My Guitar Build - LP-1

[jmeek811]

Hi Everyone,

Here are a couple of photos of my build... an awesome project. Love the sound and the feel of the guitar. Can't wait to do my next one. Such a great learning process. :)
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/zbf97-6337_10151292135493171_1746700118_n-1.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/um9ae-37103_10151292135533171_859122850_n-1.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/1qd82-46364_10151292135568171_1257160283_n-1.jpg

[stui]

Very cool jmeek, what finish did you use on it?

[wokkaboy]

that looks sensational Jmeek,
how did you get the Gibson logos on the headstock and the colours and sunbursting looks incredible.

keen to hear what sort of finish you used and what colours they were

cheers Wokka

[keloooe]

Wow... just wow...
What burst did you use??? And you should try Wudtone for the next build, gets you even better results!

[wokkaboy]

Quote from keloooe on April 8, 2013, 13:49
Wow... just wow...
What burst did you use??? And you should try Wudtone for the next build, gets you even better results!

Maybe Pest he has used wudtone, but that sunbursting is probably the best I've seen out of any Pitbull build

[keloooe]

Quote from wokkaboy on April 8, 2013, 14:01

Quote from keloooe on April 8, 2013, 13:49
Wow... just wow...
What burst did you use??? And you should try Wudtone for the next build, gets you even better results!

Maybe Pest he has used wudtone, but that sunbursting is probably the best I've seen out of any Pitbull build
yea, the first glance at it made it look a bit like nitro (Uh oh, I'm dead!), but he might!

And yes, that burst is the best ive seen out of these babies EVER!!!! He might have the bridge facing the wrong way, check the saddles, they tell you, cause mine faces the pups

[wokkaboy]

And yes, that burst is the best ive seen out of these babies EVER!!!! He might have the bridge facing the wrong way, check the saddles, they tell you, cause mine faces the pups

I think the bridge saddle is the correct way Pest. If it was reversed you probably can't access the adjusting screws as the humbucker will be in the way
I've put the bridge that way with my LP's

[keloooe]

Ok then!

[Gavin1393]

Yes, everything is put on exactly as it should be. Awesome Job.
I'm also keen to hear about the logo's they look terrific!

[dingobass]

Works either way.... Sometimes I put em the screw side to the Bucker, other times towards the bridge. Just depends on my mood and the quality of the grooves in the saddles.

[wokkaboy]

Quote from Gavin1393 on April 8, 2013, 15:54
Yes, everything is put on exactly as it should be. Awesome Job.
I'm also keen to hear about the logo's they look terrific!

Gav I heard Perry fit the Gibson and les paul labels !! Just kidding !

the labels look very genuine as though he's put a real Gibson neck on the axe

[dingobass]

Oh, and whilst I am at it, it would be nice if folk started to put their own logos on their guitars! :D

You built it so claim it as yours!

[keloooe]

Quote from dingobass on April 8, 2013, 15:59
Works either way.... Sometimes I put em the screw side to the Bucker, other times towards the bridge. Just depends on my mood and the quality of the grooves in the saddles.
That's why I thought they went facing the Bucker, cause I saw a tiny groove and a gigantic groove!

[Gavin1393]

Quote from wokkaboy on April 8, 2013, 16:00

Quote from Gavin1393 on April 8, 2013, 15:54
Yes, everything is put on exactly as it should be. Awesome Job.
I'm also keen to hear about the logo's they look terrific!

Gav I heard Perry fit the Gibson and les paul labels !! Just kidding !

the labels look very genuine as though he's put a real Gibson neck on the axe

I have only ever put my logo's on my scratch builds....but since being told off for not doing so I will make some other plan to keep everyone happy!

[keloooe]

Yea, I will start doing my own logos soon!

[GlennGP]

There's just enough about that build to convince me it's not a put-up job - the neck pup rout peeking out from under the surround, and the little bit of roughness on the bottom edge binding; and the fact that Jess registered as a user back in December. Otherwise I'd be calling troll!

As it is, that's an amazing job. I'd also be very interested to hear about the headstock, that looks to be mother-of pearl inlay for the "Gibson" logo! Recycled neck?

