Arzi's barncaster TLA-1

[Arzi]

OK...

the first step in "distressing" the wood is close to done. I found a great youtube video on how to take out some of the softer wood between the grains with a power drill and a brass brush (or something). took it with the grain and her are some results. Maybe gonna work on it little more to tidy the grooves up a bit or not.

next it's some banging with different tools and making some "worm holes" on appropriate places. What this type of removing wood should do is I propably won't have to use different shades of stain becaus it will soak more on the harsh grain and also create natural shadows in the cuts. all it should need is a light sanding in the end to create lighter areas on the color and grain.

I might use the same on the top of the headstock as well but not on the rest of the neck cause I want it to feel smooth to play. Just stain and sanding to look weathered.

[wokkaboy]

cool effect Arzi, on the bright side you skip all those hours of sanding !

[Arzi]

Hi Woks

Yep - no sanding but still quite alot of work. Not the same as before though which is refreshing I must say.

[wokkaboy]

yeah I bet its hard work with the drill and wire brush.
What are the stain plans and colour of the neck/headstock ?

[Dedman]

me likey!

[Arzi]

The colour plan is to give the body a gray look to go with black pearl scratchplate and chrome harware. Same shade of gray to the headstock top and very light/dirty shade of gray to the fretboard and gradually getting darker gray to the back of the neck.

Just got a tip how to age the chrome hardware too. Some builders here have used hydrochloric acid's fumes to do it (by putting the hardware in a larger container, then putting the acid in a small jar in it and closing the lid for a few hours. Need to use proper masks and other protective wear while doing it but it does work. Don't know if I'll do it but apparently it can be done.

And Woks - not as hard with the drill and brush I admit... 😂

[Arzi]

Okay...

So I got the body "abused" and went to staining it and puttin on the Tru Oil. Had a hard time banging the body and poking extra holes in it - my heart almost bled but in the end... well you decide.

The color was what I was aiming for (weatherd gray) until the coats of TO when it turned mostly brown color. Still a hint of gray is there but main thing is it does look like something out of a barn wall. Steel wooled the 4 coats of TO and came up with this.

I really love the flames on the fretboard. Gray stain sanded away and TO on the neck.

The real color is way more brown than in these pics.

Here goes:

[WeirdBits]

Love that fretboard, and it'll only get better with wear.

[Dedman]

Dooooooode! Awesome

[Arzi]

Thanks guys. I'm pretty excited of the results myself. Have had so much fun with this one and I love this type of rustic look that I'm definately gonna do this type of build again. A bass next time.