Ex-Nihilo Build 3 -SGLP

ex-nihilo · 08-08-2009, 11:21 AM

This thread will follow the building of my own custom guitar. An SG body with a 59 Les Paul maple top carve (SGLP).

Here is a computer model to give you the idea:

I made the model so that I can CNC the top. The sharp lines will be sanded out during the build. I started a chambered American Black Walnut version:

However, I think I am going to put this one on hold and build a Honduran Mahogany one first..... with p-90s!

Hope you enjoy!

Sincerely, Scott

SG Lou · 08-08-2009, 11:24 AM

Awesome Idea......I'll be watching this one !

ex-nihilo · 08-08-2009, 11:28 AM

Here is how I join the book matched maple boards together.

I get a piece of flat mdf (I had an LP template downstairs and that worked fine) and I two-way tape one of the maple boards down to the mdf. Then, I run another strip of tape on the mdf for the other board. This keeps the pieces flat and in place while I apply the clamps.

With the hide glue prepared, I run a hot iron across the area where I am going to apply the glue.

I apply the glue.

I press the boards together and apply the clamps.

After about three or four minutes, I remove the clamps and sandwich the boards between two pieces of mdf. This keeps everything flat (even though it will be planed again). As the moister evaporates from the glue, it will continue to suck the pieces together and become glass hard.

Sincerely, Scott

nicolasrivera · 08-08-2009, 12:27 PM

Another master class!!!!! thanks a lot Scott will be following this amazing idea.

Texas07R8 · 08-08-2009, 12:36 PM

awesome, frikkin awesome..

GreaseBox · 08-08-2009, 01:14 PM

SWEET!!!!

SG Lou · 08-08-2009, 01:33 PM

Scott,
from seeing the pictures I assume you will be using the newer style neck joint as opposed to the Early 60's box joint ?

ex-nihilo · 08-08-2009, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SG Lou

Scott,
from seeing the pictures I assume you will be using the newer style neck joint as opposed to the Early 60's box joint ?

Yes, that is correct. It is closer to an LP mortise and tenon and will allow for greater strength and wood to wood contact.

Sincerely, Scott

BCRGreg · 08-08-2009, 10:12 PM

Putting wax paper between the mdf and the maple will keep any squeezeout from mucking up the works, guys. Better safe than glued.

I heat up a coffee mug on the stove and use it to keep my hide glue warm while applying it, it works better than trying to get from the glue pot to the work; being portable, small and easy to clean and reuse.

Hey, Scott....

pinefd · 08-08-2009, 10:47 PM

Great Scott! (as if you hadn't heard that one before) I'm lovin' it! Looking forward to watching this progress!

Frank

Br0ken68 · 08-08-2009, 10:52 PM

Well we know you iron. Do you do windows too? =)

Nelson674 · 08-08-2009, 11:05 PM

can't wait to watch this one unfold!

Scott, thank you for taking the time to share this with us!

Nelson

ex-nihilo · 08-10-2009, 08:22 AM

Hey, Scott....

[/QUOTE]

Hey Greg, that gives me an idea as to how the binding will look. What kind of guitars are these and when were they made? I am going to place the selector switch by the top horn (like a LP), use thinner binding, a steeper carve, not a perimeter burst, quilted maple crown shaped inlays, and I'm going to use an LP pick guard too. But this picture definitely shows me that there is potential! Thanks.

BCRGreg · 08-10-2009, 08:28 AM

Robin Artisans, late 80s.

Greco · 08-10-2009, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ex-nihilo

Hi Scott,

Having owned a Gibson SG for many years, I'd be concerned about where you have the route for the selector switch in this photo. It looks like it is getting close to being right in the middle of the pickups or at least close to where a players strumming hand would hit the switch all the time. I think that's why most SGs have the switch by the knobs. Maybe it's just the angle?

ex-nihilo · 08-10-2009, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greco

Hi Scott,

Having owned a Gibson SG for many years, I'd be concerned about where you have the route for the selector switch in this photo. It looks like it is getting close to being right in the middle of the pickups or at least close to where a players strumming hand would hit the switch all the time. I think that's why most SGs have the switch by the knobs. Maybe it's just the angle?

