Frequently Asked Questions

[adam]

Here is a list of the more frequently asked questions from our customers.

1. I live in Perth, can I come and inspect the kits before I purchase?

A. In short, no. Pit Bull Guitars is an e-Store, which means that we operate exclusively online. We do not maintain a showroom to inspect the product. This is one of the reasons we can offer such great product at such reasonable prices. If we had to maintain a "bricks and mortar" store we would be paying rent, electricity, staff wages and many more "incidentals". By limiting our overheads, we can operate on a very slim margin and offer complete electric guitar kits from only $99.

We are required, by law, to have a Registered Office, which is advertised clearly on our home page. Please note that there is no product kept at this address. Our kits are stored and distributed by an external third party.

2. What does your company have against left-handed people?

A. Hey! Some of our dearest friends are left-handed! But seriously, we have committed to stocking the ST-1, TL-1 and LP-1 kits in left handed versions. These will be in stock from late December 2012. Any kit you see on the site is available to order in a lefty configuration, you just need to contact us and place a special order, with a 50% deposit. Email adam@pitbullguitars.com with your special order.

3. Can I return a product I'm not 100% happy with?

Absolutely! We offer a full guarantee that our product is exactly what you were expecting (or more than you were expecting). If any product does not meet your expectations, email adam@pitbullguitars.com with your specific issue and Adam will arrange a return, refund or credit as appropriate.

For a full run down on our terms and conditions, please refer here: http://pitbullguitars.com/?page_id=6.

[GlennGP]

Pick-up specifications - any chance you can provide some info on the pick-ups supplied with the TL-1? My brother has access to a bunch of pick-ups from a liquidated Billy Hyde store, and is therefore trying to work out whether it would be worthwhile replacing the supplied pick-ups with some from the liquidated stock. I think I'll just fit the supplied ones and see how they sound, and he can replace them if he really wants to, but it would be good to have some info about the pick-ups, nevertheless.

[dingobass]

Quote from GlennGP on January 8, 2013, 18:09
Pick-up specifications - any chance you can provide some info on the pick-ups supplied with the TL-1? My brother has access to a bunch of pick-ups from a liquidated Billy Hyde store, and is therefore trying to work out whether it would be worthwhile replacing the supplied pick-ups with some from the liquidated stock. I think I'll just fit the supplied ones and see how they sound, and he can replace them if he really wants to, but it would be good to have some info about the pick-ups, nevertheless.


GRAB THEM!!!!!!

The pups supplied are pretty much standard in size, so they should pop right in.

Besides, any chance to get cheap pups is one not to be missed!

[GlennGP]

Okie-dokie - they shall be grabbed!

I have another question:

Base coat: the instructional video about preparing the body is pretty explicit about using acrylic paint for the base coat, but doesn't specify whether it should matte or gloss or even a primer/sealer/undercoat. I'm not sure if it even matters, but it would be useful to know what was used in the video. I have some primer/sealer/undercoat in the shed, and naturally I'd love to not have to buy more paint!

So, actually, two questions:

1. What type of paint is used for the base coat in the video?

2. Does the finish of the base coat matter, as long as it's even and smooth in preparation for the colour?

[dingobass]

Quote from GlennGP on January 8, 2013, 19:51
Okie-dokie - they shall be grabbed!

I have another question:

Base coat: the instructional video about preparing the body is pretty explicit about using acrylic paint for the base coat, but doesn't specify whether it should matte or gloss or even a primer/sealer/undercoat. I'm not sure if it even matters, but it would be useful to know what was used in the video. I have some primer/sealer/undercoat in the shed, and naturally I'd love to not have to buy more paint!

So, actually, two questions:

1. What type of paint is used for the base coat in the video?

2. Does the finish of the base coat matter, as long as it's even and smooth in preparation for the colour?

I believe it is an undercoat/ primer... Is that right Adam?

It is best to use a matte undercoat/ primer, as you will have to sand it back between coats.

