Well, I’ve just completed my third guitar build. At the suggestion of Wordman, who thought there would be a few of you guys on here that would be interested, I’m posting a link to a thread I started on another board that he and I frequent. The thread details the build and includes pics:
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=466205
I’m extremely happy with the way it turned out. 
Wow, man that thing is HOT. Absolutely beautiful. I’m just blown away by your vision and craftsmanship. Well done sir.
Thank you very much. I’m pretty proud of it.
Actually, I can’t take all of the credit for the vision. The wife had a hand in designing it, too. She makes jewelry and I used techniques I learned from her to age and color the copper and make the control knobs…
You know, you should think about selling those pick guards online. If I didn’t dislike Strats I’d totally buy one.
That’s a gorgeous instrument! I want one!
A question; why did you buy the neck, and from where? I imagine that that’s a tough bit of carving to get a good finished product. Do most hobbyists buy pre-cut necks?
You just wait, man. I got plans. 
The next one might be a Les Paul Jr./PRS kind of shape in the same kind of theme, copper pickguard and all that stuff. Would that interest you?
Yes, most hobbyists (and even some pros) buy and use pre-made necks for their guitars. Without big CNC cutting machines other expensive tools, carving a neck can be a very long, labor-intensive job. Since this was only my third build, I wanted to concentrate on other things besides the neck. Now that this one’s done, I might delve into neck construction and see if I can make one that I like.
I got this neck from Warmoth Guitar Parts: http://www.warmoth.com/
Mucho impressivo!
I can’t even manage to put back together a guitar that’s already been built.
You have my admiration. And envy. Nice job!
I’d love to see a Telecaster with that look.
**BigShooter **- you da’ man! Really nice.
My wood guy Bill is still spraying nitro on my guitar body - he is taking his time due to the cold weather (lacquer needs a bit of warmth to dry and cure between sprayings) and just holiday stuff…
**Eonwe **- oh yeah, buying pre-crafted necks is the way to go - I have a few comments on that in my “Guitar Project” series of threads, where I discuss getting a neck with a certain shape and returning it - it is really cool what the neck makers can do for you…
What is really impressive is that **BigShooter **did NOT buy a pre-crafted body - he shaped that one himself!
That’s an outstanding piece of craftsmanship. Well done, sir! I think if it were me, I would have gone for a complete steam punk theme (the copper pots would go very well with the theme).
-Shakwave (who has trouble changing his guitar strings)
I was going to comment, but I think I need to acquire new knickers first.
That thing is A-MAZ-ING!! Well done sir.
Wow BigShooter that is really amazing! Insanely beautiful.
Now this is something that could cause a bit of the shortness of breath for me.
Maybe that’ll be next then. 
I have one more body blank from that same piece of korina and I’m debating what to do with it. I’ve already got the templates for the telecaster, so maybe I’ll do that.
I’m thinking maybe even an Esquire-type tele but with a single coil sized humbucker and some creative wiring. And maybe a thinline type pickguard - done in copper, of course…
Esquire…thinline…humbucker…copper…<faints>
**BigShooter **- sounds like you should hang out your shingle as a guitar builder!
(by the way, there are a lot of small businesses doing that these days - guys who will help you select parts from the parts manufacturers and pickups from the pickup builders, etc, and then build you a Parts-o-Caster to your spec - they charge you the cost of the parts and a labor component (and obviously if the body needs finishing, etc, that has to be factored in, too). I have heard of Danocasters, K-Lines and a bunch of others - maybe **Eonwe **or **Cluricaun **can be your first customers! :))
A question I forgot to ask: what do you think of the tonality of the Black Korina body? Can you compare it to Ash/Alder for a typical Strat body? How about Latin/South American Mahogany?
My body is White Korina (none of the cool grain streakiness that yours has, but I like the look of the white, too - like really great mahogany). So I know they are different but I am curious as to what you are hearing…
Thanks!
Yeah, that’s a good question…if, IF you were going to part with one of your increadible fap-worthy guitars what do you think they would run?
I’ll tell you what - if you’re truly interested in having it, together we could probably make it happen. I’m willing to do it for you for close to the cost of materials. Let me know via PM and maybe we can chat a little more about it. You could own BigShooter guitar #1!!
I am indeed truly interested, but alas I am also truly interested in keeping my male parts intact so due to my efforts to procure an engagement ring I don’t think I could make any worthwhile commitment right now. But I’ll keep this in the back of my mind for sure…