-2014-04-12-00.18.41.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/79v5m-2014-04-12-00.19.06.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/6y366-2014-04-12-00.20.29.jpg

wokkaboy
15-04-2014, 01:53 AM
I chose an Ibanez body shape as I've never built an axe of this shape, so modelled it on the shape of an Ibanez S series axe I have. First routed the neck pocket while there is meat on the blank for the template to rest on.
Then traced the body shape and in true 4D style made the horns longer.
This neck has the truss rod at the heel end so had to route out a small pocket for this to fit south of the neck pocket.
Then cut the shape on the bandsaw. After seeing DB's bandsaw on Friday I realised we have had our upper bearing guide for the blade way too high causing the blade to wander cutting harder woods. We lowered it and its cutting heaps better now, could cut curves with a thick blade
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/84ys5-2014-04-12-16.25.48.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/46v39-2014-04-12-17.08.42.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/x3f84-2014-04-12-19.11.38.jpg

wokkaboy
15-04-2014, 02:00 AM
I wasn't sure whether to cut a 3+3 headstock or 6 a side but decided to keep it a similar shape so went a fatter style Ibanez shape. Next to it is the S series I modelled the shape on
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/gk111-2014-04-13-20.58.24.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p04ph-2014-04-13-21.02.54.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/84dfa-2014-04-13-20.57.17.jpg

pablopepper
15-04-2014, 02:17 AM
The deep cutaways remind me of a Mayones Setius. This is shaping up as your prettiest scratch build yet. Love it.

wokkaboy
15-04-2014, 02:29 AM
cheers Pablo, I never heard of a Mayones Setius, just google imaged it and came up with an idea how it could look.
I was thinking of gold hardware but this picture has almost made the decision for me, think black hardware is the go. Still not sure whether I'll fit a floyd rose or cheat with a strat style tremelo. Bit nervous about setting up a floyd and the cost of them !
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/5j2li-mayones-setius-pro-lizard-side.jpg

jarrod
15-04-2014, 02:59 AM
Looking like its shaping up well wokks

pablopepper
15-04-2014, 03:08 AM
What about a Wilkinson Trem like this one
http://www.fake58.co.uk/images/SB_5310-002%20Wilkinson%20VS100.jpg
Has some of the same advantages as a floyd (2 point pivot, floating, lockable arm) without all the fiddly locking junk and extra routing. Also, they have a budget model which looks great and is (relatively) stupid cheap
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Wilkinson-Two-Point-Black-Stratocaster-Guitar-Tremolo-System-/181316108899?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item2a37484263

wokkaboy
15-04-2014, 03:17 AM
@ Jarrod --> cheers mate
@ Pablo --> cool I might look into this wilkinson tremelo looks much simpler than a Floyd setup

stan
15-04-2014, 04:55 AM
nice work wokka, body looks great - definitely an Ibanez on 'roids

wokkaboy
15-04-2014, 05:07 AM
cheers Stan, I recommend these Pit Bull body blanks, I'll be trying another type next, the grain is awesome and the shavings are such a rich chocolate colour I don't think I'll be staining the body much

DanMade
15-04-2014, 07:01 AM
Look out. There will be no stopping you now your starting to make your own necks. What woods did you use for the neck?

I'll second the point on the PBG body blanks, awesome quality and value for money.

wokkaboy
15-04-2014, 07:16 AM
cheers Dan. The neck is rock maple (think it was queensland rock maple) and the fingerboard is the same wood as the body, tasmanian blackwood. I'm thinking about a blackwood veneer for the headstock too, got enough offcuts from the body blank

robin
15-04-2014, 08:14 AM
Wow Warren, this is going to look fantastic. Can't wait to see this beauty progress.

rob

VanHaydn
15-04-2014, 08:15 AM
Very Very Nice Bro....
I need to learn necks next too..
cheers
H

wokkaboy
15-04-2014, 09:01 AM
thanks for the comments Robin and Haydn.
I've ordered some black hardware for it today, need to order pups and a switch next.

dingobass
15-04-2014, 09:26 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on April 14, 2014, 12:17
@ Jarrod --> cheers mate
@ Pablo --> cool I might look into this wilkinson tremelo looks much simpler than a Floyd setup


Looking good Woks.

