Building my 2nd Guitar - A 1964 Gibson ES-335 tribute/replica

Hello all,

I've been a member for years and posted a build thread when I built my CNC awhile back. It never occurred to me to see if there was an instrument forum here. Lo and behold, there is!

Well I've been using my CNC to build all sorts of things since I "finished" it (they're never really done, are they?). The latest one is using it to help me build a replica or tribute or ... i don't know, homage? ... Here's the basic jist...

This specific build is very important to me as an enormous fan of Eric Clapton. I'm going to attempt to replicate the 1964 Gibson ES-335 that Eric bought in that same year.

There will be a lot of challenges along the way, but my hope is to pay homage to a man who has been a very large influence on my life both in music and in lifestyle. This is my attempt to share the impact Eric has had on my life and that his intention to be a good steward of the Blues has certainly been a success to my ears.

I started this in november and have been filming every single minute of the build as I go from testing processes to cutting project parts to fixing errors and remaking mistakes. It's not a short series, by any stretch. My main goal in all this filming is to show the ENTIRE process - not just skip over from one success to the next. I'm not a teacher, I'm not really a luthier. I'm learning - and you're watching that as I go. This whole build is a big challenge for me but it's fun and I love all the lessons I'm learning. It just so happens I'm walking out to the shop and hitting record...

Today, part 21 posted ... I post a new episode every week and if folks don't mind, i'd like to keep updating this thread as new episodes come out. I'll have questions along the way and maybe you guys can help guide me through my struggles. Here's today's video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3Uk4ElVxCc

And if you're really looking for some time to kill - here's a link to the playlist up to this point: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...itEaGnWq5BTfWa

If it weren't for this place, I wouldn't have my CNC - and i wouldn't have the capability to build this guitar - so thank you for being a great community. I lurk 99% of the time and absorb the stuff that gets posted and my hope is that some of this will contribute to the wealth of information this forum offers. Thanks for watching! :)

In honor of Eric Clapton​'s 70th birthday, a special release of the guitar build video series... Early!

Happy birthday, Eric, and may you have many more. Thank you for the inspiration, the motivation and the musical therapy you've given me since I was a kid.

This video is a pretty good one, too. Lots of work done on the neck - getting the tenon fitted into the body properly.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Wq1iKCtlYA

Part 23!

First, a quick cleanup of the outer edges of the body to prepare for the binding. Then we steam out some dents and dings on the surface - got some great footage of that. After that, I finish cleaning up the fret slots on the fretboad. Finally, the loose fit of the neck tenon bugs me enough to redo it with a FAR better fit and get the neck angle set properly. This was a big one!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJzoXmV4qPE

Another big episode - in this one, I get the fretbard cut to length and install binding on the end of the fretboard. Then I route the rabbet for the binding on the body and give a quick overview of the body routing jig.

After that, I start doing binding installation on the body and while the glue's drying, I start the process of shaping the back of the neck. Finally, we see the results of binding the body and get another lesson the hard way.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7Q8-bONmh4

A followup on the failed binding and some cleanup of that. I also cut out a radius gauge for helping with the back of the neck shape. Also, I fair up the shape of the headstock some more - knowing i'm not quite done, yet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs8_pjK52r4

This episode starts with checking the fretboard mounting.
Then I begin shaping the neck to the templates at the 1st and 12th.
Next I shape the rest of the neck and heel bout.
Finally, drill the tuning machine holes and clean up the headstock.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtLQZkQ2zro

It's time to start tests for headstock inlay. I wasn't pleased with the fretboard binding after shaping the neck - so i decide to remove what's there using the CNC and then reinstall the binding after that. Finally, more headstock inlay tests start...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnjEikjKd0U

First we see the results of the neck re-binding. Stick on the end binding. Then clean up the binding. Also, more headstock inlay tests - this time with a new material. Then we re-drill and install the side markers and true that up. Also some more fret slot cleaning. Almost ready for frets!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VpPhpZeTPg

Headstock inlay test results. And a monumental phase, it's time to start testing colors for the finish! This episode is the first half of all my color testing adventures. Big doings!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_KncdARHqQ

beamerweb

Great to see you crafting such a fine instrument. Thanks for sharing your video's

More finish testing. Mostly finding the right colors and looking to make the grain pop as much as possible. Trying some crazy things with an under-coat of unusual colors, as well. Learning a lot about Transtint and the way the maple responds to it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22XTUZpl3rg

Continuing the color testing. Lots of samples, lots of reds. Also worked on the figured test pieces as well. Plenty of color in this one!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXBzDiZivN8

Sorry for the late video!! I rushed to get this one together in time. You'll be glad to know there's NO FINISHING AT ALL in this one. I actually split that out, skipped ahead a little bit and will post the skipped portions soon, for those interested.

In this video, though, very big step - long overdue - finally gets done and with FANTASTIC success. The body binding returns!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kouFHDsK_fM

Looks very nice! Great job :)
Hub

Hey thanks, Hub! I wondered how many folks here are really gettin' anything outta these ... i appreciate the feedback! :)

The sordid color testing tale FINALLY comes to a close in this second half of part 32. I split it off to appease those of who have had enough of it. Unfortunately, the reality is it took this much to reach a conclusion on color - and this entire build is 100% of the effort, good or bad, warts and all. I am sensitive to the fact that this part was pretty un-enjoyable. Imagine being the one going THROUGH it!

I promise this is the end of the color testing footage - you'll have to tune in next week to see which color I did finally choose, though :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgpfWVFGYZs

Your videos are very good with great tips & tricks :) I'm going to make a guitar (or two) too when I get the chance. Thanks a lot for sharing :)'
Can't wait too see (and hear) yours finished! :)

Hub

In a little mini-episode, I get started modifying the wiring harness to fit the 335. This requires some de-soldering and some re-soldering by a complete amateur hack who can't solder to save his life. I later learn a valuable lesson but for now, check out this little tidbit of footage of the wiring :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RRycEtUL4Q

Another 2-part episode this week. In this first part, we review where we are with everything. I also discover an oops and have to figure out a solution.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcF2p_MCT8s

The real gem of this episode is part 2 - this is a huge step. Frets! From bending the fret wire to the proper radius, notching the frets for the binding, installing each fret and leveling and dressing each fret. This episode covers the entire fretting process. VERY big milestone! :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ-iZnrCJWM