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Fretworn
28-05-2013, 11:21 AM
Yay! There was a big cardboard box waiting for me when I got home tonight. Had a quick look, seems everything is there. Looks like I'll have to make the pickup holes a tad bigger. They won't fit in at the moment. I think I got lucky, after a quick inspection it appears there is only a little bit of glue near the binding and the rest of the body is clear.

I assume the Wudtone is coming separately.

The only thing I wish it had was a parts list so I could check off that everything had arrived. Later in the week, or on the weekend I should get a chance to do a mock-up to check everything fits.

From looking at other peoples builds it seems that some people drill holes before applying the finish, and some do it after. Which way works better?

dingobass
28-05-2013, 11:25 AM
Best to do a mock up build, this way you know that everything is right before you start sanding and finishing!

adam
28-05-2013, 11:32 AM
Hey Fretworn, yes, Wudtone is shipped separately. A parts list is on the "To Do" list.

keloooe
28-05-2013, 09:03 PM
Yes, do what DB said, it really helps, especially for pickguards and working out he official colour scheme i.e. how many coats!!!

Fretworn
02-06-2013, 05:30 AM
Had a chance to check that all the bits fit together, checked the scale, etc, etc. It all looks to be in good order. The neck fit is good, the scale length is right. There is a few patches of glue near the binding, especially in the cutaway (see picture), but nothing that appears too major.

I'm going to have to file out the pickup holes a little bit. The pickups don't quite fit at the moment, but only a small adjustment is required.

The tuning machines are a bit bogus though. On half of them them the threaded bit that comes through from the top of the headstock doesn't fit over the string post. I knew I wanted to upgrade some of the hardware, but I was hoping I could get away with the tuners and funnel all the funds into higher grade electrics.

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/9inne-Photo0076.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/5da01-Photo0077.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/lequa-Photo0078.jpg

Fretworn
02-06-2013, 05:33 AM
Rough headstock shaping completed
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/ch5e3-Photo0080.jpg

Fretworn
08-06-2013, 05:55 AM
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/lequa-Photo0078.jpg

Managed to get some sanding done this afternoon as I had a half day for a doctors appointment. Made some progress on sanding out some small dings.

This line of glue below the binding will be a problem though. Not that I've been able to get a better look at it I can see that it isn't just an overflow of glue, but rather that the glue has been used to fill a hole left by a bad binding route.

Would love to hear your suggestion on how to handle this.

Gavin1393
08-06-2013, 07:31 AM
You will need to get rid of the glue and fill the hole with timbermate...

wokkaboy
08-06-2013, 07:36 AM
Quote from Gavin1393 on June 7, 2013, 16:31
You will need to get rid of the glue and fill the hole with timbermate...

your reply message came thorugh 3 times Gav !

WeirdBits
08-06-2013, 07:42 AM
He feels that strongly about it!

Fretworn
09-06-2013, 05:05 AM
After trying the wire brush method and discovering that basswood is much softer than that bit of glue I ended up cutting the glue out with a craft knife and the edge of a rasp. I hope the Timbermate can cover a multitude of sins, it has to plug that hole plus all the deep scratches caused using the brush.

I've also enlarged the pickup holes so the pickups will now fit, and I can see now that they are just not parallel. Most people probably won't notice, but except me. But I will have to revisit it before I start with the Wudtone na see if there is anything I can do to fix the problem without making a worse one for myself by damaging the top.

I've also finished sanding the neck (maybe) and it has come up a treat. My neck has some amazing grain figures. I'm really stoked with it.

Fretworn
17-06-2013, 11:24 AM
I finally got a reasonable amount of time to do some sanding tonight. I worked out the issue with the end grains. Of the four pieces of wood that make up the body three want to be sanded lengthways along the guitar. But the large piece that goes through the centre of the guitar wants to be sanded across the end, at 90 degrees to the other pieces of wood. Once I started doing this I was able to progress the sanding in leaps and bounds and I am now almost ready for the Wudtone.

I'm not really happy with the colour of the Timbermate I have used though. It sticks out like a sore thumb. I'd like to know what colour other people have had success with matching to Basswood. They all looked too dark, but white would just look silly.

I also found time yesterday to do the fret leveling, which appears to have worked out ok. I was really appreciative of having watched a few videos on Youtube showing how to do it first, though.

Brendan
17-06-2013, 12:26 PM
DB recommended "Natural" to me... Did find it didn't hold the Wudtone like the rest of the wood and is a little lighter than the rest for that one spot.

