Almuse JazzTenor (GDAE)

[mando.player]

Yes I cross posted this over in the tenor section, I but figured members that follow Pete's work probably monitor this section more. Once Pete casts the pickups it should be complete. Love getting new stuff, hate the wait though.

[vwfye]

What gauge string set?

[Soundfarmer Pete]

What gauge string set?

I`m starting with 0.010", 0.014", 0.024" and 0.036" ......see what it feels like.......

[vwfye]

Also, what is your scale length?

[djweiss]

Looks great!

[Soundfarmer Pete]

Also, what is your scale length?

23"

[Tom Wright]

Ah, so pretty. My first good guitar in the 60s was a JazzMaster. After Hendrix I had to have a Strat but I had some good times with the JM.

Congrats to both maker and new owner.

[vwfye]

Thanks Pete!

[mando.player]

It's on the truck. With temps here still in the 30s (teens over night), the box will have to sit and come up to room temp. So I guess I'm waiting to wait some more...LOL

[vwfye]

Well???

[mando.player]

Arrived safe and sound. My expectations were exceeded on every way. After some time on the initial strings, I bumped up the gauges to .011, 015, 026 and 038. That tightened them up just enough so I wouldn't bend the strings when chording. I was concerned with the scale length at first, but I've come to grips (pun...hehe) with it.

Finding an appropriate case/base proved to be a challenge. I ended up putting it in a pillow case to made the drive to Elderly. A Reunion Blues Continental gig bag (electric guitar) ended up being the best fit. Thank goodness it was on sale. After sticking a chunk of foam in the bottom of the bag, it was a perfect fit.

Now that the weather has improved, I'll try to get outside and get some decent pics posted.

[mando.player]

A few shots I took this morning...

[Verne Andru]

Very nice. Is it a custom build? I don't see that model on their site.

[mando.player]

Pretty much everything Pete does is custom/commissioned. Since I wanted to go as stock "Jazzmaster" as possible, it was really fun figuring things out with Pete. I think we both learned a few things along the way.

[jesserules]

How's the trem bar working out?

[Soundfarmer Pete]

One of the "fun" aspects that Charlie refers to was the pickups.......Jazzmaster pickups are HUGE!
Essentially, the guitar is around 90% full size so I bought a Jazzmaster pickup cover, cut it into 8 pieces removing some of the surplus plastic, glued it all back together and made a new silicon rubber pickup mould to resin cast the pickups........Definitely fun....but worth it!

[Verne Andru]

It's very nice work and looks like a gas to play.

[mando.player]

The tremolo works like a charm. The tune-o-magic bridge Pete went with has roller saddles and string tree on the headstock has rollers. Nothing gets caught up and everything stays in tune. Now I just need to learn how to tastefully use it

Another interesting aspect of this instrument is that we elected to go with Fender's dual tone circuit (http://www.fender.com/news/jazzmaster-controls/). After some experimentation, Pete settled in on the right resistors to use for each position. It's nice to have distinct rhythm and lead tone/volume settings available at the flick of a switch. And really, what nerd doesn't want a few cool switches and roller knobs on their axe.

[Wupeide]

A few shots I took this morning...

Beautiful! I'd love to hear it!

[Verne Andru]

Any updates on this? Wondering how it balances on a strap - those offset bodies can sometimes be a bit neck-heavy.