Neckthrough Guitar goodness.. Little bro for the Bass.

[dingobass]

Seems only natural to follow up on the Neckthrough Bass with a Neckthrough Guitar.

This time, I am going to take you through the build in more depth.
There will be new techniques, design tweaks and the oppourtunity to see one of my "build on the fly" creations.

Also, there will be a few quizzes along the way, some I have planned and others that may arise from your questions.
The first correct answer will recieve a tub of Dingotone Guitar wax and I will donate the value of the prize to Durong Wildlife Sanctuary to go towards the Dingo preservation work being done there.

At the end of the build, all those who won the quizzes will go into the draw for the chance to win the grand prize...
The nature of this prize will be revealed on the day of the draw :)

So, sit back and watch the fun unfold... feel free to comment, throw sticks at or ask questions..

First up I start with three off cuts, two Makore and one Iroko.
These will make the neck.
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/56odx-IMG_2907.JPG
These are glued together with Titebond and then run through the machines to square everything up.
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/4euj5-IMG_2908.JPG
Now ready for the next step in the process of making the neck.
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/t4q93-IMG_2909.JPG

[wokkaboy]

Sweet DB. Can't wait to see this baby evolve. Will be trying to win a prize. Is the main prize a life ban from the naughty room? Also keen to see your new fret saw jig!

[Gavin1393]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on June 9, 2014, 22:05
Sweet DB. Can't wait to see this baby evolve. Will be trying to win a prize. Is the main prize a life ban from the naughty room? Also keen to see your new fret saw jig!

Pull the other leg Wokka! Putting DB in the same sentance as the words 'your new fret saw' makes no sense to me at all. 'New fret pliers' i get, but fret saw......???

[dingobass]

Sad but true, Gav.....
I still have yet to convince Guitar players that frets are wrong so I got a nice shiney new Stewmac Mitre fret saw set up... Makes speed hump installing almost as fun as ripping 'em out :)

[gavinturner]

Awesome DB! Can't wait for this thread to unfold. If she comes out anywhere near the bass she'll be a beut. Hope you've got some guitar wax with my name on it :).

cheers,
Gav.

[DanMade]

Cool. I can't wait to see this one unfold.

I swear the only reason you love your Fretless builds so much DB, is because you don't have the tedious task of installing and polishing all the frets. Guinius if you ask me. ;)

[bargeloobs]

What's the overall length of these pieces DB and do you plan on having an angled headstock or straight?

[dingobass]

@Dan, Fretless Bass just sounds soooo much better!, it allows for more nuance in your playing.
The only thing you have to watch is that you can get into the habit of sliding into every note :)
There are a few fretless Guitars out there, the whackiest one I have come across has a glass finger board!
However, this build will have frets......

There is a video somewhere of our very own Bassguy ripping it up on my fretless Tele Bass, will try to dig it out. The guy is a mighty fine player of the Bass!

@Bargie: Overall length of timber is 1mtr and yep, angled headstock on this one too.

This brings us to our first quizz question...

What process is the device that the neck blank is sitting on used for?...

[gavinturner]

Joining/gluing the body pieces to the neck through?

cheers,
Gav.

[gavinturner]

Rough shaping the neck curvature?

cheers,
Gav.

[gavinturner]

Routing the side of the neck to the correct thickness?

cheers,
Gav.

[dingobass]

@ Gav: Sorry, no.... :)

[bargeloobs]

Is there any chance of seeing the "device" without the blank sitting on top?
Just for the record I'm only using this thread as a learning tool, any chance of a correct answer out of me would be very slim because frankly... I don't know!

[DanMade]

Is it used to true up the neck blank?

[DanMade]

Or you just talking about the bench vice used for the process of holding things. :)

[gavinturner]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from bargeloobs on June 10, 2014, 08:27
Just for the record I'm only using this thread as a learning tool, any chance of a correct answer out of me would be very slim because frankly... I don't know!

Don't worry Barge - you are in good company! ;)

cheers,
Gav.

[gavinturner]

Holding the neck for thicknessing / jointing ?

cheers,
Gav.

[wokkaboy]

its hard to see the device DB but I agree with Dan presume its a flat piece of wood to true the bottom surface of the 3 neck pieces while the glue dries. If we are all still wrong can you please post a photo of it ?

[gavinturner]

Routing the truss rod cavity?

cheers,
Gav.

[wokkaboy]

Gav is having a red hot crack at the quiz, you must be keen for some axe wax mate ! The edges of the neck blank are parallel so shouldn't need a jig to route the truss rod cavity.
DB always does the truss rod route first thing, then cuts/routes the shape of the neck

[gavinturner]

I have no hope in hell of answering correctly. Hence I'm shooting for a participation award ;).

cheers,
Gav.

[bargeloobs]

It almost appears in the pic as if the right angle bracket thingys stuck to the outside edge are sitting slightly proud of the timber (but this may just be an illusion created by the rolled edge on the front side) which makes me think it may help facilitate the drying or settling process somehow, but then again the drying should have been done on the clamps so...yeah...naa...I don't know:P

[bargeloobs]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from gavinturner on June 10, 2014, 10:26
I'm shooting for a participation award ;).