Take a look at the Full Contact Hardware range... Amazing gear and for the quality it is very cost effective.
fullcontacthardware.com

The inventor, Geoff Babicz was with Ned Steinberger in the early days so you know it is going to be good!

I used the Babicz TOM bridge on the Jag Baritone... (its not just Teles that dissapear into Adams collection) ;)
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/7sj58-IMG_1864.JPG

wokkaboy
15-04-2014, 11:56 PM
cheers for the suggestions for the bridge DB. Being an ibanez shape I have to go down the Floyd rose road. I've ordered black hardware from a SV1 kit so I'll see how that goes.
I'll give the full contact hardware a try on my next scratch build

wokkaboy
20-04-2014, 01:41 AM
I got the 2 humbucker cavities routed yesterday, not going to run a middle single pup, keeping it simple. Will be ordering some black buckers for this baby.
On to the floyd rose cavity this arvo, thats going to be a mission but I have a SV1 to model the templates on.
Still got some work to do on the neck, final sanding, thin superglue and fretting, not enough hours in the day and too many other projects on the go !
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/55069-2014-04-18-17.04.49.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/9ad99-2014-04-18-17.31.37.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/x9f44-2014-04-19-10.30.19.jpg

dingobass
20-04-2014, 04:46 AM
Nice one Woks :)

wokkaboy
21-04-2014, 01:14 AM
got the floyd trem recess routed, what a job that was. Had to make two templates and route 3 different levels. I wouldn't have been able to do it without having an SV1 body to get the route shapes and depths. Next floyd trem route will be much easier. Today will route the spring cavity and hopefully control cavity
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/tlj7n-2014-04-20-00.25.41.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/w94ol-2014-04-20-00.28.44.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/171dd-2014-04-20-00.31.41.jpg

maxaxe
21-04-2014, 07:12 AM
Hooley Dooley, this is "shaping up" to be a real cracker!

lawry
21-04-2014, 08:54 AM
Just checking out the photos and the dots are fair glowing, Woks. They look great!

wokkaboy
22-04-2014, 01:29 AM
got the spring cavity and control cavity routed, I won't be able to contour the body top as much as planned as I should have done that before routing the control cavity. Oh well change of plan will do an elbow and tummy cut and round the edges.
Just need to route control and trem cover recesses.
Really enjoying this build as its a great challenge and love making up the design as I go.
Do I get a get out of naughty room card for wearing a Pit Bull shirt DB ?
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/4sdax-2014-04-20-17.58.42.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/d95g6-2014-04-20-17.59.17.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/kp8oe-2014-04-20-17.59.23.jpg

robin
22-04-2014, 05:50 AM
Gorgeous Warren, That's going to be a stunner.

rob

dingobass
22-04-2014, 09:35 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on April 14, 2014, 16:16
cheers Dan. The neck is rock maple (think it was queensland rock maple) and the fingerboard is the same wood as the body, tasmanian blackwood. I'm thinking about a blackwood veneer for the headstock too, got enough offcuts from the body blank


The neck is Canadian Rock Maple :)

Brendan
22-04-2014, 10:56 AM
Looking like a very impressive chunk of wood Wokks! Also looks like lots of fun!

wokkaboy
23-04-2014, 12:53 AM
finished routing and shaped a tummy and elbow cut, got a coat of golden teak on, pretty happy how its looking. Now to spend some time and finish the neck
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/mdvc1-2014-04-22-00.06.01.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/kf1cy-2014-04-22-00.09.29.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/34679-2014-04-22-00.14.24.jpg

wokkaboy
23-04-2014, 12:58 AM
the golden teak has made it look more golden. Time for clear coats next
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/d1kfx-2014-04-22-00.18.40.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/verrg-2014-04-22-00.40.50.jpg

pablopepper
23-04-2014, 01:30 AM
It's amazing what a difference rounding over the edges makes. Top work Wokka.