Have you got spray equipment? trying to brush paint your Axe will not give you the desired effect.

[Gavin1393]

Glenn, have you checked out WUDTONE yet? Most of us are using this product as it is way less messy and wasteful than spraying. You get a far more controlled finish and it will cost you probably less than half the price of using cans?

[adam]

Hi Glenn,

In the video, with the EX-1, we used a standard Bunnings acrylic paint (white), and we did two coats, sanding back between each.

I have to admit, we were pretty green when we did those videos, so, had we known about Wudtone finishes, we wouldn't have bothered with the acrylic spray videos.

In fact, we're working on a replacement video which will show how the Wudtone is applied (isn't that right DB?)

Gavin is right, the Wudtone will cost you less than a can of undercoat, a couple of cans of colour acrylic spray and a can of gloss acrylic spray.

Wudtone also comes with instructions.

[dingobass]

Quote from adam on January 8, 2013, 22:02
Hi Glenn,

In the video, with the EX-1, we used a standard Bunnings acrylic paint (white), and we did two coats, sanding back between each.

I have to admit, we were pretty green when we did those videos, so, had we known about Wudtone finishes, we wouldn't have bothered with the acrylic spray videos.

In fact, we're working on a replacement video which will show how the Wudtone is applied (isn't that right DB?)

Gavin is right, the Wudtone will cost you less than a can of undercoat, a couple of cans of colour acrylic spray and a can of gloss acrylic spray.

Wudtone also comes with instructions.






Yes Adam, the video is just about done!

I just need to do a rough edit and send it to you for final production 8-)

[keloooe]

Quote from dingobass on January 8, 2013, 22:04

Quote from adam on January 8, 2013, 22:02
Hi Glenn,

In the video, with the EX-1, we used a standard Bunnings acrylic paint (white), and we did two coats, sanding back between each.

I have to admit, we were pretty green when we did those videos, so, had we known about Wudtone finishes, we wouldn't have bothered with the acrylic spray videos.

In fact, we're working on a replacement video which will show how the Wudtone is applied (isn't that right DB?)

Gavin is right, the Wudtone will cost you less than a can of undercoat, a couple of cans of colour acrylic spray and a can of gloss acrylic spray.

Wudtone also comes with instructions.






Yes Adam, the video is just about done!

I just need to do a rough edit and send it to you for final production 8-)

Yay!!! Wudtone vids!!!! Oh, and DB, how does Dark Onyx w/gold highlights and Vntage Amber sound on the LP-1????

[GlennGP]

Well, having just perused the Wudtone website, and as long as their claims to superior tone are borne out by experience, why would you do anything else?! Another question, then - who is their Australian supplier?

[Gavin1393]

Quote from GlennGP on January 9, 2013, 06:46
Well, having just perused the Wudtone website, and as long as their claims to superior tone are borne out by experience, why would you do anything else?! Another question, then - who is their Australian supplier?

The shelf life of Wudtone is onlt 2-3 months hence best to buy direct. Takes about 10-14 days to get here, but chatting to Andy ( from Wudtone) last night, he mentioned that there has been a change in the UK laws which may well affect the usual postal system. As DB says there is always a work around, so Andy is applying his mind to this as we speak!

[dingobass]

Quote from keloooe on January 9, 2013, 06:05

Quote from dingobass on January 8, 2013, 22:04

Quote from adam on January 8, 2013, 22:02
Hi Glenn,

In the video, with the EX-1, we used a standard Bunnings acrylic paint (white), and we did two coats, sanding back between each.

I have to admit, we were pretty green when we did those videos, so, had we known about Wudtone finishes, we wouldn't have bothered with the acrylic spray videos.

In fact, we're working on a replacement video which will show how the Wudtone is applied (isn't that right DB?)

Gavin is right, the Wudtone will cost you less than a can of undercoat, a couple of cans of colour acrylic spray and a can of gloss acrylic spray.

