Both TOM-type Gibsons I've owned have had factory saddle slots that were not really related to the centerlines of the saddles themselves. The bridges and tailpieces were all obviously installed "within certain tolerances" and then the slots were filed to line the strings up with polepieces/neck edges. I've assumed for years that all Gibson-type bridges were adjusted this way in the initial setup, but that is merely an assumption.Perry wrote:and also the string slots in the saddles were barely there. I think this is somewhat common for Gotoh bridges. I did have trouble keeping the strings in what slots were there before taking the photo.
Gibson '57 Futura Build
- countertext
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Re: Gibson '57 Futura Build
- Perry
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Re: Gibson '57 Futura Build
This is good to know. Thank you for the information.
- Perry
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Re: Gibson '57 Futura Build
It's been some time since my last update on the Futura build. I've been working on it and trying to make some important decisions about the build. One decision I've basically settled upon is to leave the finish the way it is--a nice flat black. I do plan to use a very high grit cloth to knock off some of the fuzz on the finish. After a lot of consideration, I decided I like the flat black look. In addition, the finish doesn't smudge easily.
I've also been working on the string tree for the fifth through second strings. The tree below is made from ebony and sanded to about 240 grit. I'll sand it up to 600 or 800 grit and then polish it. I used ball ends of strings to put into each of the four holes . The string tree will be screwed into the headstock with three long screws. I haven't decided yet to countersink the tops or not.
In the photo below, the bottom of the string tree doesn't look flat but it is. (There's a shadow under the left side of the tree.)
This is how the tree will look on the headstock. I may shorten the tree a little. This is one of two positions I'm thinking about. The other position would be located between the first and sixth string tuners.
I've also been working on the string tree for the fifth through second strings. The tree below is made from ebony and sanded to about 240 grit. I'll sand it up to 600 or 800 grit and then polish it. I used ball ends of strings to put into each of the four holes . The string tree will be screwed into the headstock with three long screws. I haven't decided yet to countersink the tops or not.
In the photo below, the bottom of the string tree doesn't look flat but it is. (There's a shadow under the left side of the tree.)
This is how the tree will look on the headstock. I may shorten the tree a little. This is one of two positions I'm thinking about. The other position would be located between the first and sixth string tuners.
- eskmsaul
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Re: Gibson '57 Futura Build
It's been a while since I last saw an update. Great work!
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Re: Gibson '57 Futura Build
Hi, do you have a template or a tracing photo or pdf for the Futura you are building? Id love to meke myself one for me.
Hope you can help me. Cheers from Buenos Aires
Hope you can help me. Cheers from Buenos Aires
- Shadoweclipse13
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Re: Gibson '57 Futura Build
Don't know how I missed this thing. Your Futura is really epic Perry!! I'd love to see some finished pictures.
Pickup Switching Mad Scientist
http://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=104282&p=1438384#p1438384
http://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=104282&p=1438384#p1438384
- Fiddy
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Re: Gibson '57 Futura Build
Most likely because this thread was around 3 years before you joined..
- Shadoweclipse13
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Re: Gibson '57 Futura Build
Valid point except for the fact that when there's nothing new going on, I'll actually go through old threads looking for cool stuff and information
Pickup Switching Mad Scientist
http://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=104282&p=1438384#p1438384
http://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=104282&p=1438384#p1438384
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Re: Gibson '57 Futura Build
DOES ANYBODY HAVE THE GIBSON FUTURA TEMPLATE/ TRACING SCHEME? I WANNA BUILD ONE AND CANT FIND IT ANYWHERE... HELP ME!!!Shadoweclipse13 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 12, 2019 11:57 pmDon't know how I missed this thing. Your Futura is really epic Perry!! I'd love to see some finished pictures.
- BTL
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Re: Gibson '57 Futura Build
I believe Mike Potvin offeres a template set, but I don't see it on his site, so you will probably need to contact him directly.
https://store.potvinguitars.com/
https://store.potvinguitars.com/
Owner, Lowe Custom Guitars