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Thread: Yamaha jr2 to tenor conversion

  1. #1
    Registered User Steve VandeWater's Avatar
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    Default Yamaha jr2 to tenor conversion

    After stupidly selling my Blueridge BT-40 a few years ago due to scale length issues, I realized I'd like to give tenor guitar another try. I didn't want to spend much $ in case I decided again that I just couldn't do it. I've seen other conversions here so I decided to try one myself, converting a cheap Yamaha JR2 (3/4 sized) that i got on Craigslist. The scale length is around 22 inches.

    I used a dremel with a carbide cutoff wheel to cut through the frets and remove the outer pieces . Then I switched to a saw attachment and again used the dremel to cut the neck down to the width I wanted, then sanded it smooth. I filled in the two middle tuning machine holes, made a metal plate to cover the back of the headstock, and a new veneer for the front of the headstock.

    I then installed a cheap pickup and made a new bone nut and saddle.

    I know it's a total hack job as far as workmanship goes, but I didn't care as I was going for an antiquish/vintage look anyway. I tried to make it resemble an old Gibson without making a counterfeit. Therefore, I inlaid the headstock to read "Gilson" and printed a fake label stating that it is "guaranteed against being a product of Gibson. I just thought it would be kinda funny. I doubt I'll ever sell it, but if I do I will be certain to stress that it is in no way, shape, or form a Gibson product.

    I've really enjoyed messing around with the build, as well as learning to play something with a longer scale than a mandolin. The folks at the open mics i go to get a real kick out of it. They tell me that the guitar sounds great, with a much bigger sound than they expected.

    Attached are a stock photo of what it looked like originally and the pics since I butchered it up.Click image for larger version. 

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    It ain't gotta be perfect, as long as it's perfect enough!

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  3. #2
    Registered User Steve VandeWater's Avatar
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    Default Re: Yamaha jr2 to tenor conversion

    I don't know why some of the pics are sideways. Sorry
    It ain't gotta be perfect, as long as it's perfect enough!

  4. #3
    Registered User fox's Avatar
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    Default Re: Yamaha jr2 to tenor conversion

    Good on you, looks like fun.

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  6. #4
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    Default Re: Yamaha jr2 to tenor conversion

    Nicely done. I have done two Squier minis into tenors since they have removable necks. Acoustic instruments are a lot tougher with the fixed neck.

    I would like to try a concert size body to see if the acoustics are better than these Jr guitars.

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