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highace10
03-05-2013, 04:53 AM
Hey Everyone,

Well i finally bit the bullet and ordered a LP-1 kit...hopefully it will be on its way shortly.

Seeing as though i havent got the kit in my hands as of yet ive been coming up with a plan on how the LP will look. I have a few little bits coming from StewMac and in a day or two ill be getting some more bits from EBay..

Im really looking forward to the build, kinda getting excited..Had my first guitar lesson in 15 years yesterday afternoon so im keen to get into it.

Cheers

Alex

AJ
03-05-2013, 06:48 AM
Quote from highace10 on May 2, 2013, 13:53
Hey Everyone,

Well i finally bit the bullet and ordered a LP-1 kit...hopefully it will be on its way shortly.

Seeing as though i havent got the kit in my hands as of yet ive been coming up with a plan on how the LP will look. I have a few little bits coming from StewMac and in a day or two ill be getting some more bits from EBay..

Im really looking forward to the build, kinda getting excited..Had my first guitar lesson in 15 years yesterday afternoon so im keen to get into it.

Cheers

Alex

Hi Alex,
Just let your creative juices flow.. and any questions, there's a lot of good experienced people here to guide you on your journey 8-)

Gavin1393
03-05-2013, 07:16 AM
Hi Alex

Take the prep work nice and slow, do a pre-build and then enjoy the process and ultimately the fruits of your labour!

Looking forward to seeing what you produce. What parts have your ordered in?

dalloskid
03-05-2013, 08:46 AM
Hey Alex!

I'm particularly interested in seeing what you do, as I'm in the planning stages of an LP too :)
Good luck with the build man!

highace10
03-05-2013, 09:43 AM
The creative juices are flowing already!...

At this stage i have an order in for a new jack plate (slightly heavier gauge chrome plate), a set of chrome pick up rings (to replace the cream plastic ones supplied) and some Orange Drop caps...thought i would try em out.

Im still trying to hunt around for a black pickguard, black plates for the backside and finally some knobs. I think ill wait for the kit to arrive before i order that gear as i want to measure it up and see whats around. Ive been given a heads up about the 3 way switch being yellow as well so ill need to find a replacement for that.

The sheilding tape is on its way as well...

Ill leave it a surprise, but as you can tell so far it involves some chrome and some black parts..

As you can tell i like chrome :-) Ive just finished building it...time for another project.


http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/5th7y-GN250.jpg

dalloskid
03-05-2013, 10:06 AM
This is sounding very simililar to my ideas.... I'm excited to see how this one comes along!

wokkaboy
03-05-2013, 10:09 AM
Hey Alex,
sweet looking bike, did you build this ?

If your LP axe looks half this good could be a GOTM contender !

good luck with your build and look forward to seeing it progress in the build diary forum

cheers Wokka

highace10
03-05-2013, 10:19 AM
I did build it..took me 4 months to build. Its a 92 GN250 so a fair bit has changed. Runs like a dream.

Thanks...have to twiddle my thumbs until the kits arrives..

wokkaboy
03-05-2013, 10:59 AM
Quote from highace10 on May 2, 2013, 19:19
I did build it..took me 4 months to build. Its a 92 GN250 so a fair bit has changed. Runs like a dream.

Thanks...have to twiddle my thumbs until the kits arrives..

sweet so thats a Suzuki ? doesn't look like much stock parts on it and can't believe there's nothing but frame behind the engine, nice mods

hopefully the LP replicates this colour scheme

keloooe
03-05-2013, 09:10 PM
Yea, a LP-1 with the same colour scheme sitting on the bike (in front of it, on a stand :P) in the same pic for GOTM would be awesome!

highace10
03-05-2013, 09:35 PM
Sweet so thats a Suzuki? doesn't look like much stock parts on it and can't believe there's nothing but frame behind the engine, nice mods

Thanks. It sure is a Suzuki...the bike is pretty much stock bar a handful of things. Most of the changes are cosmetic, no engine mods etc. It was rewired (soldering up a guitar shouldnt be a problem lol).

Ive chosen a different colour for the LP but the chrome will be there. Im looking at a cool, sultry, sexy guitar. As im mainly playing Jazz, i have a picture of a darkly lit, romantic club somewhere, with someone churning out some smooth tunes.

Plans can still change...

highace10
07-05-2013, 07:53 AM
Wish the postie would hurry up....

glenno3228
07-05-2013, 08:51 AM
Look forward to seeing the rat rod inspired LP. Love the bike also being a fan of anything 2 wheeled. D
I'm surprised Deus ex machina didn't do the GN. :D

adam
07-05-2013, 09:01 AM
Hey Alex, what are you waiting on and when did you order it, I can probably tell you when it will arrive.

highace10
07-05-2013, 09:26 AM
Im waiting on an LP-1 kit to Newcastle NSW...I only ordered it Wed? last week...Its strange that something from the UK takes less time to get here than it does from Perth!

