Pinball Wizard Guitar Build

[Pinprick]

This is a work in progress that I have been doodling around with for some time.

The motivation here is an attempt to create a fusion of two of my great loves (i.e. pinballs & guitars) into one entity.
When completed, it will be a fully playable instrument featuring an on board amp, speakers, multi effects, LED lighting and more.

The whole deal is (appropriately, IMO) based on The Who's 1969 smash hit.
Hence I've loosely modelled the look on a gottlieb wedghead from that era with, of course, some artistic license.

Rather going into a detailed explanation of what's going on, below are some recent pics of where it's at.

For anyone interested in following the development of this bad boy, see link below to Pit Bull Guitars Australia forum.


 

[oldskool1969]

 
firkin AWESOME looking forward to seeing end result and you playing it too!
Classic wedges design with real EM bits, winner dude.

[Mr Pinbologist]

Being a guitarist myself i'm keen to see the end result 
maybe a you tube vid of it being played?? 

It'll look like Bo Diddley's rectangle bodied guitar but with pinball parts on it 

[Toads]

I share both hobbies too. This looks great.
I will be following this too.

[Zedman]

That is freakin insane!

Is it gonna be an actual working guitar or a wall hanging showpiece?

You could probably hire it as a prop for a film clip.

I'm gonna be watching this, keep up the good work.

Z

[flippnaussie]

Very cool. Can you hide all the electrics or will some be showing?

[Pinprick]

Here's some more detailed shots of what's been going on so far  
Note the "backglass image which I purloined from a Society 6 shirt/poster and modified to suit; including the score reels showing 1969 - the year The Who released Pinball Wizard.

? Yes, the electronics (see pic 1) will be concealed beneath the "playfield" which I have begun boring & routing to fit inserts & faux switch wires etc.

? Yes, it will be a fully playable guitar with a single bridge humbucker feeding the on board amp/effects plus a standard signal outlet jack.

P.S. Just ordered a 16 LED chaser kit from the U.S. which will simulate the controlled lamps. GI's will remain on steady, with the whole lot switchable from  under the cabinet as per a real pinny.

More soon . . .

[Pinprick]

Some more work done on the faux P/F and lots of scaled down parts built & ready to populate the thing.
Paintwork on PF nearly complete, then on goes the black line work.
Also knocked up most of the printed artwork & decals etc. (see pics)
Still need to make the arch & shooter guides, spinner, rebound mount & saddle from ally sheet.
Today the 16 LED chaser kit turned up from the U.S. yippee - I can begin the next phase: fitting & wiring LEDs for this and also doing the GI circuit.
Progress ihas been slow and fiddly, but I'm having some real fun with it now.

[Marty Machine]

The mini score on your headstock decal could in fact be replaced with an identical sized working score......food for thought...

I'm hoping the framework (box) will remain sturdy enough to hold the guitar in tune, the string tension will be the killer issue if you didn't allow for box-flex somewhere....

my 2c
MM

[Pinprick]

Hi Marty

All the string tension is taken by a heavy central "core" running from the neck socket to the bridge mounting point (see earlier pic)
This bit is firmly set into the guitar's back & the P/F is in turn screwed onto it.
Core is made from solid aged pine.
As for a rollong score reel, that's in the too hard basket for me.

[ddstoys]

I love it Max great idea that's come to life well done

[oldskool1969]

 
I think this project is AWESOME.
People must appreciate that all the bits are replicas and to scale, hand made by Max.
He deserves the title PINBALL ARTIST!
on ya mate

[Pinprick]

A little more work done:

Playfield art finished at last and she's ready to be populated as soon as the clear satin urethane has dried.
"Controlled" lamp brackets in place with LEDs hot glued into sockets. Just awaiting delivery of warm whites to finish a couple and to do the "GI" lighting.
Next phase will be the really fun bit of the project when all the scaled down PF goodies go on . . .

[ajlaird]

Great project, very impressive!

[Pinprick]

At last it's starting to look like a populated PF . . . .

Next phase is to wire up the light show & the audio - with lots of help from Anthony (the coolest electronics/pinball tech in the country)