WeirdBits
17-06-2013, 12:40 PM
I've found Pine or a Pine & Natural Timbermate mix (or even Oak) to be a pretty good match for Basswood, depending on your particular piece(s) of wood. This colour chart (http://www.timbermate.com.sg/timbermate/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=85&Itemid=101) is the closest I've found to the actual colours of the Timbermate I use, although the colours do lighten a bit when completely dry. For example, a 60/40 Maple and Pine mix worked best to match the Alder body of my Tele.

You may want to test some of your Timbermate with the Wudtone colour you'll be using on a scrap of wood, as it usually takes the colour quite well and this should help you decide whether you need a different tint to your Timbermate.

Fretworn
22-06-2013, 09:57 PM
Got my first coat of vintage amber on the neck done before breakfast this morning. It's really brought out the great figuring in the grain. Sorry the picture doesn't do it justice I took it with my phone.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/5826d-Photo0083.jpg

dingobass
22-06-2013, 11:03 PM
Nice work Fretty!

It still amazes me how much hidden figure Wudtone brings out.
The plainest chunk of timber comes to life.

Gavin1393
22-06-2013, 11:23 PM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from dingobass on June 22, 2013, 08:03
It still amazes me how much hidden figure Wudtone brings out.
The plainest chunk of timber comes to life.

Aint that the truth! Wait until you see the three previously disadvantaged nitro covered Fenders that are now popping with Wudtone....!

Fretworn
24-06-2013, 01:46 AM
If I get the opportunity to make another kit it will be one without binding. All my glue issues have been binding related. The majority of my sanding time has been devoted to the binding area and I have even started polishing the binding so I can start with the Wudtone.

Anyway I've hopefully got the the Timbermate right now. I ended adding white to a medium brown colour that seemed to have the right hue and have ended up with a near perfect match. Just need to wait for it to dry properly now. It's been cold and rainy in Sydney all weekend so it's testing my patience waiting for everything to be dry so I can move to the next stage. It may be mid week before I get a chance to do a second base coat on the neck and hopefully finish sanding the body.

Fretworn
30-06-2013, 04:42 AM
I've now done two coats of vintage and one top coat on the neck. I've also done my first coat of Azure Sky on the front of the body. I had been planning to do the same colour on the back and sides, but now I'm thinking it would look better with a different back and sides. Not sure which colour yet.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/h2da6-DSCF2292.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/45g31-DSCF2293.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/na044-DSCF2294.JPG

wokkaboy
30-06-2013, 04:57 AM
Looks great Fretty. Wait till you get a couple more deep coats on. The wudtone will bring out the grain even more!

Brendan
30-06-2013, 11:20 AM
Looking great!

Gavin1393
30-06-2013, 01:28 PM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Fretworn on June 29, 2013, 13:42
I've now done two coats of vintage and one top coat on the neck. I've also done my first coat of Azure Sky on the front of the body. I had been planning to do the same colour on the back and sides, but now I'm thinking it would look better with a different back and sides. Not sure which colour yet.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/h2da6-DSCF2292.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/45g31-DSCF2293.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/na044-DSCF2294.JPG
I'd be looking at either Hot Auburn or mahogany........

Fretworn
07-07-2013, 01:50 AM
The top after three base coats. I'm leaving it there and moving onto the silver highlights.

I've also applied a second top coat to the neck. I'll be leaving that for a week and then I think it will be ready.

Doing the front separately from the sides has turned out to be a good way to do it, especially as I have no where in my garage where I would be able to hang the guitar up to dry.

I'm going to have lots of Azure Sky left over though, which seems a waste. I reckon you could do a whole guitar with it if you added the rest of the white base to it.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/ozk3t-DSCF2312.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/76r2r-DSCF2314.JPG

Fretworn
13-07-2013, 11:42 PM
Neck done!

The third top coat on top is also completed I'm thinking I'll do one more, then move onto the back and sides.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/c13q3-DSCF2459.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/9x83l-DSCF2460.JPG

Fretworn
21-07-2013, 04:31 AM
First coat of Dark Amber on the back and sides. I kind of wish I'd done the whole guitar in this colour now. You can see in the top photo where I am going to have to try and sand out some areas and re-coat. I don't if they are from the wood getting polished when I was prepping the binding, or what. It is possibly areas where the stain hasn't taken to the Timbermate as well as it did to the wood.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/y29s8-DSCF2461.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/0b899-DSCF2462.JPG

Fretworn
11-08-2013, 10:31 AM
The body is finished!

Now onto the construction phase. I'm apprehensive about the soldering, as I am all thumbs when it comes to doing it. Fortunately There isn'e a lot with this kit.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/y74b7-DSCF2489.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/z6xsg-DSCF2490.JPG

dingobass
11-08-2013, 10:35 AM
Looking very nice Fretty. The Az Sky really suits this Tele.

