Silent Guitar Scratch build ideas

[Guvna19]

I've got no idea when this project will start, or for that matter if it will even get off the ground, but I've always wanted one of Yamaha's Silent Guitars.


But over the last couple of days I've been thinking of doing my own version.

I seriously doubt I could get my hands on the electrics from a genuine Yamaha Silent Guitar, but I could do something with an Under Saddle Transducer style Piezo pick up without needing to get too creative.

Unlike the Yamaha, I think I would go with a string through design as long as that would be stable considering the "body" is only going to be about 75mm wide.

Other decisions to be made include Neck Through body, or do I use a PBG bolt on Strat/LP neck onto another piece of wood for the body?

Next would be what kind of material do I use for the outline of the body? The possibilities would be endless. I could make them out of MDF, or Aluminium, and I could even powdercoat the aluminium to any colour I want.

Is there anything I am overlooking, or even over thinking?

Ideas please!! Throw them this way!!!

if theres eva a kit for that guitar, I want one!! , if that sounds half as good as it looks, never seen or heard of it but im likin it

[Zandit75]

if theres eva a kit for that guitar, I want one!! , if that sounds half as good as it looks, never seen or heard of it but im likin it

There are a couple of kits kicking around the interwebs, but I just got a hankering to do one myself. There are a couple of links in the first couple of pages of this thread that show the kits. They look more metal styled than LP shaped.
The genuine Yamaha SLG200S(Steel string) & SLG200N(Nylon) retail for over $1k. I'm hoping to finish this under $300. I really should add up everything I've spent so far.
If you get the chance, find out who the Yamaha dealer is in Adelaide, and try one out. They are certainly different to what you'd expect!

[wazkelly]

Hey Zandit, if you had the spare coin would you buy one?

[Zandit75]

Yes I would Waz. I was almost swayed by the original SLG100S when it came out about 15yrs ago. The only thing holding me back was getting it back to Tasmania. I didn't want to risk it as checked in luggage.
The new model has a great blending design between the mic(actually a computer generated version of a live acoustic guitar) and the piezo pickup. It had several chorus and reverb options. You can also plug a set of headphones in directly and it's like listening to a pure acoustic sound. It also has an mp3 plug as well.
One day, a genuine version will be in my collection!

[wazkelly]

Thanks mate. That is a huge rap and one day when I have more dollars than sense may just have to add one of them to my ever growing collection.

[FrankenWashie]

Thanks mate. That is a huge rap and one day when I have more dollars than sense may just have to add one of them to my ever growing collection.

And ditto from me

[Zandit75]

Thanks mate. That is a huge rap and one day when I have more dollars than sense may just have to add one of them to my ever growing collection.

And ditto from me

They're not going to be everyone's cup of tea, but I fell in love with them straight away. If the semi-scratch build comes anywhere near it, then I'll be very happy!

[Simon Barden]

My friend Bill in Sydney has a yacht and has sailed to Tasmania before on it (in fact Bill and his wife sailed it to Sydney from England). If he ever goes again, I'll get him to bring one across for you.

[Zandit75]

Sounds like a plan! 15yrs ago they would have had to go in as checked in luggage. Today, I reckon I would be allowed to place it in the overhead lockers.
Having said that, many of the online stores now offer free insured shipping and easy return policies. It's a lot easier these days!

[Zandit75]

Finally got hold of some Titebond Original. Got my good friend Mick to pick some up for me!
Unfortunately, the National Brass Band Championships are just around the corner, so I don't believe I'll get much done over the next couple of weeks.
After Easter, this will be full steam ahead!