That is a very good point. Thank you for mentioning it. I will have to look into it.

EtriX · 08-10-2009, 05:09 PM

Scott, your builds are always great. I love to read and see how you've progressed between each photo op. Looking forward to see how you do on this thread. I love the SGs and I love carve tops

This should be a ducey

ojedad23 · 08-10-2009, 11:17 PM

ex-nihilo · 08-11-2009, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greco

Hi Scott,

Having owned a Gibson SG for many years, I'd be concerned about where you have the route for the selector switch in this photo. It looks like it is getting close to being right in the middle of the pickups or at least close to where a players strumming hand would hit the switch all the time. I think that's why most SGs have the switch by the knobs. Maybe it's just the angle?

Alas, it is true. I will have to arrange the electronics SG style rather than LP style.

TexasNate · 08-11-2009, 10:35 AM

Wow, good thing someone caught that!

Does anyone ever consider using a different kind of switch that wouldn't get in the way like a sliding switch?

SG Lou · 08-11-2009, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasNate

Wow, good thing someone caught that!

Does anyone ever consider using a different kind of switch that wouldn't get in the way like a sliding switch?

Nate,
I think Scott is trying to keep the looks of everything in the Les Paul / SG family. If it were a different guitar a sliding switch would fit the bill.

TexasNate · 08-11-2009, 10:52 AM

Sorry to get off topic but i think this looks so cool!
I think that these would get in the way though....

csparks75 · 08-11-2009, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasNate

Sorry to get off topic but i think this looks so cool!
I think that these would get in the way though....

Ok, now that is just wrong. lol How many knobs does someone really need?

Luke122 · 08-11-2009, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csparks75

Ok, now that is just wrong. lol How many knobs does someone really need?

I've got one, works for me.
Errr...

Looks like a volume and tone for each pickup.

ex-nihilo · 08-11-2009, 12:23 PM

The bright side is that even though I wanted the switch on the upper horn (like an LP), placing down by the vol. and tone knobs will be easier to make.

SG Lou · 08-11-2009, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ex-nihilo

The bright side is that even though I wanted the switch on the upper horn (like an LP), placing down by the vol. and tone knobs will be easier to make.

So true !

cynic79 · 08-11-2009, 01:08 PM

Looks good!

I've been giving it some thought, and the notion of a guitar with the all the appointments of a Les Paul, but with an SG style body seems more and more appealing. Something akin to the Robin Artisan, but with a carved top, would be a fantastic guitar.

EDIT: Just did some poking around and say that the Artisans supposedly did have a carved top. It's a little hard to tell from the posted pics.

jo07 · 08-11-2009, 01:26 PM

Nice!!!

Greco · 08-12-2009, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ex-nihilo

The bright side is that even though I wanted the switch on the upper horn (like an LP), placing down by the vol. and tone knobs will be easier to make.

I don't think it's impossible to have the switch on the upper horn, especially as you are not cutting in the traditional SG contours in that area on the top. The way Gibson does the contours make a stich in this area pretty cumbersome. With the flatness of the horn on your design you have more scope to drill the switch cavity up further towards the point of the horn. As long as once in place the poker chip doesn't overlap the binding then it won't look weird and shouldn't be any more intrusive to playing than a Les Paul switch. I guess you could experiment and compare the placement to the Catto LP plans to see if it's viable, or mock it up in 3d?

shtdaprdtr · 08-12-2009, 07:35 PM

who said he needs a poker chip?

