Custom 7 String Build - Your Thoughts Please!

[courtney2018]

Hi all. I'd like to get some feedback on an idea I've got for a 7 string. I posted this over on seventring.org as well. As you know, maybe, I'm currently working on a 6 string that's based off of the Ibanez Power II body style. You can find it on a thread called the Power Jem. I was working on it last weekend and started to get the drive to build a 7 string version with a trem.

I really like the body style, but I didn't want to do another one exaclty like it. I really like the old Ibanez X series guitars and I wanted to incorporate alittle bit of my favorites into the Power II body style and this is what I came up with. Personally, out of these 4, I like number 3 the best. Keep in mind it's going to be a 7 string with a trem. The neck will be custom made with custom inlays on a maple fretboard. Really I just want some input on what you like about these 4 and/or what you don't like. What would you change?

As for wood choices I thought about doing a quilted maple top, but I can't find a source to buy from that has a matching, or non-matching for that matter, quilted maple board of the size needed. I estimated it would be around 25" or so for the body length. So unless someone knows of a source here's what I've got in mind for wood. Laminate body of Basswood, Purpleheart and Wenge. The neck would be a laminate of either Birdseye or Curly maple with Purpleheart and Wenge with a maple fretboard with a reverse headstock. I might throw in some Bloodwood, but it would be mainly for looks.

As nice as the body would look as a laminate I would probably paint it, but I don't know what color at this point. So, what are your thoughts?

[shreddersymphony]

Originally Posted by courtney2018

Hi all. I'd like to get some feedback on an idea I've got for a 7 string. I posted this over on seventring.org as well. As you know, maybe, I'm currently working on a 6 string that's based off of the Ibanez Power II body style. You can find it on a thread called the Power Jem. I was working on it last weekend and started to get the drive to build a 7 string version with a trem.

I really like the body style, but I didn't want to do another one exaclty like it. I really like the old Ibanez X series guitars and I wanted to incorporate alittle bit of my favorites into the Power II body style and this is what I came up with. Personally, out of these 4, I like number 3 the best. Keep in mind it's going to be a 7 string with a trem. The neck will be custom made with custom inlays on a maple fretboard. Really I just want some input on what you like about these 4 and/or what you don't like. What would you change?

As for wood choices I thought about doing a quilted maple top, but I can't find a source to buy from that has a matching, or non-matching for that matter, quilted maple board of the size needed. I estimated it would be around 25" or so for the body length. So unless someone knows of a source here's what I've got in mind for wood. Laminate body of Basswood, Purpleheart and Wenge. The neck would be a laminate of either Birdseye or Curly maple with Purpleheart and Wenge with a maple fretboard with a reverse headstock. I might throw in some Bloodwood, but it would be mainly for looks.

As nice as the body would look as a laminate I would probably paint it, but I don't know what color at this point. So, what are your thoughts?

A great source for wood is a website called gallery hardwoods (google it). It's where i got the beautiful white korina for my 2nd custom guitar that's being built right now. Very professional guys. As to the pictures, I feel like I need to say one thing: too many cuts, lol. It's a nice idea but I feel like this is way too cut, maybe one or two nice cuts into the body could be nice. And hell while youre building a custom, why not throw some more money in and get a nicer fretboard than just plain maple? Best of luck Courtney, I LOVE custom projects. Ive decided never to own or play a company guitar ever again but only the custom(s). If you need advice with anything else, sources for exotic wood, yada yada feel free to PM me. Here's the white korina i got from them btw, glued and clamped and dryin' for cutting time.

[Crazy_Guitar]

Go 3!!!