Wudtone also comes with instructions.






Yes Adam, the video is just about done!

I just need to do a rough edit and send it to you for final production 8-)

Yay!!! Wudtone vids!!!! Oh, and DB, how does Dark Onyx w/gold highlights and Vntage Amber sound on the LP-1????

Hey Kelooie

One word answer. NOICE!

[adam]

Glenn, you'll need to budget about $50-60 with about a 2 week wait for delivery. Well worth it though.

There's a few regulars here who can guide you through the application process if you have any questions; including Andy from Wudtone himself.

[GlennGP]

So, from this I deduce that, although the Wudtone online shop says they only ship to UK and EU, they do actually ship direct to Australia? And I'm confused about a change in UK laws resulting in an improvement in delivery to Australia, when it's clear that people in Australia already have the stuff. Sorry to be such a dullard, but WTF is going on??!! /slightRant

OK, I'm sold, but seriously, can someone just tell me straight where I can lay my hands on the stuff? Is it direct from Wales?

[adam]

Glenn,

I've contacted Andy from Wudtone and asked if he can pay a visit to the Forum to respond. Hopefully he can sort you out.

[keloooe]

Quote from dingobass on January 9, 2013, 06:57

Quote from keloooe on January 9, 2013, 06:05

Quote from dingobass on January 8, 2013, 22:04

Quote from adam on January 8, 2013, 22:02
Hi Glenn,

In the video, with the EX-1, we used a standard Bunnings acrylic paint (white), and we did two coats, sanding back between each.

I have to admit, we were pretty green when we did those videos, so, had we known about Wudtone finishes, we wouldn't have bothered with the acrylic spray videos.

In fact, we're working on a replacement video which will show how the Wudtone is applied (isn't that right DB?)

Gavin is right, the Wudtone will cost you less than a can of undercoat, a couple of cans of colour acrylic spray and a can of gloss acrylic spray.

Wudtone also comes with instructions.






Yes Adam, the video is just about done!

I just need to do a rough edit and send it to you for final production 8-)

Yay!!! Wudtone vids!!!! Oh, and DB, how does Dark Onyx w/gold highlights and Vntage Amber sound on the LP-1????

Hey Kelooie

One word answer. NOICE!

Yea, I knew you would like that! Now I have to decide on whether xtra gloss w/ ageing tint or xtra gloss w/o ageing tint...

[keloooe]

Quote from Gavin1393 on January 8, 2013, 20:30
Glenn, have you checked out WUDTONE yet? Most of us are using this product as it is way less messy and wasteful than spraying. You get a far more controlled finish and it will cost you probably less than half the price of using cans?

Yea, anything that doesnt involve mess and uncontrollable paint is something that I would look for.. plus wudtone have highlights in it to make it look really nice!

[dingobass]

Quote from keloooe on January 9, 2013, 09:20

Quote from Gavin1393 on January 8, 2013, 20:30
Glenn, have you checked out WUDTONE yet? Most of us are using this product as it is way less messy and wasteful than spraying. You get a far more controlled finish and it will cost you probably less than half the price of using cans?

Yea, anything that doesnt involve mess and uncontrollable paint is something that I would look for.. plus wudtone have highlights in it to make it look really nice!


I can recommend Wudtone as being the best finish I have come across.

Easy to use, no need for spray equipment, extractors, respirators etc.

Just don't forget to wear gloves whilst using it 'cause this stuff stains!

Quote from adam on January 9, 2013, 07:20
Glenn,

I've contacted Andy from Wudtone and asked if he can pay a visit to the Forum to respond. Hopefully he can sort you out.


Hello everyone,

Sorry for the wobble on the supply. Yes our lovely Royal Mail service has tightened its restrictions.


