Harley Benton T-Style Telecaster Acoustasonic Mod Project Build - Ep 03

[@Tetasha]

Looks like a Music Man headstock, which I love! Cheers!

[@theNextProject]

Glad you're liking it! It's inspired by MM and the HB shapes. I like the 4x2 configuration. Sadly this project and others are currently on "hold". I'm packing everything up and moving...ugh! Oh well, change is good. I've purged a bunch of stuff - also found things that have been missing for a few years.... So, a move is good. I'll get back to my projects as soon as I can. Until then, be safe and take care!

[@Tetasha]

@@theNextProject Hey!, Well that sounds like good news overall some I'm glad everythin's ok. Thanks for the reply! I'm not really worried about the projects tho, I know you will finish them eventually. The most important thing is that you enjoy the journey, instead of finishing it rather quickly to meet a deadline. Well, at least that's how I see these kinda things. Good luck! :D

[@williamcastleberry7338]

In extreme Western Kentucky. I like your work in the video. I'm a 40 year veteran trim carpenter cabinet builder.

[@theNextProject]

William, from extreme Western Kentucky, thanks for the comment. I hope all is well for you. Sounds like you have a great deal of experience, a lot of tricks and tips to share perhaps. (hint, hint) Don't watch what I do too closely, unless you want to cringe, or laugh. Be safe and take care!

[@williamcastleberry7338]

@@theNextProject I'll give a tips from time to time and I am the last person to give out safety rants

[@theNextProject]

@@williamcastleberry7338 sounds good. Take care!

[@staceybrown6635]

Great project! Just found this series after completing my first guitar from scratch…also an Acoustosonic inspired guitar…..

[@theNextProject]

Stacey, thanks for droppin' by and watchin, and thank you! Sounds like you have a great project there, you'll have to fill me in on the details. I hope you enjoy the projects I've had going on, scratch builds, kits, kit-mods, tools, aches and pains... just havin' fun! There will be more of this project coming soon as I've finally gotten back to it after about a 6-month delay. Where has the year gone? Be safe and take care!

[@mickcarr2744]

Everybody's mantra- if it ain't broke, dont fix it. You're mantra- if it aint broke, take it apart and find out why 😂. Loving this so far, that neck looks 100% better now, keep em coming mate, from sunny Worcestershire, UK.

[@theNextProject]

HAHA, Ah, HAHAHA (GASP) HAHAHA, ah crap AHAHAHAHHA! (cough, gasp). Oh man that is spot on! "...You're mantra- if it aint broke, take it apart and find out why". I think you just saved me years of therapy. Hmm, or maybe I now see that I need years of therapy. Not sure which it is. Glad you're enjoying the project, and I agree, it just keeps getting a bit better. Thanks for watching and the great "comment", too funny! Greetings from Florida, US. Take care!

[@moskitoh2651]

Fantastic to see! I actually used the same kit to build a plastic free natural guitar. Also reshaped the body somewhat (belly cut) and converted it to string through. Some amboina veneer helped me to get it more special. Really looking forward to the next episodes. Thanks! Strongly suggest to replace nut, bridge, string trees and tuners, the remaining parts quality was better.

[@theNextProject]

Moskito, sounds like you have a great guitar there! I agree, a lot of the kit parts need to be replaced. The tuners on my kit looked nice, but didn't function. The didn't include the string trees, but the headstock was drilled for them...just great. A few odd little things, but still a good starting point, especially since I just cut it apart anyway - it's what I do. Thanks for watching and for the comment. Be safe and take care!

[@moskitoh2651]

@@theNextProject Yes, mine were missing as well, but Thomann send me, when I asked. But change to roller trees immediatelly. The b and e won't work without but you need the roller ones for tuning stability. For the price, the kit is still fine.

[@homemade_vancity]

This is so much fun to watch you going through the process. I recently came up with an idea for my own Acoustasonic-style guitar while scrolling through StewMac tonewoods. This series is exactly what I needed to get an idea what I may be in for when I decide to dive into this next project. First up for me though is refinishing a beat up Höfner Colorama II that was a Facebook buy and a gifted Les Paul Special with leather dyes and a lot of patience. Keep up the great work ... Marco from Vancouver.

[@theNextProject]

Marco, thanks for watching and greetings from Florida, US. Glad you are enjoying the project and videos. I hope the series helps you avoid some issues, or offers ideas you can improve on for your acoustisonic-style project. It should be fun! Sounds like you have a couple pretty good projects inline before the scratch build. Take your time and have fun! If it's not fun, put it aside and come back fresh another day. Be safe and take care!

