Less Tall Porn!

[pinefd]

I finally completed one! For those of you who are familiar with my Less Tall project…and those of you who are not, I thought I’d show some pics of my first fully completed half scale Les Paul model. This is the one I got back from Dave Johnson about two months ago, beautifully finished by him (as previously shown in this thread: Less Tall gets Johnsonized!). I’ve been holding off on assembling the whole thing until now, because I was hoping to get some real tuners made. Well, the real tuners haven’t happened yet, but at least I’ve got a mechanism with which I can semi-tune the guitar, that still looks like a stock tuner.

So here it is! BTW, for those of you going to the Gibson Summer Jam in a couple of weeks, I’ll have the little guy with me (and possibly a second one).

Frank

[FLICKOFLASH]

Mother & child

[PoorMan]

That is so killer!

[pinefd]

Thanks, guys. I'm actually hoping to get Sweet Baby Duane back from Dave Johson later this week, and will post pics as soon as I can.

[PoorMan]

I'm not familiar with Dave Johnson or his work. Perhaps I'm the only one, but can you tell us a little about him?

[pinefd]

Originally Posted by PoorMan

I'm not familiar with Dave Johnson or his work. Perhaps I'm the only one, but can you tell us a little about him?

Dave has, in the past year or two, established himself as one of the...if not the premier Les Paul restorers/refinishers anywhere. Here is his website: Vintage Restorations
In addition, he recently co-founded "Historic Makeovers", the company responsible for many of the LP refinishes/restorations seen in this forum: Historic Makeovers - Custom Guitars, Guitar Refinishing, Guitar Aging

Dave's a great guy, who does some incredible work, using techniques that make his finishes closer to that of vintage LPs than probably anyone else out there. Last year, Gibson had offered to help finish my Less Tall(s) for me, but ended up having to back down from that offer because of some recently enacted policies. When Dave heard about this, he offered to help out with my little project, and I couldn't be happier with the results.

[PoorMan]

Cool! Thanks for sharing. I'm familiar with Historic Makeovers, but didn't have a name to go along with it.

Your Les Tall is nothing short of amazing. I'm totally blown away and I want one! Do you have a thread somewhere showing the buildup?

Are the electronics functional?

[pinefd]

Originally Posted by PoorMan

Cool! Thanks for sharing. I'm familiar with Historic Makeovers, but didn't have a name to go along with it.

Your Les Tall is nothing short of amazing. I'm totally blown away and I want one! Do you have a thread somewhere showing the buildup?

Are the electronics functional?

Thanks again, PoorMan. There is a thread on the LPF showing many of the details, but you may only be able to view it if you are a member there. Here is that thread in case you want to give it a try: Les Paul Forum

Regarding the electronics, I don't currently have a functional pickup in it, but all the other pieces would be functional if the pickups worked. When and if time allows, I hope to build some functional pickups. There was another individual building some for me who became incapacitated before he had a chance to finish them. You can see his progress in the above mentioned thread.

[FLICKOFLASH]

Originally Posted by pinefd

Thanks again, PoorMan. There is a thread on the LPF showing many of the details, but you may only be able to view it if you are a member there. Here is that thread in case you want to give it a try: Les Paul Forum

Regarding the electronics, I don't currently have a functional pickup in it, but all the other pieces would be functional if the pickups worked. When and if time allows, I hope to build some functional pickups. There was another individual building some for me who became incapacitated before he had a chance to finish them. You can see his progress in the above mentioned thread.

