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adam
11-08-2013, 08:57 PM
Enter your finished guitar here to be judged for September Pit Bull Guitars Guitar of the Month.

Remember:

One guitar per member per month (if we have more than 8 entries)
It must be a Pit Bull Guitars kit (mods and upgrades acceptable)
We need 4 photos: full guitar shot from the front, close up of the body finish, shot of the back of the guitar and close up of the headstock (please no brand name logos)
Post your photos in this thread or email them to adam@pitbullguitars.com.
Competition for September closes 31 August 2013.
Winner will be judged by the Pit Bull Guitars Panel.

stan
11-08-2013, 10:40 PM
Looking forward to this, and see some of the great builds that were not in time for the August GOTM

Andyport
12-08-2013, 11:07 PM
First cab off the rank for September...and using lacquer...the cheek of the man!! ;)

Here she is, my first build, the LP-1.
Standard kit build, other than the vintage Gibson styled tuners, truss rod cover and the Sprague Orange Drop Capacitors.
Amber stain wiped on, couple of coats of clear, then red dye in clear to spray the sunburst.
That way I didn't loose any of that beautiful flame maple grain.
Thoroughly enjoyed building it and learnt so much along the way...especially patience.

Thanks also to some of you guys for your help and guidance when a newbie required it...appreciated.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/o5715-Full-Body.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/feh05-Body-Coloseup-1.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/55xmj-Full-Back.jpg

Andyport
12-08-2013, 11:09 PM
The headstock and another closeup.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/43kq2-Headstock.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/p22dx-Body-Coloseup-2.jpg

DanMade
12-08-2013, 11:18 PM
I don't think I've seen a shot of the back of your LP yet Andy. The back looks just as Impressive as the front.
You must be well chuffed.

keloooe
12-08-2013, 11:58 PM
The LPAS is now on it's way to your place Andy!

Andyport
13-08-2013, 12:29 AM
LPAS?? sorry Pest, don't understand the lingo.

Gavin1393
13-08-2013, 12:46 AM
Lock up that guitar Andy....Thick chains....

Pest is the leader of the LPAS

Les Paul Acquisition Squad.....

Gavin1393
13-08-2013, 12:47 AM
Andy, you are going to scare away the competition with that AXE.....!!! It's a beauty.

Andyport
13-08-2013, 01:11 AM
Les Paul Acquisition Squad....ha ha good one!
Bit like Adam's Tele Squad.
Will definitely get out the chains and padlocks.

stan
13-08-2013, 02:28 AM
top work Andy, that finish is awesome and super glossy.
Love the detail of the custom logo

wokkaboy
13-08-2013, 02:31 AM
that is a beautiful build Andy, well done, looks like a Les Paul from the factory, other than your headstock logo.
Nice work on the burst, this will be a serious contender for September GOTM for sure !

Gavin1393
13-08-2013, 03:44 AM
Andy, I'm sure there are a number of looking at the 'les paul' scrip and the logo on your headstock and going "How did he do that?" It is so crisp and clear. Can you share?

Is it something you did yourself?
If not where did you get it from?
Is it Mother Of Pearl, a decal, etc?

Best headstock I have ever seen completed.

axeman
13-08-2013, 03:55 AM
loving the lp andy, great work on the paint and detail headstock ,, love feedback on how --like gavin1393 said !!! are you a sign writer or lashout on some decal stickers ,, I've seen make your own head stock decals on ebay ,, very interesting to know what you done ??

Andyport
13-08-2013, 06:30 AM
To answer your questions regarding the headstock decals, yes I did them myself.

I have a small signwriting and graphic art business with all the necessary equipment and computer programs, etc. at my fingertips to make it possible. I gave it a fair bit of thought, and this is how I tackled it.

Printed the whole thing as a single decal, my logo and Les Paul lettering on a black background, just slightly oversized for the headstock. Applied it and then trimmed it to shape once on.
Most of the work was in vectorizing the "Les Paul" lettering. By using vector graphics you get a really sharp image, no matter what size you're working in, no loss of clarity.
For the mother of pearl in my logo, (knew that would trick a few of you), I grabbed a photo of MOP texture, and placed that within the letters EA..."tricks of the trade".
Once applied and trimmed, I sprayed clear lacquer coats over the decal to get the glassy finish.

I used our wide format solvent printer, which gives a great print and can take lacquer over it.

There you go...the secret has been revealed!

