View Full Version : Stans ES-1GL
After much anticipation, it finally arrived in time for my birthday - a lefty ES-1G
I intend for this to not only be a build thread, a how to, but also a look at what to expect when ordering a PBG kit. The ordering process is easy , and after some short emails with Adam, I was confident to order.
I was pretty impressed with the service, the gang at PBG do a good job.
I decided to go with the bone nut upgrade and the DB awesome fret job - well worth it, top notch work.
So for those who want to see exactly how the kit comes, and the condition they arrive in, here goes.
Beefy box, bubble wrapped body parts and plenty of paper packing. Kit arrived with no damage at all.
Here it what it looks like, after the inner packing removed:
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/rg884-110.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/7l3d6-111.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/t8y06-125.JPG
The wood finish is better than I thought, there are a few manufacturing scuffs and such, but all will sand out, and nothing will need major attention or repairs. No big scuffs or deep dints (no dints at all). The body is bound on the upper and lower edges, no binding on the neck or headstock. Headstock is preshaped and very nice.
A closer look at the machining and body:
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/yq92m-114.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/423of-115.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/xvq4j-118.JPG
This timber will come up beautifully. The plan is for a Cherry Flamenco top and Black Magic Woman back, sides and neck...
Some more pics of the body, lovely shape:
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/973m1-120.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/mlev1-122.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/3r5lt-124.JPG
Dingo Bass did a lovely job on the frets, so worth it to get this done. It feels playable already.
There is a little nick in the wood on the first fret position and one down the other end where all the patterning is, I might seek advice on how to fill these. I am thinking some glue and wood sandings, they are very minor, but I don't want them on the fingerboard surface, should be very easy to sort though.
looks nice though:
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/e284f-129.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/p9t5o-130.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/8d6x3-131.JPG
wokkaboy
15-08-2013, 01:37 AM
looks good Stan, be careful when sanding those rough edges near the binding the cap is quite thin.
Also you should rub a damp rag over the body near the binding to see if there is any glue. I'd make sure the pickup routes are wide enough, place the pickups in to make sure they fit well and check the neck feels good slotted into the body
Good colour selection cherry and BMW, the BMW is one of the harder wudtone colours to get a consistent finish
Brendan
15-08-2013, 01:39 AM
Stan, looks like you've got yourself a pearler... Good luck with it - the CF and BMW will be a good mix and look great...
Thanks for the advice and comments guys!
Got the bone nut upgrade as well, that will need to be glued in. Original was removed, I presume by DB (thanks).
Headstock shape is very Gibsonesque and won't get any more shaping - this is how it came and is quite nice.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/066g1-127.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/1q420-135.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/hq395-139.JPG
The neck itself is nicely shaped, very smooth and the scarf joint is nearly imperceptible - it's excellent (see last pic, straight out of the box).
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/4u766-138.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/nm8o0-133.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/y5uvf-140.JPG
The pups and neck test fit fine.
The hardware in general seems pretty good.
I have to say though, that the knobs seem a little cheap. I'll compare them with Gibson aftermarket and may upgrade. Dont get me wrong, at the price point of the kits, the whole deal is exceptional, but I'm a bit of an OCD details guy, so happy to make an upgrade.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/o355c-151.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/1d712-152.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/90tc3-153.JPG
Gold hardware for this model, and it looks pretty nice.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/0xuh6-146.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/g7irr-147.JPG
The PBG pickups seem pretty good,might have to hit Adam up for black surrounds given my colour choices.
Speaking of upgrades, check these out. Top ones are the PBG ones, bottom ones are... well....,
have a look:
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/065qq-149.JPG
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/bxy0g-154.JPG
wokkaboy
15-08-2013, 02:45 AM
sweet Stan, 57 classic Gibson pickups, they should sound awesome, you should be able to source some black pickup surrounds on ebay, make sure you get the ones for a curved top
Thanks Wok, I'll have all the gear and no idea!
yeah ebay seems the go, and pretty cheap
robin
15-08-2013, 02:51 AM
Your enthusiasm is very infectious Stan. It brings back fond memories of my first build and the excitement of what lies ahead.