FRANK alot of us cannot view LPF if you could repost some here please & ABOUT THE MINI CASE that you also made .. No word on ElfnMagic either ??
I have tried calling

[pinefd]

Originally Posted by FLICKOFLASH

FRANK alot of us cannot view LPF if you could repost some here please & ABOUT THE MINI CASE that you also made .. No word on ElfnMagic either ??
I have tried calling

I'll try to copy and paste some of my entries from that thread here, so that people can see a bit more of the history. Here goes:

Just to bring everyone up to speed, my Less Tall project started just less than a year ago. I was a bit frustrated with the fact that I have a very nice collection (IMHO) of historic Les Pauls (at present, about 18 +/-), with no room to display them. I thought it would be nice to be able to somehow showcase these beautiful instruments without taking over half the house. I dabbled in photography in hopes of using this as my way of showing off the guitars, and then hit on the idea that it might be pretty cool to build half size Les Pauls, with all the beauty and detail of the real ones. These could easily fit propped up on a miniature guitar stand on a desk or on a bookcase. (Yes, I realize that this doesn’t solve the problem of not being able to display my collection, but at least it’s enough of a distraction so I’m not as concerned about it anymore.) And yes, there are lots of small scale models available out there today for people to display, but the quality isn’t that great.

So I decided to try and build a guitar that was a Les Paul, in virtually every detail as a real one, from the inlays to the pickup routes, the trus rod, long neck tenon, non-wire ABR-1 bridge, historically correct thin binding, etc. The only difference is that it would be exactly half the size of a real guitar. Mind you, I had never built a guitar before, but am a somewhat accomplished woodworker (as a hobby), a Les Paul nut, and as a kid I used to love building difficult, detailed scale models. Thus was born the idea for the Less Tall Model guitar. Keep in mind, that you can’t just go into a Gibson retailer and buy or order the hardware for a half scale Les Paul, so I had to learn how to make all my own metal and plastic parts.

After spending approximately 8 months in the research and building of the Less Tall Model, I brought it to the Gibson Summer Jam this past July, and it was met with an incredible response. My fellow LPFers in attendance, who saw the guitar, were very positive and encouraging. Some of them introduced me to some of the Gibson folks, who also responded very positively to it.

Now I need to digress a bit here. When I made my reservation for the Summer Jam, I did so with the full intent of trying to complete the guitar and bring it with me to show to folks. Unfortunately, the two months leading up to the event were terrible from a weather standpoint (in New England) for trying to stain/paint a guitar…and I don’t have an air conditioned, vented workshop/spraybooth in our summer house for tackling such a project. And after investing so much time in the research and building of the guitar, I didn’t want to risk screwing it up at this stage. So the guitar went to the Gibson Summer Jam unstained, but otherwise complete.

Much to my surprise and excitement, when the Gibson folks saw the guitar, they offered to finish it for me in the Custom Shop. For this, I needed to arrange for a return visit at a time when they could better handle this “little project”. At this point, it’s looking like it may not happen until December or January, but the folks at the Custom Shop continue to be genuinely excited and interested in helping finish this project. And this from a company that normally doesn’t take kindly to people making knockoffs of their products!
Well anyway, I hope you like the following photos. I will post photos of the guitar once Gibson has had a chance to stain it. BTW, I’m thinking of having it done as an iced tea burst.

(See post #2 below for photos)

You may be wondering whether this is a working guitar, to which I would respond yes and no. Strum it unplugged, and it sounds like a real guitar (acoustically). Much of the electronics are in the guitar, but I have not yet made mini humbuckers for it…just dummy covers that look realistic. I am working on making some real ones. Also…and this is the major roadblock in trying to make this a real, usable guitar…is that the tuners are also just dummies. I have yet to be able to find worm gears small enough to be able to make real, working tuners.

Also keep in mind, that if I’m able to overcome the tuner problem and if I finish the humbuckers, it may be a working guitar, but not a real usable one. With a neck width of around one inch, your fingers would have to be awfully tiny in order to be able to play anything on the guitar (unless you tune it to a chord).

Here’s a couple of people who seemed to like the guitar. The first photo is of Dan Erlewine “gigging” with the guitar at the Newport (RI) Guitar Festival in August, and the second photo is of Rick Gembar from the Custom Shop (holding the guitar, as I look on):

(See post #3 below for photos)

Here are some photos of the guitar case that I am in the process of just completing now. I’m just putting the finishing touches on the handle, and will be ready to install that in the next couple of days.

