Simon's Super Strat Scratch Build.

[SIMpleONe89]

Now the guitar is almost complete. Next I'll have to align the neck with the bridge, check that the action is ok and test fit the hardware. I've come this far and everything has been going well so I hope nothing major screws up!

And I can't stress the importance of the centre line in the body. This is perhaps the most crucial bit of the process. Fortunately, with everything positioned in reference to the centre line, the bridge, pickups and neck are all aligned.

I'll leave you with some pictures before I put it all together.

[SIMpleONe89]

More...





Sorry for the blur pictures! I'll use a better camera once I'm done with it.

Also for anyone who is on the fence of starting a scratch build, go for it! Hopefully this build diary has been inspiring. As you can see I don't have much skills or tools to begin with so you pick them up as you go.

[SIMpleONe89]

Love what your doing mate...

Thanks tony! Love your work too!

[DaveyCustom]

You DO have skills, my friend! Amazing work

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[FrankenWashie]

Simon, this is a true thing of beauty you are creating, I stand and applaud. Fantastic job so far and thank you for your in depth build diary. I've already seen many things that will make my builds easier.

[SIMpleONe89]

You DO have skills, my friend! Amazing work

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Thanks! I think patience and luck, not skills haha.

[SIMpleONe89]

Simon, this is a true thing of beauty you are creating, I stand and applaud. Fantastic job so far and thank you for your in depth build diary. I've already seen many things that will make my builds easier.

Thanks! Glad you learned something from it.

[FrankenWashie]

Thanks! Glad you learned something from it.

I most definitely have, i cannot wait to see that Zebrano top in all its glory on the finished article!

[Muzza]

Also for anyone who is on the fence of starting a scratch build, go for it! Hopefully this build diary has been inspiring.

I'd be confident of building a guitar body from scratch, but shaping a neck scares me off.
You've definitely inspired me though.

[SIMpleONe89]

Thanks for the comments guys.

I did a dry fit during the weekend to see if it's playable. The action was super low, practically unplayable, so I'll have to deepen the neck pocket by a bit and/or change the neck angle.

Here's what it looks like with the hardware in place. I didn't bother wiring it up because I just wanted to test the playability. Some issues with intonation for now but that can be sorted out later on. I definitely have to recrown my frets because I suspect they're causing some intonation issues too.

The neck is extremely thin and comfy to play. Hopefully it will hold up and not snap haha.




I've started the final sanding and grain filled the neck. Should be able to start the clear coats real soon.

Stay tuned!