Building A Neck Thru Body Guitar

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 5:24 am

I'm surprised no one has asked up to this point but in any case, I should have commented earlier.

Dale had the courtesy to contact me in advance so we could discuss this project and obtain proper permission to utilize our trademarked shapes.

That's in vast contrast to some others who have knocked us off over the years.

admin · Post by **admin** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 5:33 am

Thanks for this clarification John.

tony_carey · Post by **tony_carey** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 6:19 am

I think no-one asked John because of this post by Dale.... http://www.rickresource.com/cgi-bin/discus/show.cgi?tpc=43&post=123564#POST123564

It is only courtesy to approach you first & I am sure that we would expect nothing less from some one of Dales reputation.

thx1955 · Post by **thx1955** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 6:26 am

Dale, you could go into Photobucket, and make the library of the pics public, this way anyone could go back and review all the fantastic pictures you've taken to date.

atomic_punk · Post by **atomic_punk** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 6:50 am

I don't think the knock-off artists have the respect for Rickenbacker that they should. Dale, on the other hand, obivously goes about it the right way. Great pics, Dale! I have always wanted to know how that binding was done....nice job!

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 7:50 am

This is a terrific insight into how Rickenbacker guitars are made for all those not fortunate enough to get behind the scenes. For my own part, I had assumed that Dale had gotten permission from JH, since what he was doing was so close to RIC's actual products, with regard to both shape and methodology of construction.

Dale, you mentioned previously that you were considering doing the checkered binding, but that it would take lots of work for you to manufacture it. Did you manufacture the binding in the photos above, or (in light of John's post above) was RIC kind enough to provide it to you?

This is almost like a tour of RIC's manufacturing facility (minus the accompaniment and commentary of John Hall!). The only difference seems to be that their shaping operations are now automated, and yours are done by hand on the ol' pin router, as RIC did in the "old days".

A great photo essay. Kudos. Waiting for the next installment!

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 10:27 am

His pin router seems to be about 3 generations newer than the ones we still have! They're mostly getting rusty now though.

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 10:43 am

This is indeed wonderful stuff, Dale. I've stayed out of it to date because my wisecracks would spoil the whole thread. I've got to get broadband asap. Takes me about an hour to go through the stunning photos! A brilliant idea to share your expertise with us fortunate few - I love it!!

bill_yantz · Post by **bill_yantz** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 11:53 am

Your pin routers are vintage John, they are worth more, ha, ha. Thanks for giving Dale your OK to proceed with this project for all to see and enjoy.

Dale, what can I (we) say. I am speechless and can only say great, keep it coming and I am full of anticiapation for the rest of the journey and then finally "the finish," both color and completion.

BTW, did you ask and get permission to put a Ric trussrod cover on it? Either way it will be cool but just wondering. Thanks Dale

ratso · Post by **ratso** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 2:02 pm

Great pix Dale. Glad to see the checkered binding is being used! sorry I missed you today. It was a late night.

jonpaul · Post by **jonpaul** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 5:57 pm

Dale, all of these photos documenting this build are terrific! What an insight into the craftmanship that goes into building these beauties. From what I've seen and read you and Paul (jingle j) could hook up and ......well you never know. It's hard now a days to run across truly talented and experienced individuals such as yourselves. Great work!

dale_fortune · Post by **dale_fortune** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 6:14 pm

Thanks John! I noticed that your reply was post # 1000, way kool. Joe, the acetone softens/melts the binding which is acetate, the heat gun is only to soften the binding enough to bend it to the shape of the body, that way there is no back pressure on the curved parts or the horns. 10 years down the road it will still be in place after it shrinks up a little. In shops now days most people use various glues, I like the old school stuff, Acetone. Like I said earlier, be very careful using a heat gun, the acetate will burn just like a guitar pick(same material) As for the B/W checkered binding, I've had 4 pieces since the late 70's. There was a supplier in L.A., (Vitali) that imported this from Germany. I've been saving this for so long, now was a good time to use 1 of the pieces. My Pin Router is fairly new, I retired my old one last year. They are a great machine to have. The binding slots can also be cut on a table shaper or using a small hand held router with a cutter that has a pilot bearing 1/8 inch smaller than the flute on the bit. As for putting a Rick Truss Rod Cover on this: I don't think that would be the proper thing to do. My intentions are to share my knowledge and experience that was given to me when I was an apprentice at Rickenbacker. Since this web site is for and about the finest and earliest electric guitars made, what better place could I have come to and shared this information. This is also very rewarding to me to build a one off replica of a guitar that was really never built. Paul, just wait till you see how I shape the neck! Most of you will be very surprised. Let me close by giving a debt of gratitude to John Hall for allowing this project to happen. Thanks John and if you ever open that custom shop I'll be there for you.

bill_yantz · Post by **bill_yantz** » Wed Jun 22, 2005 3:25 am

Very well said Dale.
Regarding custom shop; I have often thought that it would be a perfect partnership for you and John to do some very special work and in a sense, crown Rickenbacker with examples of their incredible design and workmanship that is second to none. I truly believe an effort like this would seperate Ric from all others - even more.

marty · Post by **marty** » Wed Jun 22, 2005 10:16 am

Great post Dale!

It's fascinating to see an instrument being created by a talented craftsman.

Appreciate you sharing the process with us....keep the great pics coming

roadrunners · Post by **roadrunners** » Wed Jun 22, 2005 10:45 am

isnt every rickenbacker sort of like a custom shop piece. They are all handmade from order....so in the sense of custom....aren't they always custom made?