ESP MH-50 "Fauxrez"

[maxaxe]

Mad Max is back for 2017 with another sacrilegious remodelling . . .

I've had this delightfully smooth to play ESP "shop bought" axe for a few years, but just couldn't face having an "ordinary" guitar in the collection any more!
Because I'm a Blues Tragic (who isn't?) I decided to create a kind of "Blues Fusion" guitar which, to me anyway, will look the business (SOMEDAY I'm gunna hunker down and actually learn to play the Blues properly) This baby will be be my main weapon.

The most obvious trick is fitting a resonator plate for appearance, but also to allow "cutaways" in the body for weight reduction. I have a real aversion for heavy guitars.

I will be fitting a single coil bridge PUP (Hidden under a chrome HB cover) for that sharp goosebumpy "twang" which I find a bit elusive, but keep the orridgy neck HB (with a matching cover) for mellow moments.
Also plan to retain the chromie Floyd Rose bridge & whammy for looks & effect. the whole thing should be uber chrome & black when it's done.

The headstock is just about rebuilt to mimic the Dobro look too, with thanks to DB's time honoured dowelling method!


Soo let's have a dekko at progress so far . . .

Pic1: Before the mutilation started.
Pic2: The "plan" ha ha.
Pic3: Oh sh-t, the plate's too big?

[maxaxe]

Ooops - pics are frack to bunt for unknown reasons.

Heeeeer's more:

How to reduce the diameter of a reso plate (everyone needs to know this?) and a jig for cutting a perfect (I hoped!) circular rout.

[vh2580]

Looking forward to seeing this Max.

[maxaxe]

More:

The rout ( prior to chiselling for a convex result)
Reduced plate first fit.
The beginning of the end of the original 'stock

[maxaxe]

Where the 'stock work is at now . . .

[wokkaboy]

great to have you back building Max, you always come up with the coolest ideas. Can't wait to see this build playing. Keep up the good work mate !
You got the circles looking like fresh donuts top job with the routing jig. Also you do the best headstock remodels !

[maxaxe]

great to have you back building Max, you always come up with the coolest ideas. Can't wait to see this build playing. Keep up the good work mate !

Thanks a heap Wokks.
You are truly a star of the show my friend.
Yes indeed, it's good to be back in the (bridge?) saddle.

[wokkaboy]

haha nah there are much bigger stars than me Max. Hopefully this axe will sound like a resonator. Bet the ESP fans are spewing haha

[wazkelly]

Probably the first person to attempt playing something other than shred on a ESP!

Go for it Max. It takes lots of balls to do what you have planned and hope it turns out all good for you.

Cheers, Waz

[Zandit75]

Where the 'stock work is at now . . .

I had to look at this several times before it sunk in!! I thought you would be adding a different neck, not adding wings and reshaping the existing headstock! That's brilliant!!