The neck angle was a bit of a guess really. I copied it off of the one I already had. I could have got all mathematical with it but when you have a guitar that is just there that works… copy it. C
I can't wait for the day, when you will achieve 147 854 subscribers, you will have dozens of thousands views on every video, and I will be that guy who saw every original Tele and LP episode the day it was published. I believe that content of this quality deserves a lot more attention. And I believe that YT algorithm will strike soon. Thank you very much for this. You know, I am something of a "guitar builder" myself, and I highly appreciate this kind of videos. I wish you all the best Chris. You beast.
Wow Meko. Thanks so much. I am so happy that you appreciate what I am doing. Making these videos has become a real passion but they are expensive and time consuming to create. However, to know that many people like you really get them is a just reward. I would love to get huge numbers and all that, but as long as I am getting through I am happy. 70% of my viewers are not subscribed and that is a problem for creators I think. Anyway, onwards Cx
It’s a nervy thing. I should have secured the template better. I have worked out a better method already, but this is a one off. Probably my first and last Junior. The whole process is a learning curve in general guitar making. I firmly believe that you can make anything once you have the base skills.
Tomato tomatta, potatoe Pattata. Rootin tootin router. Some folks even want me in imperial units. Make a groove any way you can. Thanks Bobby for your kind words. I’ll play a chord for you when it’s done. C
Thanks Lennie. I’m going to get this finished up in a few weeks. I’m taking a break whilst the weather sorts itself out and allows me to dry anything. Back soon I promise. Much more to come. C
@Guitar Making with Chris Reynolds looking forward to it. Chris. I'm working on my first build right now and I'll give you three guesses what I picked.
Nope, a double cutaway junior with a P90. I have a pine tele body and a nice used neck, plus all required hardware, pickups, and electronic stuff. They're next.
Cheers Garth, I am not done with the upgrades. My choice of pickup might upset the purists but hey... We have to try stuff. The neck being multipart is a departure and the laminated headstock is too. Thanks for sticking with me.
I do have a question. I was planning on doing the neck pocket 1.5 degree angle onto the neck itself instead of the pocket. Isn’t that easier to do than putting the angle in the guitar body or am I missing something?
I have a “Les Paul senior” that I scratch built using methods much like yours. I wanted it to be a Junior that has the same dimensions as a full size Lester. (Big guys Junior) it’s heavy, rocks hard and sounds great. It sports a Lollar P90. Kudos on your build. Accurate hands you have.
I've built a couple of Jr's myself and I'm really enjoying your take and your building process with this project. As with all your videos, I look forward to each entertaining installment. It's a fun watch... thank you!
Hi Cole. It's nice to hear that my stuff is entertaining. I try to keep it straightforward and light. Too many people out there trying to make it look harder than it is.
That fret calculator must be StewMac's most hit page. Also, spiral carbide router bits make the router behave much more nicely, since the cutting edge contacts the wood with a glancing shearing action rather than a chopping action.
Hi there - this looks like it'll be an awesome guitar. This fit of the neck seemed to be just perfect! Again thanks for all the explanations and tips. You are very good at this too,
Thanks Mario, always nice to hear from you. The neck fit is very good. I am actually concerned its too good. Yes, really. The worry with a tight fit is that there wiil be no room for the glue and it all gets squished out. I may have a controversial takeon that aspect. Next Ep perhaps.
Hoooo - since both part of the joint must react exactly the same to humidity, are you concerned it may crack on the weak side if too thight? A little sanding then? Different glue?
@@mariobernier4606 my main concern is that a joint that is too tight (this joint isn’t too tight really) doesn’t leave any room for the glue to go and set, so the joint doesn’t get glued properly. My idea is to make channels in the neck heel for the glue to inhabit. I’m pretty sure I read that Gibson may have done this. It kinda makes sense to me.
I am now totally absorbed in this build. Your hand craftsmanship is quite admirable as many people would not take the time or effort to do what could be done with jigs/templates, etc. Would you consider requests for future builds?
@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking Ok, you asked for it! I don't know if this would even be plausible, but I've always wanted to build a Hofner type hollow bodied Bass with 34" scale, but without standard type pickups, and possibly use a contact pickup to capture the actual "woody" tone of the instrument. Do you think such a thing would be feasible?
