My Strat build thread, with pics

integra evan · 08-30-2009, 02:04 AM

So I have begun my long waited Stratocaster project build. I've decided to model it after 50's style Strats.

Sunburst body
Fender Custom Shop '54 vintage pickups (I bought these for an awesome price at GC)
Fender vintage style machine heads
will be getting a birdseye maple neck.

I have finished the pickup, pot, and switch wiring already, and I have installed the strap pegs and neck mounting plate. The wood on the body split by one mounting screw for the neck, because by mistake I moved the screw sideways while tightening. Oh well. It shouldn't affect performance or durability.

kspeed · 08-30-2009, 02:51 AM

For the love of all that is sacred you MUST sand the paint out of that neck pocket! Otherwise a sweet build

lazz · 08-30-2009, 03:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kspeed

For the love of all that is sacred you MUST sand the paint out of that neck pocket! Otherwise a sweet build

kspeed · 08-30-2009, 03:26 AM

I'm serious, that paint's a serious detriment

leftyguitarman · 08-30-2009, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kspeed

I'm serious, that paint's a serious detriment

This is true. Get all of that paint out of there.

integra evan · 08-30-2009, 11:04 PM

Okay thanks for the tip! I would have never known that.

Yogi · 08-31-2009, 08:22 AM

what kind of sunburst body is that? why is the back solid black?

overdriver · 08-31-2009, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kspeed

I'm serious, that paint's a serious detriment

Dammed if you do dammed if ya don't, without finish in the pocket , makes the neck more prone to moisture. Which can be a bad thing. IMO the finish in the pocket does not hamper vibrations , most often the neck heel is finished anyway. Wood to wood contact (unfinished) IMO does not make for a better sounding Strat or Tele.

overdriver · 08-31-2009, 09:20 AM

Looks nice!

integra evan · 08-31-2009, 09:45 PM

I was thinking about putting a thin piece of felt or something between the neck and body. The body is an aftermarket licensed body, that's why the back is black. I know on real Fender bodies the back is also sunburst.

Loserface300 · 08-31-2009, 09:51 PM

...well make sure you remove the paint in the neck pocket CAREFULLY so that you have better coupling between the neck and body...

overdriver · 08-31-2009, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loserface300

...well make sure you remove the paint in the neck pocket CAREFULLY so that you have better coupling between the neck and body...

overdriver · 08-31-2009, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by integra evan

I was thinking about putting a thin piece of felt or something between the neck and body. The body is an aftermarket licensed body, that's why the back is black. I know on real Fender bodies the back is also sunburst.

Ya don't need felt in there.

integra evan · 08-31-2009, 11:24 PM

So as long as it's bolted in nice and tight it will be fine....

overdriver · 09-01-2009, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by integra evan

So as long as it's bolted in nice and tight it will be fine....

Make sure ya don't over torque her. Should be alright you can sand the pocket if you want, sand it even and flat as you can. You may have to shim it to get the action you want. All depends on how it goes. Something that Fender did to their guitars and still do on AVRI and classic MIM when needed.

diceman · 09-01-2009, 12:31 AM

Careful with the sanding - I did an amateur refinish several years ago in my Army barracks - got primer and paint in the pocket - sanded freehand and screwed up my neck angle as a result. It required a 1mm (very thick) shim to play right. I suppose I could have it fixed, but it is a knock off wall hanger at this point, and is all I'd ever intended it to be. I'd be careful with a real "player."

Nice work so far!

PINKBITS · 09-01-2009, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kspeed

I'm serious, that paint's a serious detriment

Sorry, can't agree.

That will make about as much difference as taking the pickguard off a Lester.

There's hardly even any paint in there anyway.

overdriver · 09-01-2009, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PINKBITS

Sorry, can't agree.

That will make about as much difference as taking the pickguard off a Lester.

There's hardly even any paint in there anyway.

A last a man that makes sense

integra evan · 09-02-2009, 10:36 PM

I'm just gonna build it. lol.

hillbilly · 09-02-2009, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loserface300

...well make sure you remove the paint in the neck pocket CAREFULLY so that you have better coupling between the neck and body...