[@homemade_vancity]

@@theNextProject Thank you and wishing you happy holidays from north of the 49th. I now understand the humidity and mosquito commentary from Pt 4 :) ... Yes, fun is the key with anything. I'm too old to get grumpy about little things but still young enough to not give into my mid-life crisis with a motorcycle project, guitars it is. I'll be following your lead and posting videos of my various stringed projects, just waiting for the rainy west coast winter to turn into warm spring to get things going.

[@theNextProject]

@@homemade_vancity LOL, mid-life crisis, I hear that. I'm pretty sure I'm a a decade or more into my crisis...maybe a lifetime in, idk. I too would love to work on motorcycles or cars, but I don't have the time, space and $$$ for big toys/projects. So, guitars fit the bill pretty well. Keeps me off the streets. Keep me posted when the weather clears. Take care!

[@realitystudioscustomshop]

Greetings from Street in the UK! Really like that headstock mod, it looks great and therefore completely justifiable. Hope you're entering the GGBO this year

[@theNextProject]

Reality, sorry I didn't reply sooner. For some reason your comment went to a "review" folder. Hmm, strange. Greetings from Florida US, and thanks! The headstock is looking good. A nice change from the typical Fender options we often see. I'm trying to get to the GGBO 21, a few other projects need to be wrapped up before I jump in - as usual. I have a idea, most of the materials, now just need a plan and some time. I'm screwed, yep. Thanks for watching and the comment to. Be safe and take care!

[@realitystudioscustomshop]

@the Next Project howdy!! clearly my cards are marked... Understandable!! Really hope you can find the time to get into it this year... If it's any consolation I signed up on day one and only just have all my timber together 😁 I'm sure I will find many ways to procrastinate my way through this

[@uncleono1239]

Enjoy your projects. Fort Payne Alabama

[@theNextProject]

Uncle Ono, greetings from Florida. Many thanks, there will be more projects to come! Hope all is well for you, take care!

[@MapleAudio]

Dude you are way to humble, your work is freaking insane. Just Awesome! Also your videowork is really great.

[@theNextProject]

Thanks Dennis, greatly appreciated! Glad you are enjoying the vids. Take care!

[@ALWTunes]

That veneer inlay on the head stock was a great idea. It looks amazing.

[@theNextProject]

ALWTunes, many thanks! The venner turned out pretty good. I need a little more practice and some new skills, but we get there one project at a time. Thanks for watchin' Take care!

[@markknight6445]

Greetings from Birmingham, England. Great work. I think drilling a hole then plugging it sums up your work ethic. 🙂 I wish that we lived closer to each other, I would be ecstatic for you to do many projects for me. Stay healthy and keep the vids coming.

[@theNextProject]

AH-HAHAHA "...drill a hole, then plug it..." HAHA! You've clearly watched a few of my videos! Project, yes, I need more projects. Mark, thanks for watching and the comment too ( I'm still laughing, good one! ), and greetings from Florida, US. Be safe and take care!

[@craigjacob3704]

Wow man if I went through all of that I think I would go with gold frets and hardware. Can't wait to see how it turns out and plays😁

[@theNextProject]

Thanks Craig! I hope to get back to this project soon. I've been a bit derailed due to a missing shipment of parts. Time for another work-around. Be safe, take care!

[@craigjacob3704]

@@theNextProject where are you located what city? I'm way down south in a small community of D'Iberville, Ms. Just north of Biloxi.

[@theNextProject]

@@craigjacob3704 I'm in FL, Orlando area. Mickey Mouse and lost tourists.

[@craigjacob3704]

@@theNextProject cool lol. I guess I'm north of you then👍

[@craigjacob3704]

I live in what use to be called the Redneck Riviera. It's all covered with casinos now that I never go too😁

[@akaicymalice1562]

You are by far one of the best guitar project channels ive found. The info and editing mixed with the kinds of projects you tackel is something i havent been able to find elsewhere, thank you!

[@theNextProject]

Icy, thanks for watching! WOW, thank you very much for the comment/compliment. Also appreciate your feedback on the editing and such. I'm always guessing what people may want and how to deliver the project that I'm messing with. I'll try to keep things rolling out. Thanks for hanging with me, take care!

[@brunoCondor]

Nice Job ! Looking forward for what's next to come..greets from Belgium.

[@theNextProject]

Bruno, thank you and glad you enjoyed the video. Next will be adding a finish to the fingerboard, frets, making a new neck plate, changing the shape of the neck heel....some gluing, maybe some binding... So much to do yet. Greetings to you from Florida, US. Be safe and take care!

[@leemccomish1923]

Great stuff. Inlaying a veneer onto the headstock never occurred to me as doable. Thanks for the idea!

