Sportbilly's ES-1GT First Build

[Sportbilly]

Thanks Stan. I checked out your sister's build thread. Looks great.

Reminded my of something I've been reading up on... Binding masking. I was reading a thread about fret board masking and it's very helpful in recommending the blue 3M scotch tape etc so I've ordered that.

If anyone has photos of fully masked up guitars prior to painting that would be very helpful. Or just words of wisdom. Being an ES1-GT I have the binding and the f-holes to mask and fill.

[Sportbilly]

Okay so back to the neck... With a bit of careful sanding we're in better shape with a snug fit. See photos.

One thing I did want to check was the extent to which I need to monitor, measure or worry about the angle of the neck as it sits in the neck pocket once flush with the bottom of the pocket.

When I first got the neck to slot in it appeared the angle looked too much. But then I placed the pickups in their slots and it actually doesn't look bad. I don't think I want to get into indepth messing with the neck pocket as I doubt it'll really go well...

[wokkaboy]

The neck angle looks fine Sports. As long as the bottom of the heel is flush. I'd start sanding the body and get some stain on!

[Sportbilly]

Hi everyone... Okay so I've done some sanding and I'm getting ready now my Wudtone Carmine Gypsy has arrived...

But I have a question on prep: I was readin Andy40's ES1-G thread, which is really useful. He has a great photos of the body all prep'd and masked for painting. Do I need to mask the binding and fill all the holes per Andy40's photos or can I apply Wudtone and scrape the binding after painting (which is what Gavin advises in the "How to Build your pitbull guitar" thread.

I've seen some you tube videos advising getting 1/8" plastic tape so it can bend round on the top through the curves.

I'm ready to paint but I want the prep to be sound... Thanks as always... SB.

[Fretworn]

SB, if in doubt mask, but you still may need to scrape the binding as Wudtone is quite thin and can get under the tape. Either way sand/polish the binding up to 0000 steelwool first so the stain has no tooth to get into. Also look carefully for any cracks in the binding as occasionally, some builders have had issues with the stain syphoning into cracks which can leave perpendicular lines across the binding. If you are concerned about any flaws in the binding ask Dingobass what to do, there is something involving acetone that can fix them.

[wazkelly]

Someone a few months back mentioned he used a latex type stuff that was painted on top of the binding and removed after staining which worked successfully. Just can't remember whose build and there are literally hundreds done so far this calendar year.

[WeirdBits]

Latex masking fluid: Vintage-y ES-3.

[Sportbilly]

Hi guys, quick update as I've been busy ordering some stuff and getting on with neck & body finishes...

Neck: see the photo below. I've been applying TruOil, up to about 5 coats now which I think will do. It's come up a treat and really shows up the wood. Happy with it. You'll also notice a bit of a PRS'eque headstock going on... All good.

Body: per photos you're looking at Wudtone Carmine Gypsy. One round of deep colour coat and one round of base Coat. Leaving to dry this week then will do another Base coat perhaps Thursday or Friday. I'm thinking 4-5 rounds of Base coat will do the trick but will see how it looks. No rush...

Also the advice on the latex masking fluid was spot on so thanks for that. I've coated the bindings before painting/staining and it comes off with a bit of elbow grease with a pencil eraser/ cloth. Will give the binding all a proper clean up once all the rounds of colour are done. But a top tip. Thanks...

[stan]

looks good you have a nice result

[Andy40]

Hi Sport billy,

I really like that colour. I wish i had the patience to order some Wudtone products and wait for them and get them through customs....

are you indenting to sand/scrape the binding back in the F holes? It looks like they're stained.