new project - Surfleaf hardtail offset

[marqueemoon]

Another project that's gonna take forever, but against my better judgement I just bought this:

It has a bit of a Swope-esque look to it which I really like.

I actually dig the pickguardless look for the Surfleaf body though. It just has really nice proportions, and the lines remind me a bit of a Maruader somehow. I wanted a simpler project to do more of electronic work and assembly and was leaning towards a Tele, but this is way cooler looking IMO and the price was right.

I'm pretty set on a light purple for this. Most likely I will send it to Guitarpaintguys even though their lead times are super long. I really like this Lavender Frost.

I haven't ruled out a DIY finish, but to me this calls out for a glossy space age lookin' finish.

Other ideas:

• Roasted maple Tele neck (probably Allparts since I need to keep the budget under control)

• Noiseless JM pickup - Fralins maybe? I really like the Big Singles I have in another guitar. Might go for some form of "alt" JM pickups, but I don't need another P90 guitar and I generally dislike gold foils.

• two control plate with just volume and a 3 way rotary switch for pickup selection.

• some funky knobs

I think the piece of kit I could use the most advice on is a bridge.

[Shadoweclipse13]

Ooh. That lavender frost is gorgeous I am loving this project all around!!

[marqueemoon]

Ooh. That lavender frost is gorgeous I am loving this project all around!!

Y’all are the worst enablers.

I figure I’ll sell some things here and there and scrape some money together while waiting for the finish.

[Norrin Radd]

Ooh. That lavender frost is gorgeous I am loving this project all around!!

Agreed! That would look amazing on that body shape.

[HNB]

Cool! I like the pickguard on the picture you posted.

[marqueemoon]

Cool! I like the pickguard on the picture you posted.

Me too, but I think this shape looks good without.

[HNB]

True. Good contrast of shapes though.

[marqueemoon]

True. Good contrast of shapes though.

Yeah. Don’t want to be too derivative though, plus more hassle and a little more weight.

Been watching a bunch of pickup demos. I think I have it narrowed down.

[marqueemoon]

Found a nice looking quartersawn Warmoth 1 piece neck with the 59 profile on Reverb. I would have preferred 9.5”, but 12” is still quite workable for me and will be more capo-friendly.

The light maple/metallic purple/no guard will give it a little bit of a shred guitar look.

If I end up needing to buy pickup covers I might do one red and one dark blue to continue the shred-esque theme.

[Unicorn Warrior]

This will be an interesting build

[marqueemoon]

This will be an interesting build

I hope so!

Anyone have a solid recommendation for a nice-but-not-too-expensive 4 screw half bridge?

6 saddle would be preferred, but given the “vintage” mounting pattern that’s looking like a no-go.

I know I could just drill new holes, but I figure a CNC is more accurate than I would be, and I’d rather not make it more complicated than it needs to be.

Current front runners are Schroeder and Rutters.

[Veitchy]

Current front runners are Schroeder and Rutters.

I've never had an issue with Rutters parts. They're my default for Tele stuff unless I need something super-specific.

[marqueemoon]

Current front runners are Schroeder and Rutters.

I've never had an issue with Rutters parts. They're my default for Tele stuff unless I need something super-specific.

Thanks. It seems like a solid choice. Considering going with Bigsby-friendly bridge to give myself the option of adding a Bigsby or a bender down the road, but I dunno.

[Veitchy]

Current front runners are Schroeder and Rutters.

I've never had an issue with Rutters parts. They're my default for Tele stuff unless I need something super-specific.

Thanks. It seems like a solid choice. Considering going with Bigsby-friendly bridge to give myself the option of adding a Bigsby or a bender down the road, but I dunno.

Totally. That sort of thing never hurts. Similarly, I always go double-drilled Tele bridges so I can topload for a change.

[marqueemoon]

The neck is here and is really nice. I've tended to dismiss Warmoth just because most of their necks I've tried have huge frets, slim carves, and compound radius. The 59 profile feels great.

Also scored a pair of Fralin Noiseless pickups from smalltownsongs here on OSG which I am excited about.

Was planning to order a Rutters chopped bridge today, but apparently their site is down. Just for my own peace of mind I'd like to confirm the bridge lines up before I send the body off to be painted.

I found this nice looking stainless "John 5" plate on ebay, but haven't pulled the trigger yet.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Electric-Guita ... 3133862170

Can anybody enlighten me about import vs. US spec control plate compatability?. I'm totally fine with having to widen openings for pot/switch since the holes are already started, and obviously there's no pickguard to worry about lining up with. I'm not clear on the mounting holes though. If that distance is different between US and import spec I may want to do this another way.

Also, I've been researching the rotary pickup switch idea and haven't quite found the "for dummies" version of the info I apparently need. Can anyone point me in the right direction there? Anything with photos or video would be great.