Hello Chris, thank you very much for the entertaining and informative videos. They show the process very clearly and your comments add a lot, and they're often funny btw.. I'm currently preparing for my first build next year, by reading and watching videos. Regarding the math formula: I would indeed calculate the fret positions myself. Being a music tuning theorist, that's one of the most fun parts. One important reason for me to build my own guitar(s), is the fact I can play with that, starting with a mean tone guitar. Looking forward to more of your videos! Kind regards, Alfons
Thanks Alfons. I made light of the formulae. In fact it’s quite fascinating how it works. I use short cuts wherever I can so that I can keep the momentum of a build going. As winter approaches, making progress gets more important as my workshop gets really cold. I wish you luck with your build and stay in touch. I’m always here to help if I can C
Another great video - can't wait to see the next part. You've inspired me to give it a go myself - just a question of finding the right scope for a first build!
That fretboard radius jig is amazing. Do you have a radius sanding block for all of your preferred radii (radiuses? radishes?). You mentioned you had a few other interchangeable radius parts. I'm watching multiple times because I wanted to catch the tool brands and types and I wind up watching the whole vid again. I am quite a fan.
My radius jig and my aluminium radius blocks come from Guitars and Woods in Portugal. I’m sure there are other sources in America and elsewhere. G&W keep refining the jig. I have jigs parts and blocks in 10, 12 and 16 inches. That covers most needs. Thanks for being a fan. I’m working on part 5 at the moment and hope to have that up in a few days.
Loving this build so far! Is there a benefit to cutting the angle into the body instead of the neck? I’d be inclined to believe the neck would be a bit easier, but I could be wrong!
Hi Brody... You have hit on a really big point. I agonised for a month over this joint. It was nearly a heel angle rather than a pocket. The heel angle would have meant angling the tail of the heel so that it fitted into the flat pocket. So I decided to stay traditional. Next time I might go the other way. Routing the angled pocket was a real pain and I nearly muffed it. C
Hey Chris, I've loved this series so much I've watched it a couple of times and now am about to step out on my own to build a left handed Les Paul Special single cutaway. A small question I have about the neck joint angle. In EP2 you mention a 2.5 degree angle and in this one you make up your jig to give yours a 1.5 degree angle. Does the 1.5 degree jig give you a final neck angle of 2.5 degrees or is it 1.5 degrees and does it matter? Finally, is the fender style neck pocket suitable for a les paul special with a neck pickup? I'm assuming the neck pickup slot is routed out at on the body just below the fretboard and there's no need to route any part of the neck out like with the traditional mortise and tenon joins. Thanks for these videos, they're a huge help and great to watch
1.5 was the neck angle in the end. It worked perfectly for me as I don’t like to see bridges set high. The simple pocket neck joint just seemed logical to me. I simply don’t understand why Gibson make such a meal of theirs. It’s a sold joint that should work in any scenario. Best of luck C
Hey Chris I find myself re-watching your videos. Amazing stuff. Truly inspired and thanks for what you do!! My question is this. How high does the top of the fretboard need to be off the top of the guitar body!?
I would target 10-12mm or just under a half inch. How are you doing David? I had a memory you were building a double cut or SG style build. Keep me posted.
@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking I’ve built a couple of Tele’s and currently re building a tele-LP Jr hybrid thing as well I’m building a LP from a kit, bought upgraded parts like pots and caps. Definitely going to build a LP and a Tele from scratch in the very near future.
@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking I would love to see a burst in two colors other than including black or white. Perhaps a three color fade, one to the next diagonally? Yeah, I woke up crazy.
@@MegaJimako ha ha. You’re welcome to come over and give it a go for me. I’m a bit fed up of wood finishes. It’s nice mahogany but it isn’t super interesting. I could be convinced though.
There is no shoulders on a Les Paul junior or Les Paul special. That's why there's overstock in the cutaway. Gibson make the tenon joint a bit longer than the neck just to avoiding fitting the end of the neck and the tenon seamless. Industrial production choice I may say...
