Guitar Making | Tej | Mentions https://guitarmaking.co.uk/members/tej/activity/mentions/ Activity feed mentioning Tej. Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:11:41 +0100 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-GB 30 hourly 2 10c3a26694bec198153a107faea748cb NSJ replied to the topic "Neck wood" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/162609/ Thu, 14 Sep 2023 23:58:15 +0100 @tej Ash makes a beautiful neck, done a few myself with zero issues but I always do a volute which may or may not help. Northern/european ash. It’s the denser , heavier hard one. Southern ash aka swamp ash isn’t…   Read more»

]]> 69c3fa71d003e6b7b6394f3d0df22181 mattbeels replied to the topic "Low output" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/112548/ Sun, 14 Nov 2021 23:09:52 +0000 So @tej how did it go with them Hot Slags?

]]> f4d005bdfa86178cfd69fa0cb7f77aed mattbeels replied to the topic "Neck wood" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/112537/ Sun, 14 Nov 2021 23:04:12 +0000 I love ash for guitar bodies @tej but personally I wouldn’t consider using it for a neck. However I’m interested to see how it goes for you, good luck!

]]> 5c4cd3ec92791e560c0a32aa80119388 Rocknroller912 replied to the topic "Neck wood" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/112478/ Sun, 14 Nov 2021 21:21:02 +0000 @tej I will put my head on the chopping block and say no because Ash is very springy, so unless it’s all heart wood and very solid it will give under string pressure eventually. I made an English Longbow from…   Read more»

]]> 652065497d98c58d1d1fb339f075dded Boo replied to the topic "Neck wood" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/112428/ Sun, 14 Nov 2021 17:39:29 +0000 Posted by: @tej is there a reason not to use ash for a neck either it it’s entirety or and part of a laminated neck? Currently making a new ash blank for a body and someone’s offered up some ash…   Read more»

]]> 9da321fed55209e530b9d02e885d454e mattbeels replied to the topic "Nut Files" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/112013/ Fri, 12 Nov 2021 21:03:18 +0000 Nut files are funny things @tej… I like the double edge files. Two sizes each with a handle and they have a V shape which helps to open up the top of the string slot, they suck for a PRS…   Read more»

]]> 26c954eb3554986bf8a7dc541f74876f mattbeels replied to the topic "In the beginning we mark the nut..." - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/111292/ Mon, 08 Nov 2021 15:24:00 +0000 Looks great @tej 😉

]]> 3302da7d449c6a00fd4efc14c9ff1fa8 Robin replied to the topic "Old chisel" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/110790/ Thu, 04 Nov 2021 21:31:13 +0000 @rocknroller912  @tej @bpower
Just a thought on using the wrench method, rather than hammering it off, maybe use the wrench as a lever.

]]> 3f03519cf62209a503d7a271ef416202 Rocknroller912 replied to the topic "Old chisel" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/110780/ Thu, 04 Nov 2021 21:13:49 +0000 @tej
If use use the wrench method then don’t grip it too tightly the shock of hammering may go up your arm. Also if your wrench is made as a casting it may crack as caste metal can be brittle.

]]> e1ac0c214e17c29061312ac543d37a6b Bpower replied to the topic "Old chisel" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/110766/ Thu, 04 Nov 2021 20:46:39 +0000 @tej. I would put the blade in a vise (very securely) and then probably use something like a open box wrench or adjustable wrench to go over the the blade and rest on the ferrule. Then you can tap the…   Read more»

]]> cf4ca7167a6b6596a63804a2f946257f Robin replied to the topic "Old chisel" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/110741/ Thu, 04 Nov 2021 18:38:37 +0000 @tej
If you hold the blade in vice you should be able to chap the handle off. Obviously be careful of the sharp end.

]]> d2fb6caf89abd0d211fd2f2e01cf5b25 Boo replied to the topic "Wood!" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/110410/ Tue, 02 Nov 2021 09:18:20 +0000 Posted by: @rocknroller912 i’m not sure how moisture meters work but I have relative who is a tree surgeon and he assures me that they do. @tej @rocknroller912  We have a resident tree surgeon here in the forum and he…   Read more»

]]> c497bef0c9223d154789d18f41c94cab Rocknroller912 replied to the topic "Wood!" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/110386/ Tue, 02 Nov 2021 00:39:51 +0000 @tej Commercial wood producers have a tub of hot melted wax which they dip the ends of the wood in but really anything to seal it is better than nothing. I’ve even used varnish or paint in the past when…   Read more»

]]> 041501c5a98dcd7ed56356924bf11389 Rocknroller912 replied to the topic "Wood!" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/110337/ Mon, 01 Nov 2021 21:03:12 +0000 @tej
Moisture meters on the…[Read more]

]]> f0b0d885ad32546b8ed01944abec7c43 Rocknroller912 replied to the topic "Wood!" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/110336/ Mon, 01 Nov 2021 21:00:05 +0000 @tej If the wood has been air dried then it needs to have been kept for at least 5 years in a dry place with sticks in between the boards to allow all round air circulation. It should be cut…   Read more»

]]> 165d84a3b3518f345f1e1fc66a046cfa Boo replied to the topic "Wood!" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/110327/ Mon, 01 Nov 2021 20:40:38 +0000 Posted by: @tej not sure if I need to do anything with the wood before hand. @tej I’m not qualified to answer that question, sorry man. I’ll let @markbailey or another expert on wood answer this one. 👍

]]> 4649331ab576ebff238556511e4691d4 mark bailey replied to the topic "Nut Files" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/110177/ Sun, 31 Oct 2021 12:57:36 +0000 Posted by: @tej @rocknroller912 thanks, I’ve also found a different set, still from hosco but sizes 010″/.026″, .013″/.036″, .017″/.046″ which are probably a better selection! I’m presuming here that there’s really no issue using a 0.010” file for a 0.009”…   Read more»

]]> cac3bb0c278ba15e4bd5875fd4818d7a Koendb replied to the topic "Nut Files" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/110176/ Sun, 31 Oct 2021 12:07:56 +0000 Posted by: @tej I’m presuming here that there’s really no issue using a 0.010” file for a 0.009” string!! Not at all! @tej. you can use any nut file that is roughly in the same ballpark. you just need a…   Read more»

]]> 8eb2b214eb031f7db91a90edcb773318 Rocknroller912 replied to the topic "Nut Files" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/110069/ Fri, 29 Oct 2021 20:20:48 +0100 @tej 
There is a site in Portugal that sells individual Hosco nut files and there is a .009”” one at €19.50. Still pricey but none of these tools are cheap.
https://guitarsandwoods.com/index.php?route=product/search&search=Hosco&sub_category=true&description=true

]]> 2c7d172882405e3a00210a13b42a0294 Boo replied to the topic "7 String Advice" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/109959/ Fri, 29 Oct 2021 16:08:06 +0100 @whyte @tej  You can use a 25.5” scale length for a 7 string but you can also use a 27” scale length for a little more stability.  Just read about what the big boys are doing, they have worked it…   Read more»

]]> 6d7f7addb25da288cfd0e715a6d48460 Rocknroller912 replied to the topic "Nut Files" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/109872/ Fri, 29 Oct 2021 14:08:15 +0100 @tej I can’t remember my previous comment but you have thrown me a bit as I always work in mm, however I’ve got my head around inches after some thinking. The set I use is 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 mm….   Read more»

]]> 48cac192fc4f44cd8727716b9ce08d21 Rocknroller912 replied to the topic "7 String Advice" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/109312/ Tue, 26 Oct 2021 16:19:09 +0100 @tej I haven’t done a 7 string guitar but I have made two acoustic 8 string octave mandolas with a guitar scale length so it should be a reasonable comparison. I didn’t do anything extra to reinforce the neck on…   Read more»

]]> 9113d678e3ee408c384a686ae5e9ecab Boo replied to the topic "Neck shims" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/109035/ Mon, 25 Oct 2021 15:13:32 +0100

Posted by: @tej
thanks, I’ll have a go at making some first but at least those are a sensibly priced option

@tej No probs. When I spotted these, I thought of you. Knowledge is power. 👍

]]> bad3c1ac59e9766752ada3aa6ab0b288 Boo replied to the topic "Neck shims" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/109012/ Mon, 25 Oct 2021 13:54:16 +0100 @tej G&W are selling shims now too. 
https://guitarsandwoods.com/g-and-w-neck-shims-for-s-and-t-style.html 

]]> c8c7864d6d20df11b7a94edf68720d11 Boo replied to the topic "Cheers to Mr Bailey" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/108803/ Sun, 24 Oct 2021 09:54:15 +0100

Posted by: @tv101
Congrats @tej
Its addictive.  You build one, build another, build another and before you know it, you’ve built 20.
And still want to build another.

