You may remember that Ceri was making me a custom neckplate as an amusing addendum to his epic thread Touching up Nikininja's body.

You can read the entire tale HERE, but here's a very brief pictorial synopsis of the action so far:






And now--for the first time ever--is the exciting conclusion to the story!

I received Ceri's package about two weeks ago, but business travel and other factors conspired to prevent me from mounting the neckplate on my guitar. But I finally got around to it today. Here are the pictures:





My deepest thanks to Ceri for a beautiful piece of art to add a little much-needed class to my fumblings on the guitar. You, sir, are a true master.

So what do you think, my fellow Fender enfusiasts?

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I really like all them "Aster" guitars. You know, like the Stratoc, Telec and Jazzm.

That is COOL!!!!!

Going into business making custom neck plates Ceri? I might be interested in a couple.

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Chet Feathers

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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

I'd buy it. Intact ....

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No no and no

That is really cool looking RR!! You and Master Ceri did a wonderful job!!
Thanks for the post my friend!!

very nice...thats something to be proud of IMO

Ceri is one of a kind, outstanding in every meaning of the word. very nice axe RRH.

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BSG

Oh man! RR, I am amazed and much honored that you have actually put it on a guitar. Thank you!

And people should know, I got swag from russianracehorse too. He sent me:

1. One of his military unit's "Challenge Coins" with his phoenix design that sparked the whole thing off (pun intended):


2. A CD containing a truly neat photo tour of his time in Russia. I spent a bit of time there too back in the dark days of 1982 so some of it was very familiar - and some wasn't. Most interesting!

3. A genuine RussianRaceHorse canvas bag. He's far too modest to advertise this link himself so permit me to show you RR's online store:

http://www.cafepress.com/russracehorse

Though in fact the canvas bag I got appears not to be there, which feels extra special. In Russia everyone used to carry what they call an "avoska"; a "perhaps" bag. Anytime you might happen upon a long line of people waiting outside a store that unexpectedly had got something in stock people might actually want, so it was important to have a bag handy to put your unplanned purchases in. Luckily, you would have your "perhaps" bag rolled up in your jacket pocket.

And that's what I've now got; my very own RussianRaceHorse Avoska.

Very cool indeed!

It looks like I got very much the better end of the whole deal, dontchathink?

BTW, RR: looks to me like I didn't rebate those screw holes enough. Might I suggest you just countersink them a little more, so's the screw heads sit flush to the plate? Don't want nasty clothing snags spoiling the fun. Oh, and the neckplate cushion was indeed just the thing.

Again, deeply honored and delighted. Thank you!!!

Cheers - C

PS: Chet, no, it's definitely not an official sideline. But you have my email address if you want it...

wow russianracehorse that neck plate is so sweet. Ceri did an amazing job on it.

"BTW, RR: looks to me like I didn't rebate those screw holes enough. Might I suggest you just countersink them a little more, so's the screw heads sit flush to the plate? Don't want nasty clothing snags spoiling the fun. Oh, and the neckplate cushion was indeed just the thing."

Maybe a set of flathead screws would save you from having to put a drill to the artwork?

That neckplate is a perfect compliment to the guitar. What color is that?

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2015 Epiphone Casino Goldtop
2011 Taylor 814ce
2009 EC Custom Shop Merc Blue
2008 Schecter ATX
1964 Epi Granada E444T
Fender Super Champ XD

I told you that I would, come hell or high water!

Not that I am trying to sell this to our forum brethren, but the URL I gave you is a bit off. The correct address for this particular item is http://www.cafepress.com/petersburg.33712917

Actually, the holes you created were just fine. Credit the misalignment to the Indonesian craftsmen who built my Squier Strat--they somehow contrived to make four screw holes at four completely different angles.

Fortunately, both the plate and the neck are seated just fine. And there don't appear to be any sharp edges to do any damage.


Not at all. In fact, I felt like the guy who shows up empty-handed at a birthday party and who has to fish through his pockets to find a gift. I literally just gave you a few items I had lying around the house. That hardly matches something you made by hand with me in mind.

Tell you what: We'll call it a draw.

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I really like all them "Aster" guitars. You know, like the Stratoc, Telec and Jazzm.

I'm going to leave the screws alone. As I mentioned just a moment ago, the problem is with the angles of the screws themselves and not with the neckplate.

The color is Candy Apple Red, although it looks a little orange in the photos. Here's another glamor shot of the same guitar:



It's a 2007 Squier Standard Stratocaster with some changes. In addition to the pearl pickguard that you can see, I've also upgraded the electronics to include Fender Vintage Noiseless pickups. At this point, only the body, neck and tuners are original. It's actually a nice little guitar.

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I really like all them "Aster" guitars. You know, like the Stratoc, Telec and Jazzm.

Just fantastic,congrats RR and great art Ceri......... Mike

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The blues ain't nothin but a good man feelin bad.

That's a superb job of etching or whatever the process is called,Ceri is certainly highly skilled in many areas a true Renaissance man,and I love the CAR finish on your guitar also.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

Great post and on-going story, my hat off to both of you.

John.E

Very cool!!!

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!