Making a Gibson SG Clone

  • Thread starter Thread starter Neve1073lover
  • Start date Start date
Blending the Heel

I used a dremel, rasp and sandpaper to blend in the neck (still rough finished):

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'Dimpled' the Head

Pissing down rain here so decided I would file in the head 'dimple' using fine files:

100_1293.jpg


Also think I can save the fretboard as I left it quite thick. Will then replace the inlay with the trapezoid types.

Have a new ebony fretboard coming anyway, just in case.
 
Planing the Fretboard Down

Measured everything up and felt I could take nearly 2mm off the fretboard. Electric planed down 1mm and everything cleaned up really well. 4 slightly lower chips that I have filled with black superglue. These should totally sand out after I redo the inlay and hand sand down the fretboard.

Much happier!

100_1294.jpg


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New inlays should be here tomorrow so I can do it all on the weekend.
 
Redoing the Fretboard

Started setting up to redo the inlays. Given that the fretboard is curved, a real PITA.

Decided to use new ebony fretboard and set up to cross route using the dremel. Then did the other sides. Given that I am using rectangular inlays, very easy to do.

Did the fret slots first so I had a good visual reference for where the inlays go. My recommended approach....

Marked up and routing:

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Testing fit of inlays:

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Glued in the inlays:

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Also put black veneer on the head. Pics to come.

I am working on Sat, so got an early mark today.
 
Veneered Head

Black dyed maple veneer 0.5mm thick:

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Blending Neck to Head

Started by making the middle of the neck flow smoothly into the bottom of the head.

Then marked a nice stansition with pencil and used the dremel to rough it in. Will complete when fretboard and binding are on:

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Also rough sanded the new fretboard:

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Chipped the holes even though I drilled through with a block of wood clamped on. Luckily it will be covered by the tuners.
 
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Just wondering, how are you going to ground your electronics to your bridge??
I didn't notice that you ran a wire from the tailpiece incert to the cavity.:confused:
 
TKO Ken said:
Just wondering, how are you going to ground your electronics to your bridge??
I didn't notice that you ran a wire from the tailpiece incert to the cavity.:confused:
Click to expand...

You are jumping ahead a little bit....

I have a few ideas:

1. I have copper under the RH tunomatic bushing that it sits on. May give enough earthing, not my preference.
2. I will screw a wire onto the bottom of the RH tunomatic bushing and countersink the screwhead.
3. Or both approaches (most likely)

The RH bushing is not that tight, though I should have probably done the wire insert before I pushed it in.
I will cut the tab down quite a bit and solder wire to the tab and also the screw to the bushing.

100_1307.jpg


If this approach is not good enough, then I will drill across from the electronics cavity into the tailpiece bushing hole and feed a stripped wire underneath the bushing as I press it in.
 
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Could just be my eyes, but the inlays look a little crooked...
 
DrewPeterson7 said:
Could just be my eyes, but the inlays look a little crooked...
Click to expand...

They were on my first go.

One if slightly off centre on my 2nd, but not crooked...

If I was going to do this for anyone other than myself, I would make up a good guide. ;-)
 
Neve1073lover said:
You are jumping ahead a little bit....

I have a few ideas:

1. I have copper under the RH tunomatic bushing that it sits on. May give enough earthing, not my preference.
2. I will screw a wire onto the bottom of the RH tunomatic bushing and countersink the screwhead.
3. Or both approaches (most likely)

The RH bushing is not that tight, though I should have probably done the wire insert before I pushed it in.
I will cut the tab down quite a bit and solder wire to the tab and also the screw to the bushing.


If this approach is not good enough, then I will drill across from the electronics cavity into the tailpiece bushing hole and feed a stripped wire underneath the bushing as I press it in.
Click to expand...

Either one should do the trick!!! nice build, can't wait to see it completed:)
I'm closing in on the end of a Les Paul build.

Have a look:D

http://www.recordingproject.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=39085
 
TKO Ken said:
Either one should do the trick!!! nice build, can't wait to see it completed:)
I'm closing in on the end of a Les Paul build.

Have a look:D

http://www.recordingproject.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=39085
Click to expand...

Terrific build thread Ken!

I like this comment:

'I'm starting of with the replica because highly detailed
plans and templates are readily available. after I work out all the kinks, (most likely my kinks) and become more familiar with the building processes, will I feel confident with altering the disign.
At this point I'm still aquiring the tools needed in fact I'm off now to pick up a bandsaw for my B-day.'

My thinking exactly. I am learning as I go and making mistakes. I can fix most of them and I learn a lesson and a better way to do things every time.

Whether I would make 8 guitars to learn the best approach is questionable!

I would need at least 9! ;)
 
Thanks Neve1073lover, I can't wait to start build #2. I'm thinking 'bout a Les Paul TV Special using the redwood blank. I've been jonesing for a axe with p-90's:D
 
frederic said:
Beautiful craftsmanship.
Click to expand...

Must be talking about Muttley's efforts!

No, mine is an 'everyday' effort that anyone should be able to do.

I have attached the 'new' fretboard to the neck and I am awaiting some extra fretting tools from Stewmac to ensure I get the best fretting result. I have also purchased their fret slot cleaner that I want to have before I attach the binding. Then I should be ready to final sand before I do some test staining.
 
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Glued Fretboard to Neck

Glued on and made sure that I had room for the binding:

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Awesome! I definitely want to try this some day. I'm pretty good at guitar wiring and simple wood stuff, but this is way beyond my meager skills at this point. I loves me some SG's though...
 
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