@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking my training? Oh boy, my last built was from 1998... yes, 25 years ago. I plan to "restarting" soon . I'm an autodidact guitar "patenteux"😜(I'm a French Quebecer(Canada). Your LP Junior built is pretty fantastic . Keep on your good work and have fun doing it!! And keep your glue spreader healthy....😂
@@mariolafontaine5853 I will do Mario. Thanks for your input and your support. The simple way I attached the neck felt far more logical, was easier and looks the same. I’ve seen another builder do it this way and I still find the Gibson factory joint somewhat baffling as to its complexity. Glad you enjoyed the series. Cx
Haha. It’s sharp enough. It’s needs alignment and the guides setting up. A spot of oil would be a good idea too. I feel like I’ve been found out Sean. Bandsaw abuse. It’s a thing now I guess. C
Since you started on the neck I have been wondering about incorporating the neck angle. Brilliant!
The neck angle was a bit of a guess really. I copied it off of the one I already had. I could have got all mathematical with it but when you have a guitar that is just there that works… copy it. C
Unless you mean the tilted template? That was a bit scary but it worked fine.
I can't wait for the day, when you will achieve 147 854 subscribers, you will have dozens of thousands views on every video, and I will be that guy who saw every original Tele and LP episode the day it was published.
I believe that content of this quality deserves a lot more attention. And I believe that YT algorithm will strike soon.
Thank you very much for this. You know, I am something of a "guitar builder" myself, and I highly appreciate this kind of videos.
I wish you all the best Chris.
You beast.
Wow Meko. Thanks so much. I am so happy that you appreciate what I am doing. Making these videos has become a real passion but they are expensive and time consuming to create. However, to know that many people like you really get them is a just reward. I would love to get huge numbers and all that, but as long as I am getting through I am happy. 70% of my viewers are not subscribed and that is a problem for creators I think. Anyway, onwards Cx
Nice presentation, thanks for all the practical applications. Great
Thanks very much C
Amazing, fantastic, good times. Keep these series going please.
I certainly hope to. There is always the possibility that I will move to France but there would just be a pause whilst I re-equip.
I was holding my breath as you routed the neck pocket. Great stuff.
It’s a nervy thing. I should have secured the template better. I have worked out a better method already, but this is a one off. Probably my first and last Junior. The whole process is a learning curve in general guitar making. I firmly believe that you can make anything once you have the base skills.
Thank you Chris for good movie.
Thanks for your inspiring comment D.G. A few more episodes to come on this one I think. C
It’s not a “rooter” it’s a router! 😂 great video series
Tomato tomatta, potatoe Pattata. Rootin tootin router. Some folks even want me in imperial units. Make a groove any way you can. Thanks Bobby for your kind words. I’ll play a chord for you when it’s done. C
Hearty thumbs up! I'm drinking Sunday morning coffee and enjoying this entire series. Cheers from Savannah, GA, USA
Thanks Lennie. I’m going to get this finished up in a few weeks. I’m taking a break whilst the weather sorts itself out and allows me to dry anything. Back soon I promise. Much more to come. C
@Guitar Making with Chris Reynolds looking forward to it. Chris. I'm working on my first build right now and I'll give you three guesses what I picked.
@@lennierichardson1387 telecaster?
Nope, a double cutaway junior with a P90. I have a pine tele body and a nice used neck, plus all required hardware, pickups, and electronic stuff. They're next.
Great Video.
Great Comment. Thanks Gary, more to come
wow it's looking great!
Thanks Julio as always, best C
Great series so far Chris. I’m very close to starting my own build. This is fantastic inspiration. Lovely viewing. Thanks Chris!
Thanks Lloyd I would love to see your build by the way. Thanks so much for your kind words. It's inspiring to hear that people are enjoying my films
Tremendous, a junior with an ebony fretboard!! Thats going to be fantastic, what a great look! This was another really interesting episode. Thanks 👍
Cheers Garth, I am not done with the upgrades. My choice of pickup might upset the purists but hey... We have to try stuff. The neck being multipart is a departure and the laminated headstock is too. Thanks for sticking with me.
Hi Chris, you rule. Thank you for the videos. Gonna try building my electric guitar.
Thanks for your kind words. Good luck with your build. C
I do have a question. I was planning on doing the neck pocket 1.5 degree angle onto the neck itself instead of the pocket. Isn’t that easier to do than putting the angle in the guitar body or am I missing something?