[@theNextProject]

Hey Lee, the veneer inlay is doable...I just need more practice. It's not 100%, but close. A little touch up and it will look good. It's not a skill I've developed yet, if you're accustom to carving or inlay work, it should be a piece of cake for you. Thanks for watching, take care!

[@theharlequin7280]

You seriously can't leave things alone. XD Love the passion and attention to detail. Like with your Les Paul build that headstock again turned out beautiful and is above and beyond what most are even capable of doing with a kit build. And addding your own fretboard now that is just showing off. ;)

[@theNextProject]

Hahaha, you got me. I can't leave things alone. I should, but... I appreciate the comment/compliment. Thank you! The LP kit project was a really fun and very educational for me. I keep trying to do things - differently. Sometimes ai learn a new trick, and I hope to share those with everyone watching. I hope everyone gets an idea to do something, maybe not what I'm showing, but something. Hope you're enjoying the project. Be safe and take care!

[@johnmana]

Definitely bookmarked this series. Want to come back to it when I build up the courage to do a similar build. Thanks for posting. Melbourne, Australia.

[@theNextProject]

John, greetings from Florida US! Thank you for watching, and no courage needed, just jump in and start learning. I go with the "fools jump in" approach, then figure out how to fix the issues I cause. Hmm, maybe plan a bit first, lol. Good luck with your projects, take care!

[@pdp977]

That looks lovely - I'm from Birmingham UK, do my own guitar reconstructions on mostly 80s Korean guitars (they are ridiculously well made in some ways - less so in others) and have two kit-based projects ready to go as well as a couple of odder things - one is a lap steel, the other involves a biscuit tin shaped like a massive sixpenny bit. Now all I need is time. Everything has worked out pretty well so far... Wish I had a workshop like yours though - I have to double up on space, so my home office and recording studio now has guitar innards all over it.

[@theNextProject]

PDP, good hearing from you again! Thanks for watching and the comment. Sounds like you have a lot going on there. Good luck with all the kits, and bits. Be safe and take care

[@richardfinney8617]

Loving this build so far , definitely waiting next video 👍 thx for sharing

[@theNextProject]

Richard Finney, thanks for watching. Glad you're enjoying the project, and I'm glad to share this stuff. Hope it give people some ideas. Take care!

[@richardfinney8617]

@@theNextProject definitely got the old brain a 🤔

[@juandemartini817]

Amazing job! I love the idea of "this was unnecessary, nevertheless I did it anyway!", that headstock looks amazing!!

[@theNextProject]

Juani, that's kind of how I've been operating on this project (and others). These kit guitars really give me a "why not" attitude. They are a great place to do whatever I want, kind of a blank canvas. The headstock is coming along nicely, I need to do a little touch up, but it should look good with frets, tuners and some finish... very soon! Thanks for watching and the comment too. Be safe and take care!

[@colintowndrow7953]

Great woodworking and a great series of vids. Looking forward to seeing & hearing the finished product. London, England.

[@theNextProject]

Colin, thanks for watching and the comment. A lot of little detail work happening now, but I think it will all turn out great - stay tuned. Greeting a to you from Florida, US Be safe and take care!

[@funfreq9282]

Nice job man! I'm a hobbyist woodworker I mainly work with Hawaiian woods and am also a guitar player! Stated working on a body someone gave me and have not gone any further with do to my laziness Ha! Thanks for inspiring me to get it done! From SoCal!

[@theNextProject]

Hey Fun Freq, thanks for watching. I'm glad you're enjoyed the vid and are inspired to get after your project. We all have that laziness thing happening at times, it happens. Greetings from Florida. Take care!

[@guenterbortz5957]

Great vid - again! I'm so sad that we are no neighbors I could learn so much from you and maybe feed you with crazy ideas. Think it would be great fun to work together and share skills and knowledge. Greetings from Germany and stay safe.

[@theNextProject]

Guenter, greetings from Florida! Thank you, and I appreciate your comments. I like crazy ideas, have a few if my own, and i'm always interested in learning something new too. Be safe and take care!

[@bobvador]

always a pleasure to see your work ! Your radius router machine is very interesting !!! (I can watch the next chapter but I'm gonna wait tomorrow ! ) take care!

[@theNextProject]

Bob, thank you very much! I plan to do a stand-alone video on the radius router thingy, but I'm a bit overbooked at the moment... I think you'll like the next episode, and I'll stop talking about it now. Thanks for watching, be safe and take care!

[@mr.j6062]

Impressive. Didn't see that one coming. Overdoing it a touch, maybe? Why not, if you can. Can't wait for the next episode. Greetings from Norway.

[@theNextProject]

Jan, yes I tend to overdo it. All for fun, and the education. I like to challenge myself, get myself into a situation, then figure out how to fix it. Sometimes things just don't work, but I learn from that too. Hope all is well for you, and Norway. Be safe, take care!

