My guitar design... criticism wanted.

BenitoBassolini · #1 03-02-2009, 04:11 PM

Hello fellow TB'ers!

So I was recently digging around in the shop and found a very nice piece of maple that would be perfectly sized for a guitar neck. Plus, I've had a set of hardware from a destroyed SG laying around including all the electronics, bridge, keys, and even the truss rod.

Soon I began doing concepts and I came up with one that I especially like.

It's designed to be based entirely on SG scale, neck shape and such. Let me know what you think of the design and skilled builders, tips on playability/balance from the shape would be appreciated!

mikeyswood · #2 03-02-2009, 04:53 PM

It would appear to be the Alan Holdsworth signature series Warlock

BenitoBassolini · #3 03-02-2009, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeyswood

It would appear to be the Alan Holdsworth signature series Warlock

What?! I must see this. I looked on the BC Rich website a little bit and I didn't see any designs that were like this one; Except maybe in the horns but it's not direct resemblance.

mikeyswood · #4 03-02-2009, 05:05 PM

+

BenitoBassolini · #5 03-02-2009, 05:07 PM

I think that's a bit of a stretch, lol.

What do you think of the design?

Nick Kay · #6 03-02-2009, 05:18 PM

I think it'd look better with a slightly slimmer waist, especially on the treble side. Looks a little chunky as it is. I'd also offset the hips/butt end to follow the angle set by the horns and waist a little bit, but that's more a personal thing.

BenitoBassolini · #7 03-02-2009, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Kay

I think it'd look better with a slightly slimmer waist, especially on the treble side. Looks a little chunky as it is. I'd also offset the hips/butt end to follow the angle set by the horns and waist a little bit, but that's more a personal thing.

Hey Nick. Thanks for the ideas. I attached another preview with your suggestions. I'm not really sure which I like better; My intention with this design was to keep it modest and classy, with just enough flare to make it stand out. With an angled bottom and slim hips it sort of tends to take on an over the top BC Rich look. Let me know what you think.

Nick Kay · #8 03-02-2009, 06:28 PM

Aye, that is definitely in BC Rich territory. It's hard to avoid that with the multi-point horns, though. Play around with it a little more - maybe try the slimmer waist without the offset, and vice versa. Nothing says you can't go back to the original way you pictured it, but it's always a good idea to play around with an idea to make sure it's coming out exactly as you want. Hell, you could even try it without that horn shape. Experiment! That's half the fun of the process.

For the record, though, I am digging that second take more than the original. I'm a sucker for slim designs with an offset, though, so take that with some salt.

jordan_frerichs · #9 03-02-2009, 06:28 PM

well, for starters, its a guitar. you may want to correct that error.... lol. good luck

Fred19137 · #10 03-02-2009, 06:32 PM

I don't personally like the butt cheek look, however it is ok that u like it. I would say whatch out when you drill the hole for the strap, most likely it wil dipp. SO do somecritical thinking first. I personally have done this before. Being a dummy I found the center of gravity then drilled the hole there. not good fthe center of gravity should be well between the strap holders. So of course I had to make a new hole.

BenitoBassolini · #11 03-02-2009, 06:45 PM

Thanks for the tips everyone. I'm no stranger to neck dive; This will be my second build.

Here is my first:

My first build has served as a sort of 'what not to do'... But I'm just happy to have learned so much from it. Can someone suggest a specific modification to the upper horn in order to help with the balance issues? I want to try to keep the same general personality.

erikbojerik · #12 03-03-2009, 04:38 AM

In general, it is hard to go wrong if the end of your upper horn is around the 12th fret.

In detail, there are different balance issues standing and sitting. Standing, if the bass is already reasonably balanced, you can just adjust the angle with your strap. Sitting, it will depend on the treble-side waist cut, the weight of your bridge & tuners, etc etc.

On your bass, one thing I notice (besides the short upper horn) is that your bridge is fairly far forward. Not a problem with your guitar, which I think will balance just fine.

BenitoBassolini · #13 03-03-2009, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erikbojerik

In general, it is hard to go wrong if the end of your upper horn is around the 12th fret.

In detail, there are different balance issues standing and sitting. Standing, if the bass is already reasonably balanced, you can just adjust the angle with your strap. Sitting, it will depend on the treble-side waist cut, the weight of your bridge & tuners, etc etc.

On your bass, one thing I notice (besides the short upper horn) is that your bridge is fairly far forward. Not a problem with your guitar, which I think will balance just fine.

Thanks for the tips Erik. The neck/bridge placement on my first build was definitely one of the worst problems. If the bridge and neck moved been down only about 1" it would have fixed so many of the balance issues I have.

I'm posting a closer to final version of the concept. It's mostly the original post but I widened the upper horn for a strap button. Let me know what you all think.

sonic assassin · #14 03-03-2009, 09:03 PM

i like the first 2. id play them.

3rd is a little wonky.

but im an explorer fan.. neck dive is fine by me.