It is currently Mon Mar 16, 2020 7:54 pm

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 444 posts ]  Go to page Previous  1 ... 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 ... 30  Next
Go to page Previous  1 ... 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 ... 30  Next
Author Message
Post subject:
Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2010 5:46 pm
Offline
Amateur
Amateur
User avatar

Joined: Tue Apr 20, 2010 1:59 am
Posts: 189
Location: On the sofa
Ah I've missed so much here! my own fault for not being online I guess :roll:
The body is lovely, this is definitely going to be a special project, I'm just sorry I can't be a part of it as I have nothing really to donate!

Definitely going to keep checking back on this as I'm truly looking forward to seeing the build, especially given the nature of it :D

All the best,
Drew 8)


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2010 1:52 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2009 3:52 pm
Posts: 2005
Oh I wouldn't worry about how much you missed...
Seems like there's plenty more to come!

-T

_________________
-T

"You can't spend what you ain't got, you can't lose what you ain't never had" ~ McKinley Morganfield


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2010 4:21 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2007 7:33 am
Posts: 8461
Location: Mars, the angry red planet.
And now, from our wingman111 with MANY THANKS:

Here we have for a nice, shiny set of locking tuners:

Image

Here we have several shots of the neck with string tree:

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

It is a 2007 MIM neck but I prefer these over current day MIA ones by leaps and bounds any way.

Why?

The MIMs have the dimensions of 'traditional' Strat necks, more akin to what early to mid-60s necks felt and played like, right down to the 'simple' truss rod where no graphite stabilizers or extra metal shall be found in the neck. This translates to better wood tone transference which I'd much rather have. And except for the 9.5" radius (which many players either wore their 7.25" radius down to or had it done), these necks have that 'vintage' feel, totally unlike anything since the original American Standards came out in the late '80s which to me, doesn't feel like a real Strat. Oh, and after 43 years of not having that 22nd fret, well, you can't miss what you never had. Yes, I'm old fart (for better or for worse). Now for the MIA snobs among us, don't worry, I'm about to disclose some issues with this neck which I shall remedy as part of our build.

I didn't take any pictures of the back of the neck as for except literally one birdseye and a very faint flame when held at the proper angle, the grain is as plain as can be which I may add, is a good thing as oftentimes, the more dense or abnormal the grain, the more susceptible a neck is to instability. Now before everyone gets on my case for this statement, this situation happens often but it is NOT an absolute. Of note is the fact that this is one VERY nice piece of maple and the walnut "skunk strip" in it is quite flush where its seam cannot be felt. Also noteworthy is the fact that be it for a MIA or a MIM, the maple comes from the same place (Northern US or Canada). So, whether the CNC machines here or in Central America are doing the cutting and shaping, quality and consistency remains the same for as anyone who knows wood can tell you, color and pretty grains are irrelevant when it comes to tone.

As you all know, I've been doing this type of work longer than I haven't. I've always said (and still do) that hardware tells a story. For the record, the frets shows very minimal playing wear and I truly compliment wingman111 for his keeping the neck itself in cosmetically, 10/10 condition. So, what I'm about to critique about this neck is absolutely NO reflection on wingman111. Rather, it is a consequence of mass production.

I tried to get as many angles of the fretboard as I could in key places. Hopefully, you'll be able to see the deficiencies I see in assembly line instruments. Again, this is through no fault of wingman111 who in fact, took meticulous care of this neck.

1. There is what is called, "file chatter" residuals on the sides of some of the frets. This is done when the frets are crowned but only the tops get annealed and buffed out. The reason this happens is usually because the protective material placed on the fingerboard was too thick and obscured the sides of some of these frets. Or, someone was simply in a hurry. Obviously, these chatter marks have to go.

2. There is MILD wear on certain frets in certain positions. EVERYONE has their favorite playing spots where this will happen, no matter how light one's touch is. You'll see some string indentations and some evidence of fret flattening or smearing where the crown is diminished from bending. I'm on the fence right now whether these frets need a grind or merely a crowning and polishing. I'm pretty much leaning towards just the crowning and polishing as again, these frets heights are nice and even, void of any divots.

Yes, I do see #1 with MIA necks but admittedly, no where near as much as MIM stuff. As far as #2 with MIA stuff, yes, to the EXACT same extent. Obviously, exact same frets MIA vs. MIM (post 2006), same results.

