New Super Strat project

[Mazrim]

I'd definitely direct mount the bridge pick up. No rings for that baby.

[SixstringKing]

I'd definitely direct mount the bridge pick up. No rings for that baby.

I second that!

[veemagic]

Ok I got some pictures of a mock-up with a tune-o-matic. (it will of course be black not gold) It also shows a head stock mock-up that will be all brazilian with a Koa cap.





So what do you think? I am leaning towards the tune-o-matic over his custom bridge because it shows off a bit more and feels a bit lighter to me.

What say you?

[Mazrim]

I'm not sure on the headstock shape although its not terrible and I'd still stick with the custom bridge.

[veemagic]

I'm not sure on the headstock shape although its not terrible and I'd still stick with the custom bridge.

That's his 3/3 head stock design, and I like it on this. His inlays mimic the top curves on the head stock, sort of like a sail. They are shark fin like but different. My luthier is actually leaning towards the tune-o-matic over his custom bridge. He likes how it opens up the top a bit. I have also decided on a carved top, thanks to you pal! Thanks for the idea!

[toejam]

I really like the headstock shape, and either the TOM or custom bridge will be fine. Good call on the carved top, too!

[Mazrim]

Hey, glad to be of help. Being a carve top will really bring out the figuring on the Koa. You've made the right choice there.
The headstock has grown on me a bit overnight. I just prefer in line headstocks but its a nice original shape.
And the TOM bridge will show off more of the top, I just like the unique angle of the custom bridge.

[Mazrim]

I did a rough mock up. Guessed with a few details but thought you might like it.

[veemagic]

I did a rough mock up. Guessed with a few details but thought you might like it.

Dude you absolutely rock!

In the immortal words of the great philosopher.... Tom Petty

"The waiting is the hardest part"

[Mazrim]

You're welcome.
So how close was I with the inlays?

[veemagic]

Just got a couple more progress pics! Its starting to look like something.





I am loving the matching headstock

[axmann]

Bridge hum with a single in the neck. Too much grain to hide with another hum but give yourself some tone variation. Koa=tone. I like ebony boards with wild grained koa and jesus thats a fu*kin piece of koa. I'm still looking at the bridge. Very different. Not sure about it. I'd do something subtley different for fretboard inlay, water drops or something geometricaly tapered to the bottom side to go with all that natural ,crazy ass wood grain. I'd do a volume and a tone, especially with a Bare Knuckle hum. Paper and oil cap , the tones are endless. BKP pickups respond so well to a correctly applied tone setup. Miracle Man hum, Irish Tour single. Black hardware would look right, I also agree. It would be hard to mess any set up with that wood, awesome! Thanks for sharing your project!

[axmann]

Actually ,the more I look at it, the rosewood color flows nicely into that center body grain. I'm taking back the ebony. NICE! I've got a evil piece of Padauk awaiting the same treatment.

[veemagic]

Actually ,the more I look at it, the rosewood color flows nicely into that center body grain. I'm taking back the ebony. NICE! I've got a evil piece of Padauk awaiting the same treatment.

Thanks for the comments! I just realized we are neighbors. 2 people from Slinger, what are the odds! You should seriously consider Steve Benford if you want something done. He is over is Mequon and is doing a fantastic job so far. The electronics are going to be pretty simple. He is working with Fernandes to allow me to just have a 2 way toggle to turn the sustainer on or off and just a volume/tone. When its done you are more than welcome to check it out to see his work.

[axmann]

You have a stellar bunch of wood there. I think Koa has incredible tonal properties. You have a piece with very, very outstanding growth patterns. Highly figured wood can be a bitch to work with, because its an abnormality in the growth of the tree usauly causing massive stress which makes for lots of voids, dry and hard spots, cracking and such. Yours is choice, solid, and looks gorgeous. Your headed in the right direction. Can't wait to see it as it evolves. I like the Tune-o-matic idea with string through. It will look really clean and not hide that outrageous grain. Also it will force the strings to use the body wood for resonance. The Spread of the strings behind the bridge, going down through the body also will give it a nice look. SWEET!