V8 project

[JIO]

Hey Geo;

The most important factor in the overall stiffness and strength of the neck is the overall thickness right down the centerline. The overall depth of the beam, structurally. A small amount trimmed off the back center will significantly weaken the neck.

Since you are concerned about the strength, because of the extra string load, you should leave the center alone. Trim wood off the two sides of the neck, what we call the "hips" of the shape. Taking off wood there will make the neck feel surprisingly smaller in size, a smaller circumference. You can trim the hips all the way to V shape if you like, or just flatten out the hips to shallower radiuses. And you can also trim them asymmetrical, if you like. But leave the center untouched.

Start by filing or shaving flat strips at about 45 degrees on either side. Make them maybe 3/8" wide, even in width, check for flat with a straightedge. Check for feel. Does that feel smaller? Work slowly, filing the flats gradually wider, but keeping them straight and flat. Keep going, making the flats wider until the overall circumference of the neck feels right to you.

Then, draw pencil lines down the center of each flat. Round off the ridges at the edges of the flat, but not touching the pencil lines. The classic Facet method of shaping necks. This helps you keep it all straight and even as you trim it.

I personally like to use large files to shape necks. I feel like I have the best control with them. But there are other choices of tools. There was a good thread on here a while back comparing different neck shaping tools.

Thanks so much Bruce - that helps a lot.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

Thanks so much Bruce - that helps a lot.

Here's that thread about tools for shaping necks. Lots of good input from the regulars here.

Best Tools for Neck Carving

 

[JIO]

Ordered this awesome strap for the V8 - I could be a spokesman for this company... they are GREAT! This is the 3rd strap I've bought to include in the sale of my custom basses. Great quality, great pricing, great variety and made in the USA! (Santa Barbara CA baby!) My Beth grew up in Carpinteria - just south of SB so I know the area. If you are in the market for a quality strap for a very reasonable price - do check them out!

 

[JIO]

Visually and functional - fits like a glove!

 

[Videojunkie]

Pretty metal dude!

 

[JIO]

Yes... metal

 

[Jon Clegg]

@JIO goes metal and creates the new genre, SFBay Spy Metal.

 

[JIO]

@JIO goes metal and creates the new genre, SFBay Spy Metal.

 

[Flamingo21]

What are the two long things? Some kind of rasps?

 

[Jon Clegg]

What are the two long things? Some kind of rasps?

Those look to be setting tools for setting the studs.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

What are the two long things? Some kind of rasps?

The upper one is the setting tool for crimping the rivets. The lower one is the hole punch, for punching the hole in the leather. Just add your favorite hammer for some shiny fun. The raspy-looking parts are just knurling on the handles.

 

[Flamingo21]

Aha! Then the big round thing is what you put under the leather when punching a hole.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

Aha! Then the big round thing is what you put under the leather when punching a hole.

The big round steel thing is the anvil that you use for setting the rivets. You place the leather piece with the rivet in it, head down, on the anvil. Put the setting tool on the end of the rivet that's sticking up. Smack the setting tool with a hammer until seated.

To punch the holes in the leather, lay the leather on top of a piece of wood or soft plastic. You don't want to dull the cutting edge of the punch by hammering it on a metal backing.

 

[JIO]

Trying to determine how many studs to install. Top is less, bottom is more.

What I want it to couple visually and functionally with.

 

[Mickey666]

I vote for the top, the spaces seem to fit better with the negative spaces on the strap.

 

[TerribleTim68]

Less.

 

[JIO]

The big round steel thing is the anvil that you use for setting the rivets. You place the leather piece with the rivet in it, head down, on the anvil. Put the setting tool on the end of the rivet that's sticking up. Smack the setting tool with a hammer until seated.

To punch the holes in the leather, lay the leather on top of a piece of wood or soft plastic. You don't want to dull the cutting edge of the punch by hammering it on a metal backing.

What he said!

 

[saltymonkey]

Less. It looks great. The more version looks a little too busy.

 

[JIO]

I vote for the top, the spaces seem to fit better with the negative spaces on the strap.

Less.

Less. It looks great. The more version looks a little too busy.

So far it looks like the old axiom of "less is more" is prevailing. (I agree!) I've yet to start the work on reshaping the neck, but when I do I'll remove and spray the strap-peg extension satin black to visually make it disappear.

 

[Indiedog]

Trying to determine how many studs to install. Top is less, bottom is more.

View attachment 4863335

View attachment 4863336
What I want it to couple visually and functionally with.
View attachment 4863341

I love this combo of guitar and strap! I’d probably vote for the “less” option.