Clicky

Guitar Tricks Online Guitar Lessons

Custom body for my Kramer,Anyone else rolling there own?

Avago Tim
Registered User
Joined: 02/14/11
Posts: 15
Avago Tim
Registered User
Joined: 02/14/11
Posts: 15
03/01/2011 1:43 am
Hi All,
My first post on the forum since joining GT and thought i'd share some pics of my on going project while i'm trying learn guitar.

I have an old Kramer focus 3000D that needs a lot of work to get it right,so i decided to do it up,but make a new body for it.I was going to make it out of some Mahogany i have kicking around,but i wanted something a bit different that you can't just buy off the shelf.

Is anyone else making there own custom stuff?

Would be great to see whats out there and how your making it.

Cheers

Tim
Permalink
# 1
Razbo
Full Access
Joined: 03/02/09
Posts: 1,562
Razbo
Full Access
Joined: 03/02/09
Posts: 1,562
03/01/2011 1:53 pm
Well, that's definitely not mahogany. :)

I've built one, then rebuilt it, built a few necks, renovated a few old guitars (I find partial fret jobs and repairs are harder than new). I think I've posted pics of the one I built from scratch on here somewhere.

I've seen this question asked before... At what point does it stop being a Kramer 3000? Interesting question, right?
...so ever since then, I always hang on to the buckle.
Permalink
# 2
Avago Tim
Registered User
Joined: 02/14/11
Posts: 15
Avago Tim
Registered User
Joined: 02/14/11
Posts: 15
03/01/2011 10:40 pm
Originally Posted by: RazboWell, that's definitely not mahogany. :)

I've built one, then rebuilt it, built a few necks, renovated a few old guitars (I find partial fret jobs and repairs are harder than new). I think I've posted pics of the one I built from scratch on here somewhere.

I've seen this question asked before... At what point does it stop being a Kramer 3000? Interesting question, right?


Hi Razbo,
Yes,i've got to re-fret the Kramer neck as well,as really is well worn.Just hope i don't mess it up as it's a really nice neck and i've never done anything like that before.

I know what you mean by the question of will it still be a Kramer when you replace such a major part,but i'm not too worried as it's not a collectors piece,although it does have a lowish s/n of 000916 but thats as far as it goes and in the end it's just for my enjoyment,which is what its about i think.

Cheers

Tim
Permalink
# 3
Avago Tim
Registered User
Joined: 02/14/11
Posts: 15
Avago Tim
Registered User
Joined: 02/14/11
Posts: 15
03/04/2011 1:20 am
Hi all,
Just a quick post of what i've got done this week.Welded a block into the body,This will be machined out to house the neck and also made the housing for the bridge posts and springs.

I'm quite pleased with the progress i'm making.All my other projects usually take forever to complete,but i think this could be finished in the not too distant future.

Cheers

Tim
Permalink
# 4
Avago Tim
Registered User
Joined: 02/14/11
Posts: 15
Avago Tim
Registered User
Joined: 02/14/11
Posts: 15
03/13/2011 6:01 pm
Hi All,
There doesn't seem to be that many people making there own guitar stuff or just aren't posting.

But for those that are interested in making there own guitars or have followed this thread,her are a couple of pics of where i'm at.

I've completely welded all of the guitar now and have done the shaped parts of the body on the front and back.Most of the welding has been cleaned up and most of the edges have been rounded off.

Definately starting to look like my old Kramer body now,But still a fair bit to do,Cut outs for the pick ups and neck,Pick gaurd and also need to order a Floyd Rose bridge.

Cheers

Tim
Permalink
# 5
rundogdave
Registered User
Joined: 10/26/08
Posts: 28
rundogdave
Registered User
Joined: 10/26/08
Posts: 28
03/16/2011 6:33 pm
Looks like some nice machine and lay out work. Used to turn the handles some years ago myself. Stewart MacDonald has a couple of books on refretting.http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Books,_plans/Building_and_repair:_Fretting.html How are you going to finish the body? Polish, swirl polish?
I am what I am, but I aint what I use to be. :p
Permalink
# 6
Avago Tim
Registered User
Joined: 02/14/11
Posts: 15
Avago Tim
Registered User
Joined: 02/14/11
Posts: 15
03/16/2011 7:05 pm
Originally Posted by: rundogdaveLooks like some nice machine and lay out work. Used to turn the handles some years ago myself. Stewart MacDonald has a couple of books on refretting.http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Books,_plans/Building_and_repair:_Fretting.html How are you going to finish the body? Polish, swirl polish?


Hi There,
I'm a fabricator/welder more than a machinist,but know enough to get by on stuff like this.

I've been doing some research online about refrets and found a really good site that was very informative here.
http://www.manchesterguitartech.co.uk/refret.html
The net saves a fortune on books,Thanks for the link though.

I was going to just polish the body up with the machine buffer we have at work,But in odd places where it's been welded you can see the slight differences in the metal which will only stand out more when it's polished.So i might get it chrome plated as this should give it a tough shell and give the same effect as i'm after.

