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Electric guitar question

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GregW

GregW

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Hi Everyone,
I've been kickin' around the idea of making another solid body electric and had a couple questions. Does anyone use Wilkinson parts? I'm interested if their pick-ups are any good. I'm mainly interested in Humbuckers, but anyone with a good sounding single coil will give me an idea of general quality (maybe). I am also contemplating the VS100G tremolo though I don't really want to have to cut the back of the guitar out to install one. I have a Kahler on my present guitar that I like, thinking also about getting another one of those. The main reason for the interest in Wilkinson is that's also my last name, so it kind of amuses me to have the name brand. I won't get them though if I think it's junk. Thanks.
 
My day job is guitar repair -- so, I'm opinionated as well as experienced.
I have no experience with Wilkinson P/ups. I didn't even know they made 'em, so I can't help you there...
The Wilkinson Trem is a fine piece of gear. If I had to choose between it and a Kahler, I'd go with the Wilkinson.
 
Thanks for the feedback Moseso. All of the reviews I've read echo what you said. Some interesting facts I found: Trevor Wilkinson is the founder of the guitars and parts. Not the same Trevor that founded TVR. The guitar guy did have a career in auto mechanics in England though before he moved to California to get into the guitar business. Sounds like he's moved back home now.
 
So I bought the Wilkinson tremolo and also his locking tuners. Bill Lawrence pick-ups (a humbucker and a new single coil design). I made a full scale mock-up in the computer and will have the outline printed out so I can start cutting the wood. The color is off, but it gives a loose idea.
 
That looks nice, Greg. You'll have to share photos of the finished product.
 
Hi Anthony,
Thanks for the vendor. I've spent a lot of time looking for hardware and think I've got it all. If you notice on the guitar, there is only one knob. I found a concentric mini stack pot, so I can have both vol and tone with minimal routing in the back. Should also simplify wiring a tad. I do need to get some strap locks still, in black of course.
 
Will do Drew,
I was only able to get the first cut done today. This is for the top slope of the head. Cutting a 2x6 plank of Leopardwood isn't easy with a hand saw. :blush:
 
gregw, heres one i rebuilt...its a 1957 gibson l50, was well trashed when i got it, replaced some bits of the arch top, refretted, replaced the neck binding, refinished hand rubbed lacquer.
 

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looks good Greg, do you use Stewmac for parts?
 
I bought a few things from them. I used their template to route out the bridge and rear spring assembly yesterday. Also picked up the frets and fretboard from them. I really couldn't find a "one-stop shop"
 
That's looking good. Should be fun to play once it's done.
 
Did some shaping of the neck yesterday. Today was bodywork. Routed the cavity for the electronics and did a little contouring. It struck me that scalloping around the switches and volume knob might be a nice detail. I'm loving the Leopard wood.
 
looks great Greg, can't wait to see the finished product.
 
That thing is shaping up! I don't see a joint, are you cutting neck and body from one slab?

Suppliers: Better for tools and lumber, and just generally better on prices and selection of stuff, is Luthiers Mercantile.
 
Yes, the neck and center of the body are one piece. Then I'm gluing the top and bottom (as you play the guitar) on. This way, I can bore holes easier from the pickups to the controls.
 
I routed the slot before I cut out the general shape of the neck. It was easier to set up a guide to keep the router on track than trying to clamp to a tapered, contoured object.
 
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