Finally, Another Yamaha SG-2 Build
Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2021 4:21 pm
I think it's been a few years since there has been a Yamaha SG-2/3 build around here. I am watching ludobag1's Yamaha SG-5/7 build with great interest though.
Also, I haven't done a standalone build thread in a while, but this is going to be a pretty epic build. And by epic I mean, it may go on for a long time, but also, hopefully be pretty spectacular in the end.
I'm about to be putting these Yamaha SG-2 templates from SonicChris to good use. I've had them about two years now. I had put these aside until I had been able to successfully build a few Fender style necks. So right now I have 5 necks I've built, strung up. Three more almost ready for strings, and I've made numerous failures and mistakes, and learned a ton .
And, it just so happens that joining me very soon will be almost every part I'll need. A contact in Japan had a 1967? SG-5 with severe body and pickguard damage from a diy install of some kind of active pickup and 9V battery holder. He knew I was looking for Yamaha parts and offered to sell me any parts I needed, so I said I'd take all the original pieces of hardware and electronics.
I have a pickup from an SGV already, so I have two too many pickups actually, but have two single covers.
I have the vibrato.
I have the bridge (not sure how it attaches yet).
I have an original toggle and pot.
I have a complete, intact set of tuners. Are these worth using on a new build? Is it better to piece these out and keep them on real Yamahas?
I have a neck plate/cover (which is different from SG2 type, but may work?)
I have a string retainer. This looks like something easy to copy.
There are a few more parts that I don't have: vibrato arm, knobs, strap buttons, most electrical bits, etc.
I have a few alder body blanks stashed away. I'll take a look at them, but am also considering roasted alder. The last time I placed an order at LMII, I ordered a custom slotted rosewood fretboard, since my 25.5" fret slotting template is Fender style and this will have a zero fret. I have plenty of maple neck blanks, but again, am considering roasted maple. I like the idea of roasted woods here, since it's kind of just speed aged wood, and might have more nebulous qualities of "tone" and "mojo" like 55 year old wood. I have no clue on finish yet. Should I stick with a traditional Yamaha color or do something else? I am considering going for a burst. The only burst in my collection is a Squier, so I could get this one professionally finished in a proper burst. But then the gold one that workoffire built was awesome and I'm sure this shape could be great with all sorts of metallic colors or other pearl colors even... There were also lots of other colors on other Yamaha SG models...
I really like the bound necks on the SG-5s and workoffire's. I haven't bound a neck yet, but I have had a new binding router bit & bearing set collecting dust for too long. Bound neck on sunburst? I will have to re-read theworkoffire build thread and the big Yamaha SG thread this weekend for inspiration and knowledge.
Nothing wrong with this
Also, I haven't done a standalone build thread in a while, but this is going to be a pretty epic build. And by epic I mean, it may go on for a long time, but also, hopefully be pretty spectacular in the end.
I'm about to be putting these Yamaha SG-2 templates from SonicChris to good use. I've had them about two years now. I had put these aside until I had been able to successfully build a few Fender style necks. So right now I have 5 necks I've built, strung up. Three more almost ready for strings, and I've made numerous failures and mistakes, and learned a ton .
And, it just so happens that joining me very soon will be almost every part I'll need. A contact in Japan had a 1967? SG-5 with severe body and pickguard damage from a diy install of some kind of active pickup and 9V battery holder. He knew I was looking for Yamaha parts and offered to sell me any parts I needed, so I said I'd take all the original pieces of hardware and electronics.
I have a pickup from an SGV already, so I have two too many pickups actually, but have two single covers.
I have the vibrato.
I have the bridge (not sure how it attaches yet).
I have an original toggle and pot.
I have a complete, intact set of tuners. Are these worth using on a new build? Is it better to piece these out and keep them on real Yamahas?
I have a neck plate/cover (which is different from SG2 type, but may work?)
I have a string retainer. This looks like something easy to copy.
There are a few more parts that I don't have: vibrato arm, knobs, strap buttons, most electrical bits, etc.
I have a few alder body blanks stashed away. I'll take a look at them, but am also considering roasted alder. The last time I placed an order at LMII, I ordered a custom slotted rosewood fretboard, since my 25.5" fret slotting template is Fender style and this will have a zero fret. I have plenty of maple neck blanks, but again, am considering roasted maple. I like the idea of roasted woods here, since it's kind of just speed aged wood, and might have more nebulous qualities of "tone" and "mojo" like 55 year old wood. I have no clue on finish yet. Should I stick with a traditional Yamaha color or do something else? I am considering going for a burst. The only burst in my collection is a Squier, so I could get this one professionally finished in a proper burst. But then the gold one that workoffire built was awesome and I'm sure this shape could be great with all sorts of metallic colors or other pearl colors even... There were also lots of other colors on other Yamaha SG models...
I really like the bound necks on the SG-5s and workoffire's. I haven't bound a neck yet, but I have had a new binding router bit & bearing set collecting dust for too long. Bound neck on sunburst? I will have to re-read theworkoffire build thread and the big Yamaha SG thread this weekend for inspiration and knowledge.
Nothing wrong with this