Chuck’s N1M "Semi-scratch" Build

[Chuck]

Looks good. Those damn plastic shavings cling to everything, don't they?

Everywhere!!!

[Chuck]

Quick update on this one. I've had a change of plans, and I'm going to be using the body to try out a couple of things. First off, I've made about as big a swimming pool rout as I possibly could! Certainly cuts the weight down a bit! I was a bit hasty with it and have made a couple of screwups, but nothing that will be seen in the end. It's also a help as this one is effectively becoming a working template where I'd prefer to make mistakes than on a final version. I also found an old sheet of white pickguard material (down the back of the bench no less!) and have formed a shape that kind of works (I'll get to the neck pocket rout for it eventually). Next step will be getting the body sanded/filled/primed/painted...

[wokkaboy]

looks great Chuck, is the shape basically modelled off a Jag ? All good the routing is good practice for when you use good timber ! You don't want to take off any more material behind the bottom of the neck pocket !

[Chuck]

looks great Chuck, is the shape basically modelled off a Jag ? All good the routing is good practice for when you use good timber ! You don't want to take off any more material behind the bottom of the neck pocket !

It's more a take on a Toronado than a Jag, but similar traits. Agreed on the routing practice - and I may actually leave a higher section between the pickup pool and the control pool on the proper version just to give it a bit more strength. Thanks for pointing out just how much I have taken behind the neck pocket. I don't think I'd actually thought about it!!

[Chuck]

I've been inexcusably occupied with other stuff for a while, but this afternoon I've done a mock build following completion of all the wiring (it's nice and simple, because everything is done on the pickguard other than connecting the bridge ground). Put one string on just to hear it works... and the good news? It does work! On the flip side, I need to either take a little out of the bottom of the neck pocket, or create a shim to put under the bridge as there's simply no action! Bit of a bummer but them's the breaks with scratchie builds. I may end up doing a bit of both. Then it's just a final check before heading done the long path of painting/finishing - although once that starts there is the excuse to start work on another build!

[gavinturner]

OMG that looks amazing Chuck. Just fantastic dude!

cheers,
Gav.

[Chuck]

Thanks Gav - I was worried about the enormous pickguard, but it sits a little better now there's some stuff on it. Even with only one string you could start to hear the tonal variety the Jimmy Page wiring gives too.

[Chuck]

Managed to sort out the action with some truss rod and bridge height work so it's fully strung and playing really nicely - the JP wiring is amazing for how versatile it is. The problem I have now is going to be putting it down for long enough to paint it! Part of me is tempted to leave it "raw" but I'm pretty sure that phase will pass!

[Kick]

Even with only one string you could start to hear the tonal variety the Jimmy Page wiring gives too.

What is so special about this Jimmy Page wiring?

[Zandit75]

What is so special about this Jimmy Page wiring?

Good question! Is this a variation on the standard Les Paul wiring?