Replicating A Vintage Stratocaster Body Part I... Templates & The Easy Stuff

[@givm2]

Outstanding Matt, even though I don't have a CNC or a pin router, your approach to building guitars is much appreciated!!!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks my friend, I never know what people want to see HAHAHA

[@scottreeves1226]

That was fun. I've missed the Beloved Pin Router. Watching a CNC is a bit like watching a cake bake, so it's good to watch you set up and actually control the functions as they happen. Thanks!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I like your style

[@fundi_mike]

I just bought an old pin-router at an auction for $10 (+fees) - maybe I should attempt to make a guitar, this seems like a very good use for it ;-)

[@sandybeach3576]

That's a nice shop.

[@nicholasrowlett9780]

Great advice for the neck pocket at 39:00 👍

[@guitarbobification]

The figuring in the forearm carve is really amazing - gorgeous piece of wood

[@TexasToastGuitars]

You know it, Steve makes some good looking guitars

[@ebozyn]

As for tools, and which a better method, for building this or that, I use whatever i can afford, or what's available to me at the time, if there's a tool that will make the job easier, but i can't afford it, well, i am forced to use the tools i have access to. So, what i'm saying is, for most people, it ISN'T a choice, you just use what you have. It isn't about, this way is better, that way is better. You do what you can, with what you have.

[@JamesFord-g5e]

Nice work good demo of how it's done

[@ptmguitars813]

Cool video Matt.

[@MarcStanton1]

Yeah, can’t wait for the next

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks Brad

[@larguitar]

Matt, you guys make some great instruments. I like your original designs. You have inspired me in a number of ways. IMHO

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Glad you like them and I am happy I could help inspire you my friend

[@larguitar]

Matt thanks for your prompt response. I have been designing and building guitars since 1977. Yes I am ancient. Lol. I respect anyone who does this at all levels. I find your podcasts extremely informative. I especially enjoy and New tips and tested processes you use and as I do also. I am a non conformist quite intentionally but I like designing my own guitars. I do agree when starting out find a style of guitar to copy then start thinking more original. We all have to start some where.... I don't copy my own designs because I am more prone to liking original designs. I find it more satisfying. I will build pretty much anything but it has to include unique features.....and yes I have my favorites just like you. I love teles too. Best wishes from Canada.😎

[@RyanBlue-z5j]

That pin router is super cool. I need one of those.

[@ChrisFranklyn]

I haven't caught your videos in a while, but I enjoyed every minute of this!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks for stopping back by Chris

[@ksharpe10]

I have no doubts that the challenge for a challenger maker will be really close !!! Plus one for the BELOVED pin router!!!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Oh you know I'm going to knock this one out of the park.

[@johngeddes7894]

Its no secret that guys like Stradivari had forms and jigs, and even a precursor to the pin router (to get the graduations of the top and back close enough for final voicing) , so repeatability is a good thing. That’s all i got!

[@heres2ya]

Awesome video Matt... I'm 100% positive that no replica's were harmed in this video

[@TexasToastGuitars]

You are right

[@johnharrington11]

I like your thinking on leaving the neck line a bit proud, so you can fit the neck better. Something I've noticed in custom shop Fenders. Those small details are HUGE. Thanks for another awesome video.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks my friend I like when the neck and the heel match

[@twinsmm1]

So did Fender have acrylic templates or were they made of something else. Not sure if that material was around back then.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I guess you would need to ask him

[@twinsmm1]

@@TexasToastGuitars Him who? Leo?

[@miketurner1768]

Great stuff Matt. . Enjoyed that. 🎸👍

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Glad you enjoyed it Mike, it was pretty fun that's for sure. I'm looking forward to finishing her up.

[@jorgemontalvo6182]

Pin router tape technice is awesome !!!!!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Works good, right

[@robertprichard3236]

Great strat. But it ain't No Challenger. Love your videos Matt

[@TexasToastGuitars]

You got that right, I love the Challenger

[@mattsta1964]

For the record, I created the CAD model for Steve's guitar to match the reissue

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Oh cool, you made a replica of a replica too

[@rastan17]

Hello Matt! 🙂 Can you build the same body in a 1 pc swamp ash please?

[@GinkandGasoline]

Nice work as always Matt.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks so much brougham

[@jerryrobran2392]

Fantastic!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks my friend

[@michaelcocroft9700]

Who is Steve and where do I get these templates?

[@mikebob7184]

Hi Matt, I don't always leave a comment, but when I do it's a good one! the most interesting guitar modder...

