First time build

mittenscore

So, its time for a new guitar, and a new hobby and decided to build either a jag or a jazz. Funds enabled, I'm building both. For now, i'm looking at getting a jazz body through allparts. So, 1) alder or swamp ash (i know traditionally its alder for stock bodies) and my second question is, does anybody know if a gibson p-90 (p-94) will fit in the routing? i know you need a different pickguard, but I don't know if this is going to fit under the strings when i assemble it. i don't own a dremel or a router...so I kinda want to know what i'm in for before i spend a couple hundred on pickups.

Mustang-Pete

Hey, welcome to the boards.

Sounds cool. Swamp ash is more figured than alder (I think) so is probably better for translucent finishes (i.e. you can see the grain).

And P-90s will definatley fit in the body. Stock Jazz pickups are HUUUUGE!

I look forward to seeing this project get rolling 😀

Aug

I take it that you're going to handle the guitar's finish yourself? If so, I'd go with alder, as swamp ash requires grain filling, and that's a pain in the butt. P90s will fit just fine in the routes, as all Fender routes are cut at a depth of 5/8". With no router or Dremel tool, you're gonna have one hell of a time trying to make a pickguard, unless you intend to have a guitar tech/luthier handle that for you. (Recommended).

Good luck with the build and post pics! 😁

funtoosh

actually, he wants to use a P-94, which is humbucker-sized. do standard humbuckers fit in a jazz-body, i'm not perfectly sure ..?

(welcome, btw ,-)

Mustang-Pete

I'd imagine that they would... The stock Jazz pups are bigger than humbuckers. I think...

JaguarOW

Mustang-Pete said: The stock Jazz pups are bigger than humbuckers. I think...

yes they are

Aug

funtoosh said: actually, he wants to use a P-94, which is humbucker-sized. do standard humbuckers fit in a jazz-body, i'm not perfectly sure ..?
(welcome, btw ,-)

Yea, they'll work, he'll just have to drill out 4 holes for the pickup tabs is all.

mittenscore

i put down p-94 incase i can't find the gibson originals...its kinda my fail safe. i know the single coils are huge...like i said my big concern was how deep into the wood they are supposed to sit. but from what you guys are saying, the pickguard will be my biggest obstacle for the pickups. gf's dad has a dremel...so hopefully that will eliminate this issue.

and yes, i am looking to do the finishing myself...thats going to be the biggest obstacle by far. yay attempting sunburst... 🙄

by the way...you guys are all awesome for responding in less than 4 hours! this community is awesome.

pics will be posted when its done.

by all means, any suggestions or comments are welcome.

Cymastar

When doing the pickguard, it would be best to do a multi-layer thing with a ROUTER instead of a dremel.

Good luck 😁 !

JaguarOW

mittenscore said:
and yes, i am looking to do the finishing myself...thats going to be the biggest obstacle by far. yay attempting sunburst... 🙄

to be honest i wouldnt try sunburst on your first refinish but hey, you only learn from trying right?

btw if you do decide against sunburst then go Lake Placid Blue 😉

Aug

DefBungis

Aug said:

That looks like black Ronnie James Dio.

Aug

Aug said:

It's Chonchon! 😁

mittenscore

also...how do you guys feel about reverse headstock? i found some lefty necks and i've always loved the gibson firebird.

JaguarOW

mittenscore said: also...how do you guys feel about reverse headstock? i found some lefty necks and i've always loved the gibson firebird.

Personally i love them, my next guitar is definately going to have one

DO IT!!

Cymastar

Double do it.

Sounds sexy...

Robbmonster

It's been a week, any updates on the project???

mittenscore

yeah sorry about the lapse. i'm not totally gung-ho about this so its kinda 'as it happens it happens'. i'm kinda looking to keep my hands busy and have a summer project...so...

update:

i've been scouring ebay for bodies and have found a beautiful 66 RI jaguar 3 color sunburst with minimal road wear ala STRATosphere. those guys rock for having so much available. that should be shipped any day now. i'm looking into necks and wondering 2 things; 1 any suggestions on where to find a good neck...that doesn't cost more than i paid for the body...and 2. i really like the F tuning keys...do those line up on pre drilled holes or do i have to fill and drill?

mittenscore

body arrived today! pics posted soon...

and still looking for help on the above questions, as well as my thread on caps.

jacksonjackass

Small cap = bright

big cap = bassy