Our current thinking on the right sustainable way around this is problem is

Wudtone to use a service able to carry quantities of the base carriers, pigments, dyes along with detailed instructions on ratios to mix the various kits. ( Wudtone would supply in containers able to give extended 3-4 year shelf life )( pls note in the small bottles we have been using it is only 2-3mnths)

What would be needed in Australia is an organisation/ individual able to receive these products with access to

• domestic package courier service OK to handle the product ( equivalent to this www.myhermes.co.uk cost effective small package courier service we have in the UK)

• suitable 30ml and 50ml containers

• laser printer, labels, packaging etc

Effectively offering a business opportunity based on a franchise arrangement, delivering 30%-40% gross margin on sales with domestic distribution.

So we are looking at options to carry quantities to Australia.

Is there a suitable domestic delivery service in Australia? Individual / organisation that may want to grasp the opportunity?

Although it is going to take time to put things in place, hopefully this will enable a way forward.

Please let me know your thoughts in reply.

[GlennGP]

Hi Andy, looks like nobody else is biting, so I will.

First, to be clear, is it correct that Royal Mail is preventing you from shipping retail quantities of your finishing products outside the UK/EU, and that, until you find a work-around, we can't get your stuff here in Australia? (If so, that sucks!)

Anyway - a few questions about your business opportunity.
Would orders be through your UK-based online store, or would there need to be an Australian-based online store?
How much business were you doing in Australia - I imagine this could only be a sideline business, not a bread-winner. Or is it?
Are there any standards or safety requirement with which you have to comply in the UK? This would be an indicator for whether any similar standards need to be observed in Australia.

In short, I'm interested, but need more information to make an informed decision.

Cheers,

GGP

[adam]

For the record, I have approached Andy with an offer for Pit Bull Guitars to distribute Wudtone product in Australia and New Zealand.

Our friend Dingo Bass is also very keen to be involved, so, if Andy decides we are worthy to look after his baby here in Oz, then Wudtone will be available from PitBullGuitars.com (and shipped from our current distribution center), with Maestro Dingo Bass in a product specialist type role (I will also ask him to do the mixing and bottling, so we know its done right!).

We anticipate that Wudtone will be heavily featured and promoted on our site and customers will be offered the option of adding Wudtone finish to their kit purchase at checkout. Customers will also be able to buy the product separately from a dedicated Wudtone product page linked from our home page.

Andy is currently considering our proposal.

[GlennGP]

Ah, that's the bite I was most expecting, and is welcome news. :D As you were, gents!

[keloooe]

Hey Adam, when you just said that we can have wudtone added at the checkout, do you mean as in the box so there,s a nice set of wudtone for us to apply themselves??? Cause I like finishing my guitars with my own hands

[adam]

Quote from keloooe on January 10, 2013, 07:47
Hey Adam, when you just said that we can have wudtone added at the checkout, do you mean as in the box so there,s a nice set of wudtone for us to apply themselves??? Cause I like finishing my guitars with my own hands

Yes, you could add a Wudtone Finish kit to your Pit Bull Guitars kit, so you would receive both together. And yes, you would still be applying the finish yourself.

[keloooe]

Quote from adam on January 10, 2013, 07:55

Quote from keloooe on January 10, 2013, 07:47
Hey Adam, when you just said that we can have wudtone added at the checkout, do you mean as in the box so there,s a nice set of wudtone for us to apply themselves??? Cause I like finishing my guitars with my own hands

Yes, you could add a Wudtone Finish kit to your Pit Bull Guitars kit, so you would receive both together. And yes, you would still be applying the finish yourself.

Sweet, can't wait to see how the site will turn out after this!!!

[Gavin1393]

Quote from adam on January 10, 2013, 06:38
For the record, I have approached Andy with an offer for Pit Bull Guitars to distribute Wudtone product in Australia and New Zealand.

Our friend Dingo Bass is also very keen to be involved, so, if Andy decides we are worthy to look after his baby here in Oz, then Wudtone will be available from PitBullGuitars.com (and shipped from our current distribution center), with Maestro Dingo Bass in a product specialist type role (I will also ask him to do the mixing and bottling, so we know its done right!).

