BC Rich Mockingbird inspired Through Neck

JGTay

While I was waiting on delivery of the fretboard wood, it was taking longer than expected, I decided to get on with the sanding of the sunken area and get it as close to the finished shape as possible.

After a few hours sanding up through the grades and getting everything straightened up, I tested it with the bridge in position.

And then measured out the positions, drilled for the posts and got it all tested in place

Then it was back on to waiting for the f/b wood to arrive.

JGTay

Really sorry about posting so much in one go, it is a catch up from April so a few more to go before it is up to the current position. 

Roland

JGTay said:

Please excuse the mess in my workshop, should really get it tidied up ...

A tidy workshop is a sign of someone who makes YouTube videos of themselves making something, rather than actually doing it.

This build looks interesting.

JGTay

Thanks @Roland. Good to hear from you, really enjoyed your local timber build. 

JGTay

And then it arrived...

Nice piece of Ziricote  

JGTay

Got the 12" radius done up to 240 grit (will do finer grits after the fretboard markers are done) and then cut the fret slots.

Measured again to make sure it was in the correct place, then lined up and pins put in place to stop it moving before the gluing starts.

Then on with the glue and clamped in place. Think it is getting time to replace my smaller clamps, they are bending out of shape...

Then it was on with getting it close to shape, leaving a small amount of excess.

And tested back in place, all measurements correct.  Also saved some sanding dust for when I am doing the fretboard markers.

JGTay

Then started doing the neck profile, just a rough shape until Dan brings round one of his guitars with his favourite neck shape. He said it is a flat C or maybe D shape and I have got it to a similar type shape with room for adjustment.

I can adjust it from here when I see the profile.

The abalone for the fretboard markers has arrived, so that is the next job on the list, then sand it to a nice finish and I can then get the frets in.

JGTay

Made a start on the markers.

First one in and marked for the second.

Went inside the pencil marks with a Stanley knife, then around the marks with a chisel and started taking out the wood.

Once deep enough it was glued in.

A few marks around the edges, but they will go when I sand back. Then marked out for the third one and again went around the edges with a chisel.

Had to stop there as it was time to make dinner, but back on it hopefully in the morning.

JGTay

Things never go to plan... had to go round to the father in laws this morning to fit a new concertina door, but managed to get back on with the fretboard inlays this afternoon. Just waiting on the glue to dry fully on the 24th fret inlays and then I can sand them level and get on with the radius sanding up through the levels.

Cleaned up with white spirit after sanding all the others level.

 

JGTay

Fretboard radius finished up to 5000 grit and buffed.

Next on the list is the frets. 

JGTay

Made a start on getting the frets in earlier.

Seven left to go and had to finish for the night as it was getting late.

JGTay

Finished getting the frets in.

And then got to work on cutting them down and filing them level, one side...

Then the other side

JGTay

Had a very busy week doing roof repairs, electrical work and plastering, but managed to get some time at home for a few hours this morning and got on with shaping the neck to how Dan wants it and made some more progress on the volute.

Still got to do some more on the heel and a bit more shaping of the volute, as well as sanding up through the grades, but happy with progress with the time permitted.

Will have to see how I get on time wise over the next week as I have a big plastering job to get started and will not get much time at home.

JGTay

Managed to get some time yesterday and today to get some more done.

Neck shape finished, volute finished and heel shape nearly done.

I then masked off the fretboard and got on with the frets.

After levelling, crowning and buffing, the tape doing it's job.

And then after removing the tape.

The heel shape, which may change slightly once the body is glued on.

Volute shape completed.

Next job is the gluing up of the body when I get a chance.

JGTay

Plastering job is delayed until Saturday, so got a bit more time this week.

Managed to get the body glued and clamped up last night.

And clamps off this morning.

Then it was on with removing the clamping points.

Lots of shaping and sanding to be done, but at least it is looking more like a guitar now.  

JGTay

Started the sanding the back flat ready for the shaping. Still got to do a bit more and take it up through the grades, but at least it is level.

Then made a start on the heal shape into the body.

And then got the sides shaped and the front flat ready for the bevelled edges.

JGTay

Didn't get a lot of time on it today, had a job to do for one of my neighbours.

Managed to get some carving done on the front. Should get a bit more time tomorrow to get the front finished.

JGTay

Managed to get on with some more carving.

Did a transition from the top bevel into an arm curvature.

The front shape is basically there, bit more tidying up on some of the bevels and plenty of sanding to be done on the sides. Then I will get on with the shaping of the back.

Will be busy over the next few days with the plastering job, hopefully can get some more done on this some time next week.

JGTay

Had a bit of spare time today, so got on with a few things.

Sorted out the the upper section which was slightly the wrong shape, it is looking much better now.

Also cleaned up the sunken bridge area and tested it with the bridge.

And then got on with carving the back sections.

Bit of tidying up to do on the bevels, but love the way they are coming along.

Will do the upper section with a rounded carve in the morning, feeling a bit tired now. 

This is the slimmest guitar I have done so far, coming in at around 31mm. It is very light weight, but obviously the hardware will add some weight to it.

JGTay

The back bevels are all done.

I then moved onto sanding the front up through the grades and tidying up the front bevels. Cleaned it up with white spirit so I could see if I missed anything.

At first glance I thought it was clear of marks, but then I noticed some after uploading the pic...

Went back out to the workshop to confirm and they are visible. So looks like I need to do a bit more sanding as they would likely show up in the finish.