My second go at a solid body - WIP

**kiwigeo** · 24th May 2015, 09:39 PM

Originally Posted by Shedhand

dunno if it's worhwhile in terms of deciding what wood to use but I tried my A440 tuning fork to test some different woods. For the body those being Queensland Mahogany (which seems lightweight for mahogany) Ancient NZ Kari pine (reclaimed and very dense and heavy), and my preferred wood for the carved top - Northern Silky Oak. when I tapped the tuning fork and put the end on the mahogany the vibes were sustained beautifully, with the Ancient NZ Kari Pine there was little or no sustain, with the Silky Oak there was a similar sustain as the Mahogany.
My question is, which would be the best sounding combination?

Some thoughts from an acoustic maker....

At risk of setting of the usual endless debate....choice of wood for the neck on an electric has more influence on the sound of the instrument (especially sustain) than choice of wood for the body if the instrument.

Think of the neck as a great huge energy soak.....the more string energy being used to move the neck the less energy to excite the pickups. A neck made from a dense wood such as mahogany will give more sustain that a neck made from a less dense wood...eg Spanish Cedar. The size of your headstock can also have a similar influence on sustain. If youre using ancient NZ kauri then Id use it purely for decorative purposes...ie a cap on a less expensive and hard to get wood.

**Paulyboy1960** · 25th May 2015, 11:02 PM

Very nice looking beast, hope it sounds as good as it looks

What was the wiring issue? How are they switched, Neck-both-Bridge or is it tricked up with coil splits?

Paul

**Shedhand** · 27th May 2015, 10:24 PM

Originally Posted by Paulyboy1960

Very nice looking beast, hope it sounds as good as it looks

What was the wiring issue? How are they switched, Neck-both-Bridge or is it tricked up with coil splits?

Paul

thanks Paul. I did something wrong with the wiring. First I got no sound, then realised the wiring instructions didn't match the kit I got from Stewmac. The switch I got was different to the one in the instructions. Had the hot Jack wire connected to the earth on the switch. Fixed that and it sounded tinny. Bought 2 new volume pots and a new switch as I was sure I had cooked them while learning to solder...argghh! Eventually got it all sorted and it sounds like the ducks guts. Perseverance pays. Switched Neck-both-Bridge. Not advanced far enough in my luthiering career to understand about split coils and other fancy stuff but will get there eventually.
Cheers
Mike

**Sebastiaan56** · 28th May 2015, 12:35 PM

Just to complicate things and add to Kiwigeos comments...

You also have your hand on the neck when playing. This deadens vibrations in the neck itself.

Nice axe!

**Shedhand** · 28th May 2015, 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by Sebastiaan56

Just to complicate things and add to Kiwigeos comments...

You also have your hand on the neck when playing. This deadens vibrations in the neck itself.

Nice axe!

Thanx Seb. probably just easier to take my hearing aids out so I can't hear any differences.

**Shedhand** · 29th May 2015, 09:59 PM

Hey all. Have made my first neck. Next step is to install the frets. No pictures yet. Will wait til I've done the fretting. I'm going to have a go at compensating nut as discussed with others in this thread.
However, everything will come to a standstill from Tuesday, as I go under the knife for some heavy duty spinal surgery and will be out of action for possibly 7 or 8 months. Then follows a second spinal surgery and another extended period in rehab. Both hands are being done too for a carpal tunnel problem.
So, I'll be "off the air" probably until late 2016 and will continue this project and report WIP when and if able.
until then, take care guys n gals.
cheers
Sheddie.

**scuzyboy** · 29th May 2015, 11:11 PM

Good luck Sheddie with the back I faced that 20years ago do the physio like a robot and you will be back making in no time [emoji6]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**kiwigeo** · 29th May 2015, 11:59 PM

Originally Posted by Shedhand

Hey all. Have made my first neck. Next step is to install the frets. No pictures yet. Will wait til I've done the fretting. I'm going to have a go at compensating nut as discussed with others in this thread.
However, everything will come to a standstill from Tuesday, as I go under the knife for some heavy duty spinal surgery and will be out of action for possibly 7 or 8 months. Then follows a second spinal surgery and another extended period in rehab. Both hands are being done too for a carpal tunnel problem.
So, I'll be "off the air" probably until late 2016 and will continue this project and report WIP when and if able.
until then, take care guys n gals.
cheers
Sheddie.

Best of luck with the operation Sheddie....

**Cliff Rogers** · 30th May 2015, 10:32 AM

Fingers crossed.

**old_picker** · 23rd June 2015, 04:56 PM

nice job - great looking guitar
i reckon you should work out a way to get more screws in that control cavity cover to make absolutely certain none of those pesky wires escapes

**Sawdust Maker** · 23rd June 2015, 05:18 PM

good luck with the op and recovery!

**Shedhand** · 23rd June 2015, 08:08 PM

Originally Posted by old_picker

nice job - great looking guitar
i reckon you should work out a way to get more screws in that control cavity cover to make absolutely certain none of those pesky wires escapes

Thanks for that mate. Yers, overdid the cover screws a bit but better than the aircraft rivets I was considering.

**Shedhand** · 23rd June 2015, 08:12 PM

Originally Posted by Sawdust Maker

good luck with the op and recovery!

thanks Nick. Operations were very successful and now home resting up so I can get back into the shed.
Cheers
Mike

**old_picker** · 23rd June 2015, 08:45 PM

Originally Posted by Shedhand

Thanks for that mate. Yers, overdid the cover screws a bit but better than the aircraft rivets I was considering.

hah i was ribbing you of course - fine looking guitar

all the best with your medical adventures mate and i know you'll get through with flying colours
i am sure you will be looking in here from time to time -it is a great opportunity for reading up on building.
Cumpiano, Benedetto and many others. there is also of course myriads of tutes on youtube and elsewhere on the interwebz.

**Shedhand** · 24th June 2015, 12:49 AM

Originally Posted by old_picker

hah i was ribbing you of course - fine looking guitar

all the best with your medical adventures mate and i know you'll get through with flying colours
i am sure you will be looking in here from time to time -it is a great opportunity for reading up on building.
Cumpiano, Benedetto and many others. there is also of course myriads of tutes on youtube and elsewhere on the interwebz.

Yep, been doing a lot of reading/research. Benedetto is a favourite as is Gary Rizzolo's beautiful instruments. Now based in Melbourne, I knew him many moons ago in Old Hobart Town when me and my twin brothers used to croon the locals. Lost contact with Gary but discovered his web site the other day at http://www.rizzologuitars.com have a squiz at his work.
Cheers
Mike

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