The good stuff:

The frets as a whole are quite even; the nut is cut well. There are no remarkable nor many patches of wood filler; no splits or potential splits in the wood in general or near any mounting hole and there is absolutely no fret sprout. There is a mild roll on the edge of the fingerboard but just MAYBE, I'll show you all how to give it 'the treatment' so it will be akin to a MIA's.

I will be starting this job this coming weekend for as we all know, our day jobs (such as they are) do take up our most of our prime time and surely wear us out by the end of the day.

Before I forget:

Once the guitar is done, there will be a few duplicate parts left over. To anyone who has sent me parts that I may not initially use, I'll be more than happy to return them or, I'll keep them as backup for this guitar for surely, parts wear out.

Of note: I certainly didn't forget about the genuine bone nut still on its way but I figured the general consensus is that you all would like me to get started ASAP. :wink:

Needless to say, the remedial fret work will be first.

"Stay tuned!"

_________________
You dig?


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2010 4:26 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2007 6:51 pm
Posts: 25353
Location: Witness Protection Program
Well, all is good then and yeah, we'd like to see the build start, but don't want to pressure you into rushing if you're not completely ready.

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

Don't leave home without it!


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2010 6:20 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jun 30, 2008 10:47 am
Posts: 15336
Location: In a galaxy far far away
Martian

The nut will be sent out sometime this week. Probably Friday.

Hey delivery is only 4 days though.

Sorry mate, thought you'd like to see the MIM nut in action first.

That said, if you can check the bottom edge of your nut, whether it is curved or flat (they've done both on every line of strat). I'll be on the case.

Also a exact width of your now installed nut would be nice to get the string slots right. And whilst were about it, would you prefer more gap to the edge of the fretboard on the high E or the low E?

I prefer a gap to the high E side, just because I wrench that string around a bit.

_________________
No no and no


Top
Profile
Post subject: strat
Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2010 7:47 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Fri Jun 20, 2008 11:08 am
Posts: 2265
yes, i cant wait to see the final outcome.
a simple comment from nikininja, to this.
that is too cool.

martian, i gotta tell you man. everyones reaction is a reflection of what we all think of you.
i believe everybody admires you.

_________________
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present."

oogway, kungfu panda 2008


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2010 10:09 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Sat May 22, 2010 10:53 pm
Posts: 1467
Location: deep down in Florida...
Glad to see things are moving along... I'm wondering though, did Fender get involved at all in this Ultimate Strat build?? Everyone here is always so helpful, specially that Martian dude putting this thing together :) I'm sure Martian alone has saved Fender tons of support calls! I'm just saying... :wink:

Martian, if you decide you want a different neck for whatever reason, my offer still stands, 2010 Am. Deluxe maple neck available.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2010 12:59 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2009 3:52 pm
Posts: 2005
Oooooh.....I'd like to see "the treatment" for the rolled edges and the fret crown and polish. While I don't mind working on my guitar, for some reason these particular projects scare me off.

-T

_________________
-T

"You can't spend what you ain't got, you can't lose what you ain't never had" ~ McKinley Morganfield


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2010 1:33 am
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Thu Sep 03, 2009 11:54 am
Posts: 500
Location: My hut in the mystic ruins swamp
Right, now the guitars sorted, Who's sending the parts needed so we can make an amp for this bad boy?

_________________
"Oh, it's a windy and sunny day
And I can hear the faint sound of distant waves
The past weeks have been going by so fast
It's all the same, the bright sky and shining sun
I have a feeling it's gonna be a fun day"


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2010 3:37 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Fri Aug 13, 2010 11:07 am
Posts: 1530
Location: On a pebbly beach, UK
Hi folks, hi Martian! And I feel a "hi, Wingman's neck!" is appropriate. A true wing man indeed. :!:

Well since my last logoesque escapade I have been silently observing but can't keep it in: YEEEEHAAAAA now we're ready for take-off! That neck looks very very good and I'm sure if crowned with one of Niki's nuts it will be a real treat to play, also... :D

Great stuff everyone, and a joy to follow. Keep up the Mojo!

-Nutter

_________________
I started out with nothing, and still have most of it.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2010 4:04 am
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jun 30, 2008 10:47 am
Posts: 15336
Location: In a galaxy far far away
Big The Cat wrote:
Right, now the guitars sorted, Who's sending the parts needed so we can make an amp for this bad boy?


I'll gladly accept parts for a amp.

Then perhaps we could auction it off and give the money to charity. Set up a spareparts-charitable donation fund. Simply get the parts in, build whatever comes of em. Sell the thing on ebay and donate all the dough.

