Woltz's semi-scratch strat build

[Woltz]

I already have the PDF files for a couple of Benedetto models, printed and waiting (and a G double, an F double, a couple of super strats, PRS SE, and the potential build list goes on, but I don’t have a problem I can stop any time I like )

Franken I'd be keen to see that PRS SE pdf. I've been thinking about one as a future project. I have a blank of western red cedar which I could do as a 1 piece body but need to find out what the minimum thickness would be to make sure I've got enough to work with.

Also on a completely separate note, does anyone know how to change the title of a thread? I want to change it from "semi-scratch strat" to "semi-scratch tele".

[Woltz]

Sprayed a couple of the offcuts today with acrylic clear to see if I like to colour or whether I'll add a bit of stain.

Here is the Yaka offcut (the lines are from when it was cut with the bandsaw, I didn't bother sanding it).



Here is the Tas Oak.



Now putting them side by side in the shade to see what they would look like at the join.



In sunlight.



And Yaka with maple neck. Trying to decide between maple fretboard and rosewood fretboard.



I'm also debating between chrome or gold hardware...

[Woltz]

MDF templates routed off the master acrylic ones, unfortunately the router bit became friends with the acrylic in a couple spots but the divets are only very small and on the inside of the cavities near the centre of the body. Just need to do the f holes and mark the string through holes to drill the mdf template.



And rough cut the body out with the bandsaw. Not particularly nice wood to cut, just left burn marks all the way around despite the blade being sharp. Lots of sanding will be required after routing.

[Sonic Mountain]

MDF templates routed off the master acrylic ones, unfortunately the router bit became friends with the acrylic in a couple spots but the divets are only very small and on the inside of the cavities near the centre of the body. Just need to do the f holes and mark the string through holes to drill the mdf template.

Ooh lucky. I had the same issue with my V templates in MDF, doesn't take much for the bit to grab it if you aren't being super careful. That was the main reason I went for mild steel with the new ones... probably be up for new router bits before I wreck them

[Woltz]

Ooh lucky. I had the same issue with my V templates in MDF, doesn't take much for the bit to grab it if you aren't being super careful. That was the main reason I went for mild steel with the new ones... probably be up for new router bits before I wreck them

Yeh that's a good idea. Assuming the templates are more expensive than the router bits haha.

The more I get into this build, the more I get tempted to do the neck from scratch as well.

[Sonic Mountain]

That's the next big project for me, making a neck. It's like the graduation project

The templates were surprisingly cheap really, not too much difference from mild steel to acrylic price wise, but I did want them to last more than one build. I'll be very careful with the router bit regardless.

This is my quote in a couple of different materials from Laserworx Australia. They are based in Brisbane and courier was only around $15 which is crazy considering how heavy the package was. My total after GST was about $170 for 10 pieces. They actually gave me two of one of my pickgaurd templates for some reason.

[Andy40]

Ohh man, this is like wood porn

[FrankenWashie]

That's the next big project for me, making a neck.

F style necks are a good starting point, G/Angled headstocks take some careful work but are very achievable.

[Sonic Mountain]

Yep, I don't actually like G style ones to play on much either so that makes the decision easier. My templates are for a 24 fret F style, going a bit stir crazy wanting to get into that build but low on $ atm.

I'll probably grab some pine from the BGS so I can have a play with the routers/templates on the weekend.

[Woltz]

Ohh man, this is like wood porn

Yeh the Yaka bookmatch is real nice. Almost seems a shame to use it on a piece of eucalyptus.

F style necks are a good starting point, G/Angled headstocks take some careful work but are very achievable.

I agree, the addition of scarf joint etc. does add extra complexity that requires care. I'll do a f style first, I've just been trying to find a good reference/plan for a tele neck with dual action rod and headstock adjustment.

Yep, I don't actually like G style ones to play on much either so that makes the decision easier. My templates are for a 24 fret F style, going a bit stir crazy wanting to get into that build but low on $ atm.

I'll probably grab some pine from the BGS so I can have a play with the routers/templates on the weekend.

Yeh I have some offcuts from the tas oak that I'm thinking of having a play around with making a neck before I invest in some better wood. I was toying with the idea of a flame sheoak fingerboard for the neck for this guitar but that might be a little bit too much going on with the figured top as well.