Kanes first build ST-1M

that came up really well Kane, looks good

MAJOR SETBACK - Help me

I fear the worst.

Let me explain. Early on when spraying the neck, it fell off the hook that was holding it during the spray. It landed on the very end. It fell from just below chest height onto the concrete garage floor. I gave it a quick sand back hoping it didn't do much and the damage was hidden once installed on the body.

However, when I fully assembled the guitar last night, the neck didn't fit in the same position from my original setup and the strings were skewed a little. Anyway I adjusted to have the strings set right. Then once the strings went on there was some major fret buzz happening. A lot more than my original setup.

Alarm bells started ringing, then I also thought maybe the lacquer had changed the characteristics of the neck and it just needed adjusting etc. Well once the strings settled down I checked the height of the strings (with the 1st fret fitted with capo) and basically the bottom E string has no gap. This is even with the bridge saddles fully up. Not enough back bow. So my fear increased. I then attempted to adjust the truss rod, "lefty loosey", 1/4 turn to begin with. Let it settle for a bit, recheck measurements and the E string still sat on top of the frets with no gap. Ok, adjust the rod another 1/4 turn. More time passes. Nil change to the string measurements. Leave it over night, no change.

Argghhhhh!!!! Not happy today. Looks like I need another neck. So close. Anyways, once work finishes today I will try another adjustment and see what happens.

Thoughts?

I think you are right, a new neck may be required. Especially if you have managed to turn the truss rod a half circle. I am actually surprised your truss rod hasn't stripped.....

Bugger - know that dropping feeling. Sorry to hear and I know how frustrating it can be to be nearly there and to then have to start part of it again...

Well all may not be lost. After sitting in the cupboard all day it seems there may be some movement in the neck. Not as much fret buzz as yesterday and some of the buzzing is located on certain frets. Anyway I will let it sit for a few more days and see what happens. String measurement seems to be moving so it is not flush all across the frets.

Photos you say


http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...2qyh-image.jpg
Finally got the spraying sorted

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...1xq6-image.jpg
Always trying to find a decent pose

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...g33z-image.jpg
Krank is an offshoot of my brothers business name - Krank roofing WA

Also I have decided on "Platinum brother" as a name.
As it is based on my brothers character. Strong, Spanish for silver (parts of his hair), rare, valuable found between gold and iridium (one of rarest elements) on the periodic table.
It was my brother that helped my through one of the lowest points in my life and helped me on my feet again. I saw it as an opportunity to name my first build after him. I hope the sound it eventually plays sings the blues but also some funk to remember those times.

I hope the neck comes good for you Kane (I'd say "fingers crossed" but its bad luck to be superstitious! :D ) ... you've done a great job on her and she's looking really sweet ... just love that "gunmetal" colour!

looks great!
What about a new nut with a little less relief in it for the buzzing string - if you cant fully get it at the bridge end, go for the head end...

Dude that's a classy looking Strat - very nice colour.

Nice strat and nice story behind the name hope allnthe neck issues work out

Thanks for the encouragement guys.
Looks like I have had some movement with the neck. I ended up using my long alley keys with the ball ends. I don't think the alley provided cut it. Decided I will wait until I strip it down for the final sand and polish and I will dress the frets and add a new nut. That should give me a little less buzz.
My super fine sand paper should turn up in the next few days, but won't have enough time this weekend I think to finish it.

Also have some custom made pickups in the planning stage. Just need to order some parts.