Les Paul Junior Style Guitar Scratch build Part 8

Les Paul Junior Style Guitar Scratch build. Body construction, Neck construction, guitar routing, guitar design, guitar templates. Build at home and make your dream Les Paul Junior guitar.
This episode confronts the horrors of finishing and relicing.
Subscribe to my channel to get updates and interact. All that and Philosopy corner. Lots of routing and a few tears for good measure. Final Part

[@CharliesMaidenCovers]

finally someone who gave me confidence... i know im gonna scratch build a guitar one day

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

This post lifts my spirit. The core intention of my channel was to demystify and de-bullshit guitar making. It’s a process anyone can undertake and succeed at. Too many online guitar channels seem to me about showing how amazing the proponent is at this black art rather than showing others how straightforward it is is approached methodically. I want people to think the way you do rather than be impressed by my skills. I know many guitar makers that put me in the shade without trying. They are simply amazing. I have one advantage and that is I am an experienced communicator. Thrilled to have inspired you. C

[@CharliesMaidenCovers]

@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking thank you for these videos. I just need to collect some more woodworking tools, some wood and find some measurements online and im gonna try it for sure.

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

@@CharliesMaidenCovers what will you build?

[@CharliesMaidenCovers]

@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking probably les paul jr (or double cut version) as thats why i search for it on youtube. and i think its one of the simplest guitar body shapes along with telecaster. but nobody knows haha.

[@spencerfreed6947]

You are the British Andrew Zimmern of guitar building and by far the best channel I've found!!! Thank you for all you put into your videos and best of luck in your newest adventures! I'm here for all of it! Absolutely the best! Cheers 🍻

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Very kind words Spencer. I haven’t done this the whole of my life like some guitar makers. I had another career in TV as an editor but guitar making has been my passion. Lots to do here to get the workshop up and running, but as it warms up here it gets easier. I hate being cold, I guess that comes with age… I’m now going to look up Andrew Zimmerman. C

[@justinfippinger6843]

You are a very wonderful man and builder with a perfect, almost Stephen “Fryian” sense of humor, wit and honesty. AND most importantly that intelligence. We had the New Yankee workshop over here in the states. I can see you on a PBS channel over here or the BBC or there and back to Acorn Tv over here. Your Jr. is beautiful. And you’re not a tool snob cork sniffer. You make something very inaccessible not so “in”. It must be really incredible waking up one day and building yourself a guitar. All the “pounds” of tools doesn’t hurt. Cheers to you and your Skanky Background tunes!

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Thanks Justin. Heaps of praise there that I’m sure I don’t deserve. I’m about truth and simplicity and you seem to get that. It’s sometimes hard to find the right motivation but when you receive that sort of comment you feel motivated to get out there and get on with it. Thank you very much C

[@adeglasgow]

You are like the Bob Ross of Luthiers. Keep building Chris!

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Wow! Praise indeed. I shall tray and earn that accolade

[@ZacCostilla]

Great build! I binged watched all the episodes today. I only wish I had found your channel sooner. Now I’m going to have to take some time and go through your other videos. Also, sorry to see that your friend passed. My condolences.

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Thanks Zac. Mark Stewart was a long time associate and he was the singer of an influential band called The Pop Group. They influenced many musicians and I was honoured to be associated with them in my youth. My current build is Partscaster Strat. When it comes to fenders the parts are easily acquired and scratch building them doesn’t make sense really. But we can still apply some good building sense to them and own the build through modification. C

[@moose6676]

Well I have watched your show from start to finish Chris, and got to say absolutely brilliant, a good educational show. Thanks so much, and looking forward to the next one. I have subscribed, I only came across you by total accident, so pleased. 🙏🏻

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed it. I’m trying to get more subscribers but it’s difficult to extend the reach. I’m in holiday right now but I’ll be back to building soon I hope. Thanks for your support and for subscribing. C

[@johnianknox1629]

Chris, great video as always, love watching you work and I've picked up a lot of tips during the series. I always have a look at guitar build videos on utube and there are a lot, mostly American/ Canadian people, but they really don't take the time to properly show you the practical/ theoretical bits and pieces that we should know if we're interested in guitar assembly, but you certainly do, and I would like to thank you for that, (being a fellow Brit helps too) hehe. Going to start you're strat series now. Take care mate.

