# Eonwe's guitar build **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 8, 2009, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eonwes-guitar-build/484873 "2009-02-08T01:57:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![BigShooter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f07891/32.png) [@BigShooter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigShooter)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eonwes-guitar-build/484873/1 "2009-02-08T01:57:15Z")
Ok, since this build originated out of an earlier thread\* on this board and since I’m building this guitar for Eonwe, I figured it would nice to document it here so our fellow guitar freaks on the board can check it out. After chatting with Eonwe, he decided he wanted a Telecaster made in the same style as the Stratocaster from the previous thread, including the Korina body and copper pickguard and knobs. The pickguard will not be a standard tele pickguard - it’ll be shaped like the '69 Thinline Telecaster. The templates I’ll be using were made from a late 50’s telecaster body so everything should fit pretty good if not right on. So first I start with the pickguard. I bought a copy of the '69 Thinline design and a sheet of 21 guage copper: [http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2e331no&s=5](http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2e331no&s=5) So I traced around the outside and marked the location of the pickup route, screw, and control holes: [http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2edwdc3&s=5](http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2edwdc3&s=5) I’m cutting one for myself too. 😃 Might want to use it in the future. Anyway, next I just cut around the outside edge with a metal nibbler. It takes about an hour but this is how the first one looks now: [http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=9ite8x&s=5](http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=9ite8x&s=5) This will go on Eonwe’s. Tomorrow, I’ll drill the screw and control holes and cut out the pickup route. Eventually, this pickguard will go on a body cut from this piece of black korina: 1. [http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=s5guf5&s=5](http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=s5guf5&s=5) 2. [http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=24b9ilc&s=5](http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=24b9ilc&s=5) Eonwe - I need to know which side do you want for the front? Pic 1 or 2? \*Here’s the thread that started it all: [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=500435](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=500435) ---
**Author:** ![Carson\_O\_Genic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/cdc98d/32.png) [@Carson\_O\_Genic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carson_O_Genic)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 10:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eonwes-guitar-build/484873/2 "2009-02-08T10:58:02Z")
An idea for you. The nibbler is a handy tool, but have you considered a router tooled with a carbide burr to cut your copper? Given the thickness of .028 you’d have to use a backer, but the 1/4" shanks could ride a pattern or be fitted with a bearing for a soft master. The burrs cut like a file and usually leave a finished edge. There are end cutting versions available, but drilling a start hole would be easier than plunging if you can’t start from an edge. Nice work. Carry on. ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eonwes-guitar-build/484873/3 "2009-02-08T16:26:42Z")
Very, very cool. Looking forward to updates. Hey - can I claim any matchmaker credit?? ;)😃 ---
**Author:** ![BigShooter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f07891/32.png) [@BigShooter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigShooter)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eonwes-guitar-build/484873/4 "2009-02-08T16:27:20Z")
No, I never thought of using the router. A good suggestion that I’ll try in the future… ---
**Author:** ![BigShooter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f07891/32.png) [@BigShooter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigShooter)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eonwes-guitar-build/484873/5 "2009-02-08T16:28:20Z")
> [@WordMan](#): > > Very, very cool. Looking forward to updates. > > Hey - can I claim any matchmaker credit?? ;)😃 Sure. Just don’t get too cocky. ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2009, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eonwes-guitar-build/484873/6 "2009-02-08T16:31:54Z")
> [@BigShooter](#): > > Sure. Just don’t get too cocky. Well, cock_ier_ would be more accurate, but point taken. ---
**Author:** ![Eonwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eonwe/32/240_2.png) [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2009, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eonwes-guitar-build/484873/7 "2009-02-11T00:50:12Z")
Awesome! I think I like photo #2 as the front side of the wood. This is pretty exciting! I’m psyched to see all the steps as they happen. And **WordMan** , I’ll dedicate my first clam on the guitar to you. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2009, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eonwes-guitar-build/484873/8 "2009-02-11T15:32:17Z")
> [@Eonwe](#): > > Awesome! I think I like photo #2 as the front side of the wood. > > This is pretty exciting! I’m psyched to see all the steps as they happen. > > And **WordMan** , I’ll dedicate my first clam on the guitar to you. 🙂 That’s clam-tastic! Thanks! It is going to be gorgeous. I am going crazy on mine - the great news is that Bill is excellent at what he does (i.e., finishing my guitar body). The bad news is that his workshop is not well heated and ventilated, so in very cold weather he can’t spray lacquer…grr. ---
