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adam
06-04-2013, 08:54 AM
Ok Folks, if you want in on our Guitar of the Month for May, then please post your pics in this new topic (or email them to adam@pitbullguitars.com and I will put them up). Deadline is April 30.

Don't forget, we'd like to see a few good quality shots of your pride and joy, so take a few photos of different angles and pick the best four.

We'd like to see one shot of the whole guitar, a close up of the body (get in close so we can see the quality of your finish), a close up of the back of the body, and a close up of the headstock including some of the fretboard (even if you haven't applied finish to the fretboard). See GOTM March for some examples.

If you need some photography tips, just ask... no one (including myself) pretends to be an expert photographer, but we can offer some basic tips to get the best photos (hint: a good camera helps). I can't help but notice all our photos are getting better with time.... but someone please tell DB to remove the dog hair from his background material.

I will announce the Special Guest Judge for May when Steve Vai returns my calls.

Good luck!

keloooe
06-04-2013, 08:57 AM
Looks like I'm entering GOTM June... Special judge??? Hehe...
EDIT: Well, Wokkaboy has a GoPro camera, so his vids and photos are always great!!!

GlennGP
06-04-2013, 09:16 AM
Quote from adam on April 5, 2013, 17:54

If you need some photography tips, just ask... no one (including myself) pretends to be an expert photographer, but we can offer some basic tips to get the best photos (hint: a good camera helps). I can't help but notice all our photos are getting better with time.... but someone please tell DB to remove the dog hair from his background material.

Andy P (from Wudtone) actually gave some great advice on this topic a little while back, which I've been following, and could be broken down to a few simple words: dark background, natural light, experiment.

I use a dark background and natural, diffused light (no artificial light). I tend to try to wait for mid to late afternoon sun, for warmer tones, but avoid direct sunlight. I know some guys use a direct artificial light to bling off chrome or gloss highlights, but you don't need to. I got great "bling" off the Yellow Peril's chrome without it.

You don't need to be that handy with a camera, just make sure there's enough light to get a good exposure, leave the framing wide (you can always crop it in artistically later), and move the guitar around to try to find interesting angles. It's sometimes hard to work out how to make the grain jump out, if that's your thing, and the only way to find out is to alter the way light hits it from the angle you're shooting. You also don't need that great a camera (though I am shooting with a decent one). Just be aware of how it focuses so that you know what will be in focus and what won't.

keloooe
06-04-2013, 09:50 AM
I have Paint.NET installed, and I use the "Bright" effect, basically making it look more like I took the pic when the sun is at its brightest, but doesn't kill the image (like Wudtone, how amazing!!!)!!!

dingobass
06-04-2013, 01:28 PM
FYI, Adam. The Zeddybitz hair is there for added texture and depth. :D

keloooe
06-04-2013, 08:37 PM
Quote from dingobass on April 5, 2013, 22:28
FYI, Adam. The Zeddybitz hair is there for added texture and depth. :D uh huh... So I should start letting my dog run around the sets then...

Bass Guy
07-04-2013, 03:14 AM
Hopefully the Nate Bass will be ready in time... *crosses fingers in desperate hope*

keloooe
08-04-2013, 02:53 AM
I doubt I can get the LP done by April 30...

Gavin1393
08-04-2013, 03:05 AM
Quote from keloooe on April 7, 2013, 11:53
I doubt I can get the LP done by April 30...
C'mon Pest, you can do it!

keloooe
08-04-2013, 04:03 AM
If the glue wants to separate itself from the basswood...

dingobass
08-04-2013, 07:54 AM
Quote from keloooe on April 7, 2013, 13:03
If the glue wants to separate itself from the basswood...

As long as you rough up the areas to be glued and get the wudtone offa dat neck heel, the glue I sent you wont EVER let go.
Heard about poo sticking to a blanket? This stuff is even better!

keloooe
08-04-2013, 08:21 AM
Ok,
1) you sent me glue??? Huh???
2) I was talking about the glue that using the cutaway, there is no more Wudtone on the neck heel!!!

dingobass
08-04-2013, 08:37 AM
Quote from keloooe on April 7, 2013, 17:21
Ok,
1) you sent me glue??? Huh???
2) I was talking about the glue that using the cutaway, there is no more Wudtone on the neck heel!!!

O CRAP! I forgot the glue! :?

I will send you some tomorrow! 8-)

Glad you got rid of the wudtone on the heel, it would have really peed you off otherwise! :D

keloooe
08-04-2013, 08:53 AM
Sweet, more packages!!!

adam
22-04-2013, 02:18 AM
Check out this gorgeous LP-1 in Wudtone Saffron, from our friend Gordon, in Werris Creek NSW. I've asked Gordon for some more photos so we can enter this into May GOTM.