Hehe, you've already won mate!!

[dingobass]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from DanMade on June 10, 2014, 09:16
Is it used to true up the neck blank?

Very close!
There is a clue in the alignment of the angle irons.....

[gavinturner]

The irons are positioned to give you a quick guide as to fretboard placement?

cheers,
Gav.

[gavinturner]

The first iron shows the position of the nut. The last one the position of the bridge. You can mark them off easily in this configuration prior to later wood assembly..? (I guess the middle one would then be the end of the fretboard?)

cheers,
Gav.

[ultpanzi]

Not sure which jig youre talking about, but the red one in the last photo is a Stewmac repeair vise and can be used for just about everything, so I dont think Im talking about the right jig.

[wokkaboy]

are the angle irons slightly angled so the neck face has a radius ? Its hard to see in the photo DB
This doesn't make sense as you have to glue a flat fingerboard to the surface

[dingobass]

Dan is on the right track....

[wokkaboy]

the neck blank looks aligned with the angle irons so you know the edges are parallel along the whole length of the blank once its glued?

[gavinturner]

Each of the three angle irons provide a place for the neck blank to rest on with a gap between them. You can look at how the neck sits on each of these rests and see if the neck is completely straight on the resting side or whether there is a slight bow somewhere that needs to be taken care of. You can also see the gap produced by the neck blank and the wood underneath in the "gaps", and measure this distance to check consistency?

cheers,
Gav.

[DanMade]

Umm. Is it a straight edge. / support to hold the blank while you plane the face. Helps stop the timber from Flexing aswell as allows you access around the neck. The Ali angle is for stability and for fixing screws.

[gavinturner]

I think Dan has it :). But would you want to fix screws into the underside if it is a neck through?

cheers,
Gav.

[wokkaboy]

Gav any screw holes on the face will be hidden with the fingerboard glued ontop of it.
DB certainly has asked a curly quiz question to start off ! hope quiz #2 is easier !

[keloooe]

I reckon this axe is a Firebird :D

[wokkaboy]

nah Pest I'd say it will be a similar shape and mix of wood colours to the big bro neck through bass

[gavinturner]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on June 10, 2014, 14:22
Gav any screw holes on the face will be hidden with the fingerboard glued ontop of it.

Agreed Wokka, but since this is a neck through, surely this will only be true at one end and the middle of the neck? The angled rests are at both ends!

cheers,
Gav.

[wokkaboy]

yer not sure Gav, I've never seen these angle irons at the DB man cave so its all new to me. You are only 3 posts off 1000 posts Gav, do you get a new tag after 1000 posts ?

[lawry]

I reckon the real purpose is to hit people over the head if they get too close to guessing it's true purpose!

[dingobass]

Aaaaaaand the winner is....... Lawry!...
Nah, just kidding around :) But Lawry does get a bonus prize for the funniest answer! ( email me your address Lawry and I will send you a tub of Dingotone Guitar wax :). dingobass@pitbullguitars.com )

Dan is still the closest, but the device is not for planing the fret board face, rather it is for running through the drum sander...
Now all I need to know is why would I run the blank through the drum sander on this seemingly wierd angle?

[Brendan]

DB - you're going to want a dead flat base to glue your fretboard to. Necks have a gentle angle along their length, so I'm guessing the jig is to give you that angle as you run it through the drum sander?

[Brendan]

Quick guess diagram???
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2l5x0-Guess-at-neck-jig.jpg

[Brendan]

Second try - we're dealing with a neck through here, so part of the neck will be in the body. To retain the angle and have some of the neck in the body, given that cutting it later will be a pain, if DB uses the jig, the drum sander will have a nice, flat surface to work on, that will be nice and supported as it goes through the sander.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/fq1id-Guess-at-neck-jig.jpg

[dingobass]

Ok, now this is awkward.....
Dan was on the right path, Brendan has answered correctly so two winners it is!
email me your postal address and I will send out a Dingotone Guitar wax out to you both.
dingobass@pitbullguitars.com

[dingobass]

Oh, and it was the second diagram that is the closest....

[Brendan]

Yep - did the first then the penny dropped. Watching with intense interest... Just made a small acquisition that may go towards my first scratchy later this year...

[DanMade]

Ahh, very neat little jig DB.
I wasn't thinking along the lines of a drum sander jig though. That's a great way to create an accurate neck break angle.

What degree do you make your neck angle? I'm guessing about 7*.

