Tele with Bigsby style bridge build

Hi all,
After much messing around, today I starting putting things together. It took a lot longer to do the measurements and make sure everything was centred and stuff. Also it seems this kit's bridge is a too far behind. It might be ok, but I get the feeling I will have to move the saddles as close to the neck as they can go.

The only thing I replaced is the jack plate because I wasn't too keen on the one that came with the kit.

One thing to notice is that you have to be very careful when you work with basswood, the wood is really soft. For the small screws I didn't even need to pre-drill the holes.

Tomorrow I'll start having a bit of fun with the neck, see if I can get a decent shape out of it.
Thanks
Christian

nice look! What finish type/colour scheme are you shooting for?

Very nice, looking good

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chrisp250

Hi all,
but I get the feeling I will have to move the saddles as close to the neck as they can go.

Christian

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I had the opposite issue with mine. I had to get the saddle as far back as they could go to get the intonation right. Including flipping some of the saddles around to get more distance.

Nice job with the mock build Christian. yeah basswood is ultra soft...don't drop it!

Thanks everyone for the encouragement :)
I'm going to use Uluru red Dingotone for the body and amber for the neck. I thought that would be a good match for the gold hardware.
Yesterday I saw the neck. Man, that maple wood is a b**** to cut. I'll upload some pics later.

Cheers
Christian

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chrisp250

Thanks everyone for the encouragement :)
Yesterday I saw the neck. Man, that maple wood is a b**** to cut. I'll upload some pics later.

Cheers
Christian

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wait until you have to start planing it, there's a reason they call it Rock Maple.

Headstock
Sawing, filing and sanding of the headstock.
This is how it started
Attachment 16360
After much sweating with a hand saw
Attachment 16361
After filing and sanding
Attachment 16362
Attachment 16363

I'll be away for a week, when I get back I'll get started with the sanding of the body.
I was going to use Uluru red for the body and amber for the neck. I'm not sure whether I should also do the face of the headstock red or it would be a bit too much. Suggestions?
Thanks
Christian

Nice work on the headstock Christian! My only tip would be that while basswood is soft enough to screw into without pilot holes (although I still do pre-drill), make sure you still put a dab of wax on the screws before finally screwing them in.

As far as staining the headstock, I'm firmly in the school of keeping headstocks natural - but it's such a personal decision rather than a right or wrong thing. Go with what makes you happy!

I would use same colour that you use on the back of the neck in preference to body colour on headstock face.