[unbridled]

OK, I think Mike will kill me in my sleep if I don't document the building of the "StanleyCaster." (I changed the name a bit.)

Anyways, I haven't done much at all but the build is going to be based around the nice neck I got from Dan. I posted a picture in another thread but if you need your memory refreshed, here it is:



It is a 90's Squire neck that Dan put in the Zenon chamber at his work for quite a while (like 200 hours.) For those who don't know what a Zenon (or Xenon) chamber is, it's basically a really bright room that simulates how electronics and screens will react to years of use in direct sunlight. (right Dan?) Because of this, the neck has turned a great amber/toasty color. I was messing with Dan in another thread about how I was going to try to lighten it a bit, because I remembered him talking about it earlier.

Anyways, this neck is in great shape, considering how many playing hours it has on it. The most important thing, to me, is that it's maple and a standard Strat neck. I'm going to level and crown the frets a bit later, but first, I'm going to throw some clear on it. The skunk stripe has sunk a little bit on it and there are some tiny dings in the neck but, they are so small, I'm just going to shoot some clear on it, sand, and repeat. I'm doing it before I level the frets so the leveling and crowning will take the clear off of the frets. (remember asking about that, Jimmy?)

So, it's off to the hardware store to find what clear I want on it. I don't like really glossy necks so, I might get a satin finish or just do a gloss and sand the final layer.

[J i m m y]

Nice. I'm looking forward to seeing the progress.

[unbridled]

Oh, yeah,

The "vision" of this guitar is also from Dan who keeps telling me I have to give Strats one more chance. I've always loved the tone and how Strats feel, but, I don't care for the third knob on them because I hybrid pick pretty close to the bridge and always turn them down.

I'm going with a traditional Strat body and only one volume and one tone control. I might go with a different trem unit, like a Jag trem, but I'm also thinking I might just use a standard Strat unit because they've been around forever and are pretty bullet proof. I'm undecided on pickups so far but am leaning toward GFS NeoVin or Lace Golds. I have a set of American Fender Standard tuners I'll throw on the neck. I'll have to fill the mounting holes because they are a bit different. Nut will be either Graphite or Tusq.

Body will be ash or alder. Pretty basic parts-caster. What are you all thinking for color? I have some ideas but want your thoughts.

[unbridled]

Originally Posted by J i m m y

Nice. I'm looking forward to seeing the progress.

Yep, it will be fun, but, don't get too excited because you know I'm slower than whale crap.

[J i m m y]

I'm not sure on colors but I can't wait for you to paint. Hopefully you won't make the mistakes that I did today.

Strats. Maybe I should give them another chance myself. They're definitely comfortable. I was just never crazy about them.

[Jukebox]

How about a Candy Blackberry?

[dan P]

Body wood alder...! Monte, I also have a brass trem block and trem assy around here I think, I know where the block is....AND again, if you want twang forget the golds, just put a good old set of american fender pups in...or as I said earlier 60 classic vibes pups...hot golds will give you a clapton thick sound , tex-mex pups are good too, not texas specials...(too hot)

[dan P]

I guess one more thing to ponder, do you want noise? Hot and or Golds willl be silent...the others will make a little noise in 1/3/5

[unbridled]

The noise from single coils doesn't really bother me much unless I'm recording or something. That's right I forgot what you had told me about the pups. Thanks!

[unbridled]

Originally Posted by Jukebox

How about a Candy Blackberry?

Hmmm I hadn't considered that! Not a bad idea. I'm not sure exactly what color you're thinking about, but, what I'm thinking you mean looks good in my head.

Any other color ideas?

Dan- I like the way you think. You must have a good memory for what tones I've said I like before.

I wish there was a way I could do a really twangy Tele style bridge pup but still have the output and tone match the others but, I don't think that's in the cards for this one.