Saturday, August 31, 2013
SG junior Build: First Parts Arrive!
Here are a few pix of the matching body & neck I received today from Precision Guitar in Vancouver. Excellent workmanship: I'm really looking forward to this build. Plus, a few items from Guitarfetish.com, including the Wilkinson bridge.
Selecting & Sourcing Parts
The first few parts for my SG jr style build arrived yesterday, the body and neck arrived while I was writing this (hooray!), the supplies and some hardware coming Tuesday as well, and the Seymour Duncan SP90-1pickup arrives later next week. Won't be long before I'm deep into the build, so it's a good time to step back and talk about sourcing parts.
It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that there are only a few parts to a guitar. There are dozens. And if you count things like frets individually (each does have to be cut, fitted and shaped separately), we're talking over 100 pieces. Some are chiefly chosen for cosmetic reasons, like the knobs-- but most have to work together to create an instrument with good tone and playability. The tolerances of some parts are in the thousands of an inch, and not all parts are compatible with each other.
I will refrain from specific product/site recommendations because, hey, it's your money, your ears and your style, but I will lay out a process that should help you avoid frustration and assemble parts that will work harmoniously. Yes, I did really say that.
Selecting Parts
Before you order anything, you have to make a few decisions and compile some specific information/measurements.
Indispensable tool #1: Buy a digital caliper for precise measuring.
You'll thank me. It's amazing how often you will use it and how helpful it is. It should read out in millimeters, fractional inches and decimal inches. Different parts supply sites will list specs using all three formats. A decent one can be had from various sources for $20-$25. You can spend way more, but probably don't need to.
First, I suggest you list and measure some key components of guitars you like, sound good to you, and are comfortable to play. Direct measurement of a specific guitar is best, but manufacturer websites often provide some of this information. The Stewart-MacDonald website also has a ton of specs and info. Some things to think about (and measure!) are listed here. The bold type items you must know in order to correctly match and order parts.
v One piece mahogany neck
v Set neck tenon matched to body
v 12″radius fretboard
v 24.625″ scale
v Slim 60′s neck profile (1st Fret .8" / 12th fret .885 ")
v Jescar fret wire Medium Jumbo (6130)
v 1 11/16″ nut width
v 2.5 degree neck angle out of body
v 8.8mm Post Holes for tuners
v 1 3/8″ body thickness, with very clean cuts on the curves
v Bridge stud hole diameter is 7/16″
v Bridge spacing is 3.25″
Second, once you have a good idea of the type/style guitar you wish to build, compile a master list of every component that you will need, every supply, and every tool. Not the specific product, just the general part: i.e., nut, bridge, neck, etc. Here's the list I compiled for my SG jr build.
Third, for each component list the measurements/values needed for that item. Be sure measurements match up! For example, I selected an .022uf Sprague orange drop cap and a CTS 500k pot for the tone circuit. The only crucial measurement here really is the top thickness: will I have to order a long shaft pot? Otherwise the values I've chosen are because of personal preference. I'll install a TusqXL nut, but the dimensions, and therefore the specific part #, are dictated by the nut slot in the neck. The tuners must use the smaller, vintage tuner holes, or I'll have to ream them out larger. The bridge must be a wraparound with studs that will match the hole diameter and spacing in the body, or again I'll have to do extra work filling and re-drilling. The neck angle here also is a factor: the bridge can't be too tall, or the action will be too high.
Fourth, once you have the specific values needed for each item, you can peruse catalogs and websites for specific products that match your criteria. I like to use a legal pad and use a separate sheet for each website/store, listing the item, item number, price, etc. for reference and comparison. An easy way to this if you are looking online is to add possible items to your "shopping cart" and then print out the contents of your cart-- you can also check on the shipping charges as well.
Now you can do an apples-to-apples comparison of who has the parts you want at the best prices. Like me, you will probably find that this means ordering from multiple suppliers to get what you want. The (sometimes) extra shipping charges are almost always outweighed by price savings, and most importantly, getting exactly what you need.