[bargeloobs]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Brendan on June 10, 2014, 21:44
Second try - we're dealing with a neck through here, so part of the neck will be in the body. To retain the angle and have some of the neck in the body, given that cutting it later will be a pain, if DB uses the jig, the drum sander will have a nice, flat surface to work on, that will be nice and supported as it goes through the sander.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/fq1id-Guess-at-neck-jig.jpg

Man you must excuse my absolute ignorance here, here's me thinking you'd just need a dead flat piece of timber that ran the entire length of the guitar and would be parallel to the strings. Now you're talking about "angle" but no one has actually said how much "angle", also you say here Brendan "part of the neck will be in the body' well wouldn't all of the neck be in the body... what am I missing?
This has suddenly gone from "I'd love to try this" to "there's no way this is possible at home".
Also just to put the icing on my confusion, I can understand having this "angle" on the neck to compensate for the bridge height (also not mentioned) but in the above diagram it seems to me like the angle is running the wrong way from the body.
I might come back once I've decked out a workshop with 10K's worth of gear and finished my degree in trigonometry:P

[DanMade]

There's always a work around Bargie, this process could be done a number of ways. DB's method with a drum sander is probably the most efficient and accurate. But you could do this a number of ways. Cut the angle with a band saw/ hand saw then plane or sand flat.

If you look at Brendan's diagram, the top line of the diagram is the back of the guitar. The bottom line is the face. So if you flip it over it will be at the proper angle.

The "Part" of the neck in the body will be where the body "wings" attach. I think you maybe looking at it from the wrong perspective. I'm sure as the build progresses all will become clear.

[lawry]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from dingobass on June 10, 2014, 20:33
Aaaaaaand the winner is....... Lawry!...
Nah, just kidding around :) But Lawry does get a bonus prize for the funniest answer! ( email me your address Lawry and I will send you a tub of Dingotone Guitar wax :). dingobass@pitbullguitars.com )

Dan is still the closest, but the device is not for planing the fret board face, rather it is for running through the drum sander...
Now all I need to know is why would I run the blank through the drum sander on this seemingly wierd angle?

Wow. Thanks DB. And people told me being a smart arse would get me nowhere. This may be the 'wooden spoon' of the challenge. But at least it's a spoon. Woohoo!

[Brendan]

Barge - sorry for the confusion. I'll put it down to my not having the right woodworking / luthier terminology to put across what I was meaning...

The diagram was a quick (30 second) mockup in Paint.net so all the angles, etc were very exaggerated. That said. Taking a quick eyeball measurement from the heel of the neck on an SG I've got here, before the heel of the neck curve where the neck joins the body, it's 3cm from the base of the neck to the bottom of the fretboard. At the nut, it's 2cm, so the angle is stuff all, but still there. If you took the neck as a whole - given DB is building a set neck guitar, it will be significantly thicker at the body than at the nut.

I've tried to redo the diagram as if it was a guitar looking at it as if it was laying flat on a table and you were looking at it from the bit that would sit on your knee as you played it. Bear in mind there is no scale here - it's all just plonked onto a diagram, but hopefully it gives the idea. In reality, there will be a whole lot more shape, the headstock will probably be at a slight angle to the neck, etc., but given DB is just doing the bulk shaping at this stage, there's many more updates to come!

In terms of doability at home - I think DB is showing that it can be done - his first scratchy was done with very few (if any) powertools and a lot of elbow grease. What DB's doing here is showing some short cuts that will reduce the elbow grease component with some snazzy jigs and the like. If you don't have access to the tools / jigs, etc, it's still doable, just harder. Hope that helps, but as mentioned, watch this thread and I think it'll all make sense in the end. After all, we're all basking in the learnings of Guru DB! :)
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/lf9v4-Guess-at-neck-jig-pt-2.jpg

[dingobass]

Brendan, you are really close to it.
Just reverse the yellow bit to get the break angle and that is exactly what I am on about...
Check out any of our set neck g type kits and you will see what I am on about :)

[dingobass]

OH, Dan, send me your post address so I can get your prize out to you :)
dingobass@pitbullguitars.com

[Brendan]

Aaahaa now I get it - with a high bridge, by putting a little angle on the neck (break angle) the strings are held in a better alignment with the fretboard and a whole lot more playable. Just going with the defaults on the website below, it looks like the angle is something like 5 degrees or something really small like that.

Nice pickup Dan!

Diagram follows DB's feedback, I've left the words on to keep that part constant. Ignore the diagram from my previous post - it's wrong... Also bear in mind the angles and dimensions are way off.

More info here:
http://www.tundraman.com/Guitars/NeckAngle/index.php



http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/84619-Guess-at-neck-jig-pt-3.jpg

[bargeloobs]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Brendan on June 11, 2014, 23:32
Aaahaa now I get it - with a high bridge, by putting a little angle on the neck (break angle) the strings are held in a better alignment with the fretboard and a whole lot more playable. Just going with the defaults on the website below, it looks like the angle is something like 5 degrees or something really small like that.

Nice pickup Dan!

Diagram follows DB's feedback, I've left the words on to keep that part constant. Ignore the diagram from my previous post - it's wrong... Also bear in mind the angles and dimensions are way off.

More info here:
http://www.tundraman.com/Guitars/NeckAngle/index.php



http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/84619-Guess-at-neck-jig-pt-3.jpg

Forgive me if it seemed like I was knocking your explanations Brendan, it's more to do with my total lack of knowledge and understanding but how you've layed it out here really makes perfect sense and like you and danmade said, as the build progresses thing will (hopefully) become clearer.
Will be watching with interest:-)

[dingobass]

In answer to the angle, it is three degrees-- not much but enough to let me get those strings close enough to he fretboard without buzzing..
With any luck this baby should be a mega shredding machine :)

[wokkaboy]

sounds good DB, any updated photos and quiz question #2 ?