wokkaboy
23-04-2014, 01:36 AM
cheers Pablo,
yes rounded edges makes it looks and feel like a guitar. Next time I do a curved top I'll know to route the control cavity AFTER shaping the curve top. Oh well now its like an Ibanez/super strat cross look

ihasmario
23-04-2014, 08:55 PM
Looks great, nice piece of wood too. My OCD wants to flip one of the outer springs so the trem claw is symmetrical, though.

wokkaboy
24-04-2014, 01:38 AM
@Ihasmario, I used the 3 middle claws for the springs to give the springs a slightly longer distance from the bridge to give more tension

MetalMatt
24-04-2014, 02:31 AM
Great looking project Woks, that Golden Teak is really nice too with that grain - great choice.
I like those neatly recessed neck screw holes too, slicker than a neck plate.

wokkaboy
24-04-2014, 02:47 AM
cheers Matt, yes I saw a yellow stain on one of DB's blackwood tele's and it really brings up the dark grain nicely. I'm thinking about putting a red burst on like the pic below, thoughts anyone ?
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/58273-super-strat.jpg

Brendan
24-04-2014, 12:02 PM
Classic simple burst - could look the biz, but are you up for it? :) Think with the Jarrah strats, you're getting to be the king of bursts Wokks!

wokkaboy
24-04-2014, 02:04 PM
As planned got first burst coat on. Used cherry flamenco and happy with results. Ended up being a really deep red with the dark grain. Will steel wool and get a second coat tomorrow night
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/rzk36-20140423_224738.jpg

wokkaboy
24-04-2014, 02:06 PM
Pic of the back
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/9vbfj-20140423_224357.jpg

stan
25-04-2014, 09:48 AM
love the flowing lines of this one wokks, very organic

wokkaboy
25-04-2014, 02:54 PM
Cheers Stan. Got the tonerider rock songs check fitted and push pull pots should arrive next week. Got a second burst coat on since this pic. Should be ready to clear coat Friday. I stained Bridge cavity to!
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/0kikl-20140424_220617.jpg

wokkaboy
27-04-2014, 02:19 AM
got first cleat coat on yesterday (1st 2 pics) and last pic is after 2nd clear coat. I'll post some better daylight pics after 3rd clear coat later today
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/k6nqh-2014-04-25-15.29.12.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/x62a5-2014-04-25-15.30.07.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/1o573-2014-04-26-01.42.12.jpg

wokkaboy
27-04-2014, 09:02 AM
Got some work done on neck today. Shaped headstock. Drilled tuners. Super glued finger board and got nut fitted. What's everyone think of the headstock shape?
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/200x2-20140426_172626.jpg

wokkaboy
27-04-2014, 09:05 AM
Another view. My phone will only upload one pic per post and files aren't too big
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/03evi-20140426_172802.jpg

pablopepper
27-04-2014, 09:32 AM
Damn that's hot Wokka. Not using a locking nut?

wokkaboy
27-04-2014, 02:59 PM
Hey Pabs will see how it plays without a locking nut. Trying to keep it simple. See how it goes. Cheers

Brendan
27-04-2014, 03:02 PM
Looking great for a scratchie Wokks! Must be stoked!

wokkaboy
27-04-2014, 05:10 PM
Cheers Bman. Yes happy so far. Got another clear coat on body. Big thanks to DB for being my super coach!

wokkaboy
06-05-2014, 07:05 AM
got some more work done visited DB yesterday and he kindly helped me get the frets in and dressed, and cut the nut slots in the bone nut. I did a mock build
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/00730-2014-05-04-23.34.17.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/037jx-2014-05-04-23.34.43.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/jr0w3-2014-05-04-23.36.11.jpg

wokkaboy
06-05-2014, 07:07 AM
couple more photos. I clearly stained the headstock too dark so I'll sand it back a bit and try and get the colour closer to the body
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/f73ck-2014-05-04-23.35.07.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/31krh-2014-05-04-23.39.21.jpg

DanMade
06-05-2014, 07:48 AM
Fretwork looks great for your first attempt. Wish I had a super coach like DB.

wokkaboy
06-05-2014, 09:18 AM
cheers Dan, yes DB is the super coach for sure, he has the tools, knowledge and experience !

stan
06-05-2014, 10:02 AM
holy cow Wokka, this gets better every time I look - that last shot of the body is really nice. I love the super cool natural racing stripe!

wokkaboy
07-05-2014, 12:54 AM
cheers Stan, I'll be getting some more of this tazzy blackwood, nice wood to work with and on the eye !

quiet1_au
07-05-2014, 11:03 AM
Lovely body Wokka - uh, the guitar's that is... :-P Blackwood is a wonderful local timber and one I've thought of using one day when I have enough skills to be let loose on a valuable slab of tone-wood. :-) A shame it gets wasted on furniture I reckon!

wokkaboy
08-05-2014, 04:39 AM
yer cheers John, yes it is beautifull timber to work with and on the eye. The fingerboard is also tassy blackwood. Not many axes have the same wood fingerboard and body !

jarrod
08-05-2014, 06:28 AM
Looks nice Wokks but on all the pics the bridge looks like its a mile out to the neck?

wokkaboy
08-05-2014, 06:35 AM
@ Jarrod all good mate, the neck wasn't straight in the photos and I haven't drilled the neck holes yet, I'll do that once the strings are on ! No need to be alarmed !

jarrod
08-05-2014, 08:29 AM
lol....

ultpanzi
16-05-2014, 07:36 AM
Looking great. It looks like a cross between an Ibanez RG and S, which is the way to go (IMO). RG's body thickness gives its great fat tone and S's curves give it the great playing comfort, so a design like yours is truly genius.

stan
16-05-2014, 10:15 AM
more pics please!!!

wokkaboy
16-05-2014, 10:23 AM
thanks Eshays and Stan,
I've just been putting clear coats on up to about 10th coat, I'll get some pics possibly tomorrow night

Gavin1393
16-05-2014, 11:11 AM
Looking great Woks!

wokkaboy
24-06-2014, 12:47 AM
finally dusted off the axe and started assembling it. Pretty happy how its looking. Just got the wiring to do. Then the fun job of setting up the tremelo !
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/e4rpq-2014-06-22-22.26.54.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/sm8zz-2014-06-22-22.32.06.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/f5ba5-2014-06-22-20.03.11.jpg

jarrod
24-06-2014, 01:32 AM
Fine work wokks and nice colour too.

wokkaboy
24-06-2014, 02:00 AM
cheers Jarrod, you will be pumping out scratch axes with your CNC router, is that being delivered today ?

lawry
24-06-2014, 09:42 AM
That's a pretty hot looking bit of burnt toffee, Wokka. Should have some serious sustain from that timber too, I reckon.

wokkaboy
28-06-2014, 02:25 AM
got all the wiring finished and strung up, got the covers on and a very early setup done. Tonerider rocksong pups sound great and I got the push/pull pot coil split wiring working first try ! Now to get the action and neck setup, can't wait to get it running sweet
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/7dm10-2014-06-27-10.43.44.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2w5rk-2014-06-27-10.44.08.jpg

wokkaboy
28-06-2014, 02:28 AM
some more pics
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/41eyf-2014-06-27-10.44.16.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/58biy-2014-06-27-10.44.27.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/c951h-2014-06-27-10.44.45.jpg

wokkaboy
28-06-2014, 02:32 AM
last pics, I'l be getting some more of this tazzy blackwood blanks, such a nice timber to work with and on the eye !
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/m5te0-2014-06-27-10.44.53.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/73o98-2014-06-27-10.45.31.jpg

lawry
28-06-2014, 08:50 AM
Looks magic, mate. Got all your wiring/switching options sorted I take it. Really keen to hear this fired up!

stan
28-06-2014, 09:49 AM
another trademark 4D wonder with nice lines - looks great Wokka!

Fretworn
28-06-2014, 10:33 PM
So Wokka, when do we get photos of the Volvo blue "Jandal" and the Peter Brock Flying V?

wokkaboy
28-06-2014, 11:00 PM
Cheers Lozza and Stan
Fretty I'll post pics soon hope to get another coat on the jandal today. There's a few pics on the 4D Facebook page