Embedded Files
After having built a first Daphne Blue Stratocaster more than a year ago, I felt the urge to built yet another one once I would have the right parts.
A while ago I bought a black Stratocaster body which would be the base of the project.
I like maple necks most on a Daphne Blue strat, so I searched for one.
The guy who sold me the neck could also deliver me an 80's loaded pickguard which looked real nice and aged.
After testing the electronics I decided to use this one.
The basic elements were there and I ordered the right nirtocelloloid laquer to finish the body with.
Meanwhile I prepared the guitar neck. Filling the old srew-holes, do
a fret job, and apply the Herman's logo.
I still had a stratocaster bridge laying around that fitted perfectly in the body.
It also was quite 'aged'. Perfect for my project! Then it was time to make the body and neck fit together. I prefer to do this before I paint the guitar. I found out that the neck had to be tilted a little bit backwards in combination with the body and bridge. I drilled now holes in the neck ands made it fit perfectly. After sanding and cleaning the body it was time to apply the grounding laquer.
After that it was time for the nice Daphne Blue color paint. Now I was getting an idea of the looks of this guitar:
 Beginning to look nice! Then it was time to give some attention to the pickguard and the electronics. I found out that the pickups and the switch were ok, but I had my doubts about the volume and tone pots. I decided to replace most of the electronics. New pots and a new capacitor. A good looking guitar deserves proper working electronics. The old stuff. Small 500K (?) pots.
The new stuff. Big and new 250K pots. As it should be on single coil pickups. I must say: It made a hell of a difference! It sounded much brighter and stronger. So if you ever have doubts about your guitars (cheap) electronics, don't hesitate to replace it with quality stuff! Then it was time to start assembling the guitar.
The neck had to be tilted al little bit backwards to compensate for a proper height of the bridge saddles.
I mounted the bridge with three springs. Normally this will do just right in combination with a set of .10 strings.
And offcouse this guitar also deserves my "Herman's" logo.
I used a waterslide decall and covered it up with multiple layers of bright laquer.
Well. To make a long story short: this is what the guitar looks like after all my effort:
Next to my Fender Highway One strat.
Doesn't look bad, now does it?
And how does it sound?
Well. Like this, on my little Laney VC15.
It is actually a bit more Jazzy and a little darker sounding than other Strats I've built.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse