Update

Next project is going to be a fretless bass.  I will post on the construction of this project as well as add sound bytes from the previous Les Paul project.  Look forward to creating a youtube channel full of useful information on how to repair and maintain you guitars.

Quick guide to wiring.

This is a list of the tools needed to wire a guitar, as well some pics of the process of wiring a guitar.  All guitars have different wiring depending on the style of guitar and the components or setup of the guitar.  With that in mind the wiring is all the same when it comes to making connections.  I will give a brief description of how I wired this guitar to give you an idea of how it's done.  Tools needed are as follows below.  Not all of these tools are needed, but it is definitely recommended.  To make a connection you need to get to the wire.  Most wires are insulated so the wire cutting tools helps to get the necessary length and remove insulation from the wire to be soldered.  After insulation is removed.  I use heat shrink tubing to reinforce the end of the wire so it does not fray over time.  I apply flux to the exposed wire and component in which I am going to connect it too.  I apply solder using the soldering iron to both the wire and component before connecting.  Once applied I then connect using the soldering iron.  This process of applying before hand helps give a cleaner, easier connection.  The small screwdriver is used in helping apply the copper shielding.  This copper is applied before wiring.  It is not necessary, but can help eliminate humming if used.  Kits are available on most music sites.  I used Dimarzio copper shielding for this guitar.  Its applies like tape.  After application solder is used to seal and seams that were made.  The screwdriver is used to push the copper in any hard to reach places.  I will make a more in depth blog on each of the steps to help first time builders.  Hope this helps any novice builders.  ENJOY!

Heat shrink tubing, heat gun 

Wire cutter, small screwdriver 

 Soldering Iron

Flux

Solder

Copper shielding in the Pots Cavity

Soldered and copper shielding

in the switch cavity. 

Copper shielding prior to soldering and full installation of copper.

Copper shielding after copper and soldering with mounting ring installed over pickup cavity.

Wiring of the pots.

Wiring of the switch.

Wiring of the pots.

Finished paint

Painting is finally complete.  Finished pin striping the red and black edges .  Now to throw several coats of clear coat on to it and start buffing and polishing the paint.  Then I can install all of the components and and get some sound out of this guitar.  Once all the parts are installed the color theme is really going to pop and make sense.  

Top site for parts

ww.ALLPARTS.com

Allparts is a website dedicated to every part you could need for your guitar or bass.  What I find really great about the site is that they have a section dedicated to parts made in the U.S.A.  I try to buy all my parts from American made manufactures whenever possible.  This site just makes it that much easier.  They sell parts for all guitars and basses from vintage to new.  I feel the site is easy to follow and navigate, as well as find what your specific need is.  Allparts is one of the first sites I use when purchasing parts for new builds and repairs.

Top site for tools

www.STEWMAC.com

Stewmac contains all the material and tools needed to build a guitar.  What I like about the site is they give videos and information on all of their products.  I can get everything I need without having to go to several websites and the prices are very competitive.  They offer a free catalog with everything they sell, which I like because staring at a computer screen hurts my eyes after a while.  This is the first website I go to for tools and parts.

Top Sites For Guitar Building

Top Sites For Guitar Building

1. www.allparts.com (parts)
2. www.guitarelectronics.com (parts,info)
3. www.tcpglobal.com (paint)
4. www.diyguitarmods.com (info)
5. www.stewmac.com (parts, tools)
6. www.guitarpartsresource.com (parts)
7. www.projectguitar.com (links)
8. www.luthiertool.com (tools)
9. www.guitarrepairtools.com (tools)
10. www.touchstonetonewoods.com (material)
*Complete build* www.warmoth.com

Kustom paints

I've been using Kustom paints throughout this project.  They work extremely well and are very versatile.  I am currently clearing the Les Paul project and the flow of the paint is really smooth with no fisheye effect/orange peel.  Mixing is simple, in fact, they have premixed bottles available for airbrushing or small spot repairs.  This saves time and money.  I am using TCPGlobal to purchase the paint.  This website is a one stop shop for all your finishing needs from spray guns to stencils.  I also like the fact that you can use Paypal or Amazon to pay for the products.  I will be posting pics of the Les Paul after I wet sand and polish the guitar.