My build/mod idea.

[By-Tor]

I have an old Kramer plywood body. My idea is to slice 3/8" off the top and chamber the body. Install the top and install fiber optics to illuminate the chamber so there is a soft light illuminating from the sound holes. I need to find a cheap neck which I would like to de-fret and install abalone for the fret lines. I know its a lot of work for a cheap body but this would be mostly for experience. I do need to find someone local to help with the body as I do not have anything that could take the top off of the body.
Any comments/advice would be appreciated.

[__HM__]

Taking the top off...? Sounds like a hell of a challenge. I'd recommend sanding down the face of it, then buying a top laminate. Veneer or something similar. This sounds like a really cool project though. Post pics!

[ehque]

Remove all hardware then send it through a thickness planer? I remember there is a recent thread where someone did that.

[By-Tor]

That was my first thought, about adding a top laminate but I didn't want to spend too much cash on it. But if I could find a decent top cheap, I think I would rather go that route.

[stevetx19]

$25 will get you a simple maple top, which will look much nicer than spliced plywood. i'm guessing that you are wanting to refin this as well? regardless, i recommend you getting all of the paint off before you start adding chambers. you can do it....sounds neat