I have a “Les Paul senior” that I scratch built using methods much like yours. I wanted it to be a Junior that has the same dimensions as a full size Lester. (Big guys Junior) it’s heavy, rocks hard and sounds great. It sports a Lollar P90. Kudos on your build. Accurate hands you have.
Thanks Jimmy. You guitar sounds great. I’m away at the moment but the build will continue soon.
I've built a couple of Jr's myself and I'm really enjoying your take and your building process with this project. As with all your videos, I look forward to each entertaining installment. It's a fun watch... thank you!
Hi Cole. It's nice to hear that my stuff is entertaining. I try to keep it straightforward and light. Too many people out there trying to make it look harder than it is.
That fret calculator must be StewMac's most hit page. Also, spiral carbide router bits make the router behave much more nicely, since the cutting edge contacts the wood with a glancing shearing action rather than a chopping action.
Thanks for your input. I need some new router bits and this sort of bit is on my list. Many thanks C
Looking really good
Thank you! Cheers!
Hi there - this looks like it'll be an awesome guitar.
This fit of the neck seemed to be just perfect!
Again thanks for all the explanations and tips. You are very good at this too,
Thanks Mario, always nice to hear from you. The neck fit is very good. I am actually concerned its too good. Yes, really. The worry with a tight fit is that there wiil be no room for the glue and it all gets squished out. I may have a controversial takeon that aspect. Next Ep perhaps.
Hoooo - since both part of the joint must react exactly the same to humidity, are you concerned it may crack on the weak side if too thight? A little sanding then? Different glue?
@@mariobernier4606 my main concern is that a joint that is too tight (this joint isn’t too tight really) doesn’t leave any room for the glue to go and set, so the joint doesn’t get glued properly. My idea is to make channels in the neck heel for the glue to inhabit. I’m pretty sure I read that Gibson may have done this. It kinda makes sense to me.
@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking ahhh okie dokie - beats making a bolt on !!! ☺️😉👋👋
@@mariobernier4606 I’m ok with bolt on necks but I think a fixed neck really helps with sustain and brightness
I am now totally absorbed in this build. Your hand craftsmanship is quite admirable as many people would not take the time or effort to do what could be done with jigs/templates, etc.
Would you consider requests for future builds?
Absolutely. I’m always looking to the next project/series. Fire away.
@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking Ok, you asked for it! I don't know if this would even be plausible, but I've always wanted to build a Hofner type hollow bodied Bass with 34" scale, but without standard type pickups, and possibly use a contact pickup to capture the actual "woody" tone of the instrument. Do you think such a thing would be feasible?
Hello Chris, thank you very much for the entertaining and informative videos. They show the process very clearly and your comments add a lot, and they're often funny btw.. I'm currently preparing for my first build next year, by reading and watching videos. Regarding the math formula: I would indeed calculate the fret positions myself. Being a music tuning theorist, that's one of the most fun parts. One important reason for me to build my own guitar(s), is the fact I can play with that, starting with a mean tone guitar. Looking forward to more of your videos! Kind regards, Alfons
Thanks Alfons. I made light of the formulae. In fact it’s quite fascinating how it works. I use short cuts wherever I can so that I can keep the momentum of a build going. As winter approaches, making progress gets more important as my workshop gets really cold. I wish you luck with your build and stay in touch. I’m always here to help if I can C
Another great video - can't wait to see the next part. You've inspired me to give it a go myself - just a question of finding the right scope for a first build!
Sam... If you are inspired I have done my job. Great to hear that you are going to get out there and do it.
Cheers Chris, see you in part 4 ☮❤
It's underway. There is a lot of neck carving in it so far. Always a wonder to know how much to leave in. C
That fretboard radius jig is amazing. Do you have a radius sanding block for all of your preferred radii (radiuses? radishes?). You mentioned you had a few other interchangeable radius parts. I'm watching multiple times because I wanted to catch the tool brands and types and I wind up watching the whole vid again. I am quite a fan.
guitarsandwoods.com/Jigs?product_id=4093
My radius jig and my aluminium radius blocks come from Guitars and Woods in Portugal. I’m sure there are other sources in America and elsewhere. G&W keep refining the jig. I have jigs parts and blocks in 10, 12 and 16 inches. That covers most needs. Thanks for being a fan. I’m working on part 5 at the moment and hope to have that up in a few days.