Quote:

Originally Posted by leftyguitarman

This is true. Get all of that paint out of there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kspeed

For the love of all that is sacred you MUST sand the paint out of that neck pocket! Otherwise a sweet build

There are THOUSANDS of 50's & 60's Strats with paint in the neck pocket. Some of them played by the guys that everyone has immense respect for.

Leave the paint alone.

If you are a good guitar player, it won't matter anyway...

overdriver · 09-03-2009, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hillbilly

There are THOUSANDS of 50's & 60's Strats with paint in the neck pocket. Some of them played by the guys that everyone has immense respect for.

Leave the paint alone.

If you are a good guitar player, it won't matter anyway...

OMG we agree on something. Whats the forum coming to!

integra evan · 09-04-2009, 05:14 PM

So I'll just leave the paint alone.

MaidenStrat02 · 09-04-2009, 06:50 PM

The only reason you would need to sand it is if the finish is a little bumpy or has a run it, etc. It won't let the neck sit flush with flat of the neck pocket. Every guitar I worked on for clients I took a piece of 180 grit and gave it a couple of strokes to make sure there was a flat surface. I've even had to use chisel to carefully pair down a corner in one pocket I was working on, it had a bad run of clear coat and wouldn't let the neck set right.

integra evan · 09-04-2009, 09:46 PM

When I get the neck I'll have to see. I'll be getting a vintage re-issue bridge in the mail shortly.

integra evan · 09-07-2009, 11:46 PM

Do I have to ground any of the electronics to the bridge?

overdriver · 09-08-2009, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by integra evan

Do I have to ground any of the electronics to the bridge?

A wire (ground) from the volume pot to the trem claw http://www.fender.com/support/diagra...131002BPg2.pdf

integra evan · 09-08-2009, 07:35 PM

ah ha, yeah i found that diagram last night after asking the question.
I just got the bridge in today.

coldsteal2 · 09-09-2009, 10:19 AM

its good you thought of the ground wire to the bridge
alot of people forget that part

overdriver · 09-09-2009, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coldsteal2

its good you thought of the ground wire to the bridge
alot of people forget that part

ing as it may be yes they do !

lp_junkie · 09-09-2009, 12:18 PM

I like the 2 tone sunburst, looks like it will be a great guitar.

here is a strat style guitar that I built.

08-30-2009, 02:04 AM	#1 (permalink)
integra evan Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 158 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	My Strat build thread, with pics So I have begun my long waited Stratocaster project build. I've decided to model it after 50's style Strats. Sunburst body Fender Custom Shop '54 vintage pickups (I bought these for an awesome price at GC) Fender vintage style machine heads will be getting a birdseye maple neck. I have finished the pickup, pot, and switch wiring already, and I have installed the strap pegs and neck mounting plate. The wood on the body split by one mounting screw for the neck, because by mistake I moved the screw sideways while tightening. Oh well. It shouldn't affect performance or durability. __________________ Holy Rollerz Christian Car Club

08-30-2009, 02:51 AM	#2 (permalink)
kspeed That Ibanez Guy Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 1,275 Thanks: 27 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: My Strat build thread, with pics For the love of all that is sacred you MUST sand the paint out of that neck pocket! Otherwise a sweet build __________________

08-30-2009, 03:26 AM	#4 (permalink)
kspeed That Ibanez Guy Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 1,275 Thanks: 27 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: My Strat build thread, with pics I'm serious, that paint's a serious detriment __________________

08-30-2009, 11:04 PM	#6 (permalink)
integra evan Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 158 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: My Strat build thread, with pics Okay thanks for the tip! I would have never known that. __________________ Holy Rollerz Christian Car Club

08-31-2009, 08:22 AM	#7 (permalink)
Yogi Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 660 Thanks: 2 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: My Strat build thread, with pics what kind of sunburst body is that? why is the back solid black? __________________ Fall mountains... just don't fall on me...

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08-31-2009, 09:20 AM	#9 (permalink)
overdriver V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kanata Posts: 5,447 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: My Strat build thread, with pics Looks nice!