I did have a DHL package arrive but missed it so i have to wait another day. I was thinking that could be new rearsets for the bike...the project never ends..

Love this country and its quirks...

keloooe
07-05-2013, 09:31 AM
Should arrive tomorrow, if it doesn't, email Adam and he'll sort it all out, he did the same with my LP!!!!

dingobass
07-05-2013, 09:36 AM
Hey Alex,

it usually takes at least 5 business days for post to the "far east" to arrive from the wild west :D

highace10
07-05-2013, 09:43 AM
Im just impatient...very keen to get my hands on this kit. I Had a good look around the GOTM for May and im amazed at the quality of the builds. There are some very talented home builders out there.

Makes me even more determined to win it :-)

I have been able to find some more additions to the build. I think the last thing i have to figure out is the style of Volume/Tone knobs...

adam
07-05-2013, 09:53 AM
Hey Alex,

If you ordered Wednesday, it would have shipped Thursday, so you should have it tomorrow or Wednesday.

highace10
09-05-2013, 08:21 AM
Bugger it...missed the postie. Tomorrow the work starts!

Got the Wudtone though..

adam
09-05-2013, 08:42 AM
Urgh, I feel your pain.

Hey, I love your bike... Cafe racer style. Here's a photo of my Triumph America (2011), taken just before I left on a ride to Broome last year. (Note: next time get a gel seat).
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/4x9i3-America-1.jpg

highace10
09-05-2013, 08:51 AM
Thanks Adam! Nice bike! There is something relaxing about polishing chrome and lots of it. Just hope it never rains ;-)

Its my first bike and my first build. Im now on the hunt for another project bike but problem is, there seems to be a lot of other people doing the same looking..that means im always missing out of the good bikes.

A couple of weekends ago a mate and i rode from Newcastle to Sydney for a bike show. My seat became quite uncomfortable for the last few k's but got there in the end. Cafe Racers arent really touring bikes lol

adam
09-05-2013, 09:01 AM
Here's a pro tip: you see where I've got my gearsack bag at the back there... this acts as a back rest and it improved my riding experience 1000%. If I ride more than 50k without it, I can't walk afterwards, my back is so sore. But with it, I can do a 300k stretch, no problem.

It might spoil the clean lines on your bike, but a back rest will make riding so much more pleasurable. Style vs comfort... there's always a trade-off.

highace10
09-05-2013, 09:17 AM
The seat is comfortable for about an hour but its my wrists that hurt first...once again clipons arent made for comfort.

Either way its fun just like this guitar kit...its teasing me!

Gavin1393
09-05-2013, 12:48 PM
Ah bugger! I was looking for Pitbull guitars forum, i seem to have stumbled on Pitbull Bikes forum.....!! :p

highace10
09-05-2013, 11:54 PM
Gav, i do apologose for the diversion ;-)

Guitar talk will be begin as of this afternoon.

Here's a guitar related question...how do the plastic nuts go on the kits? I have been reading about replacing it with a bone nut. If plastic is fine ill leave it and upgrade at a later date.

Cheers

Gavin1393
10-05-2013, 01:44 AM
For better sustain and tone I'd change the plastic nut. The nut that is supplied with the kit will need some work to get your action and intonation right. Rather do this work on a bone nut. Personally I like brass for electrics, much to the annoyance of my good mate DB who is likely to agree with my first three sentences before his mind drifts off to removing the frets on the bass he is working on for me!

highace10
10-05-2013, 01:55 AM
Thanks for the tip...seeing as though i dont have nut files etc etc ill probably see what StewMac has in the way of slotted nuts.

Will have to wait to measure up before i purchase though.

It seems that EBay has some brass nuts available. Is there any special tips for brass nuts as far as installation goes? A little harder to shape etc

Gavin1393
10-05-2013, 02:01 AM
You can get away without nut files. Simply use a set of old strings to file the slot! You would grip the string like you would floss your teeth! Just make sure you file in such a way that you file the slots level and then angle down towards the headstock.

GlennGP
10-05-2013, 02:48 AM
We may need an "off topic" thread, Adam. Here's the bike I ride every day to and from work. 08 Honda CBF250. Light, simple, gets it done. This is in front of the silos at Bridgewater on Loddon.


http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/2m463-the-bike.jpg

Gavin1393
10-05-2013, 03:07 AM
If you can't beat then join them .....
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/4e6z8-image.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/n521w-image.jpg

dingobass
10-05-2013, 03:25 AM
I am reaching for the fret pullers right now, Gavin 8-)

GlennGP
10-05-2013, 04:06 AM
Viffer!!!

robin
10-05-2013, 05:06 AM
Sorry guys, did the bike thing when I was younger. Now that I am older (not necessarily wiser) these days I prefer a more sedate 4 wheel mode of transport. 8O

rob
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/745cb-westie_3.jpg

wokkaboy
10-05-2013, 05:09 AM
Quote from robin on May 9, 2013, 14:06
Sorry guys, did the bike thing when I was younger. Now that I am older (not necessarily wiser) these days I prefer a more sedate 4 wheel mode of transport. 8O

rob


looks good Rob, what sort of open wheeler is it ? Think I've seen something similar on Top Gear possibly a kit car

we better start a petrolheads forum post ! haha

GlennGP
10-05-2013, 05:51 AM
Caterham 7? Noice!

robin
10-05-2013, 06:14 AM
@ Wokka,

Yeah mate, its a kit car, a Westfield. Unfortunately I didn't build it. Heck, I'm flat out making a wooden guitar lol. Bought it second hand about 10 years ago. Been a dream car of mine for many years, when I gave up work to care for my wife it was a one off opportunity while I still had some cash.

@ Glenn

A Caterham 7? I wish mate, they are way out of my price range. But like my PB guitars, I'm happy to settle for a replica, still just as much fun as the real thing, at a a fraction of the price (just like my pbguitars) ;) .

cheers guys,
rob

keloooe
10-05-2013, 06:21 AM
Quote from wokkaboy on May 9, 2013, 14:09
Think I've seen something similar on Top Gear possibly a kit car
Yea, first thoughts were of Jeremy sitting in it goin: POWWWEEEERRRRRR!!!!!!!!

Damn rob, that is impressive!!!

wokkaboy
10-05-2013, 06:23 AM
Quote from robin on May 9, 2013, 15:14
@ Wokka,

Yeah mate, its a kit car, a Westfield. Unfortunately I didn't build it. Heck, I'm flat out making a wooden guitar lol. Bought it second hand about 10 years ago. Been a dream car of mine for many years, when I gave up work to care for my wife it was a one off opportunity while I still had some cash.

@ Glenn

A Caterham 7? I wish mate, they are way out of my price range. But like my PB guitars, I'm happy to settle for a replica, still just as much fun as the real thing, at a a fraction of the price (just like my pbguitars) ;) .

cheers guys,
rob

cool sounds like fun to drive and must handle pretty well no doubt it doesn't weigh much. What sort of donk and size u got under the hood ?

sorry Alex we have hijacked your post into a revhead forum !

highace10
10-05-2013, 07:21 AM
hahaha i seem to have started something!

Well..im proud to announce that im an owner of a LP-1 Kit.

Initial impressions...very nice kit. Everything seems to be of good quality and best of all look great.

Having a quick look around the body it seems i have escaped the glue dramas that some people have encountered. I did spot a couple of spots which shouldnt be too difficult to get rid of. Ill sponge it down with some water and see what else comes up.

Ive thrown it together for a quick mock strum and noticed there is a slight issue with the next fit. Shouldnt take too much to sort out.

Before my thread was hijacked ;-) i mentioned something about a bone nut...going by the pic it will be a sinch to swap out.

Finally..great kits Adam! I will blame you for the $$$$ that i spend from now on, on kit guitars..


http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/uczv5-IMG_1124.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/s8r7t-IMG_1125.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/26mn4-IMG_1126.JPG

keloooe
10-05-2013, 07:33 AM
Quote from highace10 on May 9, 2013, 16:21
Having a quick look around the body it seems i have escaped the glue dramas that some people have encountered.
You got luckier than I did!!!!! Glue is now my mortal enemy.....

highace10
10-05-2013, 07:34 AM
All i have to do is measure it up...
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/dtky8-IMG_1128.JPG

highace10
10-05-2013, 08:30 AM
and for those wishing to replace their nuts with a bone one that is already slotted. This looks like the one to go for.

Courtesy of StewMac

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/j51q8-Untitled.jpg

Gavin1393
10-05-2013, 09:51 AM
Quote from dingobass on May 9, 2013, 12:25
Not to be outdone, this is my bike. So well looked after it still looks new.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/hp645-image.jpg


DB, you do realise its Pink and got tassles....

highace10
11-05-2013, 06:04 AM
I spent a couple of hours sanding today, its starting to look the goods. I found a couple of issues which is unfortunate. One, was the separation of a small portion of the binding and the other was the cap being extremely thin in one section. Ive kept the sandpaper away from it.

