My first scratch build, a J-45

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John J
Posts: 359
Joined: Fri Nov 14, 2014 4:30 pm
Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota

Re: My first scratch build, a J-45

Post by John J » Mon Aug 10, 2015 6:58 pm

I cut the taper for my fretboard (slotted wenge fro LMI) and had to figure out how to do the radius. I finally mad up a jig based on various other diy stuff around. I had purchased some 7" radius blocks earlier so I used some mdf to make a channel the same width as my sanding block. Then glued some 1/8" plywood strips that matched the fretboard taper to the bottom, keeping the centerline of the the fretboard true. Some elbow grease and 80 grit sandpaper and I am very pleased with the results.
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JJ
Learning every day. And having fun doing it.

Dave Bagwill
Posts: 5951
Joined: Tue Dec 13, 2011 7:44 pm

Re: My first scratch build, a J-45

Post by Dave Bagwill » Mon Aug 10, 2015 7:22 pm

Good idea, John!
-Under permanent construction

Kevin in California
Posts: 2773
Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2011 4:19 pm

Re: My first scratch build, a J-45

Post by Kevin in California » Mon Aug 24, 2015 11:02 pm

Coming along great. Nice nice job on the back strip and end wedge.

John J
Posts: 359
Joined: Fri Nov 14, 2014 4:30 pm
Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota

Re: My first scratch build, a J-45

Post by John J » Tue Aug 25, 2015 8:47 pm

Wenge fingerboard with pearl dots. Wenge headstock with pearl logo. I had my first real test with the neck set. Not entirely sure what happened but my angle was off on the body. Had to do some fine tuning on both the heel and the top to get it where it's acceptable. That also pushed my nut location back so I'll have to have it seated on the slope. Learning with each step. Just starting finishing and it's looking awesome. I love the bloodwood bindings against the maple.
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JJ
Learning every day. And having fun doing it.

ken cierp
Posts: 3924
Joined: Tue Dec 13, 2011 11:23 pm

Re: My first scratch build, a J-45

Post by ken cierp » Tue Aug 25, 2015 9:06 pm

What set angle was machined on the neck? The flat sawn neck is interesting, did you make or buy that? I've seen slab cut necks on electrics (Fender's) can't say I have ever seen one on a hand made acoustic.

John J
Posts: 359
Joined: Fri Nov 14, 2014 4:30 pm
Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota

Re: My first scratch build, a J-45

Post by John J » Tue Aug 25, 2015 10:07 pm

ken cierp wrote:What set angle was machined on the neck? The flat sawn neck is interesting, did you make or buy that? I've seen slab cut necks on electrics (Fender's) can't say I have ever seen one on a hand made acoustic.
I purchased the neck on eBay. It came with a 2 degree shoulder. I followed your instructions with the mega mold. I think where I goofed up was when I glued the back on I pushed the neck block out of square to the top.
I'm going to try making my first neck for my next guitar.
Last edited by John J on Tue Aug 25, 2015 10:57 pm, edited 1 time in total.
JJ
Learning every day. And having fun doing it.

ken cierp
Posts: 3924
Joined: Tue Dec 13, 2011 11:23 pm

Re: My first scratch build, a J-45

Post by ken cierp » Tue Aug 25, 2015 10:45 pm

when I glued the back on I pushe the neck block out of square to the top
Good observation -- that can make a significant difference in set angle, matter of fact I have actually reset classical guitar necks by loosening the back and tipping the neck block a little. Kind of like cheating but it works, with a Spanish heel it saves a lot of grief.

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