floyd rose sv-1

[LeonJ]

So, I haven't gotten round to a diary (sorry, not being obtuse, just haven't made time), but I should mention that the one BIG aim with this was to gain some understanding of the basic mechanics around the construction of a guitar. This is my experiment, and will continue to be my guinea pig for a number of things (including learning to use a floating bridge, swapping pickups, and other DIY ambitions I have. This is why I rushed it a little and why I was not too bothered with fancy finishes - I wanted to retain the wood colour and tone... IT WAS THE MOST FUN I'VE HAD IN YEARS! and I anticipate more to come from this kit alone.

Thank you to all those who offered advice - it helped tremendously! the "finished" product is included here - pre any modifications I might try my hand at.

I call it my "LIEbanez" for obvious reasons It looks a little jaundiced but I absolutely love playing it!

[Trevor Davies]

Well done. It looks nice, and it is great that you like playing it.

I love the idea of having a guinea pig guitar that you are willing to work on.

[fender3x]

Looks pretty good to me! Enjoying playing an instrument you made is more than worth the price of admission I find ;-)

You have to be careful with that guinea pig idea though. Some time ago I bought a cheap Chinese Jazz bass (an SX) thinking I would mod it a little. First I replaced the pickups and electronics. Then I practiced doing a setup on it before doing my first "real" setup and added a bone nut. It started to play well, so I replaced the pickups and electronics again, and added lighter tuners, a new pickguard and control plate. Then straplocks. I have a locking bridge for it, a new, lighter body on the painting rack, and I have shaped the headstock for a new neck... I think my little mod has gotten a bit out of control.