Ive been able to sort out the neck/body join out except for a small gap which im unsure of how to fill. Its about 1.5mm across. Any ideas? Does it mean the body is holding the neck higher than it should be?

The gap under the fretboard is from the radius of the body.


http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/96kvq-IMG_1133.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/kvx2z-IMG_1143.JPG

wokkaboy
11-05-2013, 07:23 AM
Quote from Gavin1393 on May 9, 2013, 18:51

Quote from dingobass on May 9, 2013, 12:25
Not to be outdone, this is my bike. So well looked after it still looks new.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/hp645-image.jpg


DB, you do realise its Pink and got tassles....

Nice Bike DB, I bet all the Pitbull forum readers will be jealous. Is it done in the new wudtone colour conch girl ?
only problem it seems to be missing a small detail - an engine ? haha

keloooe
11-05-2013, 11:26 AM
Quote from wokkaboy on May 10, 2013, 16:23

Quote from Gavin1393 on May 9, 2013, 18:51

Quote from dingobass on May 9, 2013, 12:25
Not to be outdone, this is my bike. So well looked after it still looks new.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/hp645-image.jpg


DB, you do realise its Pink and got tassles....

Nice Bike DB, I bet all the Pitbull forum readers will be jealous. Is it done in the new wudtone colour conch girl ?
only problem it seems to be missing a small detail - an engine ? haha
IM SO JEALOUS IF YOU DB!!! 8-) :D :P
Give it an engine and it will fly like a bird!!!!

Gavin1393
11-05-2013, 11:46 AM
These bike threads are popping up like Rick Astley!

dingobass
11-05-2013, 01:02 PM
Jobs for tomorrow.

1. Remove frets from Gavs Beatle Bass

2. Start finishing Gavs Beatle Bass in Conch Girl

Gavin1393
11-05-2013, 01:56 PM
Bugger! You still got those spy-cams operating in my workshop haven't you DB!!

highace10
11-05-2013, 11:12 PM
Anyone with some tips on how i can fill that gap?

dingobass
11-05-2013, 11:39 PM
Hey Alex,

Can you take the neck out and take a photo of the rout out?

highace10
11-05-2013, 11:52 PM
As requested...
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/kirlq-IMG_1160.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/pb38x-IMG_1161.JPG

Gavin1393
12-05-2013, 12:47 AM
Wow! That is one clean rout out job!

Ideally you want the neck and the body of the guitar to act as one piece of resonating wood.

Me, I would be reaching for my Hide Glue which is thicker than most and also melts easily so you can start over if you stuff up. This on its own may seal that gap and maintain the resonance.

I think though, that the gap in your neck to body will not adversely affect the resonance. You'd be more concerned if that gap was affecting the intonation of the guitar. Most guitars do seem to have some tolerance to allow the wood to breathe without putting additional strain on the joints which could cause them to crack, so there is this to consider even though your guitar seems to exhibit way more tolerance than would ordinarily be necessary. In the absence of a good quality Hide glue, a wooden shim would fix the gap without altering the resonance to any discernable degree if this was at all necessary. Otherwise prepare a shim, paint it in the appropriate colours to match the colour scheme of the guitar and then decide at the end if it is necessary or not?

highace10
12-05-2013, 01:22 AM
Thanks for the info...

Ideally, would the shim have to reach into the neck recess or can it just be a couple of mm deep to fill the gap?

The fit of the neck is pretty snug so there isnt a lot of movement when its fitted. Should the fit be pretty good for alignment? looking side on i mean..

Gavin1393
12-05-2013, 02:08 AM
As long as there is good solid contact with the sides the guitar will resonate well enough. You really only need to do what is aesthetically pleasing.

highace10
12-05-2013, 08:35 AM
Im curious..it seems no amount of sanding, with all grades of paper, cannot remove what seem like scratches.

That usually happen? Are they scratches or just part of the grain?

Im planning on the first coat of Wudtone tomorrow so i would like to know if its worth spending another 4 hours on sanding.

Pedantic i know
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/21mf2-IMG_1169.JPG

keloooe
12-05-2013, 08:45 AM
Can you maybe put an arrow in that picture to show us what direction you are sanding in???

highace10
12-05-2013, 09:17 AM
Ive been sanding vertically mainly..seems to agree with the grain a bit better. They arent visable when a bit of moisture is added so i think ill be fine.

Hopefully ive sanded enough to get rid of the glue that was there. Water seems to soak into the timber nicely.

dingobass
12-05-2013, 09:23 AM
Looks pretty darn good to me, and I am so anal when it comes to sanding!

You will find that during the Wudtone process those fine marks will disappear.

