The next step is to build a wedge monitor so that she can rest a foot on it whilst playing.
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The next step is to build a wedge monitor so that she can rest a foot on it whilst playing.
Slightly better demo after another go at setup this morning. I think its still settling down, but this is a better demo of how it sounds - my ham fisted playing aside. Just clean with no emulators or processing into my mac.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CI6TQ9cgyck
Neck pick-up sounds best to me. Great build!
Thanks Rook, This guitar has come a long way since that vid. Same pickups, but the setup and playability is waaaay better. Couple of clips of a mate playing it last week here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO-rM6yHZI0&feature=youtu.be
That's sounding really nice Sonic. Once I get my next 2 builds out of the way im going re visit my JMA and cut a new pick guard and rout the pickup cavity out so i can re-position all the pickups like you suggested. It plays ok but it definitely needs to have them moved.
Yeah I really want to do that mod, a few things in the queue before I get back to it.
The guy in the clip has asked me to build him a second guitar as well, which is going to be a lot of fun. Very different to what I have previously done. I'll start a diary once we get the base kit.
I keep coming back to look at these pics. It looks incredible. Really amazing work.
Great guitar mate, just caught up, bet your stoked.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sonic Mountain
Yeah it's a real favourite. Still on loan... I'm starting to miss it!
Well it's nearly a year and half since I finished this build and it has racked up a lot of playing time since then. When it's not having sleepovers on loan it gets a regular playing most days. There is a lot I like about it. Once dialled in properly, its magic to play. That said there are a few things that annoy me and so begins the modifications.....
So this is where it's at. The Rustoleum finish has held up very well, this guitar isn't babied, so it does have some wear and tear. I think at the end of the day I wont be using Rustoleum again though. Even though its cured and hard, there is a feeling 'rubberyness' to it that I'm not sure is good from a guitar building point of view. I am sceptical of how much paint changes the sound, but I also can't help feeling that this product 'dampens' the wood a bit. I'm better at acrylic any way, if I could get poly in the same range of colours as you can get automotive I'd use it exclusively I think.
https://i.imgur.com/xjFQYzZ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ysVcalo.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1SFv9yW.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NXVK3Lg.jpg
So a couple of things straight up. The switch placement and volume knob are really bad for me. As soon as I start really thrashing it the switch gets bumbed and the vol knob gets turned down. I ended up taking the knob off and taping the switch last time I was jamming and that's pretty much what finally made me decide to fix this guitar. The other issue, that was mentioned by Fretworn in this diary is the pickup spacing, particularly how far the HB is from the bridge. Once you see it you can't unsee it and it does look weird. I also already have a HSS workhorse with excellent pickups in it, so that makes this guitar a little redundant. At this stage the plan is to put in 2 P90's as I don't have a guitar with those at the moment and it seems fitting for the offset shape.
I'm a bit undecided on pick guard colour. The red perloid is a bit wierd, but I do like it, I'm also considering white perloid or tortoise shell... or perhaps even making a clear one and doing something fun on the reverse... will see what happens.
The neck has copped a flogging. Not being the kind of guitar to rest easily without a stand it's taken a few tumbles. My very first fret job is pretty rough as well (although surprisingly servicable) So I'll spend a bit of time cleaning it all up as best I can.
https://i.imgur.com/b5m06r1.jpg
The bridge also needs some work. Again, it does the job, but the saddles tend to bind up on each other. I am saving for some other projects and can't quite convince myself to replace it entirely, so I swapped out the saddles with some from the Squire I did the neck and Babicz upgrade on recently. It's immediately better to adjust, so hopefully its all good.
https://i.imgur.com/HgUDOGR.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/EVbx0eo.jpg
Next item is the heel where the neck attaches. I cannot stand that huge block there. You can see already that I've worn through the paint - that's where my palm is when I'm at the high frets and it sucks. Seems to be the same on genuine 'F' guitars as well... would drive me crazy on an expensive one.
https://i.imgur.com/0fcx0HK.jpg
Having modded that area on a couple of other basswood bodies I'm sure the ash will cope fine, so out with the angle grinder and files.
https://i.imgur.com/Ai15jnS.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/gkrfyxp.jpg
Still some work to do, planning an nice bevel around that corner. Was a little weird attacking the paint.. I'm considering just leaving it raw.. mega relic lol. It could be touched up, will see how I feel. Good show of how much paint ended up on it - mostly due to the water sanding boo boo and subsequent repainting. Probably too much on there - which won't be helping with the weight issues, something else I hope will be improved with these mods
Back to the other side and some working out, moving the control plate and working out the new pick guard design. I ended up putting the entire body in my scanner. As this comes out 1:1 ratio on the computer it lets me do a really accurate trace. I had to do it twice and merge the photos in illustrator, but I think its going to work well. This is the first iteration, I actually have an idea to make it a little wackier (stand by)
https://i.imgur.com/5XFxYpD.jpg?1 (you can also see that the top layer of the perloid is lifting here which is annoying...)