Gavin1393
13-08-2013, 07:15 AM
Awesome, reckon there are a few amongst us who would hire those services!

keloooe
13-08-2013, 09:05 AM
yeah, that decal is great!

adam
13-08-2013, 09:21 AM
Just a quick note on Trademark decals. Legally, it is absolutely fine for anyone to make a guitar (kit or scratch) and put any trademark logo on it, as long as it is for your own personal use and you are not selling the guitar.

It is covered under fair use of trademark for "fan use".

However, if we (Pit Bull Guitars) show off your guitar (on Facebook or our site) we prefer to play it safe and black out any trademarks. So, please don't be offended if we do this.

stan
13-08-2013, 09:27 AM
^^ True Adam. You don't want the big guitar company's legal gurus chasing after our hobby in the name of trademark infractions.

I do love the logo though...

Fretworn
13-08-2013, 10:59 AM
Quote from adam on August 12, 2013, 18:21
Just a quick note on Trademark decals. Legally, it is absolutely fine for anyone to make a guitar (kit or scratch) and put any trademark logo on it, as long as it is for your own personal use and you are not selling the guitar.

It is covered under fair use of trademark for "fan use".

However, if we (Pit Bull Guitars) show off your guitar (on Facebook or our site) we prefer to play it safe and black out any trademarks. So, please don't be offended if we do this.





And seeing as Gibson has forced Warmoth to stop making anything that looks like one of their guitars, I think Adam would like to avoid contact with their legal team

Andyport
13-08-2013, 12:05 PM
Fully understand your position Adam.
Probably a bit naive, but I never even gave it a thought...only really thought that about the guys that actually stick gibson or fender on theirs.
Happy to black out the offending article on the two photos and resubmit them if necessary.

adam
13-08-2013, 09:58 PM
No problem Andy, I've already done that on the Facebook photos I posted.

14-08-2013, 11:15 AM
[quote]/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Andyport on August 12, 2013, 08:07
WOW, Andy, what a great guitar. Let me know what month you are entering a kit so if I have one right to go I'll be able to hold it back, just to get a slight chance.
Rick

Gavin1393
14-08-2013, 11:56 AM
Since it is displayed here under September, I'm guessing he's entering it this month?

15-08-2013, 12:44 AM
Thinking more of future builds Gavin.

Andyport
15-08-2013, 05:30 AM
Thanks Rick.
Won't be long and I'll be starting the ES-1GT I've had tucked away for a while.
Now that will be a challenge.
Not sure what finish to go with...I'm thinking classic cherry red.

Gavin1393
15-08-2013, 08:15 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Ricmo on August 14, 2013, 09:44
Thinking more of future builds Gavin.

Don't be psyched out Rickmo! Anyone can win it but I have to agree with you that the standards are being set very high lately!

gavinturner
15-08-2013, 09:24 PM
Truly an amazing job Andy. It's the standard of finish that I can only dream about. Well done!

Cheers,
Gavin.

15-08-2013, 10:00 PM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Andyport on August 14, 2013, 14:30
Thanks Rick.
Won't be long and I'll be starting the ES-1GT I've had tucked away for a while.
Now that will be a challenge.
Not sure what finish to go with...I'm thinking classic cherry red.


Can't wait to check that one out, my main guitar is a 335, arguably one of the best in Australia, no thats a lie there is no argument (ha ha) and it will be nice to look at the one you make. (see profile pic).

No worries Gavan, I was just complementing Andy. Now that we know the secret of his fancy head-stock he better watch out. (ha ha)

Andyport
15-08-2013, 11:02 PM
Doh...knew I should have kept that to myself Rick...lol

DanMade
21-08-2013, 09:31 AM
Wow this month is really getting away from me. It's the 20th already.

I plan on entering my ST-1, I just need some rusty screws to replace the shiny one's. and some time to take some glamor shots.

DanMade
21-08-2013, 11:23 PM
Here is my entry for GOTM.

The SKAT.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/m081v-image.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/3090y-image.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/m4b41-image.jpg

DanMade
21-08-2013, 11:31 PM
Some more shots of the Wudtone finish. Overall I tried achieve a smooth Saturn finish to give it a natural timber feel.
I had a great experience building my first PBG kit. And I am chuffed with the final results.

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/jxrdb-image.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/tb4zi-image.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/l8tt0-image.jpg

Bass Guy
22-08-2013, 12:26 AM
Fantastic work here, Dan.

I am breathing a sigh of relief I don't have any up for selection this month.... :D

keloooe
22-08-2013, 01:11 AM
Wow... just wow Dan!!! Great work!!!

robin
22-08-2013, 01:14 AM
That is a beautiful looking guitar Dan, and totally unique. Well done mate.

rob

wokkaboy
22-08-2013, 01:31 AM
well done Dan, very original look, even down to the control knobs and black bridge pieces. Did you make the scratchplate and back trem/spring cover by hand ? Did you overlay wood over the headstock as well ?