Sites for Sourcing Parts
A disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any supplier, I receive no special discount, or freebies, or other consideration. Your experience may differ, and if you have a particularly good or bad experience, please share.
With that out of the way, I will compile a separate page of parts suppliers. I'm only listing suppliers that I have ordered from, had good experience with, and seem to be honest and above board. Check the pages listed on the Home page of this blog for the list.
It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that there are only a few parts to a guitar. There are dozens. And if you count things like frets individually (each does have to be cut, fitted and shaped separately), we're talking over 100 pieces. Some are chiefly chosen for cosmetic reasons, like the knobs-- but most have to work together to create an instrument with good tone and playability. The tolerances of some parts are in the thousands of an inch, and not all parts are compatible with each other.
I will refrain from specific product/site recommendations because, hey, it's your money, your ears and your style, but I will lay out a process that should help you avoid frustration and assemble parts that will work harmoniously. Yes, I did really say that.
Selecting Parts
Before you order anything, you have to make a few decisions and compile some specific information/measurements.
Indispensable tool #1: Buy a digital caliper for precise measuring.
You'll thank me. It's amazing how often you will use it and how helpful it is. It should read out in millimeters, fractional inches and decimal inches. Different parts supply sites will list specs using all three formats. A decent one can be had from various sources for $20-$25. You can spend way more, but probably don't need to.
First, I suggest you list and measure some key components of guitars you like, sound good to you, and are comfortable to play. Direct measurement of a specific guitar is best, but manufacturer websites often provide some of this information. The Stewart-MacDonald website also has a ton of specs and info. Some things to think about (and measure!) are listed here. The bold type items you must know in order to correctly match and order parts.
- String scale length (nut to bridge, most fenders/bolt-on guitars will be 25 1/2 inches)
- Neck width at nut (most common is 1 11/16 inches)
- String spread at nut (E to E center of string)
- String spread at bridge (E to E center of string. Trem bridges are typically wider than fixed bridges)
- Fret size (height x width)
- 3x3 or 6 inline tuners and the diameter of the tuner hole in the headstock (often expressed in millimeters. 10mm is a common size)
- Set neck or bolt-on (bolt pattern and heel shapes are not universal, although the Strat style is very common)
- Bridge type (wraparound w/studs, fixed plate, tremolo, Tune-O-Matic)
- Bridge stud hole size/spacing or mounting hole size/spacing
- Pickups (single coil, P90, humbucker? how configured?)
- Fretboard radius
- Body thickness, especially top thickness in control cavity (regular or long shaft pots)
v One piece mahogany neck
v Set neck tenon matched to body
v 12″radius fretboard
v 24.625″ scale
v Slim 60′s neck profile (1st Fret .8" / 12th fret .885 ")
v Jescar fret wire Medium Jumbo (6130)
v 1 11/16″ nut width
v 2.5 degree neck angle out of body
v 8.8mm Post Holes for tuners
v 1 3/8″ body thickness, with very clean cuts on the curves
v Bridge stud hole diameter is 7/16″
v Bridge spacing is 3.25″
Second, once you have a good idea of the type/style guitar you wish to build, compile a master list of every component that you will need, every supply, and every tool. Not the specific product, just the general part: i.e., nut, bridge, neck, etc. Here's the list I compiled for my SG jr build.