Cheers

Tim
Permalink
# 7
rundogdave
Registered User
Joined: 10/26/08
Posts: 28
rundogdave
Registered User
Joined: 10/26/08
Posts: 28
03/17/2011 3:06 am
I stumbled on this as well. He seems to know what he is doing. Check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=D65E8BFC21B63A99
I am what I am, but I aint what I use to be. :p
Permalink
# 8
RickBlacker
Registered User
Joined: 10/08/08
Posts: 1,971
RickBlacker
Registered User
Joined: 10/08/08
Posts: 1,971
03/17/2011 5:17 am
Wow, that is an interesting project. I'd LOVE to hear what it sounds like when you're done. I'd think you'd want a dark pickup. I could be mistaken but I'd gather this is going to be a very bright guitar.

And yes, I just built a Gibson Explorer clone. Not a 100% clone, I didn't do a set neck, rather standard bolt on neck. It's mahogany body with a maple top. Turned out excellent.


Anyway, PLEASE keep posting pictures of your progress.
[U]Ricks Current Mystery Video[/U] - Updated Monday March/02/2015
Permalink
# 9
Avago Tim
Registered User
Joined: 02/14/11
Posts: 15
Avago Tim
Registered User
Joined: 02/14/11
Posts: 15
03/20/2011 9:05 pm
Rundogdave,
Thanks for the link,Working my way through the videos as you can't have too much info and all helps when you come to do the job.

Thanks

Rick,
Thanks for the positive comments and as soon as it's playable,i will get some video or a recording of what it sounds like.

Are you going to post some pics of your creation?


Hi All,
I made some good progress on my guitar this weekend.I machined out the neck pocket and now have the neck fitted.There's still a fair bit of work to do to on this project to get it finished.

Here's a couple of pics...more later

Cheers

Tim
Permalink
# 10
Avago Tim
Registered User
Joined: 02/14/11
Posts: 15
Avago Tim
Registered User
Joined: 02/14/11
Posts: 15
04/12/2011 9:23 pm
Hi All,
Near the end now,Just got to get a clear coat sprayed on and give it a refret.Should have a decent guitar to learn on then.

Cheers

Tim
Permalink
# 11
rundogdave
Registered User
Joined: 10/26/08
Posts: 28
rundogdave
Registered User
Joined: 10/26/08
Posts: 28
04/14/2011 4:07 am
Saweet looking axe!! Dig the red pick guard and headstock. How much does she weigh compared to a wooden geet?
I am what I am, but I aint what I use to be. :p
Permalink
# 12
Avago Tim
Registered User
Joined: 02/14/11
Posts: 15
Avago Tim
Registered User
Joined: 02/14/11
Posts: 15
06/04/2011 9:38 am
Hi All,
Finished building my custom Ali guitar about 2 weeks back and have got some video of it in natural light.

I have some more video of it being played but haven't got round to uploading it yet.I will try and get that sorted later tonight once i've edited it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzCTCRgprZs

Tim
Permalink
# 13
Avago Tim
Registered User
Joined: 02/14/11
Posts: 15
Avago Tim
Registered User
Joined: 02/14/11
Posts: 15
06/04/2011 11:24 pm
Hi All,
Here's the vid i said about earlier

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XkrI70Agwc
Permalink
# 14
rundogdave
Registered User
Joined: 10/26/08
Posts: 28
rundogdave
Registered User
Joined: 10/26/08
Posts: 28
06/05/2011 1:15 am
Sounds bad ass!! What kind of pups are in it?
I am what I am, but I aint what I use to be. :p
Permalink
# 15
compart1
Registered User
Joined: 06/27/09
Posts: 1,410
compart1
Registered User
Joined: 06/27/09
Posts: 1,410
06/05/2011 2:02 am
Great job Tim, one awesum guitar..
Gordon..
Permalink
# 16
JeffS65
Registered User
Joined: 10/07/08
Posts: 1,602
JeffS65
Registered User
Joined: 10/07/08
Posts: 1,602
06/05/2011 5:41 pm
That guitar is just.so.cool.

When I win the lottery, I will pay much money to make me one...
Permalink
# 17
Avago Tim
Registered User
Joined: 02/14/11
Posts: 15
Avago Tim
Registered User
Joined: 02/14/11
Posts: 15
06/05/2011 5:56 pm
Originally Posted by: rundogdaveSounds bad ass!! What kind of pups are in it?


Not too sure exactly what they are,but from what i've read about the Kramer Focus 3000D,The d stands for Dimarzio as far as i'm aware.

Cheers

Tim
Permalink
# 18
Avago Tim
Registered User
Joined: 02/14/11
Posts: 15
Avago Tim
Registered User
Joined: 02/14/11
Posts: 15
06/05/2011 6:45 pm
Originally Posted by: compart1Great job Tim, one awesum guitar..
Gordon..


Thanks Gordon,I'm pretty pleased with the way it turned out and have what i wanted...A decent guitar to learn on that will stay in tune.

Cheers

Tim
Permalink
# 19
Avago Tim
Registered User
Joined: 02/14/11
Posts: 15
Avago Tim
Registered User
Joined: 02/14/11
Posts: 15
06/05/2011 6:48 pm
Originally Posted by: JeffS65That guitar is just.so.cool.

When I win the lottery, I will pay much money to make me one...


Jeff,
No need to win the lottery,Just become a Tig welder/fabricator,there's more chance of that happening:-)


Cheers

Tim
Permalink
# 20

Please register with a free account to post on the forum.

Register