• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Reshaping a headstock ???

bazza99

bazza99

Aug 19, 2009
62
3
#1
Anybody got any suggestions on how I can change / reshape this
really ugly looking headstock on my AXL Player deluxe bass?? I won't part with the guitar as I think that, for a cheapie, it's sensatioonal. However, the headstock shape is bone ugly. I don't have a huge arsenal of woodworking lathes and tools but perhaps someone can suggest what I can do to it??? I don't think I can round off the top as the top tuner will look funny and higher than the headstock! Again, any suggestions??
 

Attachments

  • AXL de Luxe00004a.jpg
    AXL de Luxe00004a.jpg
    71.8 KB · Views: 754
#2
bazza99 said:
Anybody got any suggestions on how I can change / reshape this
really ugly looking headstock on my AXL Player deluxe bass?? I won't part with the guitar as I think that, for a cheapie, it's sensatioonal. However, the headstock shape is bone ugly. I don't have a huge arsenal of woodworking lathes and tools but perhaps someone can suggest what I can do to it??? I don't think I can round off the top as the top tuner will look funny and higher than the headstock! Again, any suggestions??
Click to expand...

I would start by making a tracing of the headstock on paper, making some photocopies and just start drawing out what you think would look good. Then trace the proposed cuts onto the actual headstock and get cutting.
 
#6
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f57/d...if-you-love-sx-but-hate-new-headstock-710061/

My take on it!

However, I didn't really include instructions...

It's extremely straight forward -
-cut the sides off (or 'ears', if you will
-smooth them (preferably with a joiner)
-get two small pieces of the wood of your choice (I chose to created contrast to the maple by using padauk, you can use whatever you want really)
-Cut these two small pieces to the same thickness as the headstock and glue them on where you cut off and smoothed the old "ears".
-cut out the shape of your choice!

I apologize for being awful at instructing, but what I did will add up if you look at my pictures. if you have any questions, feel free to inbox me!
 
#8
you have plenty of room to do a fender telecaster bass headstock.
all you need is an electric jig saw and a pad sander. i did it on a johnson bass with the same headstock with excellent results.
 
#10
Clean the finish out of the holes first, then fill with dowel pegs. You need a good tight fit to get a proper bond of wood and glue. Then use a router and straight edge to trim out the sides, dress the edges with sandpaper and glue up your extensions. Clamp properly and leave overnight for added assurance.
 
#11
bazza99 said:
Anybody got any suggestions on how I can change / reshape this
really ugly looking headstock on my AXL Player deluxe bass?? I won't part with the guitar as I think that, for a cheapie, it's sensatioonal. However, the headstock shape is bone ugly. I don't have a huge arsenal of woodworking lathes and tools but perhaps someone can suggest what I can do to it??? I don't think I can round off the top as the top tuner will look funny and higher than the headstock! Again, any suggestions??
Click to expand...

One option is to get a Mighty Mite neck and replace the neck with the ugly headstock.
 
#13
bassgod76 said:
I'm in the midst of figuring how to add wood to a Danelectro headstock.

Am I opening pandora's box if my joint includes part of the tuner hole(s)?
Click to expand...
The reason the Dano bottle and dolphin headstocks are so slim is to balance reliably with the the super light body. Be careful...you may be sacrificing proven functionality for aesthetics.

Two ways to deal with the tuner holes is plug them or completely remove that part of the headstock. Both of those will show unless you cover with veneer or paint. Scarf jointing a whole new headstock is more work but cleaner looking.
 
#14
jeffbonny said:
The reason the Dano bottle and dolphin headstocks are so slim is to balance reliably with the the super light body. Be careful...you may be sacrificing proven functionality for aesthetics.

Two ways to deal with the tuner holes is plug them or completely remove that part of the headstock. Both of those will show unless you cover with veneer or paint. Scarf jointing a whole new headstock is more work but cleaner looking.
Click to expand...

This may clear things up a bit.

I'm trying to re-create this. The only difference is that it will be bolt on.

Lebou1-1.jpg


Everything will be black, so hopefully that makes finishing easier?
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back