[@arrowinfo]

Nice project, thanks to share. I am from France.

[@theNextProject]

Thanks for watching, and welcome from Florida, US. I hope to hear from you again, take care!

[@BrynBardsley]

Loving the headstock inlay/veneer idea. Might just have to try that. Cheers from Mow Cop, England

[@theNextProject]

Bryn, thanks for watching and the comment too! I hope all is well for you in Mow Cop. The inlay idea is interesting, and I need to do some more practice, and talk to someone who has some carving or inlay experience. This turned out pretty good, but I think there is room for improvement yet. Hope you are enjoying the project. Thanks again, take care!

[@achimdg6335]

I'm not sure, but I think this fingerboard is made of so called Roseacer, Acer is actually the genus of maple, so Roseacer is a technical wood made out of maple to look like rosewood, or actually to be faintly reminiscent of rosewood. And once again, you have reached a new level of awesome in the history of awesomeness. You have proven to be able to build a guitar from plain wood, and this build isn't easier than building from scratch.

[@theNextProject]

Achim, good to hear from you my friend! I agree, some of the HB models do have the Roseacer fingerboards. I've heard good and bad, but don't personally have any experience with Roseacer. This kit is listed as "Amaranth", which is new to me. I googled it and a description stated it as a variant of purple heart. ( What? ). The fingerboard looked and behaved nothing like the purple heart I've seen. Maybe it is a composite amaranth fingerboard, idk. Whatever it was, it was well made, durable and glued on to stay on....so I took it off. (Yes, I'm strange that way - ha.) The truss rod and neck machining were all very good quality. No worries there. Thanks for watching and the comment. Take care!

[@-fenderbassman977]

I think the headstock inlay looks fantastic.

[@theNextProject]

Many thanks, is was an experiment with good results. Thanks for watching and take care!

[@edadpops1709]

Thanks for posting 👍. Colorado springs co

[@theNextProject]

Edad Pops, greeting from Florida! I have a sister in Colorado Spring, the Black Forest area I think it's called. Hope you are doing well, thanks for watching. Take care!

[@ianmwright66]

Love what you're doing. Very brave, and great results. It may not have needed doing, but it looks a thousand times better in my view. Cheers from West Wales 😉👍

[@theNextProject]

Ian, greetings! I hope all is well in West Wales. Thanks for sharing that, as I find it interesting who and where people are tuning in from. Brave is a word for what I do, perhaps "foolish" may also be used. Either way, thank you and I'm just trying things, learning things and hoping to share with everyone. Maybe others will get an idea or borrow and improve on what I'm attempting. It's all good. Thanks for watching and your comment too! Be safe, take care!

[@avielkharrat5788]

Great episode. Pretty epic journey.

[@theNextProject]

Avi, glad to hear from you! I hope you are doing well - I haven't spent much time with my Spark lately (i'm too busy making sawdust). Thanks for watching. Be safe and take care!

[@muchacholate1981]

Merci de partager vos vidéos ! Toujours instructif !

[@theNextProject]

Guillaume, Merci d'avoir regardé! J'apprécie votre commentaire et je suis heureux que vous le trouviez instructif. J'espère que vous êtes en bonne santé et en sécurité! Guillaume, Thank you for watching! I appreciate your comment and am glad you find it informative. Hope you are healthy and safe! - Google translation is my friend -

[@guitourney]

Really enjoying your vids! Italy/Ireland here lol

[@theNextProject]

Guitourney, thanks for watching! I hope you are well in Italy/Ireland, or wherever you may be hanging your hat. Glad you're enjoying the project. Be safe, take care!

[@sandroisca3688]

Awesome job! Bravo! Cheers from Palermo

[@theNextProject]

Sandro, greetings from Florida US! Thank you for watching and leaving the comment. Take care!

[@michaelm_365]

Just subscribed! (First video watched, now back to watch all the older episodes!) This is an inspiration. Truly. As a beginner builder, wondering if you would have a few episodes of your amazing jigs! Fret board radius jig, or the bench sander jig are two awesome ideas!

[@theNextProject]

Hey Michael, I'm glad to hear you're gathering some inspiration from the project. I only have a couple videos that touch on the jigs and fixtures I make/use. Most jigs are built out of necessity and scrap material. As you will see, everything I do is an experiment, or prototype 1, 2, 3... The benchtop beltsander, was a goofy idea I had, it works - mostly. Not as precise as a dedicated oscillating belt sander, but we make do with what we have. I plan to do a video on the radius jig soon, as there has been other interest, also a stand-alone video on template making. You'll also see a "router table" that I use a lot. It's just a large shelf slab with a recess cut to fit my router base. Then I made a base for my jigsaw to fit the table, and a base for my hand-held spindle sander to fit the table... Take any ideas you see and improve them, make them fit how you work and what you do. If you get stuck, send me a message and I'll help if I can. Thank you very much for watching, enjoy the projects! Be safe, take care!