One thing I would suggest is that you carefully steel wool the binding so it is nice and shiny before you start the Wudtone.
This will make it easier to remove the Wudtone from the binding, most of it will come off when you steel wool between coats.

When you have finished the colour coats you will have a much easier time of cleaning up the binding.

highace10
12-05-2013, 10:04 AM
Thanks DB..it will get the steel wool treatment tomorrow.

Ive tried water to see if all the glue has gone..any other tips to check before i start Wudtoning?

Gavin1393
12-05-2013, 01:04 PM
Check list before sanding, before painting with Wudtone

always do a mock build to check for any repair work that needs to be done

1. Glue, especially when binding is added to the guitar or it has a cap (flamed maple, Spalty, etc)
2. Polished Spots, sections where the sanding has effectively polished the wood. wudtone wont sink in!
2b. Check for and remove filler used by factory, replace with Timbermate. Factory filler does not absorb Wudtone.
3. Polish Binding with 400 to 600 grit sandpaper/ or '0000' steel wool
4. for Basswood guitars give a rub with damp cloth and then sand the raised fluffy fibres off the body...proceed as normal thereafter
5. Read and follow instructions for your Wudtone product.

highace10
13-05-2013, 05:56 AM
Well...after a deap breath i got the first base coat down of Dark Tease. Im a little annoyed that i missed a small scratch but its not that obvious. Im looking forward to seeing how it develops after each coat. I havent got any decent means of holding the body so ill be doing each side seperatley.

What do you guys think?

highace10
13-05-2013, 05:58 AM
Whoops...would help if i attached the photo
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/48v26-IMG_1176.JPG

dingobass
13-05-2013, 07:04 AM
Looking good!

It is one of those colours that with the first few coats looks a bit wild, but as you progress it will even out and look amazing!

highace10
13-05-2013, 08:04 AM
While im waiting for the body to dry out i thought i should start working on the neck. Its all been masked off and marked ready for fret levelling. The nut has also been removed to make it easier for levelling and also fitment of a bone nut at a later date.

Have to try and straighten the neck out first, it looks like it has a slight back bow. Hmmmmmm
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/7daq8-IMG_1195.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/vs0f8-IMG_1196.JPG

dingobass
13-05-2013, 08:08 AM
Hardly a challenge!

The truss rods used in the Pit Bull kits are a two way type.

Righty Tighty and Lefty Loosey... then you will find that the Lefty Loosey becomes Tighty and the neck will move forward. :P

highace10
13-05-2013, 08:19 AM
Oh this is gonna be fun...Ill need to calibrate my MK1 Eyeball i think

dingobass
13-05-2013, 08:30 AM
Yep, it is fun!

A neat trick I found by accident is to black the frets with a texta, this enables you to see the gaps between the frets and your straight edge 8-)

highace10
13-05-2013, 08:46 AM
Already done :-) Doesnt really show up in the pics. I dont have a notched straight edge, any other alternatives?

dingobass
13-05-2013, 08:52 AM
I made my own out of an El Cheapo steel rule from Bun... Bunnnnn.... That shop I dislike so much!

Mark the fret possies with a texta and attack it with the edge of a flat file and hey presto, you have a fingerboard straight edge for less than $20 8-)

dingobass
13-05-2013, 09:02 AM
Here is a pic of the tool in question.

I put Fender and Gibson scales on this one.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/68994-IMG_1646.JPG

AJ
13-05-2013, 10:27 AM
outside the square- way to go :)

highace10
13-05-2013, 08:29 PM
I found a way to mount the body and got a coat of Wudtone on the backside of the body. Im a little worried about the ends of the grain as it soaked up a heap of stain and now looks quite dark and patchy..hopefully with the application of more coats it will even out as said earlier.

keloooe
13-05-2013, 08:58 PM
Quote from dingobass on May 12, 2013, 17:52
from Bun... Bunnnnn.... That shop I dislike so much!
I can't say it either DB, along with the "N" word and the "P" word.....
We should have a curse system, for those 3 words, French Polish and Shellac are okay, at least they show off some grain!

And Alex, don't worry about the dark spots, the finish will fill the pores of the wood and then the finish will look a lot cleaner

highace10
15-05-2013, 06:33 AM
Well.. it looks as thought no GOTM for me. Second coat has gone on the body. The really dark patches at the ends of the grain have not changed a bit. I must have had too much Wudtone in the cloth. The Cap looks good though.

Frets were levelled, not much needed doing. Made myself a notched straight edge using a stainless ruler which proved to be the useful, then gave them a good polish using some really fine steel wool.