I concur. 🎯💯🎸

]]> 86fd553e5da5712618f7334278a57e60 Russ replied to the topic "My Shed" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/108726/ Sat, 23 Oct 2021 21:27:13 +0100 Cheers @tej
As you can see, I’m a bit of an expert when it comes to taking it slow. 😂🤣 
🎸🙏🎶🙂

]]> 510750f0954d766c3f8b396fdad0e211 tv1 replied to the topic "Cheers to Mr Bailey" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/108669/ Sat, 23 Oct 2021 20:27:29 +0100 Congrats @tej
Its addictive.  You build one, build another, build another and before you know it, you’ve built 20.
And still want to build another.
👍
 

]]> cde6ddbdbd016f2b17ec5e23652d372b Rocknroller912 replied to the topic "BYOEG Black Stealth" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/108360/ Sat, 23 Oct 2021 19:28:11 +0100 @tej 
you could try the pound shops or B&M think they sell it. £7 a roll in my local diy shop.

]]> 9c1ef3f344f7fbe295017567ba6e441b Boo replied to the topic "BYOEG Black Stealth" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/108350/ Sat, 23 Oct 2021 19:04:59 +0100 Posted by: @tej have you found anywhere that sells frog tape at a good price, I’m nearly out but it seems to have gotten a lot more expensive of late? @tej Not really, it’s just quite expensive these days. I’m…   Read more»

]]> 8f66cdaf19a99328929c1e0cadaf37d1 Rocknroller912 replied to the topic "Neck shims" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/108196/ Fri, 22 Oct 2021 20:25:22 +0100 @tej
People don’t say that to me very often

]]> 82399f9ae80dfd4fbf38425aebd112eb Rocknroller912 replied to the topic "Neck shims" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/108191/ Fri, 22 Oct 2021 20:08:54 +0100 @tej 
40mm is fine it’s actually easier with a small plane

]]> 5be00feeb054b003b08c56d4a09fb14d Rocknroller912 replied to the topic "Neck shims" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/108189/ Fri, 22 Oct 2021 20:05:21 +0100 @tej Ive made a very rough sketch of how I would estimate the finished taper in wood. Hope you can understand it. Lay a ruler as shown from the tape to the front of heel and put your wood shim…   Read more»

]]> f82e22ad04a8f53c4a8d1f4c0856b378 Rocknroller912 replied to the topic "Neck shims" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/108186/ Fri, 22 Oct 2021 19:33:34 +0100 @tej Ive made lots of shims by hand, it’s not that hard. Start with a piece that’s longer and thicker than you need and clamp it to the bench. Then plane or scrape it working away from the clamp to…   Read more»

]]> 55eabed711ce05ffa434e257e3a7bd2d Rocknroller912 replied to the topic "Neck shims" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/108172/ Fri, 22 Oct 2021 18:20:59 +0100 @tej Even with the fretboard overhang and pick guard covering thing I would still try and fill any gaps in the joint, or the string tension will be pulling on the screws only which will probably cause them to pull…   Read more»

]]> b41d7c727f8692ace78253c76898bb57 Robin replied to the topic "Neck shims" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/108169/ Fri, 22 Oct 2021 17:37:47 +0100 @tej  I was going to suggest removing some wood from the back of the heel to get the angle that you want, but I see you’ve considered that already. It would drop the neck deeper into the pocket though, is…   Read more»

]]> 3051218a88fbebd281054cecb3612433 Boo replied to the topic "Neck shims" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/108155/ Fri, 22 Oct 2021 14:52:45 +0100 Have a look at these @tej There is some info on there too about neck shimming. 👍
https://www.stewmac.com/tonewoods/shop-tonewood-by-instrument/electric-guitar-bodies-and-necks-and-wood/electric-guitar-necks/stewmac-neck-shim-shop-set-of-12/

]]> 02e0deedec2ee9fc36fc1d559aaebf96 Rocknroller912 replied to the topic "Neck shims" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/108151/ Fri, 22 Oct 2021 14:24:25 +0100 @tej
Good luck I’m sure you will get some other opinions 

]]> fd7f2365152e8823b7513fbc6be7b8c4 Rocknroller912 replied to the topic "Neck shims" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/108145/ Fri, 22 Oct 2021 13:27:39 +0100 @tej Are you thinking of raising the whole neck with a flat shim or changing the neck angle with an angle shim. If it’s a flat shim then you could add it to the pocket and route to the depth…   Read more»

]]> 2e1a8d369dd1601429527e43ac8e3125 Russ replied to the topic "My Shed" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/107951/ Wed, 20 Oct 2021 20:35:44 +0100

Posted by: @tej
One thing worth doing is to figure out which tools you use often and mount them to a board on the wall.

