new(ish) here - introduction

[drsoda]

Hey all,

I'm building electrics with lots of different mods, new here to this forum but thought i'd introduce myself. My site where I post about my various projects is at http://techguitar.com. I'm not trying to sell you something or promote my wares - I took up guitar building as stress relief from my full time job in IT (web specialisation, programming, systems design, databases etc), because I have always played and been passionate about guitar. I'm trying to articulate my technical knowledge into various experimental designs (esp. with wiring techniques etc), and having an awesome time learning along the way (having never been formally trained, or even really competent in woodworking prior to just wanting to start out and see where it lead). I'm making for the sake of making, I don't intend to sell my gear - it is, without sounding too sentimental or corny - all just for the love it producing something tangible and being purely creative.

I hope to also participate where I can here as well - because of my (17+ years) of working with the internet, I have gathered many TB's of guitar making books, plans, videos and other materials and may be able to contribute in some way with my growing library of reference materials. I am willing to learn to extend my own skills and at the same time, willing to share what discoveries I've made along the way, since pretty much everything I've done to date has been on my own, trial and error.

Most of all - I'm having a blast. Pleased to meet you all.

Jeremy (drsoda)
Sunshine Coast, Queensland

[woodrat]

Hi Jeremy and Welcome! I dont build electrics but I like to listen to them

John.

[Allen]

Thanks for the intro Jeremy, and welcome to the forum.

[kiwigeo]

Make sense a Cyberman would play an electric.

Welcome Jeremy

[woodrat]

They can play guitar better than the Darleks Martin.

[Nick]

Welcome to the forum Jeremy & thanks for the intro, always interesting to hear where people are coming from. I built electrics (and still do on the odd occassion) for 15 years before getting involved with acoustics. There are a number of people here that also build solid bodies so information you've gained is always welcomed & added to the pot. I've just taken a squizz at your site & I must say that Ibanez has become a bit of a workhorse!

[drsoda]

Thanks for the welcome

The Ibanez was my first modded guitar, I'd plug it into my amp, and it would sort of just go 'twang', which was a bit disappointing given it looked like it would at least require ear plugs. After the mod I did, It was loud and hard-sounding enough to de-wallpaper a room I needed to paint at home. The guy I sold it to that plays in a band is pretty happy with it, it easily cuts through the rhythm section when soloing, and has its own voice easily disguishable from other guitars when he's playing.

I did notice this forum seems to lean towards the acoustic side as opposed to the solid body, I'm in no way saying that is a bad thing, constructing an acoustic guitar vs a solid body requires a lot more skill and wood-working finesse for sure - but I will say on the flip side of that, you can wire some clever sounds into solid bodies and make them just as much of a piece of art as one could justifiably make an acoustic guitar. Even though solid body builds look as if they are simpler to construct, I can tell you from experience - if you want to make a decent job of it, and make something astounding as opposed than what is typically expected of a solid body, an equal amount of planning, effort and consideration is required.

That being said - I'll happily join the few I've seen in this forum as the 'solid body' represent, even though I am still making a lot of baby-steps in my luthierie journey

[Puff]

That much attention here goes on acoustic builds is undeniable but I reason it reflects the questions asked.
I think most of the members take a fairly keen interest in all stringy things as can perhaps be witnessed by a wander through the comments in the gallery section.

[drsoda]

I think it is great - I stumbled across this forum per chance looking for something unrelated - I am so happy to find a rich community of like-minded people that share a common passion for everything stringed, i'm really looking forward to participating and contributing where I can.

[drsoda]

I have to say - having been out in the 'wild' since starting to build, after spending sometime here and having a look through finished projects, I realise just how much more I have to learn to master the craft. Back to school!

[Kim]

Hello Jeremy,

Welcome to the ANZLF

Cheers

Kim

[drsoda]

Thanks Kim

[Stu]

G'day Jeremy. Welcome.

[morgan]

Hi Jeremy,

Welcome! Reading your description of yourself it resonated a lot with me. I also push bits around for a living and found the best relief from this is to physically make tangible goods with your own two hands. Lutherie seems to be the perfect antidote to the IT industry

[drsoda]

Thanks for the continued warm welcomes everyone.

Morgan - it never ceases to surprise me how many people I encounter who work in IT (left brained inclined) who have a corresponding artistic/musical/hands on (right brained) passion, often in proportion to how in depth their day jobs are. There has to be something in this, seems obvious - the brain seeks balance.

[Nick]

Thanks for the continued warm welcomes everyone.

Morgan - it never ceases to surprise me how many people I encounter who work in IT (left brained inclined) who have a corresponding artistic/musical/hands on (right brained) passion, often in proportion to how in depth their day jobs are. There has to be something in this, seems obvious - the brain seeks balance.

Some have the right brained passion but lack the right brain to limb co-ordination Some of my academic colleagues (I work in a University), shouldn't even be left in charge of a screwdriver

[Kerplunk]

They can play guitar better than the Darleks Martin.

'Bumped into a Dalek luthier the other day.

Tried to have a chat, but as soon as I mentioned anything even remotely luthiery-related it became a bit of a one sided conversation; I couldn't get a word in through his constant screaming of "Intonaaaate, intonAAAAAAAATE!!!!!!"

[kiwigeo]

Heres a Dalek build I had in for repairs recently:

[Kerplunk]

Ooooh, nasty!

Have heard there's only one tool can repair those dodgy Dalek builds - a Sonic Screwdriver!!

Oddly though, LMI & Stew-Mac don't seem to stock them....

[Tod Gilding]

Hi Jeremy Welcome ,I am old solid body builder,Jumped in here at ANZLF and starting to build Acoustics,I am finding the Acoustics Completely Different but I am Enjoying it, I think you will find a lot of knowledge here if it's required,just ask, I also have played around alot with wireing things different,my favourite has been the push/pull volume knob in my Strat type builds that turns on the Bridge pup regardless of selector position giving 7 different tones ( I Love That One),But as I said welcome and just ask if you need any advice or just opinions.

[drsoda]

Thanks Tod!

Opinions are always welcome - i think maybe some of the stuff i am attempting and my approach might not resonate well with some of the traditionalists, maybe thats why I don't many comments on my project ideas?

Will be cool to pick your brain about wiring - i'll put some stuff up about the strat I own - it is pretty unique in itself. It is an '87 USA made Fender Stratocaster Ultra Plus. I'll also post some questions I have about restoring binding and cracked finish in a restoration job I am doing for a family member - that guitar is a '67 Guild TD-100 (Semi-Acoustic). more soon!

[Kim]

They can play guitar better than the Darleks Martin.

'Bumped into a Dalek luthier the other day.

Tried to have a chat, but as soon as I mentioned anything even remotely luthiery-related it became a bit of a one sided conversation; I couldn't get a word in through his constant screaming of "Intonaaaate, intonAAAAAAAATE!!!!!!"