We anticipate that Wudtone will be heavily featured and promoted on our site and customers will be offered the option of adding Wudtone finish to their kit purchase at checkout. Customers will also be able to buy the product separately from a dedicated Wudtone product page linked from our home page.

Andy is currently considering our proposal.






sensational! I think this will work very well!

[keloooe]

Quote from Gavin1393 on January 10, 2013, 08:08

Quote from adam on January 10, 2013, 06:38
For the record, I have approached Andy with an offer for Pit Bull Guitars to distribute Wudtone product in Australia and New Zealand.

Our friend Dingo Bass is also very keen to be involved, so, if Andy decides we are worthy to look after his baby here in Oz, then Wudtone will be available from PitBullGuitars.com (and shipped from our current distribution center), with Maestro Dingo Bass in a product specialist type role (I will also ask him to do the mixing and bottling, so we know its done right!).

We anticipate that Wudtone will be heavily featured and promoted on our site and customers will be offered the option of adding Wudtone finish to their kit purchase at checkout. Customers will also be able to buy the product separately from a dedicated Wudtone product page linked from our home page.

Andy is currently considering our proposal.






sensational! I think this will work very well!

Yea, plus it would be tons easier to have Wudtone shipped WITH the kit!

[kimball492]

In reference to wood types for guitars

Les pauls should be mahogany with maple cap preferably ebony fret board
Fenders normally Ash or alder with maple or rosewood fret boards

Alder (Alnus rubra):

Alder is used extensively for bodies because of its lighter weight (about four pounds for a Strat®
body) and its full sound. Its closed grain makes this wood easy to finish. Alder's natural color is a
light tan with little or no distinct grain lines. It looks good with a sunburst or a solid color finish.
Because of its fine characteristics and lower price, Alder is our most popular wood and it grows all
around us here in Washington State. The tone is reputed to be most balanced with equal doses of
lows, mids and highs. Alder has been the mainstay for Fender bodies for many years and its
characteristic tone has been a part of some of the most enduring pieces of modern day
contemporary music.

Ash (Fraxinus americana):

We have two very different types of Ash: Northern Hard Ash and Swamp Ash (Southern Soft Ash).

Northern Hard Ash is very hard, heavy and dense. A Strat® body will normally weigh 5 lbs. and up.
Its density contributes to a bright tone and a long sustain which makes it very popular. Its color is
creamy, but it also tends to have heartwood featuring pink to brown tints. The grain pores are open
and it takes a lot of finish to fill them up.

Swamp Ash is a prized wood for many reasons. It is a fairly light weight wood which makes it easily
distinguishable from Hard Ash. A Strat® body will normally weigh under 5 lbs. Many of the 50's
Fenders were made of Swamp Ash. The grain is open and the color is creamy. This wood is a very
nice choice for clear finishes. Swamp Ash is our second most popular wood. It is a very musical
wood offering a very nice balance of brightness and warmth with a lot of "pop".

Basswood (Tilia americana):

This is a lighter weight wood normally producing Strat® bodies under 4 lbs. The color is white, but
often has nasty green mineral streaks in it. This is a closed-grain wood, but it can absorb a lot of
finish. This is not a good wood for clear finishes since there is little figure. It is quite soft, and does
not take abuse well. Sound-wise, Basswood has a nice, growley, warm tone with good mids. A
favorite tone wood for shredders in the 80s since its defined sound cuts through a mix well.


Mahogany (Khaya ivorensis):

We use African Mahogany in our body production. It is a medium to heavy weight wood with a
Strat® body averaging 5 lbs. or more. Mahogany is a fine grained wood with great musical
properties. The tone is warm and full with good sustain. The favorite tone wood of the Gibson®
brand name; associated with some of the most famous rock music of our time. The grain is easy to
fill. Looks good with clear or transparent red finish

Maple
(Acer saccharum-Hard Maple):

We offer two types of Maple: Eastern Hard Maple (hard rock maple) and Western Soft Maple (big
leaf maple).