DanMade
22-08-2013, 02:51 AM
I'm glad you guy's appreciate it. Thanks for the kind words.

Wokka, for the scratch plate and back plate I laminated 5 pieces of veneer then cut and shaped with a jigsaw and sandpaper. Then I stained the patern and finished in fretboard oil.
I had planned on veneering the headstock, but it had such a nice flame in the maple that I didn't want to cover up so I just stained the front of the headstock.
The black saddles are actually graphite saddles, and the alloy knobs were $2 at Jaycar.

No one noticed the knob for the whammy bar I whittled from a 4x2 sleeper.

22-08-2013, 05:58 AM
Yep, very well made, looks a treat.

Tim
22-08-2013, 10:25 AM
nice one Dan looks awesome

Gavin1393
22-08-2013, 02:31 PM
Really excellent work Dan, the only thing missing for me is your name / logo on the headstock as the final piece that says "I made this guitar".

DanMade
22-08-2013, 11:15 PM
Yeah Gav I agree. I haven't decided on a "brand" name yet, and haven't worked out where I'm going to get the decals as of yet.

And this guitar is just for me, and I know who made it. I might just put a Skatocaster decal on for the moment. I'll give a few local sign writters a call and see what I can find.

I've seen the decals you can get made on eBay, but they seem a bit pricey.

Gavin1393
22-08-2013, 11:22 PM
Dan, you can buy decal paper from an Aussie supplier on e-bay and print your own.....

stan
23-08-2013, 09:14 AM
Dan, your attention to detail is amazing, well done!

gavinturner
24-08-2013, 10:35 AM
Amazing work Dan. Really a 1st class job. The veneer scratch plate is a revelation!

Cheers,
Gavin

Humphrey
28-08-2013, 08:05 PM
:P

Many thin coats of ageing clear finish. Wudtone.

It plays like it looks.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/4o47w-Bass-3.jpg

Humphrey
29-08-2013, 10:51 AM
This is my latest effort and a try for guitar of the month but I think that fantastic LP in the red/yellow gloss finish is the best. What a lovely looking instrument.
Anyway my third I've ordered is an SG style and it will be purple !!!

Great guitars all of you.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/btxsy-Pitbull-LP-Style.jpg

stan
29-08-2013, 01:31 PM
nice work Humphrey, put in a few more pics as outlined in the rules to show off your guitars more and for a better chance at winning! (front, headstock, back)

Gavin1393
30-08-2013, 01:12 AM
Some lads working hard on their entries!
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/2y2yh-Photo2.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/mpu01-Photo3.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/g7ni1-Photo1.jpg

wokkaboy
30-08-2013, 01:19 AM
haha nice photos thanks Gav,
notice I've got a very firm grip on the bass on the buffer, didn't want it being ripped out of my hands !
Also big thanks for the visit to your sensational man cave, every man's dream to own a man cave like this !

Gavin1393
30-08-2013, 02:36 AM
Always a pleasure to have you visit and share the man cave! I had the medic's on speed dial in case you let go...

wokkaboy
30-08-2013, 04:01 AM
whats the speed dial Gav ? 1800 DINGOBASS ? apparently there's always a work around luckily for 2 or 3 piece guitar/bass bodies !

30-08-2013, 05:08 AM
Gosh Gavin, I wish I had those faculties at my disposal.

wokkaboy
30-08-2013, 05:28 AM
Rick, those photos only show a small portion of the Gav man cave, there's heaps more goodies, tools and machinery in there !

30-08-2013, 05:47 AM
[quote]/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Humphrey on August 28, 2013, 19:51
Well, with a Les Paul you're a winner anyway. The next guitar I make will defiantly be a Les Paul, although might make some for the grand kids first. It looks very well made and am sure you will enjoy it.

Gavin1393
30-08-2013, 07:10 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on August 29, 2013, 13:01
whats the speed dial Gav ? 1800 DINGOBASS ? apparently there's always a work around luckily for 2 or 3 piece guitar/bass bodies !

1800 GavManCave should work or try 08-GavM-eis-ter! ;)

wokkaboy
30-08-2013, 07:22 AM
I'm saving the speed dial number in my phone as I type this, thanks Gav !