[@ChrisHopkinsBass]

That orange reminds me of a Gretsch Roundup

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

It looks even better now. It’s fading back a bit. It looks kind of edible. C

[@pedromarquesmusic]

I have never like telecasters until I saw the right one at the right time. Now I love them. The same thing can be said about this Les Paul Junior. Your build, your charisma and the way you built it made me want to have one some day. I can't wait to see what the next build is going to be. Cheers!

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Thanks Pedro. I’m considering a few builds.

[@davidjennings9253]

Another good video but really disappointed we didn't get to hear how that pickup sounds. Keep up the great work.

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

I have a plan to do a sound test video soon. C

[@davidjennings9253]

@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking I look forward to it, kinda want to try one of those.

[@redkingeye]

Hi Chris, first things first, I'm sorry to hear you're going through a sad time at the moment, you and your wife seem like genuinely lovely people and for what little it may be worth from an Internet stranger, I send you my well wishes. As for the guitar, I think it turned out fantastic! For the next project, how about a shortscale bass? EB4 style or something would be awesome!

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

My eldest son really wants one of those. So…. The loss was an old friend. He was younger than me and it was a real shock. Mark was the front man of the band The Pop Group. It was so utterly unexpected. I had written an email only days before. Life is a mystery.

[@redkingeye]

@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking my 11yr old daughter also wants one which is why I suggested it. I'm so saddened to hear about Mark passing, I discovered the Pop Group a couple of years ago on an XTC kick. Y is an absolutely fantastic album and Mark was a great, great songwriter, I will dive deeper into his later work in honour of his life. My condolences to you and his family ❤

[@the1khronohs40]

Brilliant! Would like to hear it at some point. Can’t wait to see what you do next! Cheers!

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Thanks very much. I’m going to ask a talented friend to do a test session on it. I don’t know what’s next. Possibly a strat. Possibly a short scale bass.

[@mford1957]

I Bing watched the entire build. I really enjoyed it. Great job.

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Thanks. It’s a great guitar. I love it to bits. It’s heavy but compact. Feels good in the hand. C

[@CMRWoodworks]

Absolutely great series, Chris. Great looking guitar!

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Thanks so much. I love the guitar and it sounds amazing. A good weight too. I love the feel of it too. Did you see the sound check video with my friend Brian? C

[@CMRWoodworks]

I did, in fact. Good stuff!

[@gurrilurr]

Only thing missing is hearing it! 😊

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Yes. I get that. I only have a crappy little practice amp in the workshop. I’m going to ask my mate Brian Powel to do a bit on it. I actually don’t enjoy performing on the guitar. Private miracle I believe is my pleasure. It’s sounding great. I’ll do a shorts follow up.

[@garthboyd3095]

Great job Chris! I have enjoyed watching your progress with this, very entertaining. That ebony fretboard is gorgeous, I hope you enjoy playing it!!

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Hi Garth. Ebony has become my favourite fretboard wood. It’s good to work with and nice to play. Rosewood feels dull and cheap and maple can be the most difficult to work on as the colour means that you invariably ruin the finish as you fret the guitar. I used to think ebony was expensive but it’s not too bad and it adds a certain classiness to the guitar. C

[@jah8859]

Looks the business Chris. PS I see you used the pickguard material for the cavity cover, nice. You could get a few plectrums out of the smaller off cuts too. PSS Never compromise! if you want 50 bedrooms, you hold out for 50 bedrooms. Enjoy and all the best.

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Good to hear from you sir. I have a lot of offcuts. Unfortunately it’s too soft for plectrums. We are locked in property hell at the moment and it’s all up in the air at the moment. Maybe we could settle for 46 bedrooms after all. C

[@Terk_]

Wonderful series, loved the finished guitar! I can't wait to see what you have in store for us next.

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Thanks very much. It was a long build but mostly that was circumstances rather than complexity. The next build is taking shape in my mind. Something much simpler I think.

[@davisdeen-ty4so]

❤ WONDERFUL MY 🎉 friend THANK YOU

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Thanks very much. It’s a lovely thing and I’m very happy with it.

[@alexfletcher1567]

Thanks for this it’s been an amazing build. Scratch plate wise I liked the cut out on the original one because this build is almost like a old guitar mixed with new, so the it was like modifying the old guitar style to fit the fancy new pickup vibe. But it’s all personal opinion both ways it looks amazing. Thanks for all the tips 😊

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

I know what you mean. I think I started to fixate on the notch. On balance I’m happy I redid the pick guard. But I fully accept I could have left it. The new one better followed the contours.

