Butch…another walnut build.

[StereoPlayer]

After the success of my last project, Tasty walnut Jazz

I’m putting another one together. I’m having fun already.


This one is a j body blank body that I got with the neck route, bridge location and control pocket only.

I think I counted 8 pieces of walnut…hence the name, “Butch” for butcher block.

I ordered the custom PU’s already from Tom Brantley. They will be single coil, tapped at ~ 60% and 100% output. There is a lead time of about 6 weeks.

The PU locations will be routed to my specs.

It will be wired stereo. With two, three way mini switches. On/off/on or about 60% volume/off/100% volume. No knobs.

A standard Fender bent plate bridge.

Dunlap strap locks. A chrome neckplate.

AllParts P Fretless neck, ebony board with no lines.

Schaller tuners.

Pretty simple but very effective. It roars! Last night I told someone….punch and crunch!

 

[StereoPlayer]

1st up, the PU routes. After locating the bridge base location, Ilaid out the PU locations.

I bought a set of J PU templates…ran quite a few test routes on scrap wood.

I routed the PU’s in .
This step is always stressful…you only get one chance.

 

[StereoPlayer]

The next step was the drilling of the wiring holes. Very stressful. Lots of planning. The control chase was almost ruined but the next step covers that.

 

[StereoPlayer]

Next up…the control plate will be mortised.

I did a lot of this kind of stuff at my old job I retired from.
I made a jig and made quite a few test routes in scrap wood.

This wasn’t as stressful as the other routes.

The pocket seems low to me…it’s the way I received it.

 

[StereoPlayer]

Next up will be the rounding of the edges and heavy contours.

 

[StereoPlayer]

I’m no luthier by any means.



My basic tools so far are:
A cordless drill.
A small plunge router.
And a 5” hand grinder…of which I’m going to do the contours with.
A 5” palm sander.

And various other handheld tools, nothing fancy.

I did buy the PU routing templates and a couple of router bits.

 

[StereoPlayer]

Butch got softer around the edges.
Forearm contour is a little aggressive…but ok for me.
Tummy contour isn’t enough but will do for now…
Knowing me, I’m sure I’ll be doing mods down the road.
Sanded to 220 grit. Union break…for the rest of the day….



The hardware is coming in piece by piece…

The PU’s should have been ordered a long time ago…I predict the bass will be done before they arrive.

 

[mapleglo]

Looks great!

Based on the way your walnut basses have come out, I see a walnut Precision in my future...

 

[StereoPlayer]

Looks great!

Based on the way your walnut basses have come out, I see a walnut Precision in my future...

Thanks!
As weird as this sounds…I want to do another already!

 

[Holdsg]

I always loved walnut.

 

[StereoPlayer]

Looks great!

Based on the way your walnut basses have come out, I see a walnut Precision in my future...

Thank you again very much for the kind words! Coming from you…that means a lot to me.
I love your builds!
Thanks to all on TB! I like doing projects like this. It’s very therapeutic for me, especially in retirement. It keeps me busy.

 

[Spidey2112]

As weird as this sounds…I want to do another already!

Pervert.

 

[Jigmay]

I like it, from the pickups to the controls, to the neck. Looking forward to seeing the finished product.

 

[definenredefine]

Where does one get a body without pickup routs?

 

[StereoPlayer]

Where does one get a body without pickup routs?

I looked here and found a TBer with one for trade/sale.
Possibly Warmouth would do one without pu routes. I was lucky.

 

[Koog]

I have had great success with Walnut bodies. Nice job so far. Keep up the good work!

Koog

 

[StereoPlayer]

Where does one get a body without pickup routs?

Yes, Warmouth will make a body without pu routes.

 

[HardNHeavy]

great work, someday im gonna try this once i'm confident with a router. Walnut will be heavy no?..i know some like that, but just curious. There's a few sellers on ebay who sell slab bodies, usually alder/ash/basswood....nice project cant wait to see end result and hear it.

 

[Isaac_James]

Ooh. I love Walnut. Can't wait to see how this one turns out.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Butch got softer around the edges.
Forearm contour is a little aggressive…but ok for me.
Tummy contour isn’t enough but will do for now…
Knowing me, I’m sure I’ll be doing mods down the road.
Sanded to 220 grit. Union break…for the rest of the day….



The hardware is coming in piece by piece…

The PU’s should have been ordered a long time ago…I predict the bass will be done before they arrive.
View attachment 5036501 View attachment 5036502

Brantley’s again?