S8 Build, Eight String Saber

[Superwoodle]

Yes. The RG2228 isn't what I'd call an ideally balanced instrument, though the super heavy bridge and full thickness body do help a lot. It's not awfully out of balance, but strap style and position are key.

Your Saber will likely have a heavier headstock, heavier neck, and a slightly lighter body. Those factors are a recipe for neck dive.

All I'm saying is that you should be mindful of the balance. Even the most beautiful, finely crafted guitar will suck to play if you have to fight to keep it in your hands.

I’ll defiantly keep those factors in mind. Thanks.
I moved the horn further and the neck back about a total of .75” I’m not quite sure where the ideal center of mass should be though (Pink origin).

Cardboard

 

[stupidspoge]

I assume it should be about midway between the strap buttons.
In your plans, the top horn is pretty thick looking. I would suggest making that a little thinner. It causes the center of gravity to move towards the headstock too.

 

[SJT2]

I think this is one of the best ideas ever. If this guitar balances out I'm sure it will play and sound amazing. I have my S7320 in my hands and I can picture another string on it with no problem. Get to work so I have something good to read!

Good luck.

 

[Superwoodle]

[

I assume it should be about midway between the strap buttons.
In your plans, the top horn is pretty thick looking. I would suggest making that a little thinner. It causes the center of gravity to move towards the headstock too.

I planned to do that, it was a little too difficult to preform that contouring and I'm Lazy.

I’m still searching for solutions to help with preventing neck dive, possibly a titanium truss rod, or carbon fiber inserts, but I made small miscalculation with my drawing (solid brass tuners=heavy) , so I changed them to solid aluminum, though I’m not sure how much Sperzel open locking tuners weigh and sent them an Email. So ASSUMING those tuners don’t weigh more than solid aluminum, my Center of mass moves to:

which, from balancing several guitars on my hand, is ASSUMINGLY about where the center of mass needs to be to prevent neck dive.

Also, I went through my collection of wood looking for some maple.

Got wood? I got plenty.
Most of it have been in my garage for 40 years and its mostly mahogany, like that 14”x74” piece, but I have 6 beams of unknown species that might be suitable for several other necks (hint, hint future projects ) If I can find out what they are made of.

These pieces are of cherry, pine and maple, all about seven to eight feet long
After the great endeavor, I came out with these:

I think they are made of maple. I will start making the neck tomorrow.

 

[jordanky]

This excites me... I would love to have an 8 string S!

 

[josh pelican]

This intrigues me greatly. Love the S shape.

 

[MikeH]

Time to put on the boner pants.

 

[josh pelican]

I think you mean it's time to take the pants off completely.

Then you can track guitar like Tre.

 

[Superwoodle]

A local hardwod flooring store was kind enough to donate me some bamboo to make my neck.

I'm going to plane and glue them next weekend.

 

[Captain Shoggoth]

Wow. Dude, I can't comprehend that you're my age and doing this, you're insane and awesome. SUPER excited to see how it turns out.

 

[Mordacain]

Awesome build plan. Can't wait to see how this turns out! Good luck!

 

[BlackMastodon]

Gonna be awesome. Also, love that Agile in your pic.

 

[BIG ND SWEATY]

iv always been curious about what a bamboo neck would feel like

 

[Superwoodle]

Next weekend came a little soon…
Cutting and gluing tomorrow!

Chopped of the sides via table saw.

Right to Left: Bottom, Top, Planed

Here is my basic construction I’m going for:

But I’m not quite sure how this method will work and how the alignment of the bamboo will cope with the stress from the strings. If someone can enlighten me whether it would be stronger to do a scarf joint or if it wouldn’t matter.

To cut down weight, I plan to use a truss rod like the one here:
Carbon-Glass Truss Rod | Cycfi Research
And use one of these:
STEWMAC.COM : Carbon Fiber Neck Rods

 

[capone1]

I'm very curious about the bamboo...how does it machine?

 

[Superwoodle]

I'm very curious about the bamboo...how does it machine?

Bamboo cuts pretty smooth, it’s only a little harder than maple.

Decided on making a Scarf Joint.

 

[capone1]

Now I want to hear it it sounds like. Go go go!

 

[tybro7]

very interesting build.. sounds and looks like it will be successful one! love the computer generated drawings man!!

 

[Konfyouzd]

Mr. Ibanez should consult you before making new models...

 

[Superwoodle]

Just Enjoyed a three day weekend.
Photos!!

10 Degree Jig!

Jointer Jig!

I planed down the headstock piece to .58”

A big tip for any other neck bamboo-ers, do NOT hand plane WITH the grain or fibers, it rips out chunks, although, it is safe to plane at an angle, like the scarf joint surfaces.

Now I have to start emptying my wallet…