Looks good if i dont look at the dark patches.

highace10
15-05-2013, 06:43 AM
It also seems that the small scratches that should have disappeared...havent. Ahh well nothing i can do about it now.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/37db2-IMG_1201.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/20l8u-IMG_1203.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/y45tm-IMG_1198.JPG

AJ
15-05-2013, 06:54 AM
you could try a bit of 0000 grade steal wool in between coats..Lightly... might help rid the scratches

dingobass
15-05-2013, 09:00 AM
I told you the Dark Tease would mess with your head :)
Keep at it, with the next coat try to avoid those darker areas.
It might be an idea to let it sit for two or three days to let the coats cure a bit more.

As Aj pointed out, a light steel wool between coats will help get rid of those scratches.... but to me they scream hand made!

highace10
15-05-2013, 09:11 AM
Dark Tease is messing with me for sure! Is there a max amount of coats that should be applied? I have enough for maybe 4 coats i think.

Hand made it is...thats the way i should look at it rather than a pristine manufactured thing...

See how it travels

Gavin1393
15-05-2013, 09:26 AM
Quote from highace10 on May 14, 2013, 18:11
Dark Tease is messing with me for sure! Is there a max amount of coats that should be applied? I have enough for maybe 4 coats i think.

Hand made it is...thats the way i should look at it rather than a pristine manufactured thing...

See how it travels


to me those lighter sections look a bit too "polished". This usually happens if too fine a grade of sandpaper is used over a harder section of wood. This leaves the wood grain incapable of drinking up the Wudtone stain. id be interested to know what Sandpaper you used and what grade you started with.
Often, if you start with too fine a grade, or if you havent sanded the body evenly and adequately, scratches will not be removed.

highace10
15-05-2013, 09:44 AM
I started with 120 and finished up with 220...

Those scratches would not sand out regardless of the grade I used. I went back with various grades but nothing changed.

As i said..ahh well. Nothing i can do about it now. See what more coats do. Ill be more selctive where i place the coats to see if i can even it out a bit.

Gavin1393
15-05-2013, 09:58 AM
You could try dabbing some Wudtone with the cloth over the lighter sections rather than wiping it on.

highace10
16-05-2013, 09:19 AM
I applied another coat to the back of the body tonight..my frown is turning into a smile :-)

I didnt rub the body down with steel wool this time and also didnt wait the usual 48 hours required for curing. It seems that the timber has taken the Wudtone better this time. I concentrated on the areas that were slightly lighter than the rest and it looks to be evening out slowly. It is also darkening nicely..

I still have a heap of Wudtone left so ill keep fairing the darker spots to the lighter ones. Im starting to enjoy it :-)

dingobass
16-05-2013, 10:17 AM
Yep, keep at it.
It is called dark tease for a very good reason. it teases you with a horrible looking mess and then POW! suddenly it turns into a Swan... a brown Swan but non the less a Swan :)

adam
16-05-2013, 10:47 AM
This thread is now at 9 pages... is that a record? I just wanted to say that DB's brown swan comment actually made me laugh out loud. I think we should make "brown swan" a thing... something that is beautiful, but brown.

Gavin1393
16-05-2013, 12:00 PM
Quote from adam on May 15, 2013, 19:47
This thread is now at 9 pages... is that a record? .

No, Pest's LP build is currently on 11 pages.....and he has only just completed sanding.....at this rate he should easily get to 2473 pages which should include his final pic's for GOTM in Dec 2016!!!

Just kidding with ya Pest...but you might be the current page length record holder!

keloooe
16-05-2013, 09:04 PM
Quote from Gavin1393 on May 15, 2013, 21:00

Quote from adam on May 15, 2013, 19:47
This thread is now at 9 pages... is that a record? .

No, Pest's LP build is currently on 11 pages.....and he has only just completed sanding.....at this rate he should easily get to 2473 pages which should include his final pic's for GOTM in Dec 2016!!!

Just kidding with ya Pest...but you might be the current page length record holder!
Right now I'm even with Glenn on pages, I will surely pass him!!! AJ aint far behind either, and he has only been going for around a month or two :D

highace10
16-05-2013, 11:15 PM
Brown Swan...nice

I made the mistake of posting a pic of my bike and then it got outa control lol

dingobass
17-05-2013, 04:12 AM
Quote from adam on May 15, 2013, 19:47
This thread is now at 9 pages... is that a record? I just wanted to say that DB's brown swan comment actually made me laugh out loud. I think we should make "brown swan" a thing... something that is beautiful, but brown.

