Brodies MB-1 "The Wasp"

[jarrod]

Rather than any kind of shimming , I find the best solution for the high action is to counter sink the holes that the tune o matic pegs go in to and this will lower the bridge and not change any looks or performance of the guitar. It actually lowers it about 2 to 3 mm

[WeirdBits]

I'd suggest getting your new nut in place and adjusted first before messing with the neck angle, that way you'll have a better starting point for adjusting the action.

[west0288]

looking awesome Brodie and almost there. That photo close to the nut looks like its got a locking nut ? What style replacement nut are you using ? Looks like the black nut in the photo was the reason the strings were so high close to the nut

Just a regular bone nut on the way, Woks. That locking one I had sitting around, so I just rested it there to get a rough feel for things in the mean time. The action at the first was purposely raised a bit so that I could get a string in tune without a huge amount of buzz from the harsh neck bow. Also, the action at the first isn't what I'm concerned about, it's the action further up being too high, due to the TOM. Even when the bridge is 100% screwed in and the nut lowered, action's still several mils too high.

Rather than any kind of shimming , I find the best solution for the high action is to counter sink the holes that the tune o matic pegs go in to and this will lower the bridge and not change any looks or performance of the guitar. It actually lowers it about 2 to 3 mm

I hadn't considered that, but even thinking about it now, it's risky to do after already applying my finish. It's something I probably would have been willing to attempt when it was still raw wood, but I'd be too concerned about damaging the beautiful paint work and satin top coat if I did it now. Plus, I personally don't think that a slight change in neck angle is something worth being aesthetically worried about, nor do I think shimming affects performance in any way, shape or form. But countersinking could definitely be an option to consider for future builds where I'm using a bolt on and a TOM.

I'd suggest getting your new nut in place and adjusted first before messing with the neck angle, that way you'll have a better starting point for adjusting the action.

I've already shimmed it, using a piece of that veneer. I took the advice of many a builder though, and didn't glue it in. That way, if adjustments ever need to be made, it will be a relatively painless process. Regardless of the nut, I know it will need shimming of some kind, so I figured I'd get it out the way now while it's easy to get the neck on/off without having to remove six strings first.

..._..._...

Lastly, the wiring is not as good as I first thought. It's fine on a clean amp channel, but when on a dirty one I get a buzz/hiss noise. It stops when I touch hardware or a string, so I'm assuming grounding issue. Gonna be a B to try and find it though. But, all part of the experience I guess. :P

[west0288]

Also, you are now a true rock demon, J-Rod.

[stan]

nearly there man, this looks super cool.
I think you built what you set out to create.
Best looking MB style I've seen here

[west0288]

nearly there man, this looks super cool.
I think you built what you set out to create.
Best looking MB style I've seen here

Cheers, Stan. Really appreciate that, man. (Also, sorry it took me seven months to say thanks... )

So, minor updates are in the works for the Stryper Guitar (aka 'The Wasp'). I sanded the nut down to a more appropriate level and it made the guitar go from OK to Good. Next up is trace this pesky wiring problem (I'm tempted to strip it all out and start again) which will take it from Good to Great. Then, depending on my happiness with it, throw some more money at it for new electrics and hardware to make it go from Great to Party Time Excellent (pic related).

Images to come once I get some of this done!


On the more drastic end of the spectrum, I'm tampted to reprofile the neck again, as I'm still not 100% happy with the size. But we'll see what happens.

Stay tuned, folks!

[west0288]

PS - @Wokka & Bargey - Seems we have a fight on our hands for longest build diary.

[KurtSlash123]

Good to see this build back up again Brodie! We can be Mb pals :P

[west0288]

Good to see this build back up again Brodie! We can be Mb pals :P

Cheers, Kurt. I'm down with that. There's not many of us, so we have to band together.

I'm really loving seeing your build come toegther though. It's looking killer - gonna be one schweet axe.

PS. I was just going through my PBG inbox and realised I never replied to your question about scale length, so apologies for that.
Just out of interest, mine is 24.75, if you were still curious.

[KurtSlash123]

'Band together, nice pun :P but yes us fellas have to stick together!

Man, I'm telling you a lot of inspiration for my build came from yours, was good to see someone with a similiar taste in guitar style to mine. Both our builds should be sick axes

And that's no worries man, we managed to work out what the scale length was, I just wanted to check with you to be sure it was right. I forgot I even sent that to be honest, so I'll excuse you this time 😝