Jeff's Guitar

After completing my guitar Mr. Jeff Kamp asked if I could get an old project guitar of his up and running. This is the first project that started the instrument building endeavors. Thanks Jeff for planting that seed. I really wish I had the know-how at that time to paint it myself, but alas I didn't. I did try and Craig and Brent helped me out, but my skills were just too feeble at that time to finish it. Brent has reminded me that a Ed M. painted it for me. If I remember correctly the design was in Jeff's head and I help bring it out of there. I think it turned out well, a bit reminiscent of early/mid 90's design, but HEY, that's when we did this. So sue me ... I still like it though.

Here we are today. Gotta admit the guitar is in some bad shape. But, I'm not worried, it's been a project for what? ... 8 years? Longer? I honestly don't remember. I've got to purchase some missing parts, and replaces some damaged parts. First things first though, take her apart and put on a new coat of clear at Jeff's request.

Sorry Jeff, this may look a bit scary due to I brush on the clear, but it'll level out in the end. It'll be shiny once again (was it ever really shiny?).

I put the clear on at the same time I was clear coating the contest drum so I didn't have to go out of my way for this step. Hunting down some of the parts may be interesting, but honestly I haven't really looked, I've been busy with the drum. Once I get the body where I like it I'll start the parts hunt ... get the dogs ready! I'll be on the hunt soon.

Drum Is Finished!

Well the drum is finished. This drum was for a contest on Ghostnote.net, a drum building forum. Great bunch of people there. Out of 20 contestants I believe there are 16 of us still in the competition. But, to be completely truthful, everyone's drum is awesome. If I make the top 5 I'll be sending the drum up to Michigan to the DrumFoundy to be judged via a panel of 5 judges. Honestly, this is only my second build. So it being in the top 5 amongst more experienced builders isn't looking good. But, I've receive some positive comments about my work and that's really all I need. I have a few more ideas for some painted drums, then Brent and I will be exploring the world of Stave Drum building. Yes, that's actually making our own shells from scratch (well wood actually), not purchasing pre-made shells and finishing and assembling them. Through conversations with Brent he is just a giddy about this adventure as I am. I'm positive there will be many mistakes made and tons of learning experiences. I don't expect the first few to go smoothly at all, so be on the lookout in the next few months for stories of wood building gone wrong. Well, a positive side to this is I'll have some firewood this winter, eh? I'm sure some of you have no idea what a stave drum is, and that's some of what I'll be posting. A kind of tutorial of how these type of drums are made. Wish me luck!

A big thank you to Craig (aka, Cracker) for your help with wood construction, wood working tools, wood companies, and a place to store my wood (insert jokes now). You've been a big help so far, more than you know, and you'll be a huge help once Brent and I get started.

A big Thank You to Ed for the help with jig design ideas, even though we found a slide table in the end that was basically what you designed (Son Of A ...). But, why build something that is already built for you, and cheaper, and works better. Anyway, now I know what I need and what to look for at the trade show. Without your guidance I'd still be trying to re-invent the wheel. You'll be approached more in the near future for ideas and problem solving issues.

Last note for this post:
I do except cash donations for the purchasing of wood for the expansion of the Lastinger Custom Drum Company. That is all ... shameless plug I know, but since when do I care about being shameless, eh?

Contest Drum

Yeah ... it's been a bit since I've posted. I've been working on a snare drum for a contest and it's been the spawn of Satan. Deadline is August 15th and I'm out of time to fix any errors. Tonight's error was I left 2 pencil lines on the paint to mark the center lines for the vinyl tribal design. Yeah ... totally forgot to wipe them off with the cleaner. I was posting some pictures on the contest site and it hit me that I forgot those stupid lines. Of course I put the clear coat on already, so they are there to stay. I really wanted to sell this drum, but don't think I can with the lines. It's dark outside so I really can't tell if they are that noticeable, I'll have to see what other people think when I show the drum to them. If they don't notice, then I won't feel so bad, but I know they are there ... dang it!!!!! Stupid Satan drum!

So, Brent you may be getting another gift drum from me. I might be able to break even if I sell it *crosses fingers*. I think it's going to be stain and clear for a few drums in hopes of making about $50 per drum. Paint and vinyl transfer aren't working for me this time around. We'll see after the contest how I feel about another paint and vinyl drum. Had a really sweet idea for the next one too.

