Well the planning started a while back after seeing a Charvel Surfcaster posted on possible kit ideas, so I figured I'd have a crack at a scratchy. First I sourced a photo so I could come up with a shape. Then I enlarged it to what I figured was the correct size, which took a while, and created a template out of some ply I had lying around.
Builds to date
#1, 3 string box guitar
#2, GR-1SF, November guitar of the month 2016
#3, Charvel Surfcaster tribute scratch build. ( Completed )
#4, Pawn shop Strat ( Completed )
#5, Current build MM-1Q
OOOH Scratchie thread! Let me get my popcorn...
FrankenLab
Hand crafting guitars, because Death Rays are expensive.
I sourced some Tas oak from my window maker, nice saving there, and started with the gluing up of all the pieces. Because it's a semi hollow I had to create a pocket and then glue a top on. I used a couple of small brads to line up the two halves and the template, by drilling a size perfect hole at both ends of the body which each time I pulled it apart I could accurately line it all up again
Builds to date
#1, 3 string box guitar
#2, GR-1SF, November guitar of the month 2016
#3, Charvel Surfcaster tribute scratch build. ( Completed )
#4, Pawn shop Strat ( Completed )
#5, Current build MM-1Q
I cut the shape out roughly so I could use a long router bit later with my template and do both halves together. I coated the pocket with some vinyl sealer before gluing the two halves together. Routed the back and front for the trem bridge and the pick ups and pots etc, I have a Babicz full contact trem bridge from PBG and am using two lipstick style pick ups, as per the original ' Surfcaster'.
Last edited by JB RETRO; 19-02-2017 at 12:01 PM.
Builds to date
#1, 3 string box guitar
#2, GR-1SF, November guitar of the month 2016
#3, Charvel Surfcaster tribute scratch build. ( Completed )
#4, Pawn shop Strat ( Completed )
#5, Current build MM-1Q
I purchased a strat style neck that had the sharks fin style inlay in the neck, But I had to modify the head stock to resemble the 'Surfcaster'. I ended up gluing some sides to it and laminating front and back to give a bit more strength. Cut the bottom of the neck on an angle. have primer coated the face of head stock, Nitro, and Tru oiled the back
Builds to date
#1, 3 string box guitar
#2, GR-1SF, November guitar of the month 2016
#3, Charvel Surfcaster tribute scratch build. ( Completed )
#4, Pawn shop Strat ( Completed )
#5, Current build MM-1Q
Did a white binding around the top face including the sound hole and also did a bit of primer on the body. Amongst all this has been heaps of sanding filling etc. You all know the drill! Have missed a few photo shots of the neck modification etc but I just plain forgot to photo them
Builds to date
#1, 3 string box guitar
#2, GR-1SF, November guitar of the month 2016
#3, Charvel Surfcaster tribute scratch build. ( Completed )
#4, Pawn shop Strat ( Completed )
#5, Current build MM-1Q
Looking great JB - really looking forward to watching this one develop!
Completed Builds: #1 TL-1 "Telemaster" (GOTM Oct 2016); #2 The "Maplecaster" scratch build; #3 JB-4 "Bass IV" (co-winner GOTM Jan 2017); #4 ST-1M "Surfcaster" (GOTM Apr 2017), #5 JZA-1 "EC Deluxe"
In Progress:
Build #6 N1R "Semi-scratch" build
Build #7 JZA-1 Baritone
The Cavan Project
The Magnificent Compaņeros
Thanks Chuck, I must admit seeing yours gave me that little bit more of a nudge to get started.
Builds to date
#1, 3 string box guitar
#2, GR-1SF, November guitar of the month 2016
#3, Charvel Surfcaster tribute scratch build. ( Completed )
#4, Pawn shop Strat ( Completed )
#5, Current build MM-1Q
Ha! They may be both Surfcasters but we're each putting a pretty different spin on it!Originally Posted by JB RETRO
Completed Builds: #1 TL-1 "Telemaster" (GOTM Oct 2016); #2 The "Maplecaster" scratch build; #3 JB-4 "Bass IV" (co-winner GOTM Jan 2017); #4 ST-1M "Surfcaster" (GOTM Apr 2017), #5 JZA-1 "EC Deluxe"
In Progress:
Build #6 N1R "Semi-scratch" build
Build #7 JZA-1 Baritone
The Cavan Project
The Magnificent Compaņeros
wow interesting project. Very cool mods to the neck.
Scott.
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