**Author:** ![Carson\_O\_Genic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/cdc98d/32.png) [@Carson\_O\_Genic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carson_O_Genic)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2009, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eonwes-guitar-build/484873/9 "2009-02-11T15:56:18Z")
> [@WordMan](#): > > The bad news is that his workshop is not well heated and ventilated, so in very cold weather he can’t spray lacquer…grr. Not to sidetrack this thread too much, but you’re using nitro, right? (or Bill is.) You ARE prepared to wait at least a month post shoot before leveling and rub-out, yes? Patiently virtuous should you be. ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2009, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eonwes-guitar-build/484873/10 "2009-02-11T16:55:06Z")
> [@Carson\_O\_Genic](#): > > Not to sidetrack this thread too much, but you’re using nitro, right? (or Bill is.) You ARE prepared to wait at least a month post shoot before leveling and rub-out, yes? Patiently virtuous should you be. Oh, \*\*Carson \*\*- I know. Well, to be accurate, actually, I don’t - I just trust Bill and know it will take time…I’m just going nuts.😉 ---
**Author:** ![BigShooter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f07891/32.png) [@BigShooter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigShooter)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2009, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eonwes-guitar-build/484873/11 "2009-02-11T19:48:23Z")
Nitro is nice, but you do pay for it with time invested… I’m really enjoying using Tru-Oil. It lets the wood breathe like nitro and looks fantastic when done correctly. ---
**Author:** ![Cyberhwk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7993a0/32.png) [@Cyberhwk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cyberhwk)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2009, 9:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eonwes-guitar-build/484873/12 "2009-02-12T09:09:43Z")
Wow. We probably have enough musicians around here for a “post your gear” thread. I’d love to make instruments but handy I am NOT! ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2009, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eonwes-guitar-build/484873/13 "2009-02-12T13:41:42Z")
**Cyberhwk** - we had one mebbe 12-18 months ago - I think **Nunavut Boy** started it… ---
**Author:** ![Eonwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eonwe/32/240_2.png) [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2009, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eonwes-guitar-build/484873/14 "2009-02-12T14:16:29Z")
Yeah, sadly, we’re chock-full of guitar players here, but none (or very few) of the synth-a-holics ever post. ☹ Maybe it’s just that we’re a rarer, more refined breed. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![BigShooter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f07891/32.png) [@BigShooter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigShooter)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2009, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eonwes-guitar-build/484873/15 "2009-02-12T16:18:24Z")
I’m in the middle of selling alot of my studio gear right now. I’m consolidating to make room for all the guitars I’m building… So if any of you guys want a Tascam FW-1884 or a really nice (and big) project studio desk, let me know… ---
**Author:** ![BigShooter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f07891/32.png) [@BigShooter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigShooter)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2009, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eonwes-guitar-build/484873/16 "2009-02-13T15:30:59Z")
The pickguard is done for the most part. Just have to put a clear coat on it to keep the copper from aging. Here it is: [![](https://tinypic.com/images/goodbye.jpg) ](https://tinypic.com/images/goodbye.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2009, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eonwes-guitar-build/484873/17 "2009-02-13T15:32:01Z")
> [@BigShooter](#): > > The pickguard is done for the most part. Just have to put a clear coat on it to keep the copper from aging. Here it is: > > [http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=29xz6o&s=5](http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=29xz6o&s=5) That is just too damn cool. ---
**Author:** ![shelbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3d9bf3/32.png) [@shelbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shelbo)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2009, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eonwes-guitar-build/484873/18 "2009-02-13T18:23:33Z")
Just stopped in to say thanks for the thread. I really enjoyed the last one, and think the finished product is incredible. Also, I agreed with Eonwe regarding which side for the front. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![BigShooter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f07891/32.png) [@BigShooter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigShooter)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2009, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eonwes-guitar-build/484873/19 "2009-02-14T21:15:40Z")
This is the logo I’m thinking about branding the headstock with: [![](https://tinypic.com/images/goodbye.jpg) ](https://tinypic.com/images/goodbye.jpg) I’m not sure yet though. I burned this one with a wood burning pen and it didn’t come out as clean as I’d like it. I might have a custom branding iron made to do it, which would look better, but I’m not sure on the font yet… ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2009, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eonwes-guitar-build/484873/20 "2009-02-14T21:41:46Z")
Well I s’pose its up to **Eonwe** but I think it looks cool. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eonwes-guitar-build/484873.md?page=2)