Pedro Custom ST - First Build (Emerald Isles)

[Pedrovelo]

Ok, so this is my first build. A little daunting as I have very little experience with woodworking and electronics but it looks fun.

I'm looking at making this into a modern player strat. So I'm putting on locking tuners and a 2 point fulcrum tremolo.

I'm going to take some inspiration from Suhr guitars in shaping the headstock.

Looking forward to really getting stuck into this.

[Pedrovelo]

I'm trying to upload pics to this thread but the system won't let me. Am I doing something wrong?

Whenever I hit the image button, this happens [img][/img]

I can't cut and paste them in.

[wokkaboy]

Pedro, hit the 'Quote' button and delete any necessary text. There should be 3 shortcuts to 'choose file', select the image and hit 'submit' and the images should upload in about a minute or so depending on the size of the images

[Rohan]

Hi Pedrovelo,

Good luck with your build mate. Make sure you ask questions - I certainly asked a lot

As per your pictures, just use the "Reply" button on the bottom right of the Quick Reply box. You can upload your images from there.

Cheers,
Rohan.

[Pedrovelo]

Let's see if this works.

[wokkaboy]

yep loud and clear Pedro got the 3 headstock pics, looks good the final shape

[Pedrovelo]

Thanks for your help fellas. Photos are go.

So as you can see, headstock shaped and on to sanding.

I'm already learning.

Here's a couple of quick lessons I've learnt:
- You can't cheat and go straight to the fine sandpaper. You need the coarser one to get the scratches out otherwise you end up with really smooth scratched wood.
- Sanding can be quite therapeutic for the first few hours. Then I figure, no pain no gain.

Here's a mockup with the Wilkinson bridge sitting in.

[Pedrovelo]

Next lesson;
- Watch the thickness of the wood when drilling holes for the 2 point bridge posts.

The diameter of the hole should still give enough purchase for the post.

[wokkaboy]

looks good the Wilkinson bridge Pedro, looks like you will have to shape 2 half circles in the scratchplate for the 2 pivot holes. Wouldn't worry about the hole in the tremelo/spring cavity, that will be hidden with the plate.
Yes 1st build you probably learn the most lessons in a build. Each build after you still learn heaps.
Looks like you have sanded the body well enough for wudtone, wipe it with a damp rag will show up any machine marks before you apply the 1st deep coat of emerald isles.
If you are sick of sanding give it to the missus to sand ! haha (DB mantra)

[Pedrovelo]

Ok, so the next pic will make things look like I've really rushed this project to get to paint. That's not the case however, as I've actually had this kit for a few weeks now and have only just gotten around to starting the build diary.

So first application of Emerald Isles deep colour.