[@steveroberts]

You do this fabulous work with good humour. Keep it going.

[@theNextProject]

Hey Steve, many thanks man! I'll try to keep the "witeos" coming. ah - sorry, that was bad. I'm feeling goofy at the moment. Take care!

[@pelkman01]

I cannot wait for the next part because I love your videos! Impressive craftsmanship and skills and always finding a solution, really awesome. All the best from The Netherlands!

[@theNextProject]

Jos, thank you very much, and greetings from Florida, US! I'm already gathering video for the next episode, but it will probably be a couple weeks out yet. I appreciate your comment and glad you can see that I'm looking for solutions ( even when I cause the problem ). I'll keep the videos coming, and thank you for watching. Be safe, take care!

[@jrichmang]

"Can't even play 6 string so why have a 7th?" That's me in a nutshell!

[@theNextProject]

jrichmang, thanks for watching! LOL, you're in good company. Who needs all those extra string. 😂

[@oldmanzen6682]

Looking good. I like the veneer on the headstock. (From Canada)

[@theNextProject]

Hey Old Man Zen, thank you very much. I was hoping the veneer idea would work, and it mostly did. I need to learn some better carving practices, but this kinda project is how we learn. Hope all is well for you in Canada. Take care, from Florida!

[@jurgenzoller4407]

Really like what you did with the head stock.... Have done similar with a firebird style guitar I am building. Enjoyi g this build from Brisbane Australia

[@theNextProject]

Jurgen, greetings from Florida US. Thanks for watching and posting your location, it's interesting to learn where people are. Hope all is well for you. Thanks, the headstock is going pretty well. Im learning a lot with that kind of mod. Glad you are enjoying the build. Be safe and take care!

[@wilbert5916]

nice idea, that head stock! Might steal that from you. :) Greeting from The Netherlands, Wijchen.

[@theNextProject]

Many thanks, take any idea you see and improve on them Be safe and take care!

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

7:00 ... out of my ... mind?! 🤣 I'm really enjoying this project, fun to watch! You're laid back commentary is the best! 7:45 .. not even sharp lol! I have two chisels I 've been using since the mid '80', I've never sharpened them, one even has a nick ... (I'm not a wood Carver either, more of a wood butcher)

[@theNextProject]

Yes indeed, ...outta my mind! I'm glad my delivery is okay to watch/hear. I'm never really sure if I'm putting people to sleep. I get ya, I've got some dull stuff laying about. Sharp chisels are great, just wish they'd sharpen themselves. Thanks for watching and the comment too! Take care man!

[@dnizy]

Like other commenters I really like how the headstock looks with the inlay. I was thinking you could do a similar inlay around the sound hole. That would tie the look in to the entire guitar. Im thinking how traditional acoustics have inlays around the sound hole. It’s even more needless work, so perfect for you.

[@theNextProject]

dnizy, thanks for watching and the comment too. You bring up a good point, the sound hole. I have considered doing something, other than just having the mahogany "tube" soundhole. I thought about routing a thin line and adding binding that will match the top inset... so many ideas. One concern is the smaller body size of this guitar, as compared to a typical acoustic, I don't want the top to look crowded. So much to consider. Needless work?! Sign me up! Take care!

[@azbababooey]

I’ve said it before, I really like your videos. I like where your going with this build, now I’m super curious to see how it comes out. I’m out here in Phoenix, where it’s already in the low 80s and its only early March.

[@theNextProject]

Arizona, many thanks! I think I'll be able to save this one, but it'll be close... Early March - 80s. Well, you pretty much know how the Spring and Summer will go. Thanks for watching, take care, stay cool!

[@DarrellW_UK]

Wow, that’s an amazing achievement! Wasn’t anticipated at all, I like the idea of a 4/2 headstock to keep the string lines straight! I think that it was very interesting that you replaced the fingerboard, the new one looks really good. You don’t do things by half do you 😁

[@theNextProject]

Hey Darrell, many thanks! I really like the 4x2 layout exactly for the reason you mentioned. When doing a 3x3, I try to squeeze the tuners in to get closer to a straight sting line. I tend to overdo most projects, but it's a good way to test ideas and to learn new tricks. Thanks for watching and the comment. Take care!

[@moskitoh2651]

@@theNextProject Yes, the music man and prs style heads have a huge advantage there... but means you won't need the string trees... I was silly! Did you have to buy tuners for a 7 string, one additional tuner or did you find a 4L2R set somewhere?