[stan]

super great info guys, and nice start so far DB!

[gavinturner]

@Brendan, thanks for all the effort you put into the explanation!

cheers,
Gav.

[ultpanzi]

Due to the neck angle, Im guessing thats gonna have a tuneomatic bridge??

[DanMade]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from ultpanzi on June 12, 2014, 12:19
Due to the neck angle, Im guessing thats gonna have a tuneomatic bridge??

This axe is gonna need a pretty cool bridge to match it's big bro.

[lawry]

Hurrah! I get it at last. Old and slow, that's me.
So DB, if this is going to be a mega-shredda are you going to scallop any of the fretboard?

[dingobass]

OK...
I am thinking along two lines re bridge.
1: A really nice Babicz Full Contact TOM
2: I get Über anal and build the same style of bridge as the Bass....

[wokkaboy]

got to go option 2 DB if its going to be the bass's true little bro !

[lawry]

I'm with Wokka. You've gotta keep the family resemblance.

[dingobass]

OK, back to the neck break angle..

the first pic shows the break angle with the routing template in place (clamped down on the body to show angle)
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/w0841-IMG_2919.JPG
Next up is routing for truss rod. (Two routs required , one short rout with a 1/2" bit to accomodate the turny bitz and the rest is a 1/4" to take the body of the truss rod).
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/c2945-IMG_2920.JPG
Set the router and guide up, attack the neck with great gusto and hey presto, truss rod rout!
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/3u605-IMG_2921.JPG

[dingobass]

Here is the finished rout and truss rod installed.
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/82x9e-IMG_2922.JPG
Once the truss is in I then rough out the neck shape on the trusty Bando saurus, then off to the Jointer/Planer to square up the edges for the body wings.
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/7ie5k-IMG_2928.JPG
Then I place all the chunks of tree together to see how it all fits.. Perfect!
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/4d1se-IMG_2930.JPG

[bargeloobs]

@wokka - agreed :D
@lawry - agreed :)

[dingobass]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from lawry on June 12, 2014, 17:54
Hurrah! I get it at last. Old and slow, that's me.
So DB, if this is going to be a mega-shredda are you going to scallop any of the fretboard?

In a word, No.... ;)

[lawry]

God, I hate how you make this all look so easy, DB. But I really appreciate you showing how it's done.
Thanks!

[dingobass]

But it is easy Lawry!
All it takes is patience, practice and a lot of goolie scratching :)

[Brendan]

Gav - no worries - I'm a visual kinda bloke, so it's as much about me understanding what's going on... Hence why it took a while to get it all correct.

DB - looking great! Though a little birdie told me the odd tipple along with the ghoolie scratch doesn't hurt at all with guitar building...

Lawry - this thing's gonna be lucky to have frets - I think there's limited chance that DB would be wanting to make them more pronounced.. :)

[Fretworn]

Quote from dingobass on June 12, 2014, 20:51
... and a lot of goolie scratching :)


Hence why we don't seem to get any women joining here......

[dingobass]

Yeah.... It is a sausage fest.....

[wokkaboy]

DB, looking sweet mate. The photo of the wing pieces of wood looks like there's a gap between the top wing and the neck ? I'm sure you would have sorted out the gap and planed one of the pieces parallel.
Glad you are going with the MOP bridge/saddles. I might program a visit to check it out and the new fret jig !

[dingobass]

The 'gap' is actually a slightly higher profile caused by the break angle of the neck, planed it flat now :)

[dingobass]

Aaaaaand here we go!

Wings glued, rough sanded and headstock shaped..
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/8i070-image.jpg
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/3xopz-image.jpg
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/hl7w1-image.jpg

[wokkaboy]

ah an optical illusion in the photo, I knew there would be an explanation. Looking sweet as DB, didn't take long to get to this stage !
You will have to hide this axe from me when its finished. I can see this in my collection ! haha

[Brendan]

Is it just me or is there something IceManesque about this guitar?
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IC-1-1-150x120.jpg

DB - you OK - I'm sensing something subliminal coming through here...

[gavinturner]

She's amazing already DB. You make it look so effortless!

cheers,
Gav.

[lawry]

/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from dingobass on June 12, 2014, 20:51
But it is easy Lawry!
All it takes is patience, practice and a lot of goolie scratching :)


I'm assuming that they have to be your own goolies 8O
Actually, I probably could make a balls of it!

[dingobass]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Brendan on June 13, 2014, 19:40
Is it just me or is there something IceManesque about this guitar?
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IC-1-1-150x120.jpg

DB - you OK - I'm sensing something subliminal coming through here...

Just working out how long you will be spending in the naughty room without access to beer and pizza....... :P

[wokkaboy]

Wrong comment Brendan. DB hates icemans. I won't be serving you beer and pizza in the naughty room till DB gives me the green light!

[dingobass]

Hahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarg!

[dingobass]

Fret slots.........