Might have to come up with a custom Pit Bull Wudtone colour....

wokkaboy
17-05-2013, 04:13 AM
sounds good DB, we can never have too many colours to choose from !
PS loving this quick reply button

dingobass
17-05-2013, 04:17 AM
And on the subject of Bikes....
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/452ok-318660_239800166071560_1249363402_n.jpg

Brendan
17-05-2013, 09:38 AM
See that would never work without bass.

keloooe
17-05-2013, 09:03 PM
Quote from dingobass on May 16, 2013, 13:17
And on the subject of Bikes....
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/452ok-318660_239800166071560_1249363402_n.jpg
I feel another bassist joke coming here... IT'S NOT EVEN A BIKE!!! :D :P

highace10
17-05-2013, 09:34 PM
Would there be a problem with just applying the top coat to the neck?...i had a look at the Vintage Amber and it looks waaaaayyyy too orange and doesnt really suit the body.

Brendan
17-05-2013, 10:15 PM
Have spoken with DB on this. He reckons the neck top coat is different from the body top coat in that its harder. I think he reckoned it would be OK, but if the budget can stretch that far (and the patience to wait a couple more days), it might be worthwhile to look at a neck stain kit - maybe the colourless?

highace10
17-05-2013, 10:56 PM
Colourless Neck finsh ordered...now i have to sand off the remaining Vintage Amber. Thats going to take a while.

highace10
18-05-2013, 08:44 AM
Here is a couple of pics of the the Dark Tease...6 coats. The grain has been filled by the looks of it as the surface stays shiney. A light steel wooling then onto the gloss coats :-)

Had some dramas with the Vintage Amber but its been sorted... thanks DB.

Got the order from StewMac a couple of days ago. Most of it was good until i trial fit the chrome PU surrounds. They dont fit! The PU's fit perfectly but the routed section is too wide and leave little to no room for the corner screws. Luckily i ordered a new set of black plates etc so black PU surrounds it is. Still looks good.

The darker sections i was having trouble with before are still there but with the rest darkening around them they look more like part of the grain now.

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/363o2-IMG_1206.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/gsti0-IMG_1207.JPG

AJ
18-05-2013, 01:38 PM
looking good there

glenno3228
18-05-2013, 08:47 PM
I did the colourless finish on my RC1 neck and love the outcome. It also looks good against the darker body which your LP will have. Fear not.

Glenn

As its been done before, my ride out the back of the Otways.


http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/a26t7-image.jpg

adam
18-05-2013, 09:22 PM
That flame looks amazing on the LP-1, great colour choice. I see what you mean about the Vintage Amber clashing with it. I'm sure DB mentioned it, but you can do the neck in the same finish and then just put a gloss top coat on.

phloggy
19-05-2013, 12:02 AM
That's a really nice colour. I did the colourless on my TL-1 as well. Note: It's not actually colourless. It does make the wood a touch darker than bare wood. A bit like it got wet.

highace10
19-05-2013, 05:56 AM
It has turned out nicely i think..

Ive had another change to the plan, ive ended up using Dark Tease on the neck as well. Ill only be putting on a couple of coats just to give it some character. The order i made yesterday can go to the next kit :-)

highace10
28-05-2013, 12:18 AM
Just an update...

Clear coats are going on nicely, 3 so far and 3 more to go. No use in putting up pics as you cant really see a change.

Still havent got the bone nut from StewMac in the mail yet so hopefully that arrives soon.

All the cavities have been shielded, i just have the neck pickup cavity to do as i still have to glue the neck in. Its amazing though, i ordered 4m of shielding tape and ive only got a small amount left. Where did it all go?! I will have to order some more to do the back of the cavity plates.

All going well so far...

highace10
02-06-2013, 07:52 AM
Well...finally ive been able to make some progress lately. Ive got all the clear coats on and now im onto wiring and glueing in the neck.

All the wiring is ready to be installed into the body after the neck dries. Ive stuck to the recommended wiring diagram as i sure my ears wont be able to pick the difference between setups. I guess in the end as long as it works. I added some heat shrink to the solder joints to help with longevity...

Shielding is done as well. Ill have to make sure all the pickup recesses are grounded as well after the neck shielding is done.

Cant wait to see this thing done...its begging to be played


http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/3ah6k-IMG_1219.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/crxzq-IMG_1208.JPG

highace10
02-06-2013, 08:00 AM
Pic of the main cavity...
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/16716-IMG_1222.JPG

stui
02-06-2013, 12:08 PM
Looking forward to seeing the finished product Alex, looks like she'll be a beauty!

Gavin1393
02-06-2013, 12:25 PM
Nice insulating work!

highace10
09-06-2013, 09:11 AM
Well...here it is in all its glory.