Gavin1393
30-08-2013, 08:16 AM
I often wonder is anyone has actually tried calling 1800-dingobass.......

wokkaboy
30-08-2013, 02:18 PM
Gav, there's too many character/digits in 1800 DINGOBASS, should only be 6 digits after 1800, try 1800 DINGOB but think DB is waiting for Adam to connect the number !!

adam
02-09-2013, 12:12 AM
OK, here we go. This is what we have for September GOTM...

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/AndyLP1-1.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/BrendanPB4-1-337x450.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DanST1-3-602x450.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/HumphreyHB4-1-337x450.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/HumphreyLP1-1-337x450.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/WokkaIB5-1-196x450.jpg

If I've missed one, let me know.

Bass Guy
02-09-2013, 01:55 AM
Great to see an equal split of basses and guitars!

Tim
02-09-2013, 05:17 AM
Again another awesum collection for GOTM . Well done to all the builders

02-09-2013, 05:39 AM
Amazing. Great looking guitars

stan
02-09-2013, 09:01 AM
what a great selection - shame there is only one winner, they are all deserving

adam
09-09-2013, 11:31 AM
And the results for our September Guitar of the Month are in...

So, like last time, we had 5 judges and we asked each of them to score each entry on the quality of finish, choice of finish, quality of build and overall "wow factor". There was barely a few points difference between the lowest and highest score. Just goes to show the standard of these entries.

So, starting with the runners up, in no particular order:

Humphrey's HB-4:

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/HumphreyHB4-1.jpg

"Lucky you live on the other side of the country... Otherwise the BAS would be paying you a visit...
A very well put together and finished Bass. The colour you chose really suits the Spalt."

Humphrey's LP-1S:

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/HumphreyLP1-3-337x450.jpg

"Great colour choice to show off the Spaulted Maple Cap and highlight the black bling. The Wudtone finish has allowed the beautiful texture of the Spaulted Maple to show through. Another guitar worthy of a Guitar Shop window."

Brendan's PB-4:

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/BrendanPB4-1.jpg

"That is a very nice Bass you got going there B-Man.... That custom colour looks fantastic.
It is great to see her finished after the trials, tribulations and accidents she had during construction.
I want this Bass..."

Wokka's IB-5:

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/WokkaIB5-1-196x450.jpg

"This is superbly finished, the timber is glowing. Beautiful. Fabulous job, perfect finish choice."


Ok, only two entries left and they couldn't be split. With scores of 46.5 out of 50, the tied winners are:

Andy's LP-1 and Dan's ST-1

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/AndyLP1-5-600x450.jpg

"What can I say this is an eye catching guitar that looks amazing it definitely has the wow factor."

"Mate, for a first build this is sensational. I like the after market goodies you have chosen, they really set her off. Well done!"

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DanST1-3-602x450.jpg

"This is the one I'd head for if I saw it in a store. Really like the scratch plate on this. Not crazy about the headstock but all round my winner."

"Beautiful colour choice of body and contrasting stained bespoked Pickguard. A lot of thought and a great deal of effort has gone into making this unique beauty. This guitar would definitely stand out in a crowded Guitar Shop."

Congratulations Andy and Dan.

WeirdBits
09-09-2013, 11:51 AM
Too (two) good to split, congrats Andy and Dan.

Brendan
09-09-2013, 12:17 PM
Congratulations to you both - worthy winners!!

Gavin1393
09-09-2013, 09:45 PM
Well done guys!

DanMade
09-09-2013, 11:00 PM
Well this is a great way to start a Monday morning. I'm a little surprised, I thought Andy's LP was a shoe in. So to be a joint winner and to have you guys appreciate my work is very humbling.

Andy, your LP is so well done it inspired me to order my LP that I'm working on now.

Well done to everyone.

wokkaboy
09-09-2013, 11:30 PM
well done Andy and Dan, both guitars are outstanding. Just shows you the high standard of entries and lowest and highest scores being close, I think all the entries are winners this month.
Big thanks to the judges as well !
Keep building folks for October GOTM could be the last axe to make the PitBull GOTM 2014 calender if it goes ahead !

Fretworn
10-09-2013, 02:24 AM
Congratulations Andy & Dan. Unfortunately as it is Guitar (singular) of the month you both now have to surrender the guitars to DB so he can convert them into a mutant double neck.

wokkaboy
10-09-2013, 02:34 AM
great idea Fretworn, could be a double neck LP/Strat glued together, finished in conch girl and fretless !

dingobass
10-09-2013, 02:44 AM
Yep. Well done guys, both of these Guitars were so hard to choose between.
The classic look of the LP vs the customised Strat made it really difficult to choose one as the winner.....

keloooe
10-09-2013, 03:36 AM
Wow, congratz guys!!! The bar is really high now... Can't wait to see what October GOTM brings us!!!

