Seven string guitar project

[Sam Spoons]

I've acquired an old, cheapo 12 string guitar. I plan to do a quick and dirty* modification to convert it into a 7 string. Plans are to shorten the headstock, put a new veneer on the face and replace the bridge with a blank one re-drilled for 7 strings.

However I'm concerned about replacing the bridge plate inside, I'm pretty sure that will be essential so any tips? I'm also thinking about the need to fill/plug the bridge pin holes in the top itself?

This is just so I can try the 7 string idea out and see if I get on with it and the donor guitar has negligible intrinsic value.

* Probably the best I'm capable of

[zenguitar]

As it's all about a quick & dirty proof of concept, I would go even simpler.

Forget about reworking the headstock. Just use the existing 12-string tuners, and just remove the string posts and gear from the unused tuners.

Don't bother removing the bridge. Carefully drill out the existing holes for the bridge pins and plug them. For cosmetics I would source a hardwood dowel with similar colour to rosewood. Plugs will retain the integrity of the soundboard and bridge plate as well. Then space out and drill for a 7 string.

How does that sound?

Andy

[Wonks]

Then space out and drill for a 7 string.

Probably best not to use power tools when spaced out,

[Sam Spoons]

Yes Andy, That was plan A, the bridge needs refitting as it's started to lift hence the thought to use a new bridge but otherwise that makes sense.

Wonky, how did you know that I'm regularly spaced out in the evenings? But, I never use power tools (or indeed, any tools) after 'beer o'clock'

[zenguitar]

Not uncommon on a 12 string for the bridge to start to lift. Might be neater, cleaner, and easier to carefully clean where it is lifting and then get some glue in there and clamp. That should get you back on plan A

Andy

[Sam Spoons]

You may well be right. Time on my hands but it may be better spent on other things.

thanks Andy.

[shufflebeat]

You may well be right. Time on my hands but it may be better spent on other things.

thanks Andy.

Can't think of anything.

[Sam Spoons]

Building a bass drum banjo?

[shufflebeat]

Mmm...

Any reliable projections as to how long lockdown will last?

And is B&Q open yet?

[Folderol]

Mmm...

Any reliable projections as to how long lockdown will last?

And is B&Q open yet?

1/ Dunno.
2/ Yes

[Sam Spoons]

Mmm...

[shufflebeat]

Do you have a distribution deal yet?

By the way, I think I have a pickup for one of those:

[zenguitar]

A number of years ago I had a friend who was under a consultant psychiatrist and had a dedicated social worker who had previously worked many years in electrical engineering.

My friend designed a guitar amp on paper that used 3 electricity substations, not for power but as components in the circuit. His social worker went through the design and realised that whilst impossible to build, it would have worked in principle.

Andy

[shufflebeat]

See, I'm not losing the plot!

I'll be showing this thread to the Good Lady Wife later.

[Sam Spoons]

Well the seven string has remained on hold for now but the bass is virtually complete and works surprisingly well.

https://vimeo.com/423547878

[zenguitar]

That is ridiculous, in the best sense.

Definitely needs to be gigged often.

Andy

[Drew Stephenson]

Brilliant and ridiculous in equal measure!

[Sam Spoons]

It is, I agree, utterly barking, originally influenced by 1920s bass banjos and reimagined by drummer/percussionist (and tea head*) extraordinaire Joe Caswell (if anybody wants a copy of his CD of percussion solos "Full Tilt" just ask, it's a very good listen) about 20 years ago, the original Joe Bass was built by my pal Brian Eastwood. I've just been recording with it and it sounds surprisingly decent but it's a bit of a beast to play (though no more than an upright).

* 'Tea Head' :- a '70s nickname for people who are aficionados of a certain 'natural' smoking material.