Finally got everything wired up and setup...its finished except for my logo (coming soon)

Plays beautifully...
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/952u5-Top2.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/s1e14-Top1.jpg

stui
09-06-2013, 09:32 AM
That's one purdy guitar Alex! You should be proud :)

glenno3228
09-06-2013, 09:51 AM
Purdy is exactly what I thought. :D

dingobass
09-06-2013, 10:56 AM
Nice one Alex!

WeirdBits
09-06-2013, 01:33 PM
Love that colour, it looks awesome, great job. Some guitars just look like they want to be played. Tuners reversed (http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/037b9-Back1.jpg)?

highace10
11-06-2013, 05:48 AM
Tuners were on incorrectly but have since been rectified...going by the rest of the entries for GOTM, that probably lost it for me ;-)

Brendan
11-06-2013, 07:39 AM
No one said you can't resubmit photos...

highace10
11-06-2013, 09:14 AM
GOTM would be a cool but not essential. It's my first guitar kit, mistakes were made which I learned from. The next one will win for sure ;-) ES-1G kit next I think...already have some ideas.

Brendan
11-06-2013, 10:17 AM
Now you've got me wanting an LP just like yours!

01-07-2013, 09:27 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from dingobass on May 15, 2013, 19:17
Yep, keep at it.
It is called dark tease for a very good reason. it teases you with a horrible looking mess and then POW! suddenly it turns into a Swan... a brown Swan but non the less a Swan :)

Alex , I really like this guitar. Thank you for sharing and enjoying the tease. Good luck with the guitar of the month, routing 4 ya! chrs Andy Preston

highace10
01-07-2013, 09:52 AM
Hey Andy,

Thanks mate. Its taken a while but i think the guitar has finally settled into its groove...engoying it a lot.

The next kit will be ordered very soon. ES-1G should be fun.

See how the GOTM thing goes..:-)

robin
01-07-2013, 10:22 PM
[quote]/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from highace10 on June 8, 2013, 18:11

Well...here it is in all its glory.

Finally got everything wired up and setup...its finished except for my logo (coming soon)

Plays beautifully...



Beautiful looking guitar Alex. Something to be proud of. But I love the last comment "Plays beautifully". For me that's what it's all about, well done mate.

rob

04-09-2013, 08:52 AM
Awesome good work :) just wondering I know what the shielding is but how do your ground it to the shielding im a bit confused, sorry im just about to start my first LP1M build :)

wokkaboy
04-09-2013, 08:59 AM
LPBuild you need to run an earth wire from a bridge post and solder that to the back of one of the 4 pots. There should be a hole drilled that goes from the control cavitiy to bridgepost, just make sure there is plenty of bare wire touching the post before you bang it in.
If the control cavity is shielded you won't need to run an earth wire to each of the 4 pots as the pots will be earthed touching the copper shielding.
I usually solder the earth wire to the closest pot to minimise wire length

stan
04-09-2013, 10:35 AM
looks nice Alex - simple, refined, love it
The retro knobs look good.
Perhaps black rubber on the switch?

04-09-2013, 11:11 AM
Ok cool thanks im gonna sound like an extreme idiot here and im sorry im only 15 :P what is the bridgepost? So sorry hahah

Gavin1393
04-09-2013, 11:18 AM
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on September 3, 2013, 17:59
LPBuild you need to run an earth wire from a bridge post and solder that to the back of one of the 4 pots. There should be a hole drilled that goes from the control cavitiy to bridgepost, just make sure there is plenty of bare wire touching the post before you bang it in.
If the control cavity is shielded you won't need to run an earth wire to each of the 4 pots as the pots will be earthed touching the copper shielding.
I usually solder the earth wire to the closest pot to minimise wire length

If you have shielded the guitar cavities with copper wire, then it is unnecessary to 'ground' the pots as the shielding will act as ground as long as it comes into contact with the case of the pots. So as Wokka says, you can solder the wire from the bridge post to one of the pots, or you can simply solder the wire to the shielding.......

And if you are 15, i'd have thought you would be an expert on google and google images.......don't let a 50 year old has-been have to teach you to search "guitar bridge-post" on google images!!!

04-09-2013, 11:30 AM
Hahaha ok great thanks Gavin :)

highace10
05-09-2013, 08:18 AM
So sorry I didn't reply earlier...haven't been getting any emails to let me know ive got posts.

Pretty much what Gav said...

Thanks for feedback...was a fun build.

Timsan
19-12-2013, 07:30 AM
Looks great, man! How did the Dark Tease go with the maple cap? I saw on the chart it's supposed to be a highly unsuitable option for maple, but it looks fantastic!

highace10
21-12-2013, 07:49 AM
Thanks...it went pretty well to be honest. Didnt have many issues. It was a bit patchy to begin with but thats about it.

I didnt even see the suitability list..funny how things turn out.