08-08-2009, 11:21 AM	#1 (permalink)
ex-nihilo Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 677 Thanks: 3 Thanked 70 Times in 10 Posts	Ex-Nihilo Build 3 -SGLP This thread will follow the building of my own custom guitar. An SG body with a 59 Les Paul maple top carve (SGLP). Here is a computer model to give you the idea: I made the model so that I can CNC the top. The sharp lines will be sanded out during the build. I started a chambered American Black Walnut version: However, I think I am going to put this one on hold and build a Honduran Mahogany one first..... with p-90s! Hope you enjoy! Sincerely, Scott

08-08-2009, 11:24 AM	#2 (permalink)
SG Lou Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Fords NJ Posts: 562 Thanks: 9 Thanked 50 Times in 9 Posts	Re: Ex-Nihilo Build 3 -SGLP Awesome Idea......I'll be watching this one ! __________________ "It's all Iommi's fault. I blame him entirely" A.L.S. Sux, Lets rid the world of this dreaded disease St. Moritz Guitars http://www.freewebs.com/stmoritzguitars/ stmoritzguitars@hotmail.com

08-08-2009, 11:28 AM	#3 (permalink)
ex-nihilo Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 677 Thanks: 3 Thanked 70 Times in 10 Posts	Re: Ex-Nihilo Build 3 -SGLP Here is how I join the book matched maple boards together. I get a piece of flat mdf (I had an LP template downstairs and that worked fine) and I two-way tape one of the maple boards down to the mdf. Then, I run another strip of tape on the mdf for the other board. This keeps the pieces flat and in place while I apply the clamps. With the hide glue prepared, I run a hot iron across the area where I am going to apply the glue. I apply the glue. I press the boards together and apply the clamps. After about three or four minutes, I remove the clamps and sandwich the boards between two pieces of mdf. This keeps everything flat (even though it will be planed again). As the moister evaporates from the glue, it will continue to suck the pieces together and become glass hard. Sincerely, Scott

08-08-2009, 12:27 PM	#4 (permalink)
nicolasrivera Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 994 Thanks: 53 Thanked 63 Times in 16 Posts	Re: Ex-Nihilo Build 3 -SGLP Another master class!!!!! thanks a lot Scott will be following this amazing idea. __________________ "A good guitar is in agreement with itself” Parker. -------------------------------o------------------------------ "There will always be more Les to come. That's certified." Billy Gibbons.

08-08-2009, 12:36 PM	#5 (permalink)
Texas07R8 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 2,220 Thanks: 101 Thanked 70 Times in 16 Posts	Re: Ex-Nihilo Build 3 -SGLP awesome, frikkin awesome..

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08-08-2009, 01:14 PM	#6 (permalink)
GreaseBox V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Home of the COLTS Posts: 2,557 Thanks: 19 Thanked 25 Times in 8 Posts	Re: Ex-Nihilo Build 3 -SGLP SWEET!!!! __________________ "...I've eaten the sun so my tongue has burned of the taste..."

08-08-2009, 01:33 PM	#7 (permalink)
SG Lou Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Fords NJ Posts: 562 Thanks: 9 Thanked 50 Times in 9 Posts	Re: Ex-Nihilo Build 3 -SGLP Scott, from seeing the pictures I assume you will be using the newer style neck joint as opposed to the Early 60's box joint ? __________________ "It's all Iommi's fault. I blame him entirely" A.L.S. Sux, Lets rid the world of this dreaded disease St. Moritz Guitars http://www.freewebs.com/stmoritzguitars/ stmoritzguitars@hotmail.com

08-08-2009, 10:12 PM	#9 (permalink)
BCRGreg Grumpy Old Luthier Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lemoyne, PA Posts: 6,979 Thanks: 157 Thanked 733 Times in 96 Posts	Re: Ex-Nihilo Build 3 -SGLP Putting wax paper between the mdf and the maple will keep any squeezeout from mucking up the works, guys. Better safe than glued. I heat up a coffee mug on the stove and use it to keep my hide glue warm while applying it, it works better than trying to get from the glue pot to the work; being portable, small and easy to clean and reuse. Hey, Scott.... __________________ Cool guitars, extreme repairs and brutal honesty. www.bcrmusic.com www.grumpyoldmenband.com http://www.youtube.com/user/unkagreg

08-08-2009, 10:47 PM	#10 (permalink)
pinefd V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 2,644 Thanks: 14 Thanked 109 Times in 21 Posts	Re: Ex-Nihilo Build 3 -SGLP Great Scott! (as if you hadn't heard that one before) I'm lovin' it! Looking forward to watching this progress! Frank __________________ Check out my website at: www.lesstallguitars.com And check out some of my personal gear at: Historic Les Paul Database

08-08-2009, 10:52 PM	#11 (permalink)
Br0ken68 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Taft, CA. Posts: 234 Thanks: 11 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Ex-Nihilo Build 3 -SGLP Well we know you iron. Do you do windows too? =)

08-08-2009, 11:05 PM	#12 (permalink)
Nelson674 Master Sawdust Maker Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: the great northwest Posts: 197 Thanks: 11 Thanked 10 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Ex-Nihilo Build 3 -SGLP can't wait to watch this one unfold! Scott, thank you for taking the time to share this with us! Nelson __________________ Learning to shrug is the beginning of wisdom.

