Jag-Stang Project

Fran · Post by **Fran** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 8:54 pm

In view of the current market prices and the fact i thought it was time i got my tools out i'm attempting my first guitar project which will not consist of ready made parts. Well, not entirely.
Yep, i'm going with our old friend... the Jag-Stang.

I ordered a slab of Mahogany for this influenced by the awesome tonerz of the Fender Toronado. It arrived today, its a nice piece...

The other parts i have up to yet are a Bronco neck that i fitted a bone nut on and erm... Grovers. The SP, switches, pups, etc. Thanks to all SS members that have helped me build up the stuff needed <3!
The only undecided area of this project concerning hardware is the bridge/tremolo. A Jaguar Synchronised Trem would be by far the easiest to fit, but i'm really into the Floyds at the moment and i just scored one off Fibus. But they are notoriously a bitch to fit.
So i'm going to see how i feel on that when i get to it.

As for finish, i'd hoped to use a clear coat of Danish Oil to seal and emphasize the Mahoganys grain, then finish with BriWax and .0000 wire wool. This is a common high end Joinery/furniture method that was adopted by Patrick Eggle guitars, and i tried it on my old Jap Flying V with excellent results.

Any comments and criticism welcome, and hopefully we can all have a flame war at the end.

Post by **Mike** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 9:08 pm

Manland.

Complete manland. Looking forward to seeing you turn that mahogany into something dangerous and offensive.

Ninja Mike 808 · Post by **Ninja Mike 808** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 10:12 pm

Dope.

Thom · Post by **Thom** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 7:35 am

Looking forward to seeing this turn out Fran. Will be good to see a nice wood finish guitar.

aphasiac · Post by **aphasiac** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 10:03 am

Will be watching this with a close eye. *heart* Jag-Stangs and *heart* custom built guitars!

Personally I like the idea of a Jag trem, but only cos I'm annoying and like playing behind the bridge. I do believe they give less sustain than other trem/bridge systems, but they are decent for vibrato purposes and you can always buzzstop them.

Flloyd rose would be fun, so if you have one now go for it.

Fran · Post by **Fran** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 10:22 am

Thanks for the interest guys. I'm going to attempt a trial cut on the edge of the timber today. I have a powerfull expensive Jigsaw (for work) that may cut this body out, but it is 44mm thick mahogany and Jigsaw blades have a tendency to wander with thick materials. If it struggles it looks like i walk up the road to the Joinery Factory, i'm sure one of their guys will cut it on a bandsaw for some beer tokens.

turtle · Post by **turtle** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 10:28 am

BobArsecake · Post by **BobArsecake** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 10:44 am

Far out, sondz kool :D

That slab of mahogony looks quite funny with that scratchplate on, as if that's how it's going to look. Can't wait to see this :D I asked my sister to post those switches today 'cause I forgot to bring the envelope to work to post, so hopefully she'll be more reliable than I am, just letting you know so if they don't turn up it won't go unnoticed D:

Fran · Post by **Fran** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 11:47 am

No chance with the Jigsaw, so i got the guy to cut it me on the bandsaw. His advice was in future make a template and cut your body with a 1/2 Router.. much neater, much quicker. He reckons i have a good 2 days work cleaning up the edges and sanding. Wheres my spokeshave and sander?.........
Its a heavy body, so i think i'll definitely put a rib contour in for comfort and to lose some mass.

BobArsecake · Post by **BobArsecake** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 11:51 am

That was quick! Looking good :D

Post by **Mike** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 11:51 am

Looking pretty damn good Fran.

Fran · Post by **Fran** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 11:58 am

Thanks.
Just out of interest..

Post by **Mike** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 12:04 pm

Do it. That looks awesome. I love the look of a Mustang vibrato, it's one of the prettiest things you can have on a guitar, but I think it looks awkward on a Jag-Stang because of the absurd body shape for some reason. Jaguar-style might be more attractive.

Compare the prettiness:

I think the wildly assymetrical curves at the back of the Jag-Stang make the bridge look a little thrown on. It might also be the slanted humbucker, which I have also always thought looked stupid as all hell.

More Cowbell · Post by **More Cowbell** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 12:08 pm

Fran wrote:Thanks.
Just out of interest..

Looking great. Just don't become the UKAUG.

Fran · Post by **Fran** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 12:16 pm

I know what your saying mike, i also quite liked Belindas Mustangs fitted with Jag trems in My Bloody Valentine although they did look a bit crowded.
Courtesy of 'Tool' over at JS here is a mock up of a Floyded Jag-stang..

robroe · Post by **robroe** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 1:35 pm

scarry

Post by **Mike** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 1:44 pm

That thing looks like the Harbinger of the Apocalypse.

DGNR8 · Post by **DGNR8** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 2:24 pm

NICE WOOD! Haevy ain't so bad, is it? And your cavities will knock off a few grams. My Robo master and alder Bronco are the heaviest guitars I have ever owned and there is something very satisfying about them. They ring out and and even a bit percussive. But mahogany bodies are warm and resonant.

Post by **Hurb** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 5:16 pm

Awesome fran! template and router is defo the best bet for next time.

gotta be the floyd fran!

Fran · Post by **Fran** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 5:30 pm

Thanks Hurb. I'm going to make a template from this when i've done and maybe invest in a 1/2 Router (mine is a DIY one). I'll see how it plays. If its good i will definitely make more.

I've 95% finshed sanding the edges, it was a pain but you live and learn. My Router is capable of the edging and cavities so tomorrow i'll make an mdf template for the neck pocket anf controls. Then comes the crunch... the Tremolo.
All in all i'm hoping to have this finished in the next week/fortnight. Depending on if i have to order more parts or dont screw the routing up