The new Stewmac fretsaw mitre box makes a long and boring job a lot easier.
Ten minute verses thirty!
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/54o3i-image.jpg
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/5m322-image.jpg

And quizz number two.. What is this tool used for?
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/n8j0l-image.jpg

[WeirdBits]

Tuner hole jig, allowing you to spike and align the block accurately when drilling the holes.

[gavinturner]

Marking the position of fret dot holes?

cheers,
Gav.

[dingobass]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from WeirdBits on June 14, 2014, 12:14
Tuner hole jig, allowing you to spike and align the block accurately when drilling the holes.


That was too easy.....
Your Dingo wax will be in the post to you early next week, Weirdy 8-)

[lawry]

Damn. I would've actually got that right too. Shit, eh?
Well done Scott.

[WeirdBits]

woohoo! I'd like to thank the Academy...

Cheers DB, oh and I'll be emailing you about that other thing in the next week or so.

[Fretworn]

I thought it was a new chair for the naughty room. It sounds like its getting too comfortable in there.

[dingobass]

Fretty, OUCH! Thats nasty... 8O


Anyhoo, not a lot being accomplished these past few days due to my back giving me some serious crap.

However, I did manage to come up with a different approach to control placement (probably been done before but hey, why not try something out of the norm for a change)?

It remains to be seen how practical this is......
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/l4tlv-image.jpg

[wokkaboy]

wow nice touch DB, that looks cool and the guitar top won't have any knobs or switches. So you using push/pull pots to split the humbucker coils, nice. So looks like a volume for each pup and common tone hence no switch required.
Bugger about your back, I'll bring some 10+% beers on Friday !
Looks like Tassy blackwood the outside piece. Presume the output jack will drill into the bottom part of the control cavity

[dingobass]

Close, Woks. I am using the PPS to switch the pups on and off.
Yep, I had a few off cuts of TB so I thought it would be a good project to use them on.
The output will go in the side in much the normal spot.

[gavinturner]

Love the control placement DB. Such a cool idea!

cheers,
Gav.

[lawry]

Hmmm. I like it, It's a cool idea and I really hope it works but I can't help think it may be a bit awkward to tweak on the fly. I'm keen to see how you feel about it when it's ready to rock.

[dingobass]

Yaeash... You may have a good point Lawry but nothing ventured nothing gained :)

This is an idea that may take a few tweaks and refining and your input has been duly noted and is greatly appreciated :)

[lawry]

DB. It wasn't meant to be a negative poo poo (hi-tech description of criticism) and I truly hope it does work (even if it needs a couple of version tweaks) because uber-coolness is it's own reward.

[dingobass]

I did not take it as a poo poo, Lawry! :)
As I said, I value the suggestions, input and critique offered up by all and sundry... Otherwise I would never know if I am doing it right.
I dont need folk to blow smoke up my butt, I need the positive and well reasoned input such as yours to improve my builds :)

[Brendan]

Face it DB - its a guitar for a guitarist. In general they're lost with more than one thing to play with anyway... If it were a bass however... :) .

[dingobass]

Brendan, the beer and pizza ban is hereby lifted. Woks, pour Brendan a pint of our finest! :)

[stan]

looks great with the knob placement.

Just thinking about hand placement and reach practicalities, I wonder if in the next version if it would be easier to use if the whole lot is moved back slightly onto the corner - might be a more natural reach...

Looks very awesome though

[dingobass]

Thanx Stan. :)
So do you reckon that it might be better if the controls were placed more to the butt end of the Guitar, say to where the out put would normally be?

[wokkaboy]

no worries DB, I'll pour Brendan a beer but for bagging guitarists it will only be a run of the mill midstrength ! haha.
The access to the control knobs was a bit of a concern to me DB when I saw it, you have long fingers and long arms so I'm sure will be easy for you to adjust them on the fly

[bargeloobs]

Is it going to be practical for "on the fly" adjustments? Probably not.
Does it really matter? IMHO not one bit.
For the sacrifice of a bit of functionality you've managed to achieve the ultimate aesthetic.
I think it's a f*#@king great idea!
My hat's off DB!

Edit: Having said that I'd have to agree with Stan and maybe consider placing the cavity above the input somewhere on future builds, it just feels more natural to reach in that area...heh but whatevers, wicked job all the same.

[gavinturner]

Yeah i agree. Practicality be damned. This is the coolest thing I've seen in quite a while! Go for it DB

cheers,
Gav.

[pablopepper]

Coming from someone who 'sets and forgets' tone controls etc, I love it.

[Nickosaurus]

I might seem a bit silly saying this but which part of the body is that cavity on? The top curve or the bottom curve?

Also, do you think those knobs will be shifted if you're standing and playing? Rubbing against your hip/leg or something? Maybe a locking feature on the knobs would be a cool idea if you gig?

Looks cool either way.

[dingobass]

On the bottom.
Should be clear of leg etc, should know for sure once it is finished...