[@theNextProject]

@@moskitoh2651 I'm really liking the 4x2 tuner configuration. Typical I've been buying hipsot tuners, but for the HB tele/acoustisonic mod I purchased a GOTOH 4x2 set. So far I'm very impressed with them. they are rock solid at the string shaft, no wabble - as it should be. Once I get this project strung up, I'll know more as to their quality. I've had very good luck with hipshots, but wanted to try another brand. Good to have options.

[@moskitoh2651]

@@theNextProject Lol... I am very happy with Gotoh tuners, at least if you stay with their standards and don't get too fancy. Some of their screws are too soft however. Be careful and replace if necessary. But wanted to try Hipshots... only because Thomann (which is settled 20 mins drive from my home, and they are always so nice with me) only offers single tuners from them, not sets, I didn't try them yet. :D

[@theNextProject]

@@moskitoh2651 Thomann is a 20 minute drive from you? That's dangerously close! If you get a chance to get a full set of hipshot tuners, go for it. I've used both open and closed back, locking and standard. All very good and well manufactured tuners. No issues to date. Take care!

[@mikemccourt6225]

As always, great stuff

[@theNextProject]

Hey Mike, thanks! Take care!

[@MultiGuitarDave]

Great job!

[@theNextProject]

Dave, thanks for watching, and thank you. Take care!

[@howardtowler6146]

Brilliant job

[@theNextProject]

Howard, that k you very much! Glad you enjoyed the show. I hope all is well for you, take care!

[@howardtowler6146]

@@theNextProject i'am thank you , and yourself.amazing guitar build i was hoping to hear the guitar being played.

[@theNextProject]

That will happen, a few more steps to complete to get this one finished. I just left the garage and the top is on the body, binding in place, frets are in... a lot done, more to do. Keep watchin', some sound samples will happen. Take care!

[@howardtowler6146]

@@theNextProject its not even mine and i can't wait

[@1337million]

I wonder how hard it would be to convert the neck to a baritone scale if you make your own fretboard. Obviously you'd need to move the bridge, probably would need to reshape the lower horn to make better neck access and have a large "hangover" almost like a violin or something. The thoughts are definitely flowing! Greetings from Norway btw!

[@theNextProject]

Joakim, that is a really good question. My knee-jerk response would be " it wouldn't be hard ", then I'd likely realize there may be a lot more to it. I'd guess a new longer neck would be in first order, maybe the body could remain unchanged, but as you mentioned the bridge placement would need moving... hmm. Glad the thoughts are flowing, that's one of the main reasons I'm making these videos, just to get others thinking of projects... all good and fun stuff! Greetings from Florida, US. Be safe and take care!

[@manolosantana4314]

Just great as always! Greetings from Germany.

[@theNextProject]

Manolo, greeting from Florida US. Thanks for watching, hope all is well, be safe and take care.

[@rossmckeown8675]

Don't get me wrong here... I like your videos, they're good but.. part of me I thinking, why go though all the fuss of modding a second Harley Benton, at this point you clearly have skill to build from scratch.

[@theNextProject]

Ah-hahaha! Hey Ross, I ask myself the same question, and you're not alone asking me either. Many of the things I do would be easier from scratch for sure. Pulling frets and scrapping a fretboard are kinda a waste of time, but the process does present me with new experiences. And I like being able to share things like that. Some people may not know that getting a fingerboard off can be such a pain (this one was a pain). Typically, I can heat them with a clothes iron and the "wood" glue will let go, that wasn't the case here. So, I guess working on this kind of a project helps prepare me, and others, for a bad day in the garage/shop. It's kinda fun to tear stuff apart too. I have a scratch build starting soon, it will be a laminated hollow body electric. Something new for me, but it has a foundation in all the builds and mods like this one. Thank you very much for watching and the honest question too, I completely get ya man! Be safe, take care and there will be more misguided stuff in the next episode. 👍

[@briandevitt6903]

Hello again from Ireland. So Leopard wood? I've never heard of it to be honest. I know the body of those kits is made from Rengas the sap of which is toxic and can cause poison ivy like skin irration on certain people. I bought the exact same kit recently but haven't had time to do anything with it yet. I intend reducing the body thickness, filling in the existing routs, putting a maple cap on and routing for two p90 pickups. I'm not going to use any of the hardware that came with the kit and have bought a hard tail bridge, kluson tuners, graphtec nut and string trees and quality pots and a switch. I dont like the small frets and would love to fit bigger ones, maybe stainless steel but I've never done that before. Also not sure on the pickguard or if I'll even use one! Anyway stay well, keep the updates coming.