[@ronniejarvis2679]

The redesign of the pick guard really made a huge difference! Looking forward to your next build!

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Thanks Ronnie. It has already earned me a ‘nope’ from one viewer. I find it bizarre what some folks find worthy of negative comment. It’s really kind of upsetting. C

[@laurentblond6760]

Amazing work !!! Cheers from Bordeaux 🍷🎸🎶👍👍👍

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Thanks Laurent. We will be. In France in a few days. This time for keeps.

[@laurentblond6760]

@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking ah ok !!! A new life for you.

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

@@laurentblond6760 I really hope so. The UK is a sinking ship and I’m a rat. C

[@lewe1882]

Well that turned out a cracker Chris! Lovely job and the scratch plate made the Reynolds Relic look really authentic. The devil was in the detail. You also deserve your increasing community of subscribers as you seem to be one of a few who values the comments posted and takes the time and effort to reply as much as you can. I look forward as always to “what next ?” both in terms of your builds and in your potential relocation ( and best of luck with that !) So sorry to see the sad loss to you and family of your long time friend. My condolences .

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Thank’s for those many kind words. I think that once you get on top of making a guitar that plays, you reach a point where you can let things take their own path to a degree. I’m happy with the way things are growing but I don’t want to get so huge that I lose contact with subscribers. That would go against my intentions. The relocation thing is our dream but it’s a big deal, expensive and complicated. But we are hopeful. I think I have replied to every comment ever posted. I think it would be rude not to. Mark was someone I knew quite well in my youth and lost touch with. We reunited a few years ago and I was hoping to get closer to him. Sadly that is not to be. He’s a great loss in many ways and to many people. C

[@lewe1882]

Hi Chris - very much appreciate all your comments above. All the very best to you and your wife.

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

@@lewe1882 Thanks my friend

[@philking6831]

Great series as usual Chris, thanks for sharing. How about a nice vintage style bass next? But one with the correct number of strings (non of that 5 stringed nonsense).

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

I’m being begged for a short scale bass by son number one. So…. That’s a possible

[@scottwilliams1902]

Great series. Great guitar. Loved every minute of it.

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Praise indeed Scott. Thanks for you encouragement. C

[@steveoneal5257]

can't wait for the next build Chris

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Thanks mate. I feel the same. C

[@ghosthawk65]

Brilliant as usual. Great tip about not using the neck support when setting up.

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Can’t remember where it learnt that. Probably at College

[@sisdl15]

Great series and what a fun guitar! I'm building my first partscaster (a Tele) and it's a lot of fun but also overwhelming the amount you need to know and learn. I just watched your video on rolling fingerboard edges and it was a great help!

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

I have done a Partscaster Tele series that should help you out. Any problems just drop me a line here. Happy to help. C

[@raywilliams9520]

Thanks Chris for the great videos, I'm waiting to make a guitar 🎸 and this has really inspired me to do it 😀 looked at a lot of other KZbin channels and found your channel really interesting and helpful 😀 👍

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Hi Ray. Thanks for your kind and encouraging words I’m thrilled to hear that you have been inspired. There is no greater reward for me than to know that someone decided to give it a go. Proceed with patience and caution. I’m always amazed how things come together as you move forward. It’s as if you think the guitar into existence. That itself is miraculous. C

[@glarrymoreme]

That scratch plate is outstanding

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Thanks mate. So are you. C

[@toenhev17]

It's been a great series, I've loved each build you've done! You make the build interesting enough without being too technical. The intonation looked easier than other videos I've seen. You're so entertaining you should have a bigger audience. Can't wait to see what you do next

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Thanks so much. I am very much against the self aggrandising that some builders do on KZbin. Sharing knowledge is a pleasure. Nobody owns these techniques and methods. What better thing can a human do than share their knowledge with others. It’s a part of humanity that we may be losing sight of to some small degree perhaps.

[@cdamiano100]

Another great build! Love your channel it’s very informative and entertaining too. Thank you

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Thanks very much. Praise indeed. C

[@NonalignedVideos]

It's a LP Jr with a 60's budget guitar aesthetic. Me likey.