https://i.imgur.com/3UL43hr.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/38GYZnG.jpg
Then some more scary tool time. I am definitely getting better with the router. A little messy, but big improvements and learning all the time how to get better results.
https://i.imgur.com/Hok10x8.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/Q9IoLBb.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Up5FeuK.jpg
I'm considering removing a bit more material under the pick guard to help with the weight.. again.. will see how I go.
Next thing is to get some pickups organised. I'm also going to move the switch to the Vol spot on the control panel and just have a 3 way/vol/tone setup.
Anyway, stand by for more ill considered shenanigans. I also have mods for a couple of the others planned.. so I'll update those threads as I come to them.
This is going to be really cool. I’ve actually been thinking about changing my first one too. Good luck with it all mate 👍🏻
Cheers, I think it's going to be worthwhile. I've learnt so much since I did this one so it's good to go back and refine it a bit. All good practice as well.
Bit more work today, pick guard design testing. I also did another pass over the frets and cleaned up and re oiled the board (excuse the dust).
https://i.imgur.com/PLyZgQH.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/iQJjZoD.jpg
I'd almost be convinced to do white/white perloid 3 ply based on this... tough decision.
https://i.imgur.com/fUyYIDS.jpg
Hmmm. Interested to see how this pans out.
I opted to change the switch to a Gibson style toggle, but seeing as I have yet to drill the hole...
Also considered using the metal switch plate but decided on the 'Jazzmaster' pickguard configuration.
Attachment 30151
cheers, Mark.
Hi Sonic
I will be interested to see how it all goes and whether or not the weight reduction changes the sound at all.
The JM1 is quite hefty but I do like the sound out of mine.
Colin
Honestly, it did already sound great. Some of the kit hardware is a bit so so, but I’ve been impressed with the pickups. Changing the pickups will automatically change the sound so it will be hard to directly compare, that said, I am curious as well.
not to shabby sonic, i did my build kit sort of the same i did a white 2k body and 2k matt neck and put a big red back spider on it and cleared it in, not sure if i took a pic but i have wrapped up all my unfinished projects in clear plastic and have put them all way as taking a break for a bit
Back to this one. Given my current project funds situation I've given this a re-think. Rather than P90's and a new perloid guard I'm going to use some humbuckers I already have and this bit of 3mm aluminium I picked up at the tip shop for $5. I've obviously forgotten how much fun the steam punker was, I'm going to use the same techniques to cut this out with the dremel.
Design for the new plate has been done and glued down. When that's dry I'll start making some aluminium dust...
https://i.imgur.com/UuoVDms.jpg
Looks great. Will be interested to see what dremel attachments you will use for the various cuts and shapes.
So I had a very inspiring weekend having the opportunity to go to Spring Loaded festival. Wall to wall 90's bands at Sandstone Point Near Bribie Island. Clearly setup for my demographic, I had a blast. Also a great op for some guitar spotto.
Being 90's stuff there were a tonne of offset guitars in use which has made me want to get stuck back into this one as soon as I got home.
Basically I used a highspeed fine tooth curve blade in the jigsaw and a drill. Needs tidying up of course, but I'm happy with the progress.
Looks cool in the mockup as well IMO :D
I have black pickup surrounds so I don't have to worry about those looking perfect. You can see the one I could find in the mockup.
https://i.imgur.com/edQADNI.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/r7FDNCF.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/k0Goedu.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/RUtMU85.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2DAoN7t.jpg
Very interesting and wondering how that scratch plate will look when highly polished.
Actually, the more I look at it the more I'm thinking of cleaning it up and making it 'brushed' looking rather than polishing it all the way. That way I'll have a bit of contrast with the chrome.
The lead guitarist from Custard was playing one of these Jay Mascis Jazzmasters with the anodised pickguard on the weekend. Looked really cool. I think this is kind of in a similar vibe.
https://i.imgur.com/Tx0NANh.jpg
Some more refining and a go at 'brushing' the aluminium with the orbital. Works for me.... It'll tarnish and scratch up with use anyway so I'm not to fussy.
https://i.imgur.com/bbyBwew.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/nAi3pmI.jpg?1
Oh and I remembered where the other pickup surround is... currently residing in the Sonicaster. I have some makeover plans for it as well so it's going to donate some bits to this build and I'll resurrect it at a later date. I miss having this one to play more and it suits the style of stuff I'm playing with my current 'band'.
