Crackblaster Ensemble

Fran · Post by **Fran** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 10:14 pm

So I thought it was time I built something again, only this time its all a bit random with no specific end result in mind. Really enjoyed the Squier JMJM since I bought it so I thought I'd go somewhere along them lines and the project is centred around the guard as much as anything else.
I dug out my Jazzmaster routing template I got from Joey then looked at buying a body blank, around Â£60 in the UK, but then saw a loaded VM Jazzmaster body for not much more on the 'bay. Of course, I bought it.

I then got an Anodized guard off Stuart and the Mouldcaster neck from Simon, nearly everything acquired. The necks fretboard was slightly loose at each end so I've glued and cramped it (capo's are useful).

First off I'm not convinced about the Butterscotch finish on the JM, placing the gold guard over it confuses me even more, does it work?

I'm wondering whether to strip the body and have a natural finish. The thing that put me onto gold guards was Motorheads Fast Eddie Clarkes Strat that was stripped bare with a gold guard (not anodized)

Considering a PRS wrapover as well. Someone suggested it could work a while back and I think it would on this model.

George · Post by **George** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 10:22 pm

CAMAAAAAHHHHHHHN

Noirie. · Post by **Noirie.** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 12:57 am

George wrote:CAMAAAAAHHHHHHHN

+1

Do this with a matching headstock.

SKC Willie · Post by **SKC Willie** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 2:30 am

stripping that body would suck. Stripping it and trying to keep the natural finish underneath good enough to make it a natural finish after that would be next to impossible.

Paint over it black or whatever color you want, fill that stupid strat jack, and throw a Bigsby on it.

Sloan · Post by **Sloan** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 2:55 am

gold on black looks fucking nasty.

cur · Post by **cur** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 5:10 am

Sloan wrote:gold on black looks fucking nasty.

wwrrss · Post by **wwrrss** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 11:05 am

I LIKE GOLD ON BUTTER

George · Post by **George** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 11:11 am

For all the haters...

benecol · Post by **benecol** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 11:21 am

Do an JPScaster

George · Post by **George** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 11:22 am

The bigger the coat of arms on a packet of cigarettes the shitter they are. Trufact.

benecol · Post by **benecol** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 11:24 am

I prefer the inverse value of monopoly property theory.

*flicks Mayfair at mangey urchin progeny*

rps-10 · Post by **rps-10** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 2:29 pm

Ahh right, ignore my last PM then.

Hope the tuners work out ok. I'd go for butterscotch and gold with the neck left natural.. will look all melty like with a touch of relic about it.

Fran · Post by **Fran** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 5:34 pm

I do like black and gold (I'm sure Mascis once used one..) and its definitely an option. With the 'By Royal Appointment' Crest of course

No rush to get it up and running so plenty of time to fill that Strat Jack and paint. I might temporarily assemble it to see how it plays/sounds then decide from there.

Si, the tuners may need bushing convertors, I'm sure you can buy these. If not I'll get some Schaller types which will fit snug.

Thanks for the comments everyone!

Joey · Post by **Joey** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 11:45 pm

I got a set of Schaller M6 tuners, chrome... only been strung up once. Yours for the cost of shipping

Fran · Post by **Fran** » Sun Nov 04, 2012 7:45 pm

Thanks Joey, I held back on replying as I have some old Grovers but the gears aren't too good on them.

Put it all together today leaving the black guard on, just to see how it is. A very different vibe to standard Jazzmasters with that set bridge, almost like a Tele on some settings.
Not sure if this neck is up to scratch, I've had to release the truss a fair bit as the notes are fretting out on the first fret, see if it settles down over the next week as I assume its had no string tension on it for months.

Fran · Post by **Fran** » Sun Nov 04, 2012 7:47 pm

Thanks Joey, I held back on replying as I have some old Grovers but the gears aren't too good on them.

Put it all together today leaving the black guard on, just to see how it is. A very different vibe to standard Jazzmasters with that set bridge, almost like a Tele on some settings.
Not sure if this neck is up to scratch, I've had to release the truss a fair bit as the notes are fretting out on the first fret, see if it settles down over the next week as I assume its had no string tension on it for months.

rps-10 · Post by **rps-10** » Mon Nov 05, 2012 11:21 am

I had it strung up but probably not up to "concert pitch" as it were, it's also been up the attic the last few months. If it really is rubbish Fran, let me know and I'll send your money back to you.

Fran · Post by **Fran** » Mon Nov 05, 2012 4:52 pm

Nae bother Si, It does the job for now. The problem is just on the treble side so I'm only losing three notes and hardly ever use them.

cur · Post by **cur** » Mon Nov 05, 2012 5:06 pm

nut cut too low on high e?

Fran · Post by **Fran** » Mon Nov 05, 2012 7:14 pm

There is no relief on the treble side, the truss only seems to effect the other side. Could be something to do with when I glued the fretboard back down