08-31-2009, 09:45 PM	#10 (permalink)
integra evan Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 158 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: My Strat build thread, with pics I was thinking about putting a thin piece of felt or something between the neck and body. The body is an aftermarket licensed body, that's why the back is black. I know on real Fender bodies the back is also sunburst. __________________ Holy Rollerz Christian Car Club

08-31-2009, 09:51 PM	#11 (permalink)
Loserface300 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 1,375 Thanks: 28 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: My Strat build thread, with pics ...well make sure you remove the paint in the neck pocket CAREFULLY so that you have better coupling between the neck and body... __________________

08-31-2009, 11:24 PM	#14 (permalink)
integra evan Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 158 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: My Strat build thread, with pics So as long as it's bolted in nice and tight it will be fine.... __________________ Holy Rollerz Christian Car Club

09-01-2009, 12:31 AM	#16 (permalink)
diceman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 16,343 Thanks: 311 Thanked 91 Times in 32 Posts	Re: My Strat build thread, with pics Careful with the sanding - I did an amateur refinish several years ago in my Army barracks - got primer and paint in the pocket - sanded freehand and screwed up my neck angle as a result. It required a 1mm (very thick) shim to play right. I suppose I could have it fixed, but it is a knock off wall hanger at this point, and is all I'd ever intended it to be. I'd be careful with a real "player." Nice work so far! __________________ My Band: www.comeupswingingmusic.com or www.myspace.com/comeupswinging

09-02-2009, 10:36 PM	#19 (permalink)
integra evan Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 158 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: My Strat build thread, with pics I'm just gonna build it. lol. __________________ Holy Rollerz Christian Car Club

09-04-2009, 05:14 PM	#22 (permalink)
integra evan Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 158 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: My Strat build thread, with pics So I'll just leave the paint alone. __________________ Holy Rollerz Christian Car Club

09-04-2009, 06:50 PM	#23 (permalink)
MaidenStrat02 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: The Rue Morgue Posts: 262 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: My Strat build thread, with pics The only reason you would need to sand it is if the finish is a little bumpy or has a run it, etc. It won't let the neck sit flush with flat of the neck pocket. Every guitar I worked on for clients I took a piece of 180 grit and gave it a couple of strokes to make sure there was a flat surface. I've even had to use chisel to carefully pair down a corner in one pocket I was working on, it had a bad run of clear coat and wouldn't let the neck set right. __________________ Gibson '07 SG 2 Fender Customized Strats Modded Jcm2000 DSL50 W\MM choke,PT,OT Carvin Legacy2x12 w\V30's Pitch Black Tuner-EH LPB-1-TS-808. FX Loop-MXR 108EQ-Modded Phase 90-Carbon Copy-George L Cables-Voodoo Power 2 Plus-Pedaltrain Board

09-04-2009, 09:46 PM	#24 (permalink)
integra evan Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 158 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: My Strat build thread, with pics When I get the neck I'll have to see. I'll be getting a vintage re-issue bridge in the mail shortly. __________________ Holy Rollerz Christian Car Club

09-07-2009, 11:46 PM	#25 (permalink)
integra evan Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 158 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: My Strat build thread, with pics Do I have to ground any of the electronics to the bridge? __________________ Holy Rollerz Christian Car Club

09-08-2009, 07:35 PM	#27 (permalink)
integra evan Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 158 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: My Strat build thread, with pics ah ha, yeah i found that diagram last night after asking the question. I just got the bridge in today. __________________ Holy Rollerz Christian Car Club

09-09-2009, 10:19 AM	#28 (permalink)
coldsteal2 Rock Star Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Chico, CA Posts: 16,868 Thanks: 187 Thanked 56 Times in 14 Posts	Re: My Strat build thread, with pics its good you thought of the ground wire to the bridge alot of people forget that part __________________ ...........Cold Steal II Soundclick Songs ................. ColdSteal2's YouTube Videos.............MusicMight Secret Service . Still Rockin' at 56 .

09-09-2009, 12:18 PM	#30 (permalink)
lp_junkie Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 5,752 Thanks: 22 Thanked 94 Times in 19 Posts	Re: My Strat build thread, with pics I like the 2 tone sunburst, looks like it will be a great guitar. here is a strat style guitar that I built. __________________ LP_Junkie my personal MySpace _____________________________________________ Disclaimer- The opinions expressed on this site may cause incontinence, wadded panties, indigestion, insecurity and other serious maladies. Use as directed, not intended for the overly sensitive and humor impaired.

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