(see post #5 below for photos)

The photos didn't appear in the post on my first try, and the edit feature wasn't allowing me to fix them, so here they are (hopefully):




Dan Erlewine:



Rick Gembar from the Custom Shop (holding the guitar, with me looking on):

[pinefd]

The Less Tall Case:

[pinefd]

Originally Posted by FLICKOFLASH

did you make the mini latches ?

Jeff, as with everything else on this project, I couldn't find any off-the-shelf latches that were close enough in looks to the originals in half scale. I was able to find some latches that were the right size, but the wrong shape, and I modified them to look closer to originals. I was able to remove the latching mechanisms from the base plates, make new base plates out of a brass sheet and re-mount the mechanisms. I had to make the base plates a little wider than to scale so that I could fit the rivets and riveter on them, but tried to keep the overall shape as much as possible.

If you look closely at the case photos, you'll notice that all five latches are the same. I wasn't able to find a locking latch similar enough and small enough to an original to be able to use for this project.

Original off-the-shelf Latches:



Modified Latches:

[pinefd]

Thanks again for all the nice comments, guys. And Bluestar, I mentioned in my looooong intro above, that I didn't see how the guitar could really be useful even if fully functional, for the very reason you mentioned. The fingerboard averages only around an inch wide, so practically speaking, you really wouldn't be able to depress and pluck individual strings. I suppose you could tune it to a chord and strum it or use it as a slide guitar, though.

And now that I've finished making the handle on the case, I've taken some more photos of the completed case. The handle is a little more angular than it should be in some places, mainly because of the inflexibility of the leather, but hopefully over time it will conform to the proper shape.

Originally Posted by learjeff

How the heck did you make that tiny Tune-o-Matic bridge & tailpiece? Did you cast all those little parts or what? It's really astounding work.

I want one too, only I don't think I could handle the odd look I'd no doubt get from my wife, who'd think I'd finally gone over the deep end. You're obviously WAY over the deep end already, and are used to this.

I wish I just had the skills to make a couple (black) pickup rings for my LP copy; the original rings are cheap stamped metal, and are wider than new rings. If I put new rings on, they wouldn't quite cover all the hole for the pickup. I can't imagine being able to do a whole guitar. The woodwork is astounding enough, but at least I can imagine how it's done. But those parts that normally would be manufactured ... well, I guess you use the same methods they use for real prototypes. At least, it looks like it. None of that stuff looks the least bit fake.

When do you go into full production, and what's the cost?

Learjeff,

I appreciate the kind words. The bridge and tailpiece (see below) were relatively easy to make compared to some of the plastic parts like the pickup rings and control knobs. Both the bridge and tailpiece I was able to make using basic woodworking skills, but on a very small scale, and using aluminum instead of wood as the material. I mostly used a drill press with drill bits, dremel bits, and modified dremel bits. To get the contours in the pieces, I mostly used files, sanding drums and a dremel. And one other important tool...my 2.50 powered reading glasses which allowed me to see close-up!

And you're right about the deep end...I took that dive almost a year ago. As a result of the very positive feedback I've received from everyone on this project, my wife and kids don't think I'm as crazy as they originally thought. Either that, or they're just realizing that there a lot of other crazies out there too! In either case, they've been extremely supportive.

As far as when I expect to go into production, I can't yet say when - or if - I'll be doing that yet. I'll hopefully be making the trip to Gibson within the next month or two for them to stain the guitar, and hope to have a better idea after that trip. I'm hoping they may be able to hitch me up with some of their suppliers to help me make some of the parts. Otherwise, the parts are so labor intensive that it would be difficult for me to do alone. In the meantime, I hope to be starting on Serial Number one and one-half soon (the first one was serial number one-half), and take it one half step at a time!

Frank

[pinefd]

Originally Posted by FLICKOFLASH

FRANK can you post a pix next to a full size case , looking back with such good detail work think some might not grasp how small this is

Hey Jeff, how about pictures in a full size case?