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Exactly!! Me likey too!! C

[@mcole158]

I just found your channel. I thoroughly enjoyed this series! I binged watched the entire LP Junior series and will be going back to watch your other content. I always thought a scratch guitar build would be beyond my reach. The way you filmed and explained this entire process has me thinking otherwise. Wonderful job all around!

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Music to my ears. Demystifying guitar making is my goal. It’s a process that you learn and the fundamental rule is scale length, the rest is up for grabs. Just jump in.

[@mariobernier4606]

Hi there - what a nice guitar ! Chrome knobs were the best option ! Can we get a tone test video ? After all this time, I would love to hear it play some rock and roll! Good luck with your project and hope everything works out for you.

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Lots of requests to hear it. Looks like I’m going to have to do an unscheduled follow up!! C

[@mariobernier4606]

@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking AWESOME!!!!!!!

[@dudusanduba]

this was such a good series. it motivated me to start my own build of a junior, and now on the painting phase, im starting to understand the fullfilment that making a guitar brings. its really awesome seeing something youve put thought into coming to life in front of you

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Wonderful post thank you. This is why I do this. Your words are my reward. It’s so uplifting to hear that you are inspired and that you have plunged in. I hope you get as much pleasure out of guitar making as I do.

[@dudusanduba]

@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking thank you for the content and kind words Chris. when im done ill make sure to send a good picture of the finished guitar your way, would really like to share that with you. have a good evening!

[@1958Putty]

Great job, love it! Can't wait to see what's next.

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Thank you. What would you build next? C

[@1958Putty]

@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking Maybe something with humbuckers? How about something like a 1972 Telecaster Custom? Semi hollow with two humbuckers. That would be cool.

[@seansguitargarage8525]

Well done, Chris! Not a fan of the color scheme myself, but a very complete and cohesive aesthetic. As a repair tech for many years, I have found the best way to set intonation is to have the guitar in playing position when you are reading the tuner. I will also check notes around the 7th and 17th frets to make sure the intonation is spot on. My final test is to be sure maj7th chords sound good up and down the neck. Fantastic build all around, top marks. I am making my first neck (a Les Paul Jr. DC) and learning a ton about woodworking. I have already gooched my first attempt (I bit off a little more than I could chew). I am now off to the hardwood store to get a new neck blank and apply the lessons learned from the last. This series has served great inspiration for me to start on my first full build. Can't wait to see what's next from your shop.

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Hi Sean. The orange wouldn’t normally be a go to colour for me. But.. the Junior is a retro bold little thing. It’s kinda gutsy and a bit brash. The colour on screen looks far redder than it actually is. It’s more mellow and rusty in reality. The overall feel is a bit faded Cadillac than satsuma. Good notes on the intonation. I try to keep things basic in the videos but a big part of it is checking how the chords sound all over the neck. That’s the whole point as you obviously know. I’ll definitely try the major 7ths thing. All the best C

[@erichawtin9110]

Nice work - just discovered your channel and ive been plowing through your builds 😁 Love the retro look of this one - kind of wes anderson style? Its kind of a *wes paul* 😉

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Wow praise indeed. Wes Paul. That is a wonderful compliment thanks. It’s not consciously where I was aiming but it’s pretty much where it landed. That name is going to stick. C

[@TimMarcus00]

This was a great series. I binged the entire series today from start to finish. This was my first time watching any of your videos. I subbed and now I'm going to binge more of your builds. Your videos are very soothing and satisfying to watch. I appreciate all your hard work. Can't wait for the next one & also can't wait to see where you end up moving to. Take care!

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Thanks very much. Soothing is nice to hear. Guitar making should be a pleasure. There are moments of stress and a recall discussing ‘glue stress’ at college which I found funny at the time having spent a lifetime in television. I’m pondering the next project. Thoughts?

[@TimMarcus00]

@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking Have you ever built a Gretsch style 335? I bought one not too long ago and I love it. That would be an awesome series IMO. Also, glue stress is no joke lol. I was fixing a pair of broken over the ear bluetooth headphones the other day. The headband snapped, and my fingers kept getting glued to the headband. I'm horrible at gluing things together. It was quite funny though.

[@ChrisHopkinsBass]

If the scratchplate was black then the black knobs would work - the chrome ones definitely look better

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

I agree it’s a very successful combo I think. Glad you agree C

[@jimbeaux1961]

I want that guitar !!!!!!!!!