[@theNextProject]

Brian good to hear from you! Sounds like you have a great build planned out. Keep me posted as you progress. Take care!

[@briandevitt6903]

@@theNextProject I will do. In the morning im on a mini digger to excavate for the concrete floor slab of my new backyard workshop! When its built the first project will be the tele. I have 46 yards of limestone paving to lay after the workshop is built so the guitar may be a while yet.

[@theNextProject]

@@briandevitt6903 you're a very busy man! Good luck with the excavation..., and be safe!

[@kmichaelp4508]

I really enjoy your intestinal fortitude 🤐

[@theNextProject]

Hey Mike, I'll will conquer and survive this project, and the next... Hope the pool is getting warm enough for ya. Take care!

[@kmichaelp4508]

@@theNextProject , Hahahaha! Not for some time. I like 85*. I wish we were closer so I could bug ya.🤐

[@theNextProject]

@@kmichaelp4508 give it a week, it'll either be 95, or 55. You can bug me from there, 😂. Be safe, take care!

[@kmichaelp4508]

@@theNextProject but the pool temp is ground temp! Not air 🤐 I freeze to death surf fishing @74* water temp! I’m old. What can I say

[@zerosugarmatcha7348]

Toxic wood fingerboard? Once upon a time the evil queen gives the guitar to the princess to poison her.

[@theNextProject]

Truly - toxic. A Disney "rock-n-roll royal tragedy", I like it! Now sealed, like asbestos under a layer of paint. Ever lurking, just beneath the surface. Not for everyone - but looks nice. Thanks for watching, take care!

[@Johansen_271]

I have a good feeling about this project! As others have mentioned, the headstock looks great! The fingerboard material is very good looking, what material is it? I got kinda lost there, but I believe you opted against the maple fingerboard. Cheers from The Faroe Islands!

[@theNextProject]

Kjartan, good to hear from you again! Thank you, it is coming among pretty well. The fingerboard is Leopardwood. I haven't used it before, bit is seems pretty tough. Cutting the fret slots was more of a challenge than typical maple or rosewood. This wood seemed to grab, or drag, on the saw. Not gummy, as the sawdust was powdery, but the saw just had to work to get through. Maybe I've worn out my saw, hmm. Be safe, take care!

[@scottmorris4914]

Knoxville, TN

[@theNextProject]

Hey Scott! You're getting your fix of tele today. Thanks for watching!

[@roelschouten8834]

I like the way you think man

[@theNextProject]

Roel, thanks for watching! I laughed when I read your comment, you just know I'll cut something apart, but what will it be? Maybe everything. I hope you are safe and well. Take care!

[@roelschouten8834]

@@theNextProject thanks man, I do the same. I modded a HB Tele, it ended up being multi-scale, n which needed a new fret board. cheers

[@janvi5279]

I am so curious how you will locate the spots to drill through the veneer for the tuners. Have you already figured it out? Signed up to see more, should have done it already during GGBO 2020 anyway!

[@theNextProject]

Janvi, thanks for watching. I could either use the headstock template to find and mark the tuner post hole centers, or a paper template would also work. I quickly marked the locations using my template, then used an exacto knife to punch through the veneer faces. After that, I cleaned up the holes and that's about it. I am planning to do a GGBO 21 build, but I'm a bit behind with some other projects, so if I do enter, it will be last minute - again. Take care!

[@Modern_Patriot]

Great work, I've learned some tips from you. Do you have a video on how you made your fret miter box?

[@theNextProject]

Hey MP, I don't have a video on the miter box, but I may have some old process photos I can scrounge up, some dimension and put together a pdf. I'll follow up to this msg string soon. Thanks for watching. Take care!

[@theNextProject]

MP, try this link. It is a PDF of some dimensions and photos for the Fret Miter. You can make adjustments to fit your needs, at least it's a starting point for some ideas. www.dropbox.com/s/q5e3al6lj2qm9hg/fret%20miter%20overview.pdf?dl=0 Take care!

[@Modern_Patriot]

Prefect, thank you sir

[@Muzzledoctor]

Please do a video on that router radius jig? Pretty please?

[@theNextProject]

Murray, I have that one on my list to do. However, I'm already working on a revised model which will hopefully radius a fretboard, and also radius a sanding beam or clamping caul - stay tuned! Thanks for watching and the request. Take care!

[@andreaskunze8558]

Great work as usual!!! How did you stained the tide bond? I couldn't see the product name. Do you have experience, can any water solvable pigment be used. Gratings from Germany, Andreas

[@theNextProject]

Andreas, greetings from Florida, US. I used a dry powder transtint stain. I was wondering about using liquid drops, but I don't have any liquid die at the moment. As you saw, a little bit went a looking way. I think I used too much in fact, but it worked. One thing to mention, the little amount of dry powdered stain did make a noticeable change in the viscosity of the glue. The video actually shows a second mixing attempt, as my first mix had even more dry powder and got way too thick, and dark. If used sparingly, and in places you aren't needing maximum strength, I think mixing will be fine. It dried fast, and sands like normal. Take care!

