10-String NS Jetstar

[matsickma]

I like considering alternative guitar configurations and setups. The MiC Jetstar, with the "reverse Firebird" headstock seemed like an ideal platform to modify into a 12-string electric. I had been interested in having a 12-string set up like a Ric where the high octave string follows the lower octave string. It seemed that emphasizing the lower octave like the Ric 12- string would be a nice tone. The Jetstar headstock could accommodate the extra set of tuners. However as I considered this modification I thought of the detuning effect when string bending a 12-string guitar. In my mind I wondered how I could play the riffs to "Layla" with a 12-string and concluded that the best of both worlds would be to add the additional octave to the lower strings and leave the standard high e and b strings as singles. The two high strings aren't an octave pair anyway so why not leave them single strings that can be stretched and bent to cover high note expression.

So that is what I did. The guitar is likely going to have additional modifications and an upgrade in hardware as I experimented with inexpensive parts. But to my pleasant surprise the NS Jetstar neck and headstock seems to be holding up well. I need to do some minor intonation and truss rod adjustments but surprisingly only a modest amount.

So far I like what I arrived at and will give it some time before I perform an additional modifications.

M

 

[GGJaguar]

Very cool and not a hot mess mod!

 

[GAD]

That’s impressive!

 

[walrus]

That's cool! I like it!

walrus

 

[Nuuska]

Interesting - if it works for you . . .

I have my F-212 10-stringed wo octave D&G - because they are too loud w pickup.

Guitars are tools - so whatever is best for your goal - go for it !

 

[chazmo]

Yes, very cool and well-done mods, matsickma!

 

[Boneman]

Neat idea, I like what you’ve done. Which saddles did you use for the octave pairs?

 

[jp]

That's a pretty fun idea! I would love to hear how it sounds.

I'm also impressed by how neat and organized your workbench is!

 

[The Guilds of Grot]

I'm also impressed by how neat and organized your workbench is!

He probably tidied up for the photos!

 

[tonepoet]

Very cool idea and clean workmanship. Looks like it was meant to be.

 

[matsickma]

Haha...well I did have to clean off the work bench to get started. You wouldn't want to see a picture of the rest of the garage.

Two items of note...I ordered an inexpensive 12 strings bridge. Turns out it was worse than inexpensive. It was just shipped in a tiny plastic bag. Got all banged up and the bag tore so the mounting studs got lost. The USPS rebadged it and delivered it to me. Fortunately I could salvage the saddles and had an extra 12 hard stop. I basically swapped a few bridge parts. It was a $15 part and not worth the hassle to return it. The 2nd item was the tuners. I like the slot Fender guitar type tuners because they are so easy to string. However I didn't realize the set I ordered didn't come with a center hole in the slot. So restring the 4 additional tuners was a PiA and sloppy job. I have to see if it's worth salvaging the tuners by drilling a hole into the top.

Bottom line I need to get some additional set of strings, adjust intonation and truss and resolve my tuner dilemma. Then decide if the mini humbuckers are a keeper or a pickup swap is in order. DeArmond 2000 were candidates for a pickup swap.

M

 

[lungimsam]

That is a very creative mod!!!! Post some sound samples if possible. Looks great!!

I have an 8-string guitar but never use it.

 

[mushroom]

Cool