[dingobass]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on June 18, 2014, 09:08
no worries DB, I'll pour Brendan a beer but for bagging guitarists it will only be a run of the mill midstrength ! haha.
The access to the control knobs was a bit of a concern to me DB when I saw it, you have long fingers and long arms so I'm sure will be easy for you to adjust them on the fly

Hahaha! Poor Brendan.......

Not being a Guitar player as such I do fly a bit blind with Guitar builds especially when I do weird stuff like this...

[wokkaboy]

nah I reckon its a great idea DB, sure it will work fine. I'm another player that hardly touches the controls - its always full tone and full volume !
Have you checked the push pull pots don't extend past the edge of the body ? They may rub on your leg as someone pointed out

[dingobass]

Yhep, made sure that when extended the knobs are still behind the top....
At least I thought that bit through :)

[wokkaboy]

haha well done DB.
Any updated photos mate ?

[Brendan]

DB - don't hide them too hard - being guitarists they won't know where to find them. Bad enough with guitarists see sawing around trying to find the groove or the melody, let alone having to be searching for the controls at the same time.

[jarrod]

wholly crap DB bring this one to my man cave and you know you will be leaving with out it

[jarrod]

Be a good little DB take the money and keep walking out the door lol......

[bargeloobs]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Brendan on June 18, 2014, 21:45
DB - don't hide them too hard - being guitarists they won't know where to find them. Bad enough with guitarists see sawing around trying to find the groove or the melody, let alone having to be searching for the controls at the same time.

You what now?

[lawry]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Brendan on June 18, 2014, 21:45
DB - don't hide them too hard - being guitarists they won't know where to find them. Bad enough with guitarists see sawing around trying to find the groove or the melody, let alone having to be searching for the controls at the same time.

Hahahaha. Had to chuckle at that, Brendan. An excellent stinger.

[pablopepper]

Shots fired.

[dingobass]

Luv it, Bman :)
That was your best one yet!

[wokkaboy]

Brendan won't be getting any beers poured by me for 2 comments bagging guitarists !
Or maybe he will get a beer..................poured over his head hahaha

[lawry]

Bloody hyper-sensitive axe men.
I'll buy you a beer Brendan. And it won't be one of those mammy-pamby, low-carb, low-alcohol shandies beloved by non-bassists. It'll be a real beer worthy of someone tasked with locking the beat. Woof!
8-)

[pablopepper]

http://cdn.acidcow.com/pics/20091119/most_unfortunate_food_names_02.jpg

[DanMade]

Official Beer of Bassist's worldwide. ^^^

[wokkaboy]

haha looks like this is turning out to be a bassists versus guitarists war. Look what you started Bman !
You have basically caused a hijack on DB's thread mate !

[bargeloobs]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from DanMade on June 19, 2014, 14:14
Official Beer of Bassist's worldwide. ^^^
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1df1k-56463666676356.jpg

[wokkaboy]

haha nice paintshop Barge !!
We better drop a cog we are on DB's thread and he's a bassist and the prison warden at the naughty room ! haha

[bargeloobs]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on June 19, 2014, 15:24
haha nice paintshop Barge !!
We better drop a cog we are on DB's thread and he's a bassist and the prison warden at the naughty room ! haha

I'm just teasin bro, honestly.. I don't even get the whole guitarist vs bass player thing. I play bass myself (albiet poorly) and a song without bass is an incomplete song IMHO. Sorry for derailing your thread DB, it's Brendan's fault!!

[lawry]

I don't care whose fault it is, I just want one of them thar beers! Love the label!
:P

[Brendan]

Lawry - they do tend to get a bit worked up...

BTW Barge - currently working on 2 guitars and one bass. Currently play both pretty much evenly, though am woeful with guitar. Just fun to stir guitarists up a little - they do tend to be a little precious ;) .

Wokks - DB doesn't seem to mind. I think he's happy to drop the boot in when needed :).

[dingobass]

That was funny :)

Anyhoo, got a bit done in between other jobs..

Bridge plate cut, shaped, routed and slide bars for saddles in.

Next up a few shots of the saddles roughed out.
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/4hx2e-image.jpg
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/i5ble-image.jpg
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/3gc7q-image.jpg

[Brendan]

Looking great DB!

[bargeloobs]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Brendan on June 19, 2014, 22:37
Lawry - they do tend to get a bit worked up...

BTW Barge - currently working on 2 guitars and one bass. Currently play both pretty much evenly, though am woeful with guitar. Just fun to stir guitarists up a little - they do tend to be a little precious ;) .

Wokks - DB doesn't seem to mind. I think he's happy to drop the boot in when needed :).

;)

[bargeloobs]

That's not a bridge it's an artwork!!

[Nickosaurus]

so do the saddles work under string tension?

will you have to reintonate everytime you change a string?

Looks great though DB. Love you workmanship.

[gavinturner]

Your bridge is amazing DB - I'm completely blown away. It's such a simple concept when you think about it, but yet I've never seen this before anywhere. Simply awesome!

cheers,
Gav.

[dingobass]

Nick, once everything is finished and the Guitar is intonated I will cut small pieces of Mother Of Pearl sheet to sit either side of the saddles to hold them in place.