My word whats happening to me. I'm usually as right wing as you can get where finance is concerned. 'It's all mine, other people are just looking after it for me for a bit'. Kind of philosophy towards money.

Infact have you ever noticed that you never see a poor charity owner?


Right down to business.

Concerning that nut.

Earvana and others cut their nuts to suit jumbo frets. They take the attitude of 'thats the highest they can be, so the user/installer can trim down from there'.
How about in the name of experimentation we do something similar. If Martian gives me a height for the 1st fret of his guitar. I aim the nutslots to be .020" above that.
Of course I would need the depth of the nut slot in the neck to.
That should give a near as possible drop in replacement. Maybe just a bit of filing down on the back of the nut to get it in the slot. A touch of string slot depth here and there.

Ofcourse I will send a standard preslotted blank along with it, incase it's all a big disaster.

_________________
No no and no


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2010 4:47 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2007 7:33 am
Posts: 8461
Location: Mars, the angry red planet.
nikininja wrote:
Martian

The nut will be sent out sometime this week. Probably Friday.

Hey delivery is only 4 days though.

Sorry mate, thought you'd like to see the MIM nut in action first.

That said, if you can check the bottom edge of your nut, whether it is curved or flat (they've done both on every line of strat). I'll be on the case.

Also a exact width of your now installed nut would be nice to get the string slots right. And whilst were about it, would you prefer more gap to the edge of the fretboard on the high E or the low E?

I prefer a gap to the high E side, just because I wrench that string around a bit.


Niki,

Actually, you have a good idea here. Under the heading of, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it", let us indeed see the MIM nut in action first. If the nut "craps the bed", I'll get back to you right quick with the required dimensions.

_________________
You dig?


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: strat
Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2010 4:50 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2007 7:33 am
Posts: 8461
Location: Mars, the angry red planet.
bluesstrattone wrote:
yes, i cant wait to see the final outcome.
a simple comment from nikininja, to this.
that is too cool.

martian, i gotta tell you man. everyones reaction is a reflection of what we all think of you.
i believe everybody admires you.


You know, I'm still literally stunned by all this and am profoundly honored and grateful. I assure you all, I won't let you down!!

_________________
You dig?


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2010 5:05 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2007 7:33 am
Posts: 8461
Location: Mars, the angry red planet.
cedarblues wrote:
Glad to see things are moving along... I'm wondering though, did Fender get involved at all in this Ultimate Strat build?? Everyone here is always so helpful, specially that Martian dude putting this thing together :) I'm sure Martian alone has saved Fender tons of support calls! I'm just saying... :wink:

Martian, if you decide you want a different neck for whatever reason, my offer still stands, 2010 Am. Deluxe maple neck available.


FMIC hasn't had any contact with me whatsoever. Actually, I didn't think they would for even if they do have a remote interest in all of this, I'm sure they'd want to see the final outcome before they took any kind of position on it (if any at all).

As to support calls saved, that's one we'll probably never know. Hopefully though, I've saved a lot of people a lot of money, inconvenience and potential damage to their instrument(s) while enlightening them a bit too on whatever issues they have/had.

cedarblues,

Please shoot me an e-mail:

haneng@ix.netcom.com

_________________
You dig?


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2010 5:27 am
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Thu Jul 26, 2007 4:57 am
Posts: 13164
Location: Peckham: where the snow leopards roam
Martian wrote:
cedarblues wrote:
Glad to see things are moving along... I'm wondering though, did Fender get involved at all in this Ultimate Strat build?? Everyone here is always so helpful, specially that Martian dude putting this thing together :) I'm sure Martian alone has saved Fender tons of support calls! I'm just saying... :wink:

Martian, if you decide you want a different neck for whatever reason, my offer still stands, 2010 Am. Deluxe maple neck available.


FMIC hasn't had any contact with me whatsoever. Actually, I didn't think they would for even if they do have a remote interest in all of this, I'm sure they'd want to see the final outcome before they took any kind of position on it (if any at all).

Fender weren't approached over any of this. However, to do them justice I just happen to know that on previous occasions of this sort Brad absolutely stepped right up and played his part, and then some. Wouldn't want that to go unsaid.

However, I think this one's about lots of the Forum regulars showing their appreciation for a deeply respected senior contributor. Right guys? :D

Carry on Martian: we're loving it!

Cheers - C


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 444 posts ]  Go to page Previous  1 ... 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 ... 30  Next
Go to page Previous  1 ... 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 ... 30  Next

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: