trapdoor2 - Posted - 07/16/2012:  09:13:48

I'm looking for a full-size template for the Gibson 'flyswatter' headstock. I'm commissioning a banjo and want something similar...but need a starting point. I like the flyswatter style but don't esp. like how four-square it is, preferring the top to be narrower than the bottom.

At least that's what I have in my head. I need a template as a basis to sketch around with. Anyone got a .pdf or something like that?

Yes, I've been infected by the postings with the Super 400 style inlays, etc. I have had something like that in the back of my mind for some time and have finally decided to make it happen. It will be a short-scale (25"), conic-radius plectrum neck to fit my already-existing Nechville-flux-capacitor gibson clone pot (which is a Sullivan T&P FF rim w/kulesh 'Big 10' TR).

Should be a complete monster...I'm enjoying learning jazz on the Plectrum and my Paramount Style A is starting to develop old-age issues (1st string tuner dying, neck bow, etc). I'm ready to have something that isn't quite so fiddly...though I love the Paramount's sound.

Any help on the template will be much appreciated!!

uncle.fogey - Posted - 07/16/2012:  09:30:44

Here's a picture of an old Epiphone jazz guitar headstock. It's narrower at the top than the bottom. Is that what you're looking for?

I could trace it.

trapdoor2 - Posted - 07/16/2012:  09:41:29

Thanks Ken, but your picture shows up as a red "X". I have pix of several jazz-age guitars, Super-400's, Strombergs, etc. I'm sure the Epi is in the same vein. I'm really looking for that Gibson template though...that will have the proper peg layout, etc.

I'll resort to sketching around photos if a template doesn't show up.

Thanks!

jwoods - Posted - 07/16/2012:  10:08:21

quote:

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Originally posted by trapdoor2

Thanks Ken, but your picture shows up as a red "X". I have pix of several jazz-age guitars, Super-400's, Strombergs, etc. I'm sure the Epi is in the same vein. I'm really looking for that Gibson template though...that will have the proper peg layout, etc.

I'll resort to sketching around photos if a template doesn't show up.

Thanks!

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Check your browser settings to see if you are blocking images from Photobucket...

trapdoor2 - Posted - 07/16/2012:  10:13:02

quote:

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Originally posted by jwoods

quote:

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Originally posted by trapdoor2

Thanks Ken, but your picture shows up as a red "X". I have pix of several jazz-age guitars, Super-400's, Strombergs, etc. I'm sure the Epi is in the same vein. I'm really looking for that Gibson template though...that will have the proper peg layout, etc.

I'll resort to sketching around photos if a template doesn't show up.

Thanks!

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Check your browser settings to see if you are blocking images from Photobucket... 

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 Entirely possible. I forget that my employer blocks lots of seemingly innocent sites (and in such fashion that I do not have permission to override such things). I'll check from home this evening.

uncle.fogey - Posted - 07/16/2012:  10:14:55

quote:

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Originally posted by jwoods

quote:

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Originally posted by trapdoor2

Thanks Ken, but your picture shows up as a red "X". I have pix of several jazz-age guitars, Super-400's, Strombergs, etc. I'm sure the Epi is in the same vein. I'm really looking for that Gibson template though...that will have the proper peg layout, etc.

I'll resort to sketching around photos if a template doesn't show up.

Thanks!

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Check your browser settings to see if you are blocking images from Photobucket...

 

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It shows up in this thread on my computer.

I'll post it again:

wfawley - Posted - 07/16/2012:  10:20:27

Do a google image search ... You'll probably find a lot of images That's what I do. You may have to play with the size a bit on your printer, but once you get it to the proper size ... use spray glue, 3M Super 77 to be exact, applied to the paper, and stick it to a piece of wood, or perhaps thin plexiglass. I generally make a "half" template. I draw a center line on the neck blank, and use the template to draw one side, flip it over and draw the other side.

Wyatt

jwoods - Posted - 07/16/2012:  10:28:18

quote:

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Originally posted by uncle.fogey

quote:

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Originally posted by jwoods

quote:

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Originally posted by trapdoor2

Thanks Ken, but your picture shows up as a red "X". I have pix of several jazz-age guitars, Super-400's, Strombergs, etc. I'm sure the Epi is in the same vein. I'm really looking for that Gibson template though...that will have the proper peg layout, etc.

I'll resort to sketching around photos if a template doesn't show up.

Thanks!

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Check your browser settings to see if you are blocking images from Photobucket...

 

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It shows up in this thread on my computer.

I'll post it again:

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Ken,

The image is located on Photobucket, and that site is likely being blocked by his employer.

Very common.

The Old Timer - Posted - 07/16/2012:  10:53:01

There are some great BANJO headstocks in the flyswatter-that's-narrower-at-the-top-than-the-bottom on Greg Earnest's site. Look for the old open back and trap door Style 3s and 4s. I even traced one out from a photo, intending to get a quote on having a neck made.

Gibson banjos were once made with exactly the peghead you describe! Pre-1925.

kmwaters - Posted - 07/16/2012:  10:56:03

Can you grab this one??

Edited by - kmwaters on 07/16/2012 11:08:32

Epiphone Peghead - Old

trapdoor2 - Posted - 07/16/2012:  11:00:26

Here's what I'm talking about, on a Loar-era L-5. Sexy...

Yes, I could use this pix to work one up. 

Or this one...thanks Old Timer, for the link to Greg Ernest's stuff.

Edited by - trapdoor2 on 07/16/2012 11:06:58

trapdoor2 - Posted - 07/16/2012:  11:27:04

quote:

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Originally posted by kmwaters

Can you grab this one??

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 Got it. Thanks Ken. The "cupid's bow" on the top is excellent. I don't like the Gibson flyswatter (banjo) version because the corners flare upward on the bow...I guess I prefer a natural shoulder to a padded one.