Lefty Rhoads project

[metalchurch79]

This started life as an '02 Jackson KVX10 body that I cut the lower wing short to look like a Rhoads.
Since KV bodies have shorter wings than a Rhoads, this body is essentially now a 'short wing' Rhoads in some respect, but it has a somewhat authenic look to the original Rhoads styling.
This is still a work in progress, and so far I filled in the neck pickup route, filled in the original jack routing and relocated it.
I also started filling in the original control cavity and also routed a new cavity for a single volume.
The neck is only for mock up purposes right now, and it started life as a BCRich Exclusive 3+3 neck that I cut and made into a Jackson 6 inline pointy, but I'm planning either a DK2 or DK2M neck for it, and by using a righty DK2M neck (like I have a choice) it will be a reverse headstock.

I'm using a Bill and Becky Lawrence XL500 that's direct mounted to the body, Switchcraft 500K and a Switchcraft jack.
I also refurbed an old Kahler Flyer and routed the body for that after I filled in the stud hole and string thru holes from the original configuration of the KVX10.
I have it mocked up before paint to check the fit and what not.
I posted in the tech about using the thicker Kahler springs on this and the possible stiffness of them when using 8-38's in Eb.
I have 9-42's in Eb on it now and it takes about all they have to pull up on the Kahler enough to allow the finetuners to be above the Kahler's base plate, so I may just keep 9's on it atleast until the springs soften up a little.

I posted a reversed photo of an RR24M that I really like and I may just build it using that as a reference.
Well atleast the Black/White bevels anyway, not sure on the neck yet.
What do you guys think of this Mutt so far?

[Sunbane]

Awesome! It will look like a lefty XTRR!

[BeholdTheFallen]

ive thoght about doing something like this forever. looks real good so far.

[Cuthbert]

Bill Lawrence, Kahler...nice!

A pity it's a bolt on...

[metalchurch79]

Awesome! It will look like a lefty XTRR!

Yea it will actually!

@ beholdthefallen: I feel your pain and I know what you mean bro. I was unsure of hacking up a good KV body, but I have 3 other KV's so I said "screw it" and got out the jigsaw and performed and amputation!

Aside from the upper wing being slightly shorter it looks very close to a Rhoads.
IT's hard to tell in the photos, but I also added the bevel on the lower wing free hand with my palm sander, and it's almost spot on with the original styling.

Been looking for a lefty Rhoads for so long, so I was tired of the wait.
I'll keep you guys posted with future updates and photos.
Thanks for the interest!

ps Bill Lawrence's rule especially the Bill and Becky ones.
I wanted a Kahler just to be different also.

[metalchurch79]

I have the body shot in Red Primer for now and I got the cavity filled in. Still needs some work before paint and clear, but it's coming along nice.

I have the Kahler and the Lawrence L500 sitting on there for mockup to take the photo.
The pickup is also gonna be hard mounted for a cleaner look.

[jrnic]

Wow....that's turning out very nice. What color are you going to paint it??? It's Looking good so far.

[metalchurch79]

Thanks, I appreciate that alot!
I'm thinking about Black with White bevels like that RR24M above. I might change my mind though, but so far that's on the drawing board.
I still need a reverse/right handed 24 fret Jackson neck and a Jackson neck plate and I'm good to go.

[The Mitch]

WOW! DUDE!

THIS is one KILLER project!

Now bring on a killer graphix instead the black/white-thingy

[metalchurch79]

I was thinkin maybe Snow White w/ Black pinstripes, but I dont know really...
Black and White are my fav colors for a guitar.
A Nebula graphic would be tits though

[metalchurch79]

I got it sprayed in black now, and have it wet sanded, so it looks like Flat black in the pictures.
I also decided to add a Strat style jack at the last minute. I turned it upside down, so the cable runs up along the strap.
So, that's where I'm at right now with it....

[DeathThrashAttack]

coming along nicely! so have you decided what color the bevels are gonna be? What are you using for paint and clear?

[metalchurch79]

Thanks, I wanted to paint it like this:

But I'm not sure yet if I want to paint the bevels on it or not. I still need to buy a DK2M neck for it to complete the look, but I may just leave it black for now.

I'm using Rust-o-leum laquer Gloss Black and Clear.

[JacksonCharvelESP]

Yes do the bevels!! That would look great.

[metalchurch79]

I am seriously considering it believe me. That was my original finish idea anyway. I was thinking about doing White Rhoads stripes as well...