[dingobass]

Thanx Gav.... It is simple but a real fiddly bugger to make... not sure I would be in too much of a hurry to do it again :)

[lawry]

DB. Is this going to turn into your version of the Cistine Chapel? You know, like the Pope and Michaelangelo... "When are you going to make an end? - "When I have finished".

[dingobass]

Fret board on! :D

Now to finesse the neck..

Time for Quizz number three......
What is the tool I am using correct name?

http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/b4of6-IMG_2947.JPG
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/3o9oi-IMG_2951.JPG
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/dn255-IMG_2952.JPG

[dingobass]

Fret board on! :D

Now to finesse the neck..

Time for Quizz number three......
What is the tool I am using?
It is a rasp, what type of rasp is it?

http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/i533o-IMG_2947.JPG
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/l1hs4-IMG_2951.JPG
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/jbo37-IMG_2952.JPG

[dingobass]

Attacking the neck...

Neck finessed!
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/x65qw-IMG_2949.JPG
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/60d4q-IMG_2953.JPG
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/0y31w-IMG_2955.JPG

[dingobass]

AAAAnd the Headstock 8-)
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/nhp2m-IMG_2957.JPG
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/767p2-IMG_2954.JPG

[gavinturner]

A shinto rasp..

cheers,
Gav.

[gavinturner]

More specifically, a Shinto saw rasp:

"A completely different kind of rasp is the Shinto saw rasp, which originated in Japan. This rasp consists of a series of saw blades waffled together to produce a wide cutting surface. One side has coarse cut teeth for very fast stock removal while the other side has a finer tooth pattern for a smoother cut. They work exceptionally well on highly figured wood."

cheers,
Gav.

[gavinturner]

The neck shape looks amazing btw DB!

cheers,
Gav.

[Brendan]

Red handled one - is that a Rocket Rasp?

http://www.carbatec.com.au/japanese-carving-rasp-inline-handle_c13027

http://www.carbatec.com.au/rocket-rasp-150mm-curved-fine-cut_c21296
(also seen it called a 1/2 round CP (Chemically Polished) file - apparently super quick cuts and no grooves...)

Nice kit DB.

[dingobass]

Too easy.... Gav gets the prize! :)

Gav,Email me your postal address dingobass@pitbullguitars.com

For every winner of the Quizz, I am donating $1 towards Durong Dingo Sanctuary to help fund the promotion of the true nature and place in the Australian eco system of the Dingo.

This $1 donation will also apply all Dingotone products, for every Guitar wax, Dingotone finishing kit (yes, the Dingotone finishing kits will be available in six to eight weeks) and any other Dingotone product released.

[dingobass]

Brendan was also correct....

Two winners! :)

[Joshy]

Looks absolutely stunning. Love the look of that fretboard too.

[lawry]

It gets better looking each time you post, DB. More like a sculpture than a guitar.

[gavinturner]

Agreed Lawry, it's definitely a work of art and getting more so with each post!

cheers,
Gav.

[dingobass]

Now it is time for speed humps...errr... frets....
First step is to clean out the slots.
I am using a .25" gauge saw for this as it is the same width as the slots.

You can see how much crud builds up from finishing the fret board....
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/fvz5a-IMG_2992.JPG
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/074zy-IMG_2993.JPG

[dingobass]

Seating the frets...

Firstly, I seat the ends by tapping firmly with a deadblow fretting hammer.

Then I seat the rest of the fret.
Usually I would press the frets in, but due to the shape of the neck and body it was easier to manually seat them.
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/a70da-IMG_2994.JPG
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/418oc-IMG_2996.JPG
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/d6x2l-IMG_3000.JPG

[dingobass]

Hardware porn....
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/an4e9-IMG_3001.JPG

[Brendan]

OOoooh Steinbergers...

Love the plan with the Dingo Sanctuary!

[jarrod]

So when can I take delivery DB

[wokkaboy]

looking awesome as usual DB, looks like its almost ready for clear coats of dingotone !

[dingobass]

Now for the pickup surrounds.

First up, drill out the corners with 15mm Forstner bit, then set up Dremel and attack!
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/x7u6k-IMG_3005.JPG
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/51r8x-IMG_3006.JPG

[dingobass]

Here it is, 'buckers sitting in and everthing fits!

Just needs final shaping..
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/134ot-image.jpg
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/l507g-image.jpg

[dingobass]

Top ferrules in place :)

Bridge glued..
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/tbm85-image.jpg

[lawry]

Hmmm. That's interesting! Black pearls.

[Nickosaurus]

This is going to be interesting to see finished and set-up. Certainly one of the most unique guitars I've seen built on a forum!

[DanMade]

Definatly worth the extra effort making that bridge setup DB. Now that truly is a full contact bridge.

[wokkaboy]

amazing touches DB, I didn't think this build could get better but you keep improving the finishing touches - well done, Can't wait to have a play next visit

[pablopepper]

That answers my question about how that bridge works. Good stuff DB.