- Neck
- Body
- Nut
- Volume/Tone pots
- Volume/Tone knobs
- Capacitors/resistors for tone/volume circuit
- 1/4" jack
- wiring: shielded and hookup
- Bridge/bridge studs
- Strap buttons
- Pickup
- Pickguard/truss rod cover/ screws
- Sandpaper (200, 320, 400, 600, 800 grit)
- Grain filler
- amber, brown, mahogany dye
- Clear coat lacquer, oil or poly
- Tuners
Third, for each component list the measurements/values needed for that item. Be sure measurements match up! For example, I selected an .022uf Sprague orange drop cap and a CTS 500k pot for the tone circuit. The only crucial measurement here really is the top thickness: will I have to order a long shaft pot? Otherwise the values I've chosen are because of personal preference. I'll install a TusqXL nut, but the dimensions, and therefore the specific part #, are dictated by the nut slot in the neck. The tuners must use the smaller, vintage tuner holes, or I'll have to ream them out larger. The bridge must be a wraparound with studs that will match the hole diameter and spacing in the body, or again I'll have to do extra work filling and re-drilling. The neck angle here also is a factor: the bridge can't be too tall, or the action will be too high.
Fourth, once you have the specific values needed for each item, you can peruse catalogs and websites for specific products that match your criteria. I like to use a legal pad and use a separate sheet for each website/store, listing the item, item number, price, etc. for reference and comparison. An easy way to this if you are looking online is to add possible items to your "shopping cart" and then print out the contents of your cart-- you can also check on the shipping charges as well.
Now you can do an apples-to-apples comparison of who has the parts you want at the best prices. Like me, you will probably find that this means ordering from multiple suppliers to get what you want. The (sometimes) extra shipping charges are almost always outweighed by price savings, and most importantly, getting exactly what you need.
Sites for Sourcing Parts
A disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any supplier, I receive no special discount, or freebies, or other consideration. Your experience may differ, and if you have a particularly good or bad experience, please share.
With that out of the way, I will compile a separate page of parts suppliers. I'm only listing suppliers that I have ordered from, had good experience with, and seem to be honest and above board. Check the pages listed on the Home page of this blog for the list.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Birthday Wishes and Ruminations On The Origins Of My Musical Universe
First things first: Happy 92nd birthday to my mom, who started me down this musical road way back in the early sixties with three specific purchases at varying points in my impressionable youth: a snare drum, a Reynold's Medalist trumpet (and lessons at Eddie Kane's in Danbury, CT), and the Beatle's "Revolver" album.
The snare drum was probably to keep me from continuing to beat the crap out of various pots, pans, and other household objects. What it started was a sense of purpose and belonging, because it was my entry into the wonderful world of the garage band. The trumpet was a second choice when I joined the Hayestown Avenue Elementary School band and was too far back in line to get the drums, my first choice. Turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I learned the language of music with those old Rubank method books. I discovered a wide range of composers and music.
The "Revolver" album had the most profound effect. Truth be told, I didn't get the initial fuss over the Beatles. I didn't get "Revolver" initially either. But I kept listening to it, between my Al Hirt and Herb Albert records (remember the trumpet?), and Richard Strauss' "Also Sprach Zarathustra" (and this was BEFORE "2001 A Space Odyssey!").
Every song was an entire world of its own, and in the end became the anchor of my expanding musical universe.
A side note: I'm holding the original album in my hands right now: the one my mom bought me back in 1966. On the back of the album cover is says:
THIS MONOPHONIC MICROGROOVE RECORDING IS PLAYABLE
ON MONOPHONIC AND STEREO PHONOGRAPHS.
IT CANNOT BECOME OBSOLETE. IT WILL CONTINUE TO BE
A SOURCE OF OUTSTANDING SOUND REPRODUCTION...
Much like me, it is completely worn down, full of scratches and scars, but still full of music.
The snare drum was probably to keep me from continuing to beat the crap out of various pots, pans, and other household objects. What it started was a sense of purpose and belonging, because it was my entry into the wonderful world of the garage band. The trumpet was a second choice when I joined the Hayestown Avenue Elementary School band and was too far back in line to get the drums, my first choice. Turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I learned the language of music with those old Rubank method books. I discovered a wide range of composers and music.
The "Revolver" album had the most profound effect. Truth be told, I didn't get the initial fuss over the Beatles. I didn't get "Revolver" initially either. But I kept listening to it, between my Al Hirt and Herb Albert records (remember the trumpet?), and Richard Strauss' "Also Sprach Zarathustra" (and this was BEFORE "2001 A Space Odyssey!").