Gavin1393
11-08-2013, 11:33 AM
Give us a yell if you get stuck with the wiring.....tele's are pretty easy though!

Bass Guy
11-08-2013, 01:46 PM
The choice of Dark Amber is inspired! Looking beautiful!

I am so impressed with the guitars coming out from this forum! Amazing!

Fretworn
12-08-2013, 04:04 AM
Almost done. Just the bridge to go. This guitar is already quite heavy, once the Bigsby goes on it will be quite a weight on the shoulders.

I wasn't going to use the pickguard, but I'm leaning towards it now. What do you all think (my wife has already voted for putting the pickguard on).

The photos make it look like the neck pickup is a bit crooked. which it may well be, but it didn't look that fair out to the naked eye.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/soz31-DSCF2491.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/m2mpl-DSCF2493.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/ksb2a-DSCF2494.JPG

Gavin1393
12-08-2013, 05:10 AM
DB and I are not big fans of Pickguards....
And yes the neck pickup is definitely on crooked....

WeirdBits
12-08-2013, 05:28 AM
I'm not a fan of pickguards either, but I'd have a look at it with the bridge, Bigsby and maybe even strings in place before making a final decision, as all the extra chrome, aluminium and nickel will have an impact. Having said that, as it stands... I think the white may just add something.

Brendan
12-08-2013, 05:37 AM
Personally not a pickguard fan either when you've got some nice wood to expose! Also with Gav - I think the pup is a bit out of skew, and the surround a touch more that makes it look more pronounced.

Fretworn
13-08-2013, 11:13 AM
I had some issues with the pickup holes, I was reluctant to try and do anything major to alter them as I wasn't sure whether I could hide the changes under the pickup surrounds. I was hoping that when it all came together it wouldn't be so noticeable.

Fretworn
18-08-2013, 06:12 AM
I've hit a hurdle in the final straight. The neck is too straight. I've loosened the truss rod as far as it will go but it's still has no neck relief. What do I need to do?

Fretworn
19-08-2013, 02:59 AM
Quote from Fretworn on August 17, 2013, 15:12
I've hit a hurdle in the final straight. The neck is too straight. I've loosened the truss rod as far as it will go but it's still has no neck relief. What do I need to do?

No ideas then?

WeirdBits
19-08-2013, 05:27 AM
Is it strung up, or have you just backed off the truss rod without string tension? How long has it been since you adjusted it?

Fretworn
19-08-2013, 10:10 AM
It strung up. I've left it under tension in the hope it will do something, but there has been no change between yesterday and today.

phloggy
19-08-2013, 12:12 PM
Lean it against a wall with some strategic weights on it. That's how I made my bass into a bow and arrow set.

dingobass
19-08-2013, 01:30 PM
Keep backing the truss rod off, you will find that it will start to get tight again.
This will bend the neck forwards as the truss rods in PBG kits are two way rods.

Fretworn
02-09-2013, 01:29 AM
It's finished! And it works! (A huge sigh of relief on my part). I took the neck off and clamped it over a rolled up towel and added a bit of heat with a hairdryer. Left it like that for over a week and straighten the neck up enough to make it playable. The neck is quite chunky so it was probably more resistant to bending than a thinner neck would have been.


http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/35i0v-DSCF2551.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/2zcp0-DSCF2552.JPG

Fretworn
02-09-2013, 01:36 AM
Two more pics. I missed September GOTM by a day. So I suppose I can get in first for October.

Now I need to decide what I'm doing next. I have e deal with my wife that I have reached the limit of guitars I'm allowed to have (4 electrics, 1 bass, 2 acoustics) so I need to decide If I can part with any of my guitars so I can get another kit. I know that I want to, Even have an idea of what I want to get.....

Anyway I'm planning on recording something with the guitar this week so I can post how it sounds as well.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/5b887-DSCF2553.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/g19hl-DSCF2554.JPG

stan
02-09-2013, 09:08 AM
great effort Fretworn, that colour looks fantastic. Nice work around with the neck, a great all round effort - the look of the Bigsby really makes it

Fretworn
17-09-2013, 02:30 AM
Follow-up time. I know I promised a recording, but I haven't had a chance yet and I still having some issues with the neck. Now that I had the chance to play it a fair bit I've discovered some deadspots on the neck. I de-stringed it on the weekend and had a second bash at leveling the frets, but I'm still having some issues with backbow on the neck. I thought I had it straight so either I didn't or it's settled back again after the bending. I'm at the stage where I don't know whether to perserve with this neck or see about getting on of DBs custom necks to use instead (then I could hopefully get a neck with a slightly slimmer cross-section, this neck is very thick.)