Cheers @tej. I think I’ll do just that. 
🙂🙏🎸🎶

]]> 552a1e10097b859e73d3932a6a831145 mattbeels replied to the topic "In the beginning we mark the nut..." - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/107851/ Wed, 20 Oct 2021 19:38:56 +0100 Great job @tej! 
For the truss rod cover my suggestion is to match the headstock so it blends in and doesn’t obscure that nice looking wood!

]]> 8b6d43b1a13ac6b6736fbedb4beab28f Robin replied to the topic "In the beginning we mark the nut..." - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/107848/ Wed, 20 Oct 2021 19:35:26 +0100 @tej   I like to make the truss rod cover from wood to match the headstock. If you’re going to have a scaled down headstock shape, maybe it would look good in a contrasting wood.

]]> abb541342ebc550a1f99dc7178fd1213 Boo replied to the topic "In the beginning we mark the nut..." - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/107801/ Wed, 20 Oct 2021 19:10:35 +0100 Posted by: @tej Right, so I’ve fixed the screw and the electrics, turns out it was down to a bad earth connection where I had a glut of wires coming together. Decided to take everything out and rewire outside the…   Read more»

]]> 4aa2b355fcd413e23ae99d06d9c19926 Boo replied to the topic "7 String Advice" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/107597/ Tue, 19 Oct 2021 20:11:24 +0100 Posted by: @tej Mostly wondering if I need additional strength in the neck? @tej I don’t have anything to offer for a 7 string as of yet because I haven’t built one. However, all the guitar building principles will be…   Read more»

]]> d5292576c3d1685cb51d9753e24d4a0c Russ replied to the topic "My Shed" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/107586/ Tue, 19 Oct 2021 19:42:48 +0100 Posted by: @tej @russ one other thing please make sure there is ventilation in the shed so you don’t get trouble with damp and mould? I’m glad you’ve mentioned that @tej. I’ve been reading all about this very thing. I’m…   Read more»

]]> ec9972f1f82b30ea7ee64e143b1bf8e2 Russ replied to the topic "My Shed" - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/107569/ Tue, 19 Oct 2021 19:34:20 +0100 Posted by: @tej @russ Love it, are you tooled up so to speak or do you need to go shopping before you can start the build? Have you designed what you plan to make, I don’t recall seeing any plans? Thanks…   Read more»

]]> 3fa4c79c6b332a65e1f35e9015e8ecef Boo replied to the topic "In the beginning we mark the nut..." - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/107528/ Tue, 19 Oct 2021 19:12:38 +0100

Posted by: @tej
that’s a good system, annoyingly one that never occurred to me before!

@tej Yeah it took me a while to figure it out. Ask me how I know. 🤣👍

]]> faec87e526740412807893a86abf9b53 Boo replied to the topic "In the beginning we mark the nut..." - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/107519/ Tue, 19 Oct 2021 19:10:25 +0100 @tej Also, like I said earlier, put a small amount of bees wax on the thread of each screw. Doing this lubricates and eases the action of putting the screw in, it helps take strain off the screw. If the…   Read more»

]]> d07c10715a42f94281527cef4fc20bf1 Boo replied to the topic "In the beginning we mark the nut..." - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/107515/ Tue, 19 Oct 2021 18:59:39 +0100 Posted by: @tej Didn’t use power tools, just not used to hard woods and used an incompetently small pilot, clearly not the strongest of screws either mind 🙂 @tej My rule of thumb: whatever screws you want to use for…   Read more»

]]> 320be62f20c28eb0a2eaedc10b4bc52d Rocknroller912 replied to the topic "In the beginning we mark the nut..." - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/107500/ Tue, 19 Oct 2021 18:27:07 +0100 @tej
Looks like you’ve had a life time supply of bad luck all in one build. This should mean that your next ones will go with no problems.

]]> 69d1842032f3bfdb85d68798f5c85543 Rocknroller912 replied to the topic "In the beginning we mark the nut..." - https://guitarmaking.co.uk/activity/p/107488/ Tue, 19 Oct 2021 15:56:52 +0100 @tej Good job I’m glad that it worked for you. Being able to fix mistakes as they happen gives a lot more confidence when building. I always do a dry run fitting parts before any finishing to avoid things like…   Read more»

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