Loving this build so far!
Is there a benefit to cutting the angle into the body instead of the neck? I’d be inclined to believe the neck would be a bit easier, but I could be wrong!
Hi Brody... You have hit on a really big point. I agonised for a month over this joint. It was nearly a heel angle rather than a pocket. The heel angle would have meant angling the tail of the heel so that it fitted into the flat pocket. So I decided to stay traditional. Next time I might go the other way. Routing the angled pocket was a real pain and I nearly muffed it. C
Hey Chris,
I've loved this series so much I've watched it a couple of times and now am about to step out on my own to build a left handed Les Paul Special single cutaway. A small question I have about the neck joint angle. In EP2 you mention a 2.5 degree angle and in this one you make up your jig to give yours a 1.5 degree angle. Does the 1.5 degree jig give you a final neck angle of 2.5 degrees or is it 1.5 degrees and does it matter?
Finally, is the fender style neck pocket suitable for a les paul special with a neck pickup? I'm assuming the neck pickup slot is routed out at on the body just below the fretboard and there's no need to route any part of the neck out like with the traditional mortise and tenon joins.
Thanks for these videos, they're a huge help and great to watch
1.5 was the neck angle in the end. It worked perfectly for me as I don’t like to see bridges set high. The simple pocket neck joint just seemed logical to me. I simply don’t understand why Gibson make such a meal of theirs. It’s a sold joint that should work in any scenario.
Best of luck C
@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking Thanks for the reply. Would the angle change if I were to go with a tune-o-matic bridge vs the wraparound?
Just watching episode 3 you said you did the neck angle pocket at 1.5 degrees, are you using a wraparound bridge?
Yes it’s a wraparound bridge. This is shown in later episodes. If you watch all the episodes you may have fewer questions. C
Hey Chris I find myself re-watching your videos. Amazing stuff. Truly inspired and thanks for what you do!! My question is this. How high does the top of the fretboard need to be off the top of the guitar body!?
I would target 10-12mm or just under a half inch. How are you doing David? I had a memory you were building a double cut or SG style build. Keep me posted.
@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking I’ve built a couple of Tele’s and currently re building a tele-LP Jr hybrid thing as well I’m building a LP from a kit, bought upgraded parts like pots and caps. Definitely going to build a LP and a Tele from scratch in the very near future.
@@davidriel7805 I sent you a friend request in Facebook.
just finished watching the video, this is going to turn out amazing! What kind of a finish do you have in mind for this?
Hi VishaI, am thinking a bit of an antique burst maybe. What would you do? Solid colours mash the lovely wood.. But... I am still not sure.
@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking I would love to see a burst in two colors other than including black or white. Perhaps a three color fade, one to the next diagonally? Yeah, I woke up crazy.
@@MegaJimako ha ha. You’re welcome to come over and give it a go for me. I’m a bit fed up of wood finishes. It’s nice mahogany but it isn’t super interesting. I could be convinced though.
There is no shoulders on a Les Paul junior or Les Paul special. That's why there's overstock in the cutaway. Gibson make the tenon joint a bit longer than the neck just to avoiding fitting the end of the neck and the tenon seamless. Industrial production choice I may say...
I look forward to watching your next build. Where did you train?
@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking my training? Oh boy, my last built was from 1998... yes, 25 years ago. I plan to "restarting" soon . I'm an autodidact guitar "patenteux"😜(I'm a French Quebecer(Canada). Your LP Junior built is pretty fantastic . Keep on your good work and have fun doing it!! And keep your glue spreader healthy....😂
@@mariolafontaine5853 I will do Mario. Thanks for your input and your support. The simple way I attached the neck felt far more logical, was easier and looks the same. I’ve seen another builder do it this way and I still find the Gibson factory joint somewhat baffling as to its complexity. Glad you enjoyed the series. Cx
Time for a new bandsaw blade. That thing is noisy!
Haha. It’s sharp enough. It’s needs alignment and the guides setting up. A spot of oil would be a good idea too. I feel like I’ve been found out Sean. Bandsaw abuse. It’s a thing now I guess. C
@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking Just make sure to apply the oil with your special spreader.......finger.
@@seansguitargarage8525 eeerrrr maybe not on this occasion!! C