Me likey!


http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/xq2q3-LP-1-gordon-1.jpg

keloooe
22-04-2013, 02:50 AM
That's beautiful!!! The LP-1 is starting to be more of a choice now Adam??

Gavin1393
22-04-2013, 02:52 AM
If he is going to throw it on the fire-wood heap, I'll get in before Callum and ask for it! Very nice Guitar and very creatively photographed!

keloooe
22-04-2013, 03:03 AM
Gav, it's too late now!!!

AJ
22-04-2013, 04:08 AM
Looks brilliant, beautifully done there 8-)

Gavin1393
22-04-2013, 07:17 AM
Thinking of entering a humble Dairy Blonde Stratocaster....

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/dw468-IMGP2335.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/l514s-IMGP2339.JPG

adam
22-04-2013, 07:37 AM
Some more photos of Gordon's LP-1...
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/2j5rh-LP-1-gordon-2.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ndj19-LP-1-gordon-3.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/et1j5-LP-1-gordon-4.jpg

dingobass
22-04-2013, 10:44 AM
Bewdiful! :D

pablopepper
23-04-2013, 02:36 AM
That is killer! Well done Gordon! :D

adam
24-04-2013, 12:29 AM
Our Special Guest Judge for Guitar of the Month (May) is locked in.

More details soon...

keloooe
24-04-2013, 02:29 AM
Oh god, here comes the Pest rumors again...

adam
26-04-2013, 05:05 AM
Just a reminder to get your photos in to me by end of the month. Our extra special guest judge is primed and ready to go... should be another close one.

Please send me:

A full guitar shot, from the front
A close up of the body
A close up of the headstock
A shot of the back of the body and neck.

Gavin1393
26-04-2013, 05:40 AM
Quote from keloooe on April 23, 2013, 11:29
Oh god, here comes the Pest rumors again...

Only rumour I have heard is that it WON'T be the Uber Pest.....

pablopepper
29-04-2013, 11:35 PM
This one has been a looong time coming, but after months of setbacks and changed plans I can finally put forth the "Davocaster".

My good mate Dave and I have been working on this guitar since September last year. Originally he wanted a strat with a maple fretboard, but since no such kit was on offer at the time a TL-1 was decided upon. The colour was always going to be Sonic Blue, but while we were sanding back the undercoat Dave was like "I really like how it looks right now", so we went with a 'relic' finish. We weren't gonna get stupid and chuck it down a set of stairs to ding it up, just worn back paint.

Disclaimer: I personally don't like the practice of relicing, it smacks of fakery to me. This guitar is not trying to be an antique, this was a cosmetic choice only.

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/jcfrw-Photo-27-04-13-5-39-15-PM.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/6cpvy-Photo-27-04-13-5-38-56-PM.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/g33ij-Photo-27-04-13-5-40-23-PM.jpg

pablopepper
29-04-2013, 11:37 PM
Obviously there are a number of mods going on here. First and foremost, Wilkinson high output strat pickups. Dave wanted a strat, so we compromised.

Second most obvious, no knobs. Dave said he never used the tone and volume knobs on his other guitars, just set them to full bawl and left them. So, rather than being in the way, we replaced them with kill switches. A mini toggle on/off and a momentary for a Tom Morello/Buckethead type effect.

The saddles have been upgraded to Wilkinson brass compensated, there's a Schaller 5-way switch, a single ply black pickguard and a Gotoh string retainer. The rest is stock.

This ended up being a really sweet guitar. It plays very nicely and I'm looking forward to seeing it in action.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/6zo30-Photo-27-04-13-5-39-56-PM.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/5sh51-Photo-27-04-13-5-49-10-PM.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/r768u-Photo-28-04-13-1-48-34-AM.jpg

keloooe
29-04-2013, 11:55 PM
Oh, someone already took the "YOUR NAME HERE"Caster...
Looks great there Pablo!!! Makes it looks like it was bumped around a lot in gigs!

adam
30-04-2013, 09:33 AM
Here's a couple of photos of Wokka's two entries. As I said to Wokka tonight, some of his earlier efforts were a bit rough around the edges (too much Drambuie during the builds perhaps), but these two guitars are pretty flawless and look amazing in the flesh.




http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/arjo1-Wok-PRS-2.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/7hwtr-Wok-SG-2.jpg

keloooe
30-04-2013, 09:36 AM
Wow... That SG looks soooooo beautiful!!!