I think the brushed look instead of a mirror like polish is a good move. Imagine a polished surface would never look clean once your fingers touch it. I’d forever be trying to wipe it clean.
Not terribly bothered by finger marks etc. I expect it to oxidize and get pretty marked up anyway. This guitar is already on its way to relic land just through general use. I did rub it down with steel wool to get some of the high points off, will just leave it and see how it goes now.
Just need a switch and some knobs and I should be good to wire up and reassemble, think I'll just leave the exposed wood on the back for now and see if it annoys me.
https://i.imgur.com/ZBI2K5z.jpg?1
Some more progress. Had to do some more enlarging in the control cavity to accommodate the 3 way switch.
https://i.imgur.com/cbMQ3GG.jpg
All wired up and assembled, putting the strings on I noticed a fairly major error... I've forgotten the bridge ground.
https://i.imgur.com/0VJtY4l.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/rrrh7FJ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/c71q0Wx.jpg
Had enough for today anyway.....
Looking good and coming together well there Sonic.
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OK its all together, setup went pretty quickly and I'm happy to report it still plays great, actually probably a bit better with some improvements to the fret work on the higher frets.
I do have a minor wiring issue I can't get my brain around. I bought the 3 way switch from Jaycar when I went to look at knobs, so its an automotive one. It's supposed to be on/off/on 3 position and I just figured I'd be able to work out how to have both selected...but brain no worky.
May just have to go and get a guitar one so the wiring diagrams I can find make sense- suggestions welcome. Pic of the back of the switch here.
https://i.imgur.com/CgfNr8P.jpg
Otherwise, I've very happy with the sound out of each pickup individually and having a kill position in the middle isn't a bad thing for the kind of music I play - I generally sit on the bridge pickup so it's not a big deal, and flicking it to neck and clean is nice and warm and creamy for the few times I need that sound. It's a very chunky switch and out of the way when I play so hopefully I have eliminated the 'unintended adjustments while playing problems'. Same theory with the chicken head knobs, out of the way and full is when volume/tone is when they are pointing straight down.
Really happy with the result overall, including the visual improvements, its a lot more my style like this.
https://i.imgur.com/qafLI5u.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1ky80il.jpg
looks brilliant!
Cheers man :).
I've just been giving it a thrash instead of working. I'm really happy with it, also thinking I'll keep the switching as is, very helpful having a kill when its cranked all the way up.
Thrash that offy bro!
Definitely an improvement visually.
Those JM-1 pickups are crammed together in no-man's land IMO.
I note that you are keeping the bridge.
Was thinking of putting the one off my JM-1 into a strat copy.
Good idea? ...or is the standard 6 screw strat style better?
cheers, Mark.
I totally am :D Getting a bit frustrated as we are packing to go on hols and I'm trying to get all the work done I need to before hand. Squeezing in noisemaking/guitar tinkering is getting difficult.Quote:
Originally Posted by FrankenWashie
I don't know if one is better than the other. I think this one is easier to setup as a 'floating' bridge. I have actually changed the saddles to strat ones as the kit ones were binding against each other which was a pain for intonation.Quote:
Originally Posted by king casey
Agree regarding the standard pick up setup on these, once you see it you can't un-see it. I will say that in terms of having a palette of sounds it still functioned fine and I did have a love/hate relation ship with the red perloid. This is a bit tougher though for sure :D
If you do end up wanting an on/on/on switch I've used these instructions before:Quote:
Originally Posted by Sonic Mountain
https://www.harmonycentral.com/forum...elector-switch
on/on/on switches are for some reason hellishly expensive. I did find some cheaper ones on AliExpress though.
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/czXgrKo
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/bk1MWQic
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That looks awesome Sonic, have you got some sounds we can listen to?
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Thanks. I guess it's a case of trying it out for myself.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sonic Mountain
cheers, Mark.
Will see if I get a chance today - everything is going into a storage unit this arvo for a bit :(Quote:
Originally Posted by I’ll give it a go
Had a go. This is straight into the little vox and recorded with the computer mic - it really doesn't like it - you can hear the peaks getting cut out which is making it sound really thin, especially once I hit the overdrive button. Sounds a heck of a lot better IRL. Next time I'm around and my mates playing I'll try and grab a quick clip with his setup.
Uhttps://youtu.be/q_kNlhRA3Pcsual apologies for fumble fingers, its cold and I'm rushing :)
Love the kill switch...ie, Johnny Greenwood of Radiohead has the same...
Nice one SM. Personal I find it hard recording myself. Apologies not required. Love the feedback!