Broken Parts ... *sigh*

I was finishing the mock up of the contest snare last night and saw that the Nickelworks strainer was broken. So, much for bulletproof plastic, eh? Oh well, I'll be making a phone call to Drummaker today to get the problem resolved. You can see the crack along the threaded holes. Also, how much grease is too much? This thing is actually dripping goo on my table, floor, toolbox ... I don't think it'll ever squeak.

Guitar is Finished!!!

Woohoo the guitar if finally finished. I took it over to Sam Ash and they played it for me to see how it sounded and to make sure the action was correct. Here's how that happened ... for some reason I never received a truss rod wrench to adjust the truss rod. So, I called Sam Ash to see if they sold them. Teresa said that she didn't have any to sell, but they have a bunch behind the counter and to bring in the neck and she'd hook me up with one. I did ... she did ... problem solved free of charge. Teresa then asked when the guitar would be finished due to she loved the color of the headstock. I told her that it would be finished tomorrow sometime (Sunday). She then asked if I could bring it by for her to see the finished product and of course I said "Hell Ya!" She played it a bit, then this other kid played the snot out of it, even dropped D'd it and play some dirty speed metal with it. That kid said he loved it and about 4 other customers wanted me to build them one. Not too shabby considering I don't even play the guitar, eh?

So ... Jeff will be the proud player of this beast for a while. I'd like someone to actually play it and let me know what needs adjusting (truss rod bow, action, pick-up heights, pole heights). I just set it up using some average numbers I found in some research (Fender, PRS, Gibson).

There are a few finish problems that need fixing, but I'll get to those sometime. It took me about 6 years to build it, why rush now? Enjoy the pictures ...

Wiring Diagram

Help ... how do I make this a volume, volume, tone?

New Logos

Okay so I've decided on 2 of the logos out of the 12 or so I made. And here they are ...

#1

#2

I'm very partial to #2 due to it just has that bit more pop to it. Thank you to Stacy for suggesting the negative space idea. It will have to be perfected just a bit more, nothing very noticeable. Stacy suggested lengthening the "L" so the black part under the 'st' will show a bit more and perhaps pushing the arch of the 'L' to the left of the circle just a bit too.

Guitar update:

The body clear coat is finished. To be honest I almost don't have to do any level sanding. I now have to wait 2 weeks before I can buff/polish, but that won't be hard due to I'm going up to Elkhart this weekend and I'm clear coating the guitar neck next week. Can't wait to start assembling the electronics in the body. I'm guessing the neck will take me another week or 2 to finish the clear coat on that. Then I get to try my hand at leveling the frets. Then final assembly begins. Get ready Jeff!!! I want this thing thoroughly tested! Still don't know if I'm going to sell it or not. I'll have to keep you all posted on that decision.

Drum update:

I'm really considering making another drum to try and sell. This is in the hopes of starting a hobby business. I really don't know what else to call it. I would like to sell the drum and have it pay for the next one and possibly make some money on the side to help pay off some credit cards. I'll just have to make one and try to sell it and see what it goes for. I feel I have some talent in this field and that I could make some money over the years to possibly get myself out of credit card debt. The 'business' isn't going to be that grandiose by any stretch of the imagination, I'm hoping to sell about 5-6 a year. I'm in the process of pricing parts and seeing how to keep quality at a high standard but keep my cost low (every businesses nightmare and challenge). Wish me luck and I'll be seeking help from most of you out there. So be ready to be bombarded by questions, and to have a drum thrust into your hands for tuning, layout problems, and testing. I'm taking all base color idea now, so start submitting. Oh ... and Brent's drum, Bloodshot, is a one of a kind. I've decided already to retire that pattern. The only one that I'll make that pattern for again is Brent if he ever needed a replacement or a buddy for Bloodshot or if he'd like to try his hand at making his own Bloodshot clone.

I think the next drum is going to be gloss black with a mirror chrome pattern, and 3" tube lugs. How's that sound to everyone? Very classic clean look that I feel will sell fast. What is everyones opinion on that?