Mike Perez Guitar: December 2006

About Me

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

I have been a Los Angeles City firefighter for 20 years. I work in the Glassell Park section of Los Angeles. In 1985-1986 I worked for Charvel/Jackson in Glendora, California. It was a great experience, regardless of it being just a $5.00 an hour job. I worked in the wood shop and did the inlaying and fretting. I did get to see Neal Schon, from Journey, in one of his videos use a guitar I worked on and fretted. That was over 23 years ago. I was watching MTV with my cousin when I saw the guitar. I said, "Jim, look, I made that guitar." "And how much did they pay you...?" he asked. "Five dollar an hour" I told him. "Five dollars?...that's it?" Then he changed the channel. Making only $5.00 per hour puts things into perspective. But it still was fun. Now, it's just simple tools and equipment. It ain't perfect, but it is fun.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

String-up for test.

I strung-up the guitar to see where I needed more adjusting. I strongly recommend a complete string up before the finish. Pickups and all. Better adjustment here than after the finish is applied. Several places need more wood removal. The tuner knob spacing is somewhat tight and the bridge might need to go lower. Lesson learned: 2-degree neck angle with this bridge is too shallow; 3-degree minimum. I am happy so far, and all the adjustments should be easy to do.

Side dots are in.

Finally, I remembered to install the side dots. I whittled away the wood from the red pencil. I sanded the core smooth and used a 5/32" bit for the hole. I used the dust for the epoxy color and it came out nice.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Merry Christmas!

With the weather getting colder, but still dry, there is going to be a period of inactivity on this project. Who would've thought that a guitar started in July would still be in construction in December? That's what's called being an amateur. Nobody pays for me to do this, so I take my time. I'll be going to the UK to be with the in-laws, so add two more weeks to the finish date. When the rain hits, look for even bigger delays. See you then!