New Project: Dean Vendetta 1.7

[iBZnOrange]

So i just laid one away at work, cause i ****ing love the thing, and its really cheap. PERFECT canvas for modding **** up :wub:

It plays decently well stock actually, and sounds pretty solid, but clearly it could be better. I'm extremely impressed however for a guitar that goes new MAP at under 250 dollars.

Anyways, as i started with new pickups and tuners, and thoughts of this and that, the thing turned into a project, which is something ive been needing/craving anyways as of late.

So heres my plan for the thing

1. Upgrade Tuners
   • Remove old tuners
   • Install Planet Waves Trimlock Tuners
2. Upgrade Bridge to Recessed TOM
   • Remove old bridge
   • Remove old studs
   • Redrill deeper stud holes
   • Route bridge recess
   • Install new studs
   • Install new bridge
   • Re-angle neck pocket
3. Upgrade Electronics
   • Install Wolfetone JB rewind in bridge
   • Install Vintage Vibe humbucker-sized P90 in neck
   • Shield Pickup and Electronics cavities
   • Install Hauser pots
   • Install push/pull series/parallel switch for bridge on volume knob
4. Upgrade Nut
   • Remove old nut
   • Custom cut new TUSQ nut
   • Glue new nut in place
5. Re-Profile Neck Joint a la Old Jem
   • Mark depth of new heel
   • Draw out new carve
   • Sand away bulk of old heel
   • Hand taper new heel in place
6. Re-Radius Fretboard
   • Remove old frets
   • Re-radius fretboard to 14"
   • Roll edges of fretboard
   • Install new true jumbo stainless steel frets
7. Scallop Frets 21-24
   • Route depth of scallop on each fret
   • Hand file each scallop in place
8. Relocate String-Through-Body Ferrulles
   • Remove old ferrulles
   • Fill in old ferrule holes
   • Drill new ferrule holes ala Mayones Setium GT7
   • Countersink new ferulles
   • Glue ferrules in place
9. Refinish Guitar
   • Sand off old headstock finish
   • Sand off neck finish
   • Sand off body finish
   • Refinish neck in satin clear
   • Dye fretboard black
   • Refinish body and matching headstock in candy :blank:
   • Add KGW headstock logo
   • Add chrome hardware
10. Add EBMM JP7 Forearm Style Contour
    • Mark depth
    • Mark shape of contour
    • Carve out contour with a spokeshave
    • Hand sand final contour

So, not sure which color to go for, torn between blue, orange and green. Also, any other cool mods i "forgot" while we're at it?

also, any suggestions from the luthier types around here would be much appreciated. Im a bit torn on the order of which to go about things as well. thanks guys :wavey:

[Ibateur]

Seems like by the end of this project, you won't have a Dean anymore, so I wonder "why bother?"

I certainly don't think you missed a single thing in that list.

Hope you post pictures of your progress.

Good luck!

[lctdmf]

Looks like one hell of a project. Have fun! And keep us posted as much as you can!

[Mr.WizardNeck]

I'd change it from a TOM bridge to a string through piezo bridge (graphtech) with all the fun switches and 13 pin plug. Remove all the hardware and finish and put down a thin piece of bubinga for a really nice looking top finish. Other than that, all good.

[Ryker_S]

beast

[lctdmf]

Originally Posted by Mr.WizardNeck

I'd change it from a TOM bridge to a string through piezo bridge (graphtech) with all the fun switches and 13 pin plug. Remove all the hardware and finish and put down a thin piece of bubinga for a really nice looking top finish. Other than that, all good.

OOH, +1

[iBZnOrange]

Ive thought of the piezo thing but its more money than i want to spend atm. definitely looking at that as an option however for future work