[dingobass]

Hows that for figure?...
Sanded to 320 and one coat of Dingotone.
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/42ab1-IMG_3007.JPG
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/38s8s-IMG_3011.JPG
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/v82pr-IMG_3018.JPG

[dingobass]

And the headstock.. all sanded and drilled for the Steinbergers...
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/7bs4z-IMG_3014.JPG
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/k8o31-IMG_3020.JPG

[gavinturner]

Grain is amazing DB. Is that the "clear" Dingotone finish?

cheers,
Gav.

[bargeloobs]

Man that'd look nice with some nitro on there...

[lawry]

Hmmm! So if you're putting the machine heads in a row diagonally across the headstock, what sort are you going to use? Oversized ukulele friction units? Or wot?

:?

[dingobass]

these beasties... Lawry. :P
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/a94wp-IMG_3001.JPG

[stan]

the details are awesome, very nice results with Dingotone

[WeirdBits]

DB, haven't seen my waxilicious prize as yet, should I be abusing the postman?

[stan]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from dingobass on June 18, 2014, 07:46
Thanx Stan. :)
So do you reckon that it might be better if the controls were placed more to the butt end of the Guitar, say to where the out put would normally be?

oh wow, havent read this thread for too long - yes mate, that's exactly what I thought. This is coming along so nicely, love the fluid, almost organic lines, looks like it would have a nice "feel"

[Fretworn]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from bargeloobs on June 27, 2014, 17:03
Man that'd look nice with some nitro on there...

Expecting DB to send you a package of freshly laid Dingo turds. Hate to be your postman. ;)

[dingobass]

I was thinking along the lines of time in the naughty room without beer and pizza......
You shouldnt give me ideas like that, Fretty :)

[bargeloobs]

"dingo turd in the post" hehehehe

[lawry]

So, just going back to the machine heads... Who makes 'em and where do you get 'em? They look really cool. I assume they're geared internally.

[WeirdBits]

Lawry, Steinbergers (http://www.stewmac.com/Hardware_and_Parts/Tuning_Machines/Guitar_and_Solid_Peghead/Steinberger_Gearless_Tuners.html).

[lawry]

Thanks Scott. Had a look at the link and they look hot and cool at the same time. Love the classiness of them and can imagine them on a future build for certain.

[dingobass]

Not cheap, but well worth the outlay..
at 40:1 ratio they are supa accurate :)

[stan]

awesome, but it would take all day to wind a string on!

[wokkaboy]

Looking forward to update pics DB with the hardware on. Not a good idea Barge to suggest the N word around DB. I'm sure dingotone clear will make that grain pop

[dingobass]

Stan, the string feeds through a hole at the base of the locking shaft.
Generally speaking, a few turns of the knurled tuning knob is all thats required... These babies are so sensitive that it takes a bit of getting used to.
Unlike normal tuners, these guys have a ratio of 40:1......
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/gz905-image.jpg

[stan]

aahh i see, these look very nice

[dingobass]

They are very nice..... just wish they made them for Bass as well.
Imagine the funky headstock shapes you could come up with :)

[gavinturner]

Just received my Dingowax this morning DB many thanks! It's gonna go on the Stone Roses build as soon as I am able.

cheers,
Gav.

[DanMade]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from gavinturner on July 10, 2014, 21:27
Just received my Dingowax this morning DB many thanks! It's gonna go on the Stone Roses build as soon as I am able.

cheers,
Gav.

I got my Dingowax last week, How good does it smell!

I found myself putting a dab behind my ear, using it as a perfume, lol.

[wokkaboy]

good move Dan, I reckon it smells good enough to use as after shave !

[lawry]

Yeah, got mine a week or so ago, too, and thought the same thing. It means I can be all blokey and build stuff yet stay in touch with my femine side and have soft supple hands.

[dingobass]

Been very busy with other stuff..
Finally got back to the beast and whacked on the first top coat!
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/dyh17-image.jpg

[DanMade]

"Fat bottom girls, they make the rockin world go round"

[Nickosaurus]

earthy. :D

[wokkaboy]

really DB thats only 1 top coat ?
Its nice and glossy, can't wait to see it in the flesh and get my hands on the DT clear coats

[ultpanzi]

That bridge looks amazing...

[stan]

brilliant work DB

[jarrod]

DB I lost your number. Flick me a FB message so I can give you call.

[dingobass]

Here she is... Almost done.

Just need to apply the last finish coat, cut a proper nut, intonate blah blah blah.........

Wonder if the ipad will post the pics the right way up for a change?
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/432aw-image.jpg
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/0653y-image.jpg
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/529s8-image.jpg

[wokkaboy]

wow looking delicious DB, hope its ready to bring on PBG's 2nd birthday party. The photos orientate the right way when you click on them.
You also forgot to put your DB watermarks on the photo

[lawry]

Ah man, that is just beautiful. The synergy of all the parts just blows me away!

[gavinturner]

Amazing work DB. A real work of art!

cheers
Gav.

[jarrod]

I got my hands on this little beauty the other day and it just feels so right. Tone for ever. Wanna put it through my Peavey and see what it sounds like.

[Nickosaurus]

clips?

[ponch]

Very cool. Can't wait for the colours to be released, than clear looks great.