Robbo's MB-1 build

[Rockfactor]

Hi all

My MB-1 showed up today so I'm keen to get stuck in.

I was after a different looking guitar so picked the MB-1. I did plan on changing the shape by shortening the bottom horn and reshaping the top a bit but now I have it in my hands I think I'll leave it as it is.

First go at this type of thing so it will be interesting to see how I go. I was planning on a satin black finish but I'm now considering a black stain and gloss finish, so I'll think that ever for a few days whilst I get my sanding on.

Unopened box...


First look...






Edit: photos added

Robbo

[wokkaboy]

Hi Robbo, plans sound good. You can resize the pics to under 1MB and resolution below 1500x1500, or upload to photobucket and post a link, whatever is easiest for you

[Rockfactor]

Thanks mate, all sorted now

Robbo

[Rockfactor]

Thumbs up from the QA guy



I have a Seymour Duncan "Custom Custom" kicking around somewhere I'll put in the bridge (I use the bridge PUP probably 97% of the time) and probably upgrade the pots for a start.

I also grabbed the Grover machine heads as well.

Looking at the body I'm not sure it's suited to a stain so will probably go with a satin black finish.

Robbo

[wokkaboy]

nice upgrades Robbo, glad the QA guy gave the thumbs up ! Most basswood grain is pretty plain so a satin black finish should look good

having a listen to the Rockfactor demo mixes, good mix of rock classic covers !

[king casey]

Looks great. I can understand your enthusiasm but perhaps you'd be even better off if an adult was around to help out.

cheers, Mark.

[Rockfactor]

Thanks Wokkaboy, we just pick a bunch of songs we enjoy playing and go out and have fun . We also have a few clips on YouTube

https://youtu.be/HS8dPv_Mn9s for example.

Not too bad for 44 years old hey King Casey I try and limit my sun exposure

How far do I need to take my mock up? Do I need to put a couple of strings on?



How good are these fretboards as supplied. I like a pretty low action, can I get that with the neck as supplied or should I give that a seeing too before I get too much further?

More questions, sorry!!

The fret markers appear to be painted on. They look ok but I'm concerned they'll wear off. Should I sand them off and install plastic dots or similar?

Cheers in advance, Robbo.

[Andy40]

Hey Robbo.

The good news is you can set this one up however you like. if you want lower action, its not too hard to set it up that way, but probably concentrate on building it first.

As its a bolt on neck, I would string up the high and low E strings and centre the neck before drilling the neck bolts. rather than putting the bushings in for the stoptail (you want to finish the body first) get some rubber tubing to hold the posts in place and put the stoptail on when doing the mock string up. Alternatively, you can finish the body and neck first then worry about drilling the neck holes when the bushings are in place.

The mock build is just to check to see if you have all the essentially bits and bobs. and make sure everything fits.

If you intend to do any modifications to the kit, my suggestion is to do that before finishing the body and neck.

Good luck mate, good to have you with us

I'd be surprised if the fret markers wouldn't be plastic inlays. They shouldn't wear off.

Sometimes the frets on the kit may need a bit of work, just use a stanley knife blade as a fret rocker to check for any high or low spots.

[wokkaboy]

Hey Robbo, as Andy said. I've seen one of those necks and the fret markers are painted on. I would do as you suggested and sand them off and get some nice dot markers.
You will need to fret level the neck so will need some tools for that if you want a low action but easily do-able

Keep the questions coming, its the only way you will learn and less chance of making mistakes !

[Rockfactor]

Question please, I have a bosch random orbital sander and some 180 grit paper.

Is a ROS a good idea for the flat surfaces and is 180 grit a good place to start.

I intend to go up through the grades to some pretty fine grit as I get into it.

Thanks in advance, Robbo