Hard Maple is a very hard, heavy and dense wood. This is the same wood that we use on our
necks. The grain is closed and very easy to finish. The tone is very bright with long sustain and a
lot of bite. This wood cannot be dyed. It looks great with clear or transparent color finishes.

Quilted Maple (Acer macrophyllum-Pacific Maple):

Quilted maple is a more rare form of figure occurring mostly in western maple. It is distinguished
by its billowing cloud or even popcorn appearance. This figure can vary from large, wide billows to
tight small blisters. As with flame, quilted maple is most often used as a bookmatched top, but is
sometimes available as 1-piece or 2-piece solid bodies.

Spalted Maple (Acer macrophyllum-Pacific Maple):

This wood is actually the product of a dead or decaying tree. The dark lines are created by fungal
attack. This wood is soft and punky and is only used as a thin laminate bookmatched top on flat top
bodies with binding. Spalt is difficult to finish as it soaks up a lot of finish. Don't even think about
doing a "do-it-yourself" finish on this stuff. Each piece of Spalted maple is quite unique. It looks
awesome with a tobacco burst finish.

Birdseye Maple (Acer saccharum-Hard Maple):

This figure is only found in the eastern hard maple trees. Birdseye does not usually run deep in the
boards, so solid bodies are not available. As a bookmatched top it can be quite striking.

Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia):

A gorgeous exotic wood with rich thick grain covering a range of colors and patterns. These bodies
dominate the heavy wood category with solid Strat® bodies always weighing in at well over 6 lbs.
Specifying construction as hollow or chambered build is always a good idea if you're weight
conscious. Finishes can be a little difficult to apply with the oily nature of the wood. You can expect
big warm tones from rosewood with smooth high end roll off. Indian Rosewood Tele® bodies were
made popular in the 70s by George Harrison of the Beatles.



Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera):

This is another standard body wood having been used by many companies over the years. Due to
the grey/green color, this wood is used mostly when solid color finishes are to be applied. Its
weight generally runs about one half pound more than Alder. Tonally, it is similar to Alder as well.
Poplar is a closed grain wood that accepts finish well.


Hope It Helps

Kimball

[TheDangerMan]

Hey guys,

I didnt know where to put this question but I figure it qualifies as a 'FAQ' post.

I am doing a guitar build which is going to be a Tele styled kit with; pitbull guitar neck (and wudtone finish), tonerider pickups, bridge and hardware from pitbull guitars but a body that I bought some time ago and a pickguard which isn't from pitbull guitars.
If I were to start a build diary here (mainly focusing on the electronics part of the build) is this okay? Didn't want to upset the rules of the Community, as it isn't technically a 'PitBull guitar kit' is all!

[Gavin1393]

We have a section titled "non pitbull gear" , there have been some build diaries there.....

[TheDangerMan]

Ah yes, cheers Gavin!

[Eugene_Eugene]

Hello

I think that there is something wrong with neck, headstock is curved, and nut almost hanging in the air.

What do you think?

8621

862086188619

[dingobass]

Hi Eugene,

I had a look at your photos and I have a fix for you.

You will need to remove the nut by very gently hitting it with a piece of timber so you don't damage it or the fret board.
Then with a file or rasp, level the nut slot. Do this carefully, checking often to make sure you dont take off too much.

When you have it level and square to the fretboard, glue the nut back on with a drop or two of super glue.
This should fix that problem.

As for the slight angle of the headstock, this is not really a problem as it wont affect the Guitars playabilty or tuning.

If you have any other questions, please don't be afraid to ask them here on the forum, we are here to help you build your guitar.

[Eugene_Eugene]

Ok.
Thanks
Nut is not problem.
I'm worried about the head.

[Eugene_Eugene]

it may be possible to send a new neck?))

[adam]

Hi Eugene, I have sent you an email.