Hi guys,
Actually started the build about 2 weeks ago with (learning) sanding & more sanding, watching youtube videos and doing more sanding.
I tried a natural stain on the basswood body (top side) but after 2 coats wasn't happy with the paleness of the wood.
I went on to a Danish Oil and that gave it a tad more colour but went out on a limb and tried a Walnut Satin stain which started to give me a bit of depth at last. I wanted to keep a nice wood tone on this 1st build after seeing several Fender Thinlines.
I took the neck to a friend (thanks Felix) who gave me a start with the headstock. I decided to go with the Thinline Deluxe Strat style. I took the rough shape to another friend with a bench sander.... WINNER! A lot of work with files & heavt grade sandpaper and I had a pretty decent looking headstock.
Once I had a fair colour on the face of the body, I flipped it and started work on the back. This time I chose a cedar stain. Several coats were all that I needed (actually I took it one coat to many). I started covering with Danish Oil. Of course I sanded between each coat, starting with 600 grit and up to 1200 for the last few. Still a few coats to go as there a sections on the sides that are still soaking up the oil. The body is just beginning to shine after about 5 coats.
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