I wanted to build a LPG for some time but had trouble finding the right plate. On a trip to my home town of New Paltz New York (I currently live in Scotland) I went into an antiques store that used to be a lumber yard my Dad was the manager of. On the wall, directly above where his desk used to sit, hung a 1962 NY license plate, as this plate was only 2 years older than me the deed was done, I found my tag! Thanks Dad, message received!

I decided I wanted an all metal, 1960s aero/auto style build. Raw aluminium and black rubber reminds me of the hot rods, jets and go carts of my childhood so that’s the way I was going. I selected 4mm aluminium plate as my my main material. I model made, Molded and cast black plastic corners to give it a proper manufactured look and nice, contrasting, radiused corners.

I had the internal neck mount welded locally out of ali box section as the wooden neck was shifting all over the place. After a LOT of cutting and tapping the basic construction was done. I only used a bandsaw, drill press, belt/disk sander and hand tools to shape everything. I chose a licence plate surround to finish the top edge with. I cut the slots for the twin lipstick pickups with a Dremel and a cutting wheel. I stained the wooden neck deep black and used screws for fret markers. The nut is threaded rod. I made up the bridge from aluminium angle and 6 string bridge parts. The control plate and bits were a purchased unit.

I took the finish off of all the chrome to give it a worn look. Staying with the all-metal, “Detroit” look, I used giant domed nuts for volume and tone knobs (I’m keeping my secret for how I made these removable and snug fitting). The selector knob is a tire valve cap. I cut slabs of rubber and glued them onto the thigh rest (believe me this beast NEEDS supporting!) in a tire tread pattern. Finally I used Aluminium blackener and other “magic” substances to age all of the metal. I have it tuned to open Eebe for blues with a dramatic bass root note a’la Ry Cooder. A thin high e lets it squeal for leads. If nothing else this GOLIATH makes a great self defence weapon!!