Gavin1393
30-04-2013, 10:01 AM
Wokka! Dude! That SG is bloody gorgeous mate!

adam
30-04-2013, 11:09 AM
Ok, so it looks like we've got 7 entries for May GOTM. They are:

Nick's LP-1 Dark Red
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Nick-2-720x540.jpg

Max's TL-1 Satin Black
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Max-2-720x505.jpg

Jess's LP-1 Sunburst
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/J-Meek-2-720x480.jpg

Gordon's LP-1 Goldenrod
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/G-Hohnke-2-720x540.jpg

Dave's Relic'd TL-1
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Pablo-TL-2-720x537.jpg

Wokka's PRS-1S Sunburst
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Wok-PRS-2-720x480.jpg

Wokka's SG-1F Sunburst
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Wok-SG-2-720x480.jpg

If I've missed any, or you are still taking photos, make sure you get your photos to me by 5pm tomorrow (30 April 2013).

Good luck to all the contenders.

GlennGP
30-04-2013, 11:25 AM
Wow, so many great guitars, but that SG is just breath-taking, Wokka!

Good luck everyone!

AJ
01-05-2013, 12:21 AM
Quote from GlennGP on April 29, 2013, 20:25
Wow, so many great guitars, but that SG is just breath-taking, Wokka!

Good luck everyone!

Wow.. all are fantastic..

jmeek811
01-05-2013, 12:21 AM
That SG looks incredible! There are some amazing finishes there :) Can't wait to get into the next build!

GlennGP
01-05-2013, 01:54 AM
Quote from jmeek811 on April 30, 2013, 09:21
That SG looks incredible! There are some amazing finishes there :) Can't wait to get into the next build!

Yep, yours is amongst them Jess. I reckon the only one that doesn't make my heart pump a little harder is Wokka's other one [EDIT: the PRS - undoubtedly beautifully finished, but for me doesn't have the 'wow' factor]. The satin black Tele ... the red LP ... just wow. And they reckon *I* raised the bar. These are fantastic, and I hope they sound great too!

keloooe
01-05-2013, 02:32 AM
Yep Glenn, you totally raised the bar, the finishes are getting better and better by the month since Wudtone has been in stock!!!

robin
01-05-2013, 11:51 AM
Congratulations to all contenders of May's GOTM.

I am Gob Smacked at how good ALL the guitars look. I would hate to try and pick a winner.

Good luck to all.

cheers
rob

Gavin1393
01-05-2013, 12:19 PM
Love the red in Nick's LP, Wokka's SG is bloody awesome and Dave's Surfer Relic is just sensational! I've probably put the kiss of death on your guitars but I hope not! I never seem to get it right! Good luck to all....

Adam, do we know who is judging this one?

adam
02-05-2013, 08:06 AM
In case you missed it on Facebook, our very special guest judge this month is local rock icon Dom Mariani (The Stems, DM3, The DomNicks). I couldn't think of anyone more qualified... Dom lives and breathes rock guitar.

For those unfamiliar with Dom, here's a link to his site: http://dommariani.earplugmusic.com/

I sent Dom the seven entries last night and he says he will try and make a decision by the weekend. We will announce the winner on here and on Facebook.

Good luck to the six entrants.

adam
06-05-2013, 11:18 AM
And the winner is...

Copy of email from Dom Mariani:

"1. Gordon’s LP-1 in Wudtone Goldenrod

I love Les Pauls and this one has a very nice golden flame top finish. It looks like it’s beautifully done. The black headstock is a different touch and I like that Gordon has used gold bell top volume and tone knobs gives it a classic vintage look.

2. Jess’s LP-1 in Sunburst

This is a striking looking Les Paul,.. more on the red side, this cherry sunburst is beautifully done.
Once again the choice of gold bell top volume and tone knobs gives it a classic vintage look.

3. Max’s TL-1 in Satin Black

Great looking satin black telecaster. This guitar just looks like it would have a killer sound. I’d pick this up if I saw it in a guitar shop. I really dig (even if slightly modified) the matching black headstock. I’m a fan of the 60’s fenders like Jaguars and Coronados with the coloured headstock. The black dot inlays on a maple neck add to the look. Nice looking guitar.

4. Nick’s LP-1 in Burgundy

Nice job on this Burgundy flame top Les Paul. Gold bell top volume and tone knobs are cool in my opinion. The custom headstock gives it an individual look.

5. Dave’s Relic’d TL-1

This is a beautiful looking telecaster. Really nice colour and the relic look very well done. Very 50’s early 60’s – makes me think of surf guitar. I also really like it’s custom mods. 50’s/60’s Stratocaster maple neck, 3 pick-ups, black scratch plate, with selector switch. Is that phasing switch? No volume knobs? Really unique looking guitar!

6. Wokka’s PRS-1S in Wudtone Burst

Sunburst flame top PRS just looks like it has sustain that goes forever. Only minor thing is the red to gold transition is a little too pronounced for me and the overall finish looks a little under done.
The headstock shape is cool.