[@andreaskunze8558]

@@theNextProject Thanks a lot, now I know for what to look! At the moment I don't know for what I will use it but how knows ; )

[@JoseMartinez-zd1bs]

this is good

[@theNextProject]

Jose, thanks for watching! I hope to get back to this project soon. Be safe and take care!

[@hugofioliveira]

yeah i bought that kit... the fretboard wood was really bad... i dont know why. kinda turned me off. it was rough and you could feel the fibers. it was not sanded down smothly... kinda disapointed....

[@theNextProject]

Hugo, thanks for watching, and the comment. The fingerboard material really is a strange thing, and it sounds like you are experiencing the same as me. The good news is, that fingerboard is really glued on well. It won't fall off any time soon. I hear you, the feel of the board is disappointing. Hope you enjoy the project anyway. Good luck and take care!

[@hugofioliveira]

@@theNextProject ahah NP! Im not hating! Just felt your pain. Well i ended up Selling the kit... But i kinda messed it up. But hey, 75 €... i Had fun painting and stuff. i ordered the SC kit I really hope the frets and fretboad are nicer... XD You did a very nice job!!! th enew fretboard looks amazing! ccant wait for hte next update!!!

[@theNextProject]

Ah, glad you had fun with the painting and stuff. That's a great part of these "affordable" kits, you can experiment and have fun and not be out much if things go wrong. I hope you have a better experience with the SC kit. My SC kit project was a lot of unnecessary fun. However, the fret ends were sharp on that one as well. But again, these are cheap kits. I'm working on the final episode for this TE-mod now. Should have it posted in about a week. Be safe, have fun and enjoy the holidays. Take care!

[@Samuli501]

Heard the 4/2 headstock is patented by musicman guitars.

[@theNextProject]

Petri, thanks for watching! I've heard that too, which makes me wonder to what degree they have a patient. Is it the headstock shape and tuner hole spacing, or ??? Hard to believe they could own right on any and all 4x2 configurations, but maybe. I don't think MM will be at my door any time soon, LOL. Hope all is going well for you, take care!

[@Samuli501]

@@theNextProject yes it was Phillip Mcknight the guitar guy who said this. I would try to find the video but it was sometime ago. If someone would want to commercially produce a 4/2 headstock guitar they would get into trouble apparently.

[@theNextProject]

@@Samuli501 I may have seen that video too. I've also read forums where it is stated MM owns rights to 4x2, and 3x1 on bass guitars. I would imagine Phil went to the source for his info, forums on the other hand are sketchy. I won't be in mass production of anything, but it would be nice to see the actual patent document and how it is worded. Probably vague enough to offer MM a lot of leverage over everyone. I do like the 4x2 arrangement, darn.

[@Muzzledoctor]

Get in!

[@theNextProject]

Oh yeah! Thanks for watching. Be safe, take care!

[@1106Winter]

Isn't the fingerboard richlite?

[@theNextProject]

E.W. Winter, thanks for watching. It's not Richlite, but I believe it is some form of manufactured "wood?" fingerboard. It has fibers in it, but not made of pulp like Richlite. This was a very interesting fingerboard, and I expect it would stay put for a long time...it's pretty hard. But, I couldn't leave it alone. Richlite is going on my current scratch build...my GGBO21 Gretsch inspired build. Stay tuned and take care!

[@1106Winter]

@@theNextProject , been watching the series with joy! I'm not an expert on Richlite, that's for sure. Excited for the upcoming videos, keep it up! 💪

[@theNextProject]

All good. Some people like Richlite, some don't. I've only used it a few times before, and I like it. I kinda get a feeling a lot of people who don't care for it, have either never seen it, nor tried it. Since I don't consider myself a guitarist, I don't get invested in a lot of "guitarist" beliefs, and I try to see both sides of most debates. Richlite is one of those things. I figure if someone doesn't want RL, there are plenty of other options: Maple, Ebony, Rosewood... No need to 'fret' over the fingerboard material. I like them all! Thanks for the messages, and for watching. Take care!

[@TheGuyclark1958]

if it isn't broke DON'T FIX IT! why ruin a perfectly good Harley Benton pal?

[@theNextProject]

Hmm, you don't think Thomann will warranty this? Ah crap, I guess it's firewood after all. I really can't help myself. I - MUST - TAKE - IT - APART Thanks for watchin, and the note. Be safe and take care!