[pinefd]

And in case anyone cares...since my prototype Less Tall project is winding down, and I'm waiting for Gibson to finish it for me, I've started on the next one. I think I'll call this next one "Sweet Baby Duane":

Originally Posted by Uncle Gary

As a long time miniature enthusiast and modelmaker, I have to say, I AM IMPRESSED! That is about the coolest miniature guitar I've ever seen. The case just takes it to another level. I have to believe that the case was probably harder to make than the guitar. I've thought of doing something like this, but your's turned out better than I could imagine. I even know a retired toolmaker and violinmaker who offered me a nice piece of fiddleback maple for the top. I'd never have to time, though.

Thanks Uncle Gary. I could understand your thinking that the case would be harder to make than the guitar, especially considering there are a lot of people out there making their own guitars, but probably very few making their own cases; therefore, case construction (unlike guitar construction) is probably a mystery to many. I, on the other hand, found the guitar much harder to build.

It took me about 8 months of research & learning, template making, material selection and trial and error to make the guitar, whereas only 2 months to make the case. Although I've done a lot of woodworking in the past, I had to learn lots of new skills in building the guitar, because there were no parts available for the guitar in half scale. So I had to learn how to do metal working/fabrication, plastic fabrication, mold making, plus inlaying and fretwork. My skills and imagination were stretched to the limit in building the guitar.

The case, on the other hand, required very few new skills, mostly existing skills plus a fair amount of creativity. The only new skill I had to learn was how to bend wood, and that didn't take long. I made the bottom half of the case the traditional way by bending wood for the sides, mounted to a plywood bottom. Because of the contour in the top of the case, I decided to use a different method. Using a skill I learned back when I used to restore old Corvettes for a hobby, I decided to make the top half out of fiberglass. I first made a dummy top out of wood and plaster, made a silicone rubber mold from that, and then layed resin impregnated fiberglass cloth into the mold to form the top. I used book binding material for the cover (with a little sponge painting for the design), and I found small latches at a craft store that I modified to look like originals. So the metal working skills (and mold making skills) I learned when making the guitar came in handy for the case project.

But I'd have to say that for both the guitar and the case, I probably spent as much time researching and shopping for the materials, as I did physically working on the construction. So I would expect that the next guitar and case should go much quicker.

Originally Posted by Browneyes

EMGs make the tiny pots.. why don't you use those?

Thanks for the suggestion. BTW, me likey the new avatar (but then again, the old one wasn't too shabby either)!

I wasn't able to find the small EMGs you were referring to. Would you happen to know who might carry them. But also, do you happen to know what size shaft comes on them?

A number of companies sell mini pots which are the right size for my project. But as I mentioned above, all the mini original style pots I've found come with 1/4 inch shafts, rather than 1/8 inch. So even the minis are made to fit full size knobs. And the problem is, when you try to make mini knobs to fit on larger (1/4 inch) shafts, the knobs don't look right.

As you can see below, I already have some mini pots (bottom of photo), but the shafts are too wide for my mini knobs. In the upper left of the photo you can see where I've ground down the shaft on a mini pot to where it's approximately 1/8 inch. I would do this (although it's a fair amount of work), but then you're still left with a hold down nut that looks too big under the mini knobs, and looks kinda funny. That's why I opted for the non-original looking pots, because they had 1/8 inch shafts and smaller hold down nuts, and I was able to keep the visible parts of the guitar looking decent, while hiding the non-original looking parts in the control cavity.



So if you happen to know of any mini original style pots with 1/8 inch shafts, please let me know! Thanks again.

Frank

[pinefd]

Now that Serial # 1/2 is nearing completion, I've begun work on #1 1/2 and 2 1/2. I wasn't totally pleased with the way the inlays looked on the first guitar, so I thought I'd look for better inlay material (and no, I don't think Buzz has any sets like this laying around). I found a new source of material in my pocket, though, and I'm curious whether the inlay experts in the house approve:



My secret source revealed:

[pinefd]

Originally Posted by FLICKOFLASH

Up date us Frank :2cool

I’d be happy to provide an update.