[theabomb]

For everyone wondering about the headstock, I'm assuming he has just used a headstock overlay, like these

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ORIGINAL-1990S-GIBSON-LES-PAUL-HEADSTOCK-OVERLAY-/380616311121?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item589e800151

If you buy a NOS one it will cost around $100 from what I've seen...

[jmeek811]

Hey Everyone!

Thank you for all of the compliments!! This was my first build and such an awesome project.

The neck is from the kit, the decals are from online, around $30, i debated for ages weather to put them on but I am getting a custom truss rod cover with my build date on it.

The burst, I have always wanted to do one of these! So, I stained it teak. Then sprayed the outside with red spray paint :) if i can figure out how to get some photos on here again without starting a new thread I will, I am so pleased with how it turned out! I would love to try the wudtone. Will have to give it a go on my next one.

This is so addictive... Next is a bass guitar, anyone got any heads up on which one? I am quite liking the Hofner Violin Bass....


Happy Building Guys!

Jess :)
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/f7283-428148_10151292137873171_1613397060_n.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/20441-865_10151292137968171_481612453_n.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/56cna-480831_10151292138968171_1119063353_n.jpg

[keloooe]

The only answer to that is YES! Definitely build another kit, and maybe even have a fully documented build diary this time, so we all know what you are doing!
For the basses, it should really be up to you, pick whatever looks best to you!

[theabomb]

I am blown away with your work with the sunburst! it looks absolutely awesome!

[jmeek811]

thanks keloooe! Just waiting on some finance :P and another one will be underway...

Thanks theabomb! I didn't think I could do it to be honest! What a fluke!

[adam]

Hey Jess, what an awesome result, you should be really proud of this guitar. One of the best bursts I've seen so far.

In regards to basses... have a look at what Dingo Bass did with one of our IB-5 kits:


http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/7mjed-IB-5-Demo-2.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/jw64h-IB-5-Demo-1.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/a5ix3-IB-5-Demo-4.jpg

[dingobass]

Nice work Jess :D

Hey Guys, the bar has just been raised with this great sunburst!

The Hofner Bass is my personal favourite out of our Basses.
It has got everything going for it, the balance is great, it is nice and light and it sounds scarily like Sir Paul's classic Beatle Bass...

[jmeek811]

Bass I'm a beginner at playing, but being that I would be a bit hesitant to go with such a unique shape.. though it looks incredible! (the hofner)

That is a really nice bass Adam! So tempting. How many guitars is too many? :)

Also, it means a lot to have you all say such nice things about my guitar... thanks :)

[Gavin1393]

Adam, DB...

What finish is on that bass?

[dingobass]

You can NEVER have too many Guitars... or in my case, Basses! I now have 7 in my collection and no doubt that will only grow.. Lucky I have a very understanding and supportive partner :D

OK, so if you consider yourself a novice Bass player, the Hofner would be a great choice as it is a 3/4 scale.

[dingobass]

Quote from Gavin1393 on April 14, 2013, 20:55
Adam, DB...

What finish is on that bass?




That would be Dark Tease, Gavin...

[adam]

"Too many guitars", lol you're funny Jess. (I have 17 in my little unit)

But seriously, if you want a bass, start with a JB-4 or PB-4, they're both considered the "standard" in basses and they look very cool.

Have a look on YouTube and see what basses the bands you like are using. I'm sure you'll see a lot of Fender Jazz Basses (JB) and Fender Precision Basses (PB).

[dingobass]

Yes. the JB and PB are great Basses.
My fav out of these two would be the JB as it is the very first Bass I ever played way back in the early 80's in High School.

Our school band had 5 Guitar players and our teacher played Bass, it was a Fender Jazz with a fretless Schecter neck.
It was his pride and joy.

One day he looked at me and said you are now the Bassist and handed me this beautiful instrument.
That is what started me on my lifelong love of the Bass, and why I have such a love for the fretless variety.... But i digress...

As Adam said, check out what your idols are playing, go to your local Guitar shop and try out a few and you will know what suits you best.