Every song was an entire world of its own, and in the end became the anchor of my expanding musical universe.
A side note: I'm holding the original album in my hands right now: the one my mom bought me back in 1966. On the back of the album cover is says:
THIS MONOPHONIC MICROGROOVE RECORDING IS PLAYABLE
ON MONOPHONIC AND STEREO PHONOGRAPHS.
IT CANNOT BECOME OBSOLETE. IT WILL CONTINUE TO BE
A SOURCE OF OUTSTANDING SOUND REPRODUCTION...
Much like me, it is completely worn down, full of scratches and scars, but still full of music.
Like A Kid At Christmas
In may only be August, and there's a heat advisory here today in St Louis, but a little voice in my head is saying: "Santa's coming! Santa's coming!"
That's because the SG jr neck and body I ordered from Precision Guitars was shipped from Vancouver Tuesday. Exactly two weeks from order to ship. Let the new build commence!
While I've built my share of bolt-on neck guitars, this will be my first experience building a set neck. Future posts will detail the build as it progresses. Hopefully, this may prove useful to other DIY guitar builders. At this point, I'm thinking more text and hi-res photos than video-- I want to focus on the build, not on shooting & editing video after all, but I may break down and add a few video clips.
I'll expand more in an "About Me" post, but briefly what you should know is:
I'm a retired educator with a disabling neurological condition. Playing, maintaining and building guitars is my main therapy-- physical & mental-- for dealing with chronic pain and often limited mobility/flexibility/dexterity. Hence the blog title. Not playing for sympathy, just explaining that circumstances often dictate when & how I proceed. I'm also hoping this encourages anyone who feels that a DIY guitar project is beyond their abilities, for whatever reason.
I've been playing, pulling apart and putting together guitars since the early 1970s. The earliest project I remember was wrapping an old Sears Silvertone guitar in black electrical tape just for the aesthetic effect. Highly admired by my 13 year old peers. Lots of strings over and under the bridge since then. One of my latest projects was building an electric using walnut harvested from trees in my own yard.
That's because the SG jr neck and body I ordered from Precision Guitars was shipped from Vancouver Tuesday. Exactly two weeks from order to ship. Let the new build commence!
While I've built my share of bolt-on neck guitars, this will be my first experience building a set neck. Future posts will detail the build as it progresses. Hopefully, this may prove useful to other DIY guitar builders. At this point, I'm thinking more text and hi-res photos than video-- I want to focus on the build, not on shooting & editing video after all, but I may break down and add a few video clips.
I'll expand more in an "About Me" post, but briefly what you should know is:
I'm a retired educator with a disabling neurological condition. Playing, maintaining and building guitars is my main therapy-- physical & mental-- for dealing with chronic pain and often limited mobility/flexibility/dexterity. Hence the blog title. Not playing for sympathy, just explaining that circumstances often dictate when & how I proceed. I'm also hoping this encourages anyone who feels that a DIY guitar project is beyond their abilities, for whatever reason.
I've been playing, pulling apart and putting together guitars since the early 1970s. The earliest project I remember was wrapping an old Sears Silvertone guitar in black electrical tape just for the aesthetic effect. Highly admired by my 13 year old peers. Lots of strings over and under the bridge since then. One of my latest projects was building an electric using walnut harvested from trees in my own yard.
A series of photos and captions detailing the build are available from the "Pages" links on the home page of this blog. You'd think I would have figured out how to insert a direct link, but no, not yet.
I have extensive experience working with wood, a full woodshop at my disposal, and a fair amount of experience with wiring and soldering basic circuits. That said, I don't necessarily believe that one must have extensive experience and a basement full of tools to pull off a successful guitar build. What counts is the quality of one's PLANNING, PREPARATION and PATIENCE. Sounds like a good title for my next post...
In the meantime I'll be posting some pages with pics and comments on a few other guitar builds.
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