Twelve String Stratocaster Kit!

[Ivan3000]

Here is the front and back of the neck:

Completed 12 String 4.jpg

Completed 12 String 5.jpg

[Ivan3000]

Body:

Completed 12 String 7.jpg

This one captures the guitar at a totally different angle:

Completed 12 String 8.jpg

Finally, this is my favorite shot of the guitar, nice background, the only drawback is that the amber neck isn't visible:

Completed 12 string 6.jpg

I'm very happy with how this came out!
What do you guys think, pretty good for a first project?

[Folkie]

As I said in the other thread you have running on this subject, I'd much prefer a Fender Electric XII to a Strat XII any day, or a Ric to either. For some reason, the Strat XII's I've played over the years all sound muddy rather than bright and chimey. On the other hand, Mitch Easter's Fender Electric XII defined the sound of R.E.M's early records, and, as we all know, Ric 12's sound like nothing else. Kudos to you, Ivan, for having the balls to assemble your own guitar. I'd be interested to know how it sounds with your gear.

[Ivan3000]

As I said in the other thread you have running on this subject, I'd much prefer a Fender Electric XII to a Strat XII any day, or a Ric to either. For some reason, the Strat XII's I've played over the years all sound muddy rather than bright and chimey. On the other hand, Mitch Easter's Fender Electric XII defined the sound of R.E.M's early records, and, as we all know, Ric 12's sound like nothing else. Kudos to you, Ivan, for having the balls to assemble your own guitar. I'd be interested to know how it sounds with your gear.

Thank you! The best way to describe the sound...it shimmers. It sounds very nice through my Vox V412BN and my acoustic head. I use that rig for my bass, but the 12 sounds great through it for some reason.
Thanks for looking!

[Folkie]

Ivan,

If it sounds great with your gear, I wouldn't mess with the nut. Just my two cents.

Robert

[jdawe]

Mitch Easter's Fender Electric XII defined the sound of R.E.M's early records, and, as we all know, Ric 12's sound like nothing else.

Speaking of which, does anyone know if Mitch ever got his XII back after it was stolen a while back?

[Folkie]

Mitch Easter's Fender Electric XII defined the sound of R.E.M's early records, and, as we all know, Ric 12's sound like nothing else.

Speaking of which, does anyone know if Mitch ever got his XII back after it was stolen a while back?

As far as I know, no word here on whether the Fender XII was recovered. Maybe we should ask Mitch himself...

[Folkie]

Ivan,

I didn't mean to give you so much negative feedback about your new Strat XII. I've tried two: one at Cambridge Music in Boston many years ago, and one at our local Sam Ash about two months ago. It's very possible that I just didn't take the time to dial in the right settings on the guitar and the amp, and that's why I was disappointed. If it sounds good to you, that's all that matters.

Robert

[aceonbass]

This guitar isn't an actual Fender, so it probably sounds different anyway.

[bitzerguy]

I just need to find somewhere to put it since the Krylon doesn't react well with the guitar stand.
Any suggestions?

Nice job Ivan.

I always cover my guitar stand contact points with surgical rubber tubing, after the recommendations of our Mr. Hall several years ago. I have never had an issue with any finishes reacting to it. Bought it at a medical supply store. It was not expensive. You can stretch it over whatever the guitar stand comes with, or remove the original foam/cloth/whatever and apply the tubing to the bare metal of the stand. All my stands are so equipped.

[Ivan3000]

Thank you everyone for all of the positive comments!

This guitar isn't an actual Fender, so it probably sounds different anyway.

I know, its better!

In all seriousness, it doesn't sound like a Fender at all, the cheap pickups are very thin sounding so it doesn't get muddy.

Its like an accident, but it is good! Sort of like how Fender accidentally discovered tonewoods.

[jdogric12]

the cheap pickups are very thin sounding so it doesn't get muddy

facepalm

how Fender discovered tonewoods

facepalm

Krylon

facepalm

[Hotzenplotz]

"Lil' Ivan"?! - Wow!...

Ivan is a young enthusiast doing his first steps in the world of guitars and basses.
Other guys at his age are stealing money for using drugs. - He had a good time with his stepdad(!).

Sometimes Ivan is writing things some of us do not appreciate endlessly, right. Were we different at his age? Surely not.

I do not want to join a club of grumpy and old back-seat drivers. So, please, give the young horses a place and a chance. We all did and still do mistakes, don't we?!

@Ivan: In former times there were the "Astro Kits" for guys like You! - Rock that damn nice thing! I am sure You never played and heard a better guitar than that one.

[manta]

I remember how thrilled I was to get my EKO 12-string (was probably a Ranger) back in 1966 or '67. That was back in the folk rock days and it added a whole new dimension to the music I could play and enjoy.



Good project Ivan. Your musical horizons will broadly expand with this instrument now in your life.

[paologregorio]

It looks pretty cool.