Build #018 - Polaris Merlin NT5 Purple Heart

[drbass]

Just like with #017 timber for this one is all sorted but not sure about the electronics. If you're interested in this one contact me and we'll work out the right combo. Otherwise I might just put in the usual suspects.

This is the top, some nice purple heart (very tight in terms of width, might have to slightly modify the body shape for this one):

There'll be walnut wings and a 5 mm maple contrast layer.

35", 24 frets, neck will be 5 piece, three maple with 2 purple heart stringers with a square central piece. Matching angled headstock. Most likely a zebtrano board for contrast, otherwise maple or birds eye maple.

ETS Singles for the bridge, the usual Hipshot short key Y 3/8" tuners, and flushmount Dunlop strap locks.

That's all for now.

Regards,
Michael

[Classic5]

OMG I'm losing track of all the builds.

Looking very much forward to seeing all these come together

[drbass]

OMG I'm losing track of all the builds.

Looking very much forward to seeing all these come together

Me, too, and me, too .

I thought it's easier in separate threads. If anyone feels this is spamming the board let me know and I'll try a more sparse approach.

Regards,
Michael

[sic608]

Wow now this ine is so tempting

Go with the birdseye

You should do a "new borns" page

[packrat]

birds eye maple is wonderful

[drbass]

Neck-vana today. Here's the first one: 3 maple with 2 purple heart stringers:

Regards,
Michael

[narcdor]

Noice.

[drbass]

I'll put this one here. Takes a fair bit of time to mark out where everything goes in a neck.

From left to right: 32" 4 string special Special Q #019 (I'll change the number of bolts from 5 to 6), 35" 5 string fretless Gumdrop #015, and the 35" NT Merlin #018:

The NT will get 4 carbon rods (just to see if that makes a difference), two oblique long ones, and two from about halfway down the neck straight down the neck. Just because I can, and there is some space .

Regards,
Michael

[drbass]

No, it's not really THAT purple:

Zebrano board looks nifty. Still not decided on electronics and pickups, this one is not allocated to anyone so if you're interested ... .

Regards,
Michael

[drbass]

Trialling my "lamination rig" to glue on the fretboard.

Setting up everything right side up, tighten the bolts and then turn over so the epoxy (which is reasonably fluid) stays out of the truss rod channel as much as possible (no, I don't put a strip of timber over the truss rod, different method).

A little cumbersome (I would normally do it on my outside bench but it's threatening to rain) but so far so good ... .

Regards,
Michael

[drbass]

Same treatment for this neck as for #016 - nice way to get a straight edge of the neck.

After Blaine always comments on the thickness of my necks (more accurately the lack thereof) I though I might leave this one as is, a nice chunky and ergonomically friendly shape .

Regards,
Michael