Andyport
10-09-2013, 04:39 AM
Hey, thanks so much guys...I'm absolutely wrapped!! :D
Certainly brightened up an otherwise dull Monday.
Congrats to all entries, and to share the title with Dan's strat is great.
I knew that Dan's custom work would be a hard one to beat. Well done Dan!!

I'm currently part way through my ES-1GT...
and swear my next build will be an "F-Style" kit, with NO binding and NO flame maple cap...
Didn't have much hair to start with, but I have a whole lot less now!!
And that's before I even look at wiring the thing up!!

Cheers,
Andy :D

Humphrey
10-09-2013, 05:34 AM
Hi

Brilliant both of you. I am now building an SG kit and have ordered some burr walnut veneer to put on my headstock and to make a scratch plate with............all because of the beautiful ST in this months GOTM comp. What a cracker. Any hints on veneer application would be good please.
After this current SG style build I too will go for a 335 style.
This is great fun. Glad I found Pit Bull Guitars on the net.

Gavin1393
10-09-2013, 07:31 AM
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from Humphrey on September 9, 2013, 14:34
Hi

Brilliant both of you. I am now building an SG kit and have ordered some burr walnut veneer to put on my headstock and to make a scratch plate with............all because of the beautiful ST in this months GOTM comp. What a cracker. Any hints on veneer application would be good please.
After this current SG style build I too will go for a 335 style.
This is great fun. Glad I found Pit Bull Guitars on the net.

....and you are already passing on some good advice to those in need so we're delighted you found us too! Good one Humphrey!

robin
10-09-2013, 08:37 AM
Well done Andy and Dan, two great guitars right there.

Comisserations to the rest, you all must surely have tied for 2nd place. Guys, if this standard keeps rising I shudder to think how professional future GOTM's will be. I know it's said every month, but the standard just keeps going up.

Well done all entrants.

rob

stan
10-09-2013, 09:19 AM
Well I was wrong - there can be more than one winner- well done Andy and Dan, both superb looking axes for sure.
Well done to the others, you can all be proud of building some excellent looking instruments

DanMade
10-09-2013, 11:18 PM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Humphrey on September 9, 2013, 14:34
Hi

Brilliant both of you. I am now building an SG kit and have ordered some burr walnut veneer to put on my headstock and to make a scratch plate with............all because of the beautiful ST in this months GOTM comp. What a cracker. Any hints on veneer application would be good please.
After this current SG style build I too will go for a 335 style.
This is great fun. Glad I found Pit Bull Guitars on the net.

Thanks Humphrey. I'm sure this SG will be a cracker after seeing your great work on the two you have just finished.

As for veneering tips, I haven't done a veneer on a headstock yet but it should be pretty straight forward. Depending on the thickness of the veneer you could just glue and clamp with titebond and then trim it of with a sharp blade if its a thin veneer. Or if it is a thicker piece you could shape it off a template and glue and clamp with some locating pins.

With the pickgaurd, the way I made mine was by laminating 5 sheets of 0.6mm veneer together. I used the same veneer for each layer but you could use different types of veneers in each layer. Only the face of the top layer will be seen.

The problem with laminating veneers is they tend to warp and cup very easily. To combat this you need to alternate the direction of the grain in each layer so the natural cup and bow in each sheet will counter act the the others.

I glued and clamped the veneer sheets between two 16mm melamine boards with some wax paper inbetween so any excess glue doesn't stick to the boards . Use as many clamps as you can, I used 10. I kept it in clamps for 2 days.

Even after 2 days in in clamps, the was still some moisture from the glue. I then left it on a flat surface under weight for about a week to cure. While the laminations are drying out is the most critical time to stop it from warping. So always keep it flat and under weight until you are ready to work with it.

I cut and shaped the pickgaurd with a jigsaw, belt sander and files. This worked very good but the next one I will be using a router.

Alternatively you could just use contact adhesive and stick a single veneer sheet to a plastic pickgaurd.

AJ
11-09-2013, 12:38 PM
wow.. simply brilliant.. congrats you two

gavinturner
13-09-2013, 11:53 AM
Congrats Andy and Dan - another 2 worthy winners. Every guitar submitted this month was fantastic. Well done one and all.

Cheers,
Gavin.

Scott J.
14-09-2013, 07:41 AM
Top jobs one and all - every one an inspiration ... each and every builder should be suitably proud of their efforts.

Congrats to the winners ... hope you're enjoying your well-deserved laurel wreaths, you certainly earned them your beautiful entries!