First Build Assistance Requested

[Riku]

Hi everyone

I am a student doing their HSC in Australia and for my major work in Timber, I'm making an electric guitar. Now I just want some advice and assistance from some guitar builders. What would be a good idea for a first time build? All I currently am going by is that I want a Gibson double cutaway style body, so what would be a good build for a brand new guitar builder, which would display as much 'skill' as possible (I'm trying to get really good marks). I am also intent on building my own neck, and I have done piles and piles of research on building the neck. I have my timber all ready, I am using Queensland Maple for the neck, Indian Rosewood for the fretboard and headplates and a really nice figured Mahogany body blank.

So I really want to know what a good Gibson-style double cutaway build that would be accomplishable in an eighth-month period with little funds (I have a budget of AUS$500) and with no skill in guitar building. I have been taking timber since year 7 (now in year 12) so I have considerable experience in using timber. So yeah, any assistance would be appreciated.

Thanks guys

 

[emoney]

Why not take on an LP, Jr.? It's an awesome guitar to own, and a little easier to build
than a Les Paul because there's no carving to the top. Still requires patience and skill so
I'd imagine it would earn good marks in class.

 

[ptate]

Easiest of the lot would be a bolt-on Les Paul Junior.....

If you want a double-cut, full-width tenon with neck angle of around 2 degrees.

 

[Riku]

Thanks for the ideas guys.

I think I will do a Les Paul Junior double cutaway, however I measured my neck blank with my body blank, template and fretboard, and I don't have enough material for the tenon into the body of the DC. So I have decided to make it bolt-on. I own a Fender Stratocaster and an Onyx bass and they are both bolt-on so it doesn't bother me.

So should I make a thread detailing the build for you guy?

 

[Barnaby]

I agree - a DC Junior would be great, and bolt-on necks are really practical. Your budget should be more than enough and yes, I can guarantee that people would love to see a thread. You'd get lots of encouragement and free advice.

For displaying skill, I think you can't go wrong with some cool inlays. Check out what they have at Luthier Supply and maybe you can find something good there.

Hope you're enjoying the warm weather in Australia. It's snowing in Tokyo right now...

 

[TKOjams]

,
For displaying skill, I think you can't go wrong with some cool inlays. Check out what they have at Luthier Supply and maybe you can find something good there.

Oh, now you went and done it. Now I'm going to have to spend hours drooling over every single one of the inlays on that site again.
Thanks alot B.