[@TexasToastGuitars]

As in... who is the most interesting guitar modder? I'm going to go with Lonny Mack

[@MrGixxer1300r]

Awesome content!!!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Glad you enjoyed it my friend, I had fun for sure

[@paulneeds]

I really like the pin router concept - you’ve converted me. Of course, I’ll never own or use one… But it seems to me to be a safer tool than either a hand or table router, in that the rotating tool - the dangerous part - is in sight at all times. And in this case, I’d imagine it’s absolutely authentic!😊

[@TexasToastGuitars]

You got most of that right Paul... but if you come out here you can use my pin router

[@paulneeds]

@@TexasToastGuitars it’s an awful long way from south Wales in the UK to Nevada… I did fly out to Vegas in the 1980s to cover the Comdex computing exposition (I was a journalist in that field).. but the thought of visiting is a nice one!

[@anejo333]

I love Strats seems like everyone always talks about the holy grail of whatever year you know? I wonder how many people would throw there money down for a modern version of the holy grail? I hope to come do a class someday.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

We would love to have you come my friend

[@johnharrington11]

@@TexasToastGuitars I've been trying to talk Renee into one of your classes. If we can argue about what's for dinner, just imagine a married couple there arguing the merits of glue in versus bolt on necks. ALL THE BEST, ALWAYS!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

@@johnharrington11 I would love that

[@stratkiller2531]

Are you familiar with the Russian submarine camo paint job george lynch had on a charvel in the 80s? Can you pull this paint job off? I'm trying to find someone to paint one of my ESP LTD GL200MT Bengal guitars this color. Please get back to me if you can do it and you're interested in doing so. Thank you.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I am not really sure sounds cool though

[@stratkiller2531]

@@TexasToastGuitars so would you attempt it? And what would you estimate the price at?

[@mightymikethebear]

Matt, were you the kid in wood shop who drove the teacher crazy? I saw guys who kinda knew how to do things but strayed from the teachers' instructions. Back in my day we built skateboards and jewelry boxes with false bottoms - it was the late 70s.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

No I drive people crazy in every field of endeavor... not just shop class

[@mightymikethebear]

@@TexasToastGuitars I can see how that could be the truth.

[@paulneeds]

A thought (sorry). Could you not use Steve’s BODY as a template to hog that top bout narrower to get your body closer to the replica of a replica?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

You sure could

[@juliansuarez3849]

I love strat!!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Totally my friend

[@stevensobba1785]

T shirt agree

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Even Hank Williams Jr. Agrees

[@JohnAdams-xc5yk]

CNC is the way, if your concerned with accuracy

[@clarkgarber5495]

No CNC when fender built it so how accurate does it have to be?

[@jorgemontalvo6182]

Call it R4 !

[@TexasToastGuitars]

It certainly is

[@regularguy1144]

How come nobody ever uses Kailer or Floyd rose on the Strat builds I’ve looked all over the Internet

[@andysaucedo3226]

Doug, put down the glass pipe. Ma nephew Matt can build ANYTHING!--so put that in your pipe and smoke it.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I know right

[@J.C...]

Hey Matt. You're not using the plastic templates with a router, are you? I've been told that's a no-no. What say you?

[@joshmorris3469]

Am I the only one that tries to blow the dust out of the way…? Might need to drink less watching these…

[@ravenslaves]

Right away I'm spotting problems with the entire, "we're gonna do this the way Fender did it back in the day" thing. Did you remove all of the safety features from the dangerous routers etc...?....no... Are you smoking around uncovered, toxic chemicals?...no... Are you in danger of being deported?...probably not... Are you sober? Hung over?....ok...you get some "authentic points" if the answer is "maybe"... I'll give you that one.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

You don't actually know for sure that I'm not guilty of any of those things.

[@ravenslaves]

@@TexasToastGuitars hmmm.... we'll just have to see how the guitar turns out then.... ...ah!... Do you pay whoever does the pickups by the bucket load??? Can't forget that one.

[@ravenslaves]

A replica of a replica...of a replica... ...Gibson? Is that you?

[@solarismoon3046]

I know - right?

[@paulneeds]

It’s Fender.. just the same…

[@ravenslaves]

@@paulneeds yeah...you have a good point...

[@uv77mc85]

Oh C'mon. CNC guitars don't sound as good as teeth and nail made guitars. The teeth and nails put so much more tone into a guitar because of magic. everyone knows that.

[@uv77mc85]

Haven't seen your videos for a while. Glad to see you are still going. Love your guitars and your approach.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

The magic is really where it's at. Thanks for coming back and checking us out again my friend