Custom 540p build

[Thep]

Just like to share some progress pics of my Swamp Ash body I'm ordering from Courtney at 2018 customs. Its looking great so far! Will update as the project progresses. I really can't decide on the pickups though...I've been considering duncan blackouts, stan hinesley vipers, alumitone deathbuckers, dimazio d-activators, EMG 81x/85x....I just don't know. Value is important to me, and frankly, I'm not all that interested in Bare Knuckles.

I'm open to finish options too. I was initially considering a tinted tung oil, but perhaps I'd like to go a different route. Suggestions?

Anyway, PICS!!

 

[wade_mcbeath]

Looking good man, congrats.

 

[courtney2018]

BTW, the bottom of the electronics cavity looks the way it does because I wanted to get an angled jack in there like the JEMs. So, this one will have an angled jack in it.

If anyone is wondering about why there are steps on the forearm and belly contours it's because I hand blend each contour. I could do it on the CNC, but to be honest it takes about as long to do it on there as it does for me to do it.

 

[lateralus819]

BTW, the bottom of the electronics cavity looks the way it does because I wanted to get an angled jack in there like the JEMs. So, this one will have an angled jack in it.

If anyone is wondering about why there are steps on the forearm and belly contours it's because I hand blend each contour. I could do it on the CNC, but to be honest it takes about as long to do it on there as it does for me to do it.

Awesome stuff, curious, what kinda CNC machine do you use?

 

[Rhoadkiller]

Looking forward to placing my order with you Courtney

 

[Rusti]

Why didnt you completely cut it out of the blank?

 

[Digideus]

By the look of it, you want an Active sound from the pups. Have you played with the Guitarheads actives? they are about $45 each and I love mine.

Swamp ash has a pronounced grain, so I would be tempted to tru oil it or shellac finish it. If I was REALLY not feeling the swamp ashx... Id veneer the top with a quilted or spalted maple and stain it a funky colour!

 

[Rusti]

lol ok its for working it on both sides now i got it xD

 

[courtney2018]

Awesome stuff, curious, what kinda CNC machine do you use?

I use a Shopbot Buddy BT48. It's pretty versatile. It comes with a 2' by 4' working section, but you can change out the arm and put a longer one on all the way up to 8', making it 8' by 4'. So, I could do a full sheet of plywood on here if I want. The longer arm is about $1500 or so extra. But, for the price you can't beat it. The thing weighs just over 600lbs. I have it on wheels, but you can't budge it at all. I'm very happy with it.

Why didnt you completely cut it out of the blank?

lol ok its for working it on both sides now i got it xD

Exactly...so I can flip it over and it still be indicated in properly. There's really no other way to do it safely on a CNC.

 

[Thep]

well the body came in a couple days ago, and finally got pics of it.

Quality is good. Neck pocket is super snug and well fitted. A few imperfections here and there, but miles ahead of the Legacy One/ Deep6 RG body I had initially got.

I lost interest in the project since them, so check the classifieds for the ad.

 

[Customisbetter]

^Dud your pics are linked to Gmail. lol

 

[Thep]

right....I don't know why I thought that would work. I'll fix it

 

[Jeroenofzo]

Routes look pretty rough, but pretty nice work still!

 

[Thep]

Routes look pretty rough, but pretty nice work still!

they are actually pretty perfect.

I guess you're talking about the plastic film covers on the back plates?

 

[Jeroenofzo]

The edges of the guitar are not really smooth. I'm certain it'll be spot on anyhow.

I used a bit that is used for metal milling, and it gives rather smooth routing. I liked it more than a regular bit!

 

[Prydogga]

Wouldn't that just have been from the rough cut?

 

[Zeromancer]

Wouldn't that just have been from the rough cut?

It is You shouldn't really judge it from that.