wow, that inlay looks trippy!
 
some might not be able to imagine it with finish, to pop the eye, but that is going to be really unique looking.
 
how are you going to finish this?
color, vintage, stain, clear?
 

Bat it does look trippy.
I've been wondering about the finish and I'm so busy trying to work out
how to best handle the control cavity and tremolo cavities that I just put that on the backburner.
 
Making the cavities is no big deal but since the control cavity has to be in back I'm now looking at
rather than having the standard shaped trem cover (which I'm planning on being Birdseye too) that it may be
best to get both with one cover and inset it...which means I'm back to making templates LOL.
 
I'm thinking that the vintage amber tint and nitro-cell -light coat would be best for the neck/fretboard and the
pickguard needs to match. I know a  luthier that does fantastic finish work so I'll sure be asking for his help with
the finish work.
I matched tint and nitro finish on my '57 refret job and it looks perfect...but I didn't have to deal with the body.
(I knew how Fender did it so I just did it the same way.)
 
 
 
 
 

∞

mike_mccue
Wicked cool.
 
Can't wait to see the two woods when the finish makes them pop.
 

+1

Man Spacey, I love the flame on that headstock. The inlaid pickguard blows my mind. I can't wait to see what you come up with next on this project.

Before doing the belly and arm reliefs I need to get all the router work done.
First time for a tremolo and the test fit seemed spot on.
 

You can see where I've outlined the area for controls. I've decided that a volume and one tone with a 5 way switch is all I want. I also don't want one big cover for the trem and controls. I'll use the same style of trem cover with the same screw pattern so it can be replaced easy, if need be.
I'll inset a Birdseye control cover. I'll be moving the stock volume control location not only to allow room for two separate covers but to get it away from the bridge pup.
To find exact location on the back I've drilled holes for pots from the front.

 
In this photo you can see where I transferred switch location (by template) from front to back of body and knowing pot locations. Now I can fine tune the cavity design as needed and make templates/covers.

 
IMO it is probably much better for one just to purchase a body and neck UNLESS you want to have the skills, bragging rights or off the wall custom work such as this (inlayed pickguard, control locations).
I could have bought this much cheaper-completely finished with a finish- and many places offer custom work for small fees.
I've seen this body style for $169.00-completed- and even though the block of wood I purchased a few years ago I know cost me over a $100.00.
So IMO I'm doing all this work on this body for less than a $50.00 savings...taking risks and spending time for probably a dollar per hour...just because I enjoy doing it and really enjoy playing a guitar that I made.
 
Thanks guys. Glad you're enjoying it.
I could probably have finished this build by now but I love playing and recording them too! :)
 
 
 

You keep showing these pictures and I will end up swimming out of here.

Glad you're enjoying it John. (while I move back not to be splashed )
 
Now I have all the pieces.
 

 
Now I can work on the reliefs, install frets and build some pickups.
Still have to drill the input jack plate screw holes and screw holes for the pups- ordered parts- but
that'll be it. Downhill from here.
 
 

Teaser

Mike and Drew - I did ask some Luthiers, and still waiting for more replies, about what they would do - I wanted to get more ideas while I worked on the body and forearm reliefs.
One stated that he liked the Vintage White because it made Birdseye pop. (which is also called Vintage Cream or Banana Pudding)
Now the cool thing about that is that;
I went with a '62 Strat template and vintage style (tuners/trem) and will be making vintage pups. Fender didn't make a reverse wound-reverse polarity middle pickup back then. ( doing so helps eliminate hum when in the number 2 and 4 position of the 5-way switch- working much like a HB) Making the middle pup RWRP also changes the tone(s).
There is a very good example of the effects on YouTube...and the guy is using Strats that are that color...just a strange coincidence...like I'm getting signs to go with that color and fortunately I don't own any Strats that color.
So currently I'm thinking Vintage White with the neck/Birdseye clear with an Amber tint.
 
I finished the body reliefs and basically done with all the woodwork while I wait on missing hardware to arrive.
Although weight of a guitar has never been an issue to me I know that it may be an issue for others so I'm getting into the habit of weighing. Thought I'd share the results...and I'll be weighing the pieces and completed guitar weight.
 
Just the body.

Just the neck.

All the wood.