GR-1SF Rocker-Billy

[vh2580]

Scott that will look cool.
Thanks for the description as have seen the tool on stewmac and been keen to bind a headstock or two to match bodies.
So now will have a crack.
As far as Zen raking pebbles get plenty of that from a dog that is trying to become a mid tier open cut coal miner in the backyard.

[Scott J.]

Update on Fitting Hardware to the GR-1SF ...

After a query from Adam, I did a quick check and found that the p/up cut-outs on the current model are bit misleading - when you measure the width and length of the cut-outs it'll look like they'll fit any pick-up of the same size ... but it aint necessarily so.

I'll be putting traditional Filtertron-style pickups on this baby and I found that while they should fit ... the actually don't - almost but not quite.

While the pick-ups are up to a couple of mm smaller in both directions than the cut-outs for them (so you'd think they'd fit nicely), the problem actually lies in the corners ... the corners of the pick-up covers are quite square (with a radius of around 2-3mm) but the cut-outs have a corner radius of about 6mm which end up fouling on the corner of the pick-ups. Its a pretty simple fix and quickly done - a minute of two with a small round file will knock off the bare mm or so of the cut-out that the p/ups will need to fit in.

I don't think this'd be a problem if you're using uncovered pickups as you wont have the square corners to worry about (in fact it looks as though the cut-outs were actually measured against, and cut for, an uncovered pick-up)

[Scott J.]

get plenty of that from a dog that is trying to become a mid tier open cut coal miner in the backyard.

At least if he's digging for burying bones, think of all the great nut's you'll be able to cut from them once they've cured!

[gavinturner]

Nice work on the binding channel Scott!! I have contemplated binding myself a few times and am still too scared to attempt it, even with a router or dremel. With your success I'm a step closer to seriously considering it . Your build is looking more awesome by the post!

cheers,
Gav.

[gavinturner]

A quick question Scott, what is the difference between traditional Filtertron pickups and standard humbuckers? I've never been able to work it out. Looked at TV Jones before and they have so many mounting options it makes my head spin. Any idea? Sorry for the noob question.

cheers,
Gav.

[andrewdosborne]

Scott, this is coming along nicely and great work with the binding thingamajig. Do you think this tool would work well around a guitar body? I have a scratch tele body laying around that I use for experimentation purposes - it is calling out for some binding!

[DrNomis_44]

Even without any finishing on the body and neck, the guitar looks nice, I got the chance to play a Gr*tsch with a Bigsby trem on it last year while at uni, the uni's contemporary music department had one amongst all their other guitars, it was black with silver hardware and shaped somewhat like a Les Paul, at the time I was giving it a bit of a checkout after fixing some tuning issues due to some seized string-saddle rollers, Gr*tsch guitars have a certain tone that I'm actually starting to appreciate.

[bargeloobs]

With the blades set to the appropriate measurements … and a couple of contemplation of what I was about to undertake and the potential ramifications of not getting it right (how much is a replacement neck for a GR-1SF? ) … I started cutting … and cutting … and cutting … and … (it takes many passes, each time working a little deeper)

Attachment 1241

Attachment 1242

In all reality, power tools aside this method has to be the safest way to achieve your end goal. No chip outs or gouging, 99% less chance of death.
I love it actually. this is my kind of tool and it looks like you're getting really sweet results.
Very cool!

[djdubya]

This is coming along real nice Scott. That tool is at carbatec for over $80 so you got a good deal.

I'm working on an ES-1gt and have found the same problems you have with an asymmetric headstock, bridge post holes leaning back and pickup routes not quite the right size for the tonerider pups I'm using. Some plugging and redrilling taking place to be followed by some sanding, sanding, sanding and more sanding. The zen comment makes a lot of sense. I see these slow jobs as a chance to listen to some tunes when I'm not distracted by the cricket.

Looking forward to seeing this finished for sure!

Cheers,

Dennis.

[Scott J.]

A quick question Scott, what is the difference between traditional Filtertron pickups and standard humbuckers? I've never been able to work it out. Looked at TV Jones before and they have so many mounting options it makes my head spin. Any idea? Sorry for the noob question.

You know, Gav, that’s certainly not a “noob” question, it’s a damn good one! … Easy answer? There isn’t one!

To be honest I don’t know the difference in specs between them but they DO produce such different tones!

I’ve invariably heard the differences described as …

FILTERTRONS
Thinner, tigher, brighter, more clarity, “jangley/twangy” more punchier bottom end … they seem to handle distortion more like a single coil … arguably the best p/up for rock rhythm guitar … think of the sounds of Brian Setzer, Malcolm Young (AC/DC), Chris Cheney (Living End), Rev Horton Heat … even Chet Atkins!

(PAF) HUMBUCKERS
Darker, thicker, fuzzier, “flute-y/violin-ey”, greater sustain … arguably the best p/up for rock lead guitar … think of the sounds of Jimmy Page, Gary Moore, Tony Iommi, Slash, etc. etc.

… I’m sure the above hasn’t helped much if at all … but I think they look really cool and just love the sound of ‘em … and absolutely nothing suits a Gretsch-style axe better than ‘trons!