I can live with some imperfections if the guitar is playable, which, right now, it isn't.

57strummers
18-09-2013, 12:19 AM
Very nice.....

Fretworn
19-09-2013, 10:33 AM
Had the house to myself tonight, so I had a chance to do some recording. It's nothing fancy, I didn't go back and fix any mistakes. Apart from the drum tracks on Test 1, everything was recorded on this guitar.

https://soundcloud.com/geoff-fretworn/test-1
https://soundcloud.com/geoff-fretworn/clean-jazzy

adam
19-09-2013, 11:03 AM
That's fantastic Fretworn. That first track should be a 70's Crime Show theme tune. The guitar sounds great (and looks sensational)... hope it's going in the October GOTM comp.

Tim
19-09-2013, 11:16 AM
Looks great and sounds great.
Great testament to the kits and the builder.
Very nice

Fretworn
25-01-2014, 09:00 PM
It's taken me a while, but I've finally started the process of putting a new neck on this guitar. The reasons are to do with both playability and aesthetics.
Firstly, while Vintage Amber is a great neck colour I was unhappy with how it went the the Azure Sky front and Dark Amber back, so for this neck I am going with the Colourless finish. Secondly, I found the "D" shaped neck profile uncomfortable to play. I don't have big hands, and I want the neck to feel more like my other guitars, so I am sanding this neck profile into more of a "C" shape. It is a subtle difference, but after a few hours of sanding yesterday I can feel the difference. I've also shaped the headstock. Now I'm just trying to find out if I know anyone local with a drillpress.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/1b30b-Photo0109.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/my78u-Photo0112.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/6m7a9-Photo0115.jpg

Fretworn
09-02-2014, 03:19 AM
Got to spend a bit more time this afternoon on my customisation of this guitar. Just need to get back to the new neck now.


http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/8f50d-Photo0118.jpg

gavinturner
11-02-2014, 12:38 AM
Love the pickguard shape Geoff! The combination single coil and humbucker for this axe is a really nice choice! Would love to hear how she sounds when everything is complete!

cheers,
Gav.

Fretworn
30-03-2014, 02:29 AM
JWJ Custom Guitars #0001 is complete. I glad a changed the neck and spent the time shaping the profile to make it more comfortable to play. I'm just waiting for the strings and the new neck to settle in before I do the final adjustments to intonation.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/810xi-Photo0119.jpg

crundes
30-03-2014, 04:23 AM
Looks awesome fretworn! Really like the pickguard shape. Did you fill in the pickup route where the other humbucker used to be, or just use the pickguard to cover it? Would love to see a vid of this thing in action with the new pick up!

Fretworn
30-03-2014, 05:51 AM
The humbucker route is still there, just covered with the pickguard. I had to reshape it a bit as the single sit in a different place than the humbucker did. Aesthetically I prefer the way it looks now over the way it looked originally.

dingobass
30-03-2014, 07:12 AM
Damn thats nice!

gavinturner
31-03-2014, 08:00 PM
Amazing job Fretty. She is one of a kind. Love the pickguard shape and the combo single coil / humbucker. Very, very nice!

cheers,
Gav.

lawry
01-04-2014, 10:08 AM
Ditto to all the comments above. And she has a built in pick holder too! What a beast ;-)

Fretworn
02-04-2014, 01:15 AM
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from lawry on March 31, 2014, 19:08
And she has a built in pick holder too!

Isn't that what pickguards are for?

stan
02-04-2014, 01:44 AM
well done Fretty, that is surftastic!

Fretworn
06-04-2014, 05:31 AM
The necks has settled in and I got the nut and the intonation done this afternoon. Plays great. Had to get all the saddles on the bridge as far back as they could go to get it intonated. I'm glad I mounted the neck forward a bit in the neck pocket otherwise I would have been stuffed. I might have to revisit the wiring I seem to have wired the single coil out of phase with the humbucker. But I;m going to leave it for a while, it might be a useable tone.

Fretworn
15-04-2014, 08:23 AM
No.1's first gig! Very happy. She performs well in live situations and sounds good with other instruments.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/fp380-Photo0122.jpg

gavinturner
15-04-2014, 09:25 AM
Nice rig Fretty! Any chance of a sound demo?
(Doh - ignore me I just found it!!)

cheers,
Gav.

Fretworn
16-04-2014, 02:40 AM
The sound demo is before the mods. I'll have to try and get something recorded for the final version.

stan
16-04-2014, 06:10 AM
great stuff, cool looking setup