Take your time, don't rush and enjoy the journey. If you are like most of us, it will probably be the first of many.
rob
Cheers Rob, us newbies must stand out a bit.
I have done French polishing, so at least I know what lies ahead as far as the endless sanding and waiting goes
WeirdBits
15-08-2013, 04:50 AM
Stan, can you please check the angle of your bridge on the kit... I don't want to be alarmist, but in the picture below it looks like the TOM bridge bushing holes are drilled at an angle for a righty kit rather than lefty (hopefully it's just an optical illusion).
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/7l3d6-111.JPG
Best to get some accurate measurements just to be sure, either with the neck lined up and clamped in place (so you can check against scale length) or from a fixed (hopefully accurate) point/line like a pickup cavity etc. Ideally, the bass side bridge post should be 2-3mm's further back than the treble post.
I hope I'm wrong.
Andyport
15-08-2013, 05:50 AM
57 Classic Gibson pickups!!....excellent Stan.
Authentic sound at a fraction of the cost of a genuine Gibson ES.
Good idea getting the DB treatment on the frets.
I'm tackling the ES-1GT next, and wish I had got the neck tended to before it was sent.
Cherry Flamenco will look fantastic. Looking forward to seeing it take shape.
wokkaboy
15-08-2013, 05:52 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from WeirdBits on August 14, 2013, 13:50
Stan, can you please check the angle of your bridge on the kit... I don't want to be alarmist, but in the picture below it looks like the TOM bridge bushing holes are drilled at an angle for a righty kit rather than lefty (hopefully it's just an optical illusion).
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/7l3d6-111.JPG
Best to get some accurate measurements just to be sure, either with the neck lined up and clamped in place or from a fixed (hopefully accurate) point/line like a pickup cavity etc. Ideally, the bass side bridge post should be 2-3mm's further back than the treble post.
I hope I'm wrong.
Good point Scott, yer Stan it does look like the bridge posts are offset for a right hand, I've attached a poor photo of my ES build and the bass bridge post is set back further than the treble post.
Hope its an illusion !
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/2mi7q-2013-03-31-02.10.50.jpg
keloooe
15-08-2013, 05:56 AM
Woks, the post holes looks similar on my LP, I looked on Gibson's site, and I see the bass post is closer to the guitar's butt than the treble post!
wokkaboy
15-08-2013, 07:07 AM
Pest, yes the bass post should be more rear-ward than the treble post, Stans guitar is a left handed guitar so remember the bass post is on the other side and looks closer to the front of the guitar than the treble post. It may be an optical illusion but worth checking out
Fretworn
15-08-2013, 08:08 AM
Quote from WeirdBits on August 14, 2013, 13:50
Stan, can you please check the angle of your bridge on the kit... I don't want to be alarmist, but in the picture below it looks like the TOM bridge bushing holes are drilled at an angle for a righty kit rather than lefty (hopefully it's just an optical illusion).
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/7l3d6-111.JPG
Best to get some accurate measurements just to be sure, either with the neck lined up and clamped in place (so you can check against scale length) or from a fixed (hopefully accurate) point/line like a pickup cavity etc. Ideally, the bass side bridge post should be 2-3mm's further back than the treble post.
I hope I'm wrong.
I have to agree with Weirdy, it looks like they've mixed up the bridge holes - like on Bassguy's lefty Explorer. That would work if you played like Otis Rush or Albert King, but that is probably not what you are looking for.
Gavin1393
15-08-2013, 08:20 AM
Stan, the boys are spot on. There is no way that guitar is set up for a lefty. Intonating that guitar will be impossible. You can either fill the bridge hole with dial or get in touch with Adam,....I'm sure he will sort something out for you.
thanks for this guys, great spotting I missed this, and unfortunately you are right, its drilled for a righty...
however, I'm really glad you guys found this and pointed it out, cheers
Gavin1393
15-08-2013, 01:26 PM
Stan, what finish were you planning for this guitar?