You never know, one day your name could be up there with Carole Kay and Tina Weymouth as one of the worlds best Bass Chicks! :D

[jmeek811]

17! Now that is something I can aspire to! I currently have 6, 7 if you count my uke.... I am a little bit worried about becoming a crazy guitar lady... (ie crazy cat lady) but hey. i already have a music room so why not keep filling it!

I like the PB style most so far... the red pickguard is nice too.. 3/4 would be a benefit though. It probably make it a little easier to learn. I played for a little while I just never had my own, the extra distance between the frets was always a killer!

Bass players are always the cool ones....

[jmeek811]

How small is the hofner body compared to a normal bass?

[dingobass]

At the widest point the Hofner is 270mm, the Fender Jazz is 350mm.

Length of the Hofner is 460mm and the Jazz is 500..

Not a lot of difference really. The shape of the Hoff is what gives the impression that it is much smaller.

the biggest difference is the scale length.

Hofner is 765mm and the Jazz is 863mm

[robin]

Hey Jess, first up congrats on the LP, stunning job ;)

If you want advice from a really old bass player, go with a full scale neck. It might be a bit harder to start with, but you won't regret it. After getting used to a full scale neck, I find that a 3/4 scale just doesn't "feel" right.

And besides, how awesome would it be to be able to pick up any bass and show off your "chops".

rob

[jmeek811]

Thanks rob!

I do agree with you rob, I love to jam with people and its not always on my own gear so full size makes sense.. maybe ill just get two!

:)

[adam]

Hey Jess, I wanted to ask you, that trick with the teardrop shaped cardboard cut-out you used to create the sunburst... was that your idea or did you see that somewhere?

It's such a brilliant innovation, if its yours you deserve some credit.

[Gavin1393]

Adam, you obviously never went to the Sydney Arts and crafts in the late 1990's! The artists used to do some sublime work with all kinds of cutouts, paint tins, spray cans, etc!
And all with spray-paint!
It's a very cool and intelligent adaption crossing that technique over into doing a Burst! Kudo's!

[adam]

Yeah Gav, I've never seen this before, so I guess I was wondering if that's how sunbursts are always done. I would have thought they were done manually by airbrush.

[dingobass]

You are right Adam, usually they are.

Love seeing people think outside the square and adapt to suit their needs.

Well done, Jess!

[jmeek811]

I watched a heap of videos on sunbursts, I have always wanted a guitar with that kind of finish. That was my goal. I wasn't confident I could achieve this with stains, I didn't have access to an air gun and I knew I wouldn't be able to spray it evenly if i just went round the edges. I don't think I can claim I as my idea, I just combined everything I saw together, and made it fit to the limited gear I had to work with.

What I did was traced out the body on of my guitar on cardboard and cut it out. Cut about 4 cm off all around, then took it to a point at the top to make it match the picture i was using as a guide. I used some other cardboard to prop the shape up off the body and sprayed over the top, going over the edge of the body but staying parallel, there was a lot of overspray and a nice paint stain on the grass :P But it worked. I was over the moon!

Its probably not the ideal combination of stains and sprays but a few coats of stain and then a spray. Topped off with a few coats of clear to seal it all in. In hindsight I would probably do a clear coat in between the stain and the spray, the stain is very matte and the spray has a very sheen finish to it. It might make them blend better. Or it might wreck them. I fumbled my way through this!

[jmeek811]

Hey guys,

Just after some advice, I got this truss rod cover. I always planned it as my signature for this guitar but I'm just not sure of the size. It seems too big to me. It is meant to be LP size - I lost the one that came with the kit when I moved house. What do you think?
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/25t76-2013-04-22-08.06.05.jpg

[dingobass]

That looks good to my eye Jess.

Nice touch, I like seeing folk personalising their Guitars! :D

[Gavin1393]

Jess, it's what it is, a custom build by Jess! If it looks right to you then it's right!

Compared to other LP's it looks larger than normal, but doesnt look garish!

[keloooe]

Looks great Jess!!!! And I see you use the same picks I do, everyone should try the Dunlop MAX-GRIP Picks!!!