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

I have one just like it!!

[@Sean_Plays_Guitar]

Love it, man! Came out great! Thanks again for the inspiration and motivation. I finished my Flying V project after we chatted last and I’m really happy to have it and glad that I kept chipping away at it. This came out fantastic. What a fun guitar you’ve mad 🔥

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Thanks Sean. I hope your V was a triumph. C

[@Sean_Plays_Guitar]

@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking thanks Chris! I actually put up a little video of it. Nowhere near the quality of your content but just to serve as documentation. Feel free to pop over and check it out sometime if you want to see how it went 🤪

[@VishalAgarwalMusic]

That turned out so gorgeous!! Probably one of my fav Les Paul junior builds. I hope another one is already planned as this one is close to being finished.

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Close to being finished? It’s finished mate. It’s been a blast and I love it. Thanks for your input. C

[@VishalAgarwalMusic]

@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking Ohh haha, I meant a follow up video demoing the guitar would be the finalvideo in the series. But yes, this turned out awesome!!

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

@@VishalAgarwalMusic i really should do it. I find blasting away in front of a camera a bit embarrassing. Nobody wants to see an old geyser playing power chords and screwing my face up. I’ll set up my rig and ask my mate Brian to demo my builds for you guys.

[@VishalAgarwalMusic]

@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking Aww sir, honestly, I think everyone on this channel would love to see you play power chords on a guitar that you have made so dearly!!

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

@@VishalAgarwalMusic I’ll have to see what I can do. I’ll get the rig out.

[@davidriel7805]

Amazing job Chris! Thank you so much for doing these videos. Very inspired! Guitar came out awesome. Love it. Hopefully I can do 1/10th as good.

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Thanks David. Yours looks great too. I’m sure it will be fabulous.

[@juliomorel5516]

Looks awesome! Enjoy it!

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Thanks as always Julio. C

[@jeffdoyle06118]

This has been a wonderful series. The guitar is really beautiful. When I first saw the orange for the body I thought it was kind of out there. Once it was complete with the chrome, etc., I feel the orange does work quite well!

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Thanks very much. The orange is not as challenging as it looks in the videos. Spraying it with a bit of amber made is calmer. It’s also fading back nicely

[@ajstudiobgd]

Amazing! 👌

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Many thanks

[@clintchambers7156]

I’d really like to hear it:)

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

My intention is to do a demo show and play all my builds. I’ll ask my buddy Brian to do it rather than embarrass myself.

[@clintchambers7156]

@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking I’ve really enjoyed the builds I’ve seen you do. For someone who loves guitars and woodworking, they really have sparked in me the desire to do a build. I’d really love to build a Gretsch Jet style with LP scale length, LP style controls and toggles for coil splitting along with a stable trem system. Dreams….

[@bernomatic3788]

Hi Chris. Thanks for this. I just stumbled across your channel this past week and watched this whole LP Jr series over the past few days - you’ve built a great guitar. Just curious - where did you source that pickguard material from?

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

I get my pick guard material from AliExpress. Just shop around on there and compare prices.

[@bernomatic3788]

@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking Thanks!

[@timjbd]

Hi, I am thinking of trying a double cutaway LP Jr. How would the neck pocket differ? No big chunk to glue to...

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Yes… the double cut is legendary for the neck pocket conundrum. It’s inherently weak and I’ve seen some nice repairs and build solutions. Personally I’m actually not that fond of the whole cutaway concept. My own designs tend to shun them entirely. There’s something a bit illogical about cutting something away because it gets in the way. So I tried to avoid the obstruction getting created in the first place. For these reasons SG and LP double cut doesn’t work for me. Let me know how you get on. C

[@nelsonrosado463]

Your crazy

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

@@nelsonrosado463 finally. A diagnosis. Thank you. C

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

@@nelsonrosado463 I think you mean you’re. But hey who is checking grammar. C

[@erichold1984]

First of all the original Gibson pickguard was ugly as sin , it didn't need to be that long . Secondly i know you were going for a trad look however the tone and and volume placement has always looked like the Telecaster design . I would have gone for a SG style pickguard and knob placement nearer the bridge with the knobs on an angle .

[@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking]

Interesting. But… I think Gibson were going for a telecaster competitor. But I love this guitar. It’s a belter sounds and plays great. C