Woltz's semi-scratch strat build

[wazkelly]

Yeah, neck building needs so much more precision.

I am in early stages of considering a semi scratch build too and also wondering about what timber to use as some can be as heavy as concrete whilst light weights (like pine) may not be strong enough. Have a few left field low cost ideas floating around that might work.

[Woltz]

"...I just wish more people were having a crack at scratch builds here but then to be fair it was set up as a forum for the Pitbull Kit Builds."

I'm looking at doing a semi-scratch build soon. I'd like to do a custom body with a pre-made neck. I'm not ready to undertake the neck building part of it yet!

I'll be posting a question here about Aussie timber recommendations for a solid body next.

Yeah, neck building needs so much more precision.

I am in early stages of considering a semi scratch build too and also wondering about what timber to use as some can be as heavy as concrete whilst light weights (like pine) may not be strong enough. Have a few left field low cost ideas floating around that might work.

Yeh a lot of the eucalyptus varieties are quite dense and heavy. The Australian Red Cedar (part of the mahogany family) piece that I have though I think will make a nice body that will be quite light. Too soft for a neck I would think but should be hopefully ok for a body. I'll use Queensland Maple for a neck to go with the cedar body. I also have some Southern Silky Oak drying which would be fine for guitar bodies as well and not too heavy.

Once I've finished the routing on my current build I'll weigh it and let you know how heavy it is so you guys can get an idea of what to expect if you use Tas Oak/Vic Ash. Having said that obviously from tree to tree there can be quite a bit of difference as well.