Build Diary of an MMB-5

[RalphH]

Almost a shame to disassemble and start the finishing process. Looks like you are ready to go as is.

You may be on to something there Waz. My wife says it could be my "Eco" guitar. Chemical free finish, with no sandpaper harmed during the build process.

[robin]

Looking good Ralph, your attention to detail to make it as close as you can to an original is inspiring.

[RalphH]

Looking good Ralph, your attention to detail to make it as close as you can to an original is inspiring.

Thanks for that Robin, I'll be taking it one step further by attempting to fabricate a set of string mutes as well...
In for a penny, in for a pound!

[wazkelly]

Thanks for that Robin, I'll be taking it one step further by attempting to fabricate a set of string mutes as well...
In for a penny, in for a pound!

I have those on my Ric 4003 and never use them as they tend to dull the sound too much.

[RalphH]

I have those on my Ric 4003 and never use them as they tend to dull the sound too much.

Ah yes, but perfect when you want to create an upright bass tone or doing old school blues. The other reason I'm putting on the mutes is that without them, the bridge appears wrong. All post 96' SR's (both 4 and 5 bangers) without the mutes have a shorter bridge.

[wazkelly]

Your attention to detail is amazing.

[RalphH]

Your attention to detail is amazing.

Cheers Waz. I just hope my finish is a glassy as yours. Well done!

[RalphH]

I was quite fortunate with the body as there were very few dings and machine marks to deal with. All that was required was a quick whip around with a 6mm half round router to even out the edges to give the vintage “slab” look I was after. Next was the detail sander on the flat surfaces with 180 grit pads.

Edges were all done by hand, (also@180G) as was the final finishing. I spent about 2-1/2 hours on the sanding and decided there was not going to be much improvement to be gained by going over again with anything finer.
Minor dent filling and end grain sealing was done with good o’l TimberMate, followed by another session with the abrasive paper and a dust off.

I decided to use my airless Wagner to apply the undercoat; in this case I used British Paints 4-in-one sealer/undercoat/primer. I had used this product throughout a kitchen renovation previously, (under white lacquer) and was impressed with its coverage, adhesion, and filling abilities when laid on in a few thick coats (with a 4 hour forced dry between). Using the airless to pump the undercoat on is like the equivalent of 6+ coats with an aerosol product.
When fully cured, I will wet sand with 800G in preparation for the colour coats.
The body colour will be a chilli red, so the final undercoat will be tinted red to aid coverage.

Neck was prepared with 180G, 240G and finally with 400G in preparation for the Rust-oleum satin polyurethane, and fretboard masked. As with the body, the plan is to use multiple coats with a 1200G rubdown between coats.

[Chuck]

Cracking build Ralph, I'm picking up lots of great ideas and tips from you on this one!

[RalphH]

Cracking build Ralph, I'm picking up lots of great ideas and tips from you on this one!

Thanks Chuck, glad some of the skills I learned all those years ago are still valid and useful.
This is my first guitar build since the late 80's and I'm having so much fun as it's much easier with the flash new tools and materials available.