08-10-2009, 08:22 AM	#13 (permalink)
ex-nihilo Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 677 Thanks: 3 Thanked 70 Times in 10 Posts	Re: Ex-Nihilo Build 3 -SGLP Hey, Scott.... [/QUOTE] Hey Greg, that gives me an idea as to how the binding will look. What kind of guitars are these and when were they made? I am going to place the selector switch by the top horn (like a LP), use thinner binding, a steeper carve, not a perimeter burst, quilted maple crown shaped inlays, and I'm going to use an LP pick guard too. But this picture definitely shows me that there is potential! Thanks.

08-10-2009, 08:28 AM	#14 (permalink)
BCRGreg Grumpy Old Luthier Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lemoyne, PA Posts: 6,979 Thanks: 157 Thanked 733 Times in 96 Posts	Re: Ex-Nihilo Build 3 -SGLP Robin Artisans, late 80s. __________________ Cool guitars, extreme repairs and brutal honesty. www.bcrmusic.com www.grumpyoldmenband.com http://www.youtube.com/user/unkagreg

08-10-2009, 05:09 PM	#17 (permalink)
EtriX Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: The great lakes of Sweden Posts: 1,327 Thanks: 66 Thanked 9 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Ex-Nihilo Build 3 -SGLP Scott, your builds are always great. I love to read and see how you've progressed between each photo op. Looking forward to see how you do on this thread. I love the SGs and I love carve tops This should be a ducey __________________ If you haven't seen a elephant ski, you haven't been on acid Southpaw City

08-10-2009, 11:17 PM	#18 (permalink)
ojedad23 the oj guy Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: in Mlp headquarters,drinking orange juice Posts: 5,432 Thanks: 23 Thanked 92 Times in 71 Posts	Re: Ex-Nihilo Build 3 -SGLP __________________

08-11-2009, 10:35 AM	#20 (permalink)
TexasNate Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 84 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Ex-Nihilo Build 3 -SGLP Wow, good thing someone caught that! Does anyone ever consider using a different kind of switch that wouldn't get in the way like a sliding switch?

08-11-2009, 10:52 AM	#22 (permalink)
TexasNate Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 84 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Ex-Nihilo Build 3 -SGLP Sorry to get off topic but i think this looks so cool! I think that these would get in the way though....

08-11-2009, 12:23 PM	#25 (permalink)
ex-nihilo Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 677 Thanks: 3 Thanked 70 Times in 10 Posts	Re: Ex-Nihilo Build 3 -SGLP The bright side is that even though I wanted the switch on the upper horn (like an LP), placing down by the vol. and tone knobs will be easier to make.

08-11-2009, 01:08 PM	#27 (permalink)
cynic79 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,064 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	Re: Ex-Nihilo Build 3 -SGLP Looks good! I've been giving it some thought, and the notion of a guitar with the all the appointments of a Les Paul, but with an SG style body seems more and more appealing. Something akin to the Robin Artisan, but with a carved top, would be a fantastic guitar. EDIT: Just did some poking around and say that the Artisans supposedly did have a carved top. It's a little hard to tell from the posted pics.

08-11-2009, 01:26 PM	#28 (permalink)
jo07 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: montreal,quebec Posts: 4,356 Thanks: 361 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Ex-Nihilo Build 3 -SGLP Nice!!! __________________ MyLeftBall.

08-12-2009, 07:35 PM	#30 (permalink)
shtdaprdtr Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: new york Posts: 1,211 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Ex-Nihilo Build 3 -SGLP who said he needs a poker chip?

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