7. Wokka’s SG-1 in Wudtone Burst

I’m an SG player myself and this is a very striking flame top finish to this ’61 SG based guitar. Incredible flame top finish! The tulip tuning pegs, aluminum reflector/ black bell top volume and tone knobs compliment the guitar nicely. The devil horned head stock is a nice touch, but would’ve preferred the classic black to finish it off, but overall a great looking axe.


A tough decision between Dave’s Relic’d TL-1 and Max’s TL-1 in Satin Black, but I gave it to Dave’s Relic’d TL-1. A really great looking guitar,..nicely done.

Cheers,
Dom"

Congratulations Dave (and Pablo!), your relic'd TL-1 gets pride of place on our home page for a month.

WeirdBits
06-05-2013, 12:18 PM
Tele for the win... again. I'm detecting a trend ;) Congrats Dave and Pablo, that's one nice looking beat up axe.

Gavin1393
06-05-2013, 01:40 PM
I finally got one right! Chatted to some of the boys about this one at the Guitar swop. Loved the whole tele/strat thing this had going on and the reliced touch to the paint job. well done lads!

wokkaboy
06-05-2013, 01:50 PM
Quote from Gavin1393 on May 5, 2013, 22:40
I finally got one right! Chatted to some of the boys about this one at the Guitar swop. Loved the whole tele/strat thing this had going on and the reliced touch to the paint job. well done lads!
Well done Dave and Pablo well deserved GOTM. Cheers Dom for the positive feedback will take it on board for next build. Enjoy the win fellas.

keloooe
06-05-2013, 09:07 PM
Great effort by all contestants this month, all guitars looked beautiful!!!
Congrats to Dave and Pablo on GOTM!!! Let's see who wins next time!

GlennGP
06-05-2013, 10:50 PM
Well done chaps, well deserved. I've said elsewhere I'm not a fan of relic'd guitars, but I can appreciate that you executed a plan beautifully, and produced something which clearly appealed to the judge. A really great field this month. What will next month look like? I'd better hold the Red Menace over to July - can't have three Teles in the row.

pablopepper
06-05-2013, 11:28 PM
Wow! :D Thank you Adam, Dom and everyone else for their kind comments. You won't be able to wipe the smile off my face today.

Serious congratulations have to go to Nick, Gordon, Jess, Max and Wokka. You guys have built some gorgeous instruments and any other month each of them would be a worthy winner. The standard of entries is going up and up each month, makes me equally as proud to be a part of this community as to win.

While winning GOTM is pretty sweet, I'm personally more satisfied at how well this kit turned out. $129 plus maybe another $80 in bits and pieces and I'd rather sit down and play this one than my Gibson which cost 10 times that much. I don't see myself ever buying another brand name guitar, so much more fun to be had right here.

Anyway, this should sum up how Dave and I will be feeling over the next few days...
http://gifatron.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/will-and-carlton-dance.gif

Can't wait to see next months entries!

dingobass
07-05-2013, 07:35 AM
Well done guys.

Now stop dancin and get building the next one! :D

jmeek811
14-05-2013, 02:29 AM
Congrats Dave! I agree with how awesome these kits turn out and how satisfying it is building your own! :)

rhay
24-05-2013, 12:41 PM
(Admin Note: This post has been moved to GOTM June)

Not sure if I am doing this right, I tend to get a bit lost in these forums. Anyway...

Here's my first go at one of these kits. It's a 72 Thinline Deluxe/Jap Super Deluxe mash-up.

Quite fast and "twangy". In addition to the cosmetic mods (and through-body stringing) I also split the humbuckers with a 3-pos toggle. Pretty good result.

Cheers.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/371k2-complete-thinline-2.jpg

dingobass
24-05-2013, 01:51 PM
Wow, looking good rhay. A nice hybrid axe indeed!
Next build, I would like to see your name on the headstock.... You built it so claim it! :)

AJ
25-05-2013, 03:34 AM
awesome... is going my want to do list ..

maxaxe
26-05-2013, 09:33 AM
Big congrats to Pablo on a well earned win!

I was pretty chuffed just to read the nice things that were said about all our entries.

Max

rhay
01-06-2013, 12:35 PM
Quote from Gavin1393 on April 21, 2013, 16:17
Thinking of entering a humble Dairy Blonde Stratocaster....


Gavin,

Very tidy. Did you apply a stain, or go straight over with clear?

This finish reminds me of a re-co I did on a P-bass, we went Gloss clear over under-coats of Satin clear on natural wood.

Gavin1393
01-06-2013, 11:33 PM
Hi Rhay

I used the Wudtione Dairy Blond with gloss top coat!

Gav

rhay
02-06-2013, 12:41 AM
Cool, thanks Gav.