First, the bad news. I received an email from Rick Gembar last week saying that the Custom Shop may not be able to finish the guitar for me after all, because doing so may be in violation of one of their policies…although he’s still hopeful that something can be worked out. Meanwhile, I am beginning to explore other options, and have had a number of other offers I need to consider.

Other news…Elfin Magic (Eric), who has been working on the humbuckers, was out of commission for a while, and is hopefully back on his feet again. He expects to be done with the pickups soon. In addition, upon hearing about the bad news above, he offered to finish the guitar for me. What a nice guy!

And, I’m almost done with the bodies & necks/fingerboards on numbers 2 & 3, and expect to have those done within the next week or two (excluding the staining/finishing, of course). If I were building full size guitars, I’d just need to throw on the hardware, and I’d be practically done. But as you know, I still have a lot of work ahead of me fabricating all the metal and plastic parts. So, stay tuned!

Meanwhile, here is one of the ones I’m working on now…”Sweet Baby Duane”. This one (along with the other one I’m building), has a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard that I cut from a pool cue blank! Enjoy:

[pinefd]

Thanks, once again guys, for the kind words.

And for those interested, here's the other little guy I'm working on. It's a little further along than Baby Duane, but not quite as pretty. I expect to be done with this one by early next week (again, excluding the hardware and finish).

Originally Posted by FLICKOFLASH

FRANK I think a man of your skills can handle finishes , Check out the Reranch website you can buy nitro in a spray can

I can see you fading with a sun lamp & aging in the freezer

Great News! Dave "Magic" Johnson is on board with this project, and will be helping with the finish! I'm really excited now, and can't wait to ship the first one off to him (which I hope will be next week).

And Jeff, yes I could probably figure out how to do it myself, but I have to admit, I'd much rather have Dave do the finish, than to trust me with a can of nitro, sun lamp and a freezer! I'll keep using the nitro, sun lamp and freezer for their intended purposes for right now, thank you. BTW, what is nitro? :hmm

[pinefd]

And here's a picture of the pickups our buddy Eric was working on before he became incapacitated. We hope you're doing ok Eric!

[PoorMan]

Originally Posted by pinefd

And here's a picture of the pickups our buddy Eric was working on before he became incapacitated. We hope you're doing ok Eric!

Wow. Conecting lead wires is hard enough on a full sized 'bucker. Imagine trying to do it on that scale!!!

I am so impressed and blown away by this project on so many levels. Frank, thank you so much for taking the time share with us.

[Pooker]

Originally Posted by pinefd

... I'm curious whether the inlay experts in the house approve:



My secret source revealed:

Full approval from me

They look amazing, and I'm looking forward to seeing some of DJ's work on lil' Duane.

[mapleflame]

Piney Off Da Hook again. You will blow em away in Nashy

[pinefd]

Originally Posted by mapleflame

Piney Off Da Hook again. You will blow em away in Nashy

Thanks...I just hope I'll have Baby Duane ready in time for the trip. I get that one back from Dave tomorrow. I'll post pics as soon as I can (pre-assembly).

[pinefd]

What the heck...here's one more shot of the above guitar before the Babe gets home and commands all my attention.

[Mr Bones]

That is the coolest shot by far. Got a full res version you can send me?

[pinefd]

Well, Baby Duane is finally home and I'm thrilled. Dave did an unbelievable job...as usual. He's amazing! Anyway, I couldn't wait to show it, so here it is pre-assembly:



And a shot with its sibling, cut from the same boards:



More photos to come as I progress with assembly.

[Axeman16]

those are so cool!

[El Toro]

That is so cool!

[BCRGreg]

Rarely do I get blown away by guitars, after a lifetime of being around them.

I am blown away.

I want one.

[ReverendJWblues]

Reminds me of when I was younger and Reverend Billy came out with his lil chiquita axe. verycool