WeirdBits
15-08-2013, 02:22 PM
Quote from Gavin1393 on August 14, 2013, 22:26
Stan, what finish were you planning for this guitar?
Quote from stan on August 14, 2013, 10:26
[...] The plan is for a Cherry Flamenco top and Black Magic Woman back, sides and neck...
Yep, Cherry top and BMW back and sides, was deciding between a straight Cherry, or a Cherry to black burst.
Looks like this kit is no longer a viable option for me, the lefty versions all seem to have this issue.
Adam is looking after me though, looks like I'm going to go an LP kit - same colours
Gavin1393
15-08-2013, 10:21 PM
The neck may even fit!!!!
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Gavin1393 on August 15, 2013, 07:21
The neck may even fit!!!!
I dont think they do Gav, because on initial inquirey I wanted the block inserts (instead of dots) from the LP style and was told it wouldn't work
So I dont mind, because I like the LP neck look better - will get that one done too.
If the bone nut fits, I'll keep that
dingobass
16-08-2013, 09:27 AM
Hey Stan,
Sorry about the hassles with the ES... I should have checked the body when I had it but there you go, lesson i have learned.
Oh well, your LP kit is on its way to me for the super delux neck treatment, I will de fret- Don't panic Gav!- level and polish the fret board and re fret...
No worries DB, an easy miss, really, for people who look at right handed guitars all day long.
Nobody is to blame except the guy who drilled the holes :)
Shame the ES was like this.
However, looking forward to the LP, should be nice, and your work is great DB. That last neck felt slick.
I still have the bone nut for the ES and it can go onto the LP neck - so please dispense with the plastic one.
My gold Gibson 57s can go in this instead!
I am changing the gold hardware onto this from the ES kit, as per the email, so hang onto the chrome bits.
Thanks to you and Adam for great customer service.
dingobass
16-08-2013, 08:50 PM
No worries Stan.
I will remove the plastic nut with glee :)
Those 57's should sound amazing, you are going to end up with an axe every bit as good if not better than the "real" thing....
Cheers DB
OK so after a bit of arranging with Adam (who has been great), the ES build is still going ahead (as will be the LP one now...)
I have devised a way of repairing and re drilling the bridge holes that are misplaced. The down side is that the finish will now have to be a solid colour to hide the repair. Gibson seem to get away with painting theirs, so (whilst there is no comparison in skills)I will paint mine.
Still deciding between black and a dark wine red, and so far the red is winning...
Since the LP will be the easier of the two guitars to build, this thread will probably go on hold for a while, and wait for the LP. However it is just as likely I'll do them concurrently.
I can sand one while I'm waiting to sand the other....
Well kids, necro update time, this build is back on...
Other projects and the thought of re drilling bridge holes shelved this one.
I have done and learnt a lot since then, and I m back into it.
Holes dowel plugged and timber mate filler
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/335/FA9AF90A-D5BD-44DF-9D7B-F522EF55A24A.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/335/FA9AF90A-D5BD-44DF-9D7B-F522EF55A24A.jpg.html)
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/335/9D75396F-95DD-41C7-914B-F8F61E666585.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/335/9D75396F-95DD-41C7-914B-F8F61E666585.jpg.html)
Walnut Timbermate slurry, a bit thick but it fills grain....
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/335/6359B030-B0B6-4FCE-9AC0-6740F06B258F.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/335/6359B030-B0B6-4FCE-9AC0-6740F06B258F.jpg.html)
Sanded to 400 grit all over, Feast Watson stain, Teak for back and sides and a Golden Teak and Teak mix for the top:
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/335/393CC455-C8D0-474C-A1A1-894C3AA2DDCB.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/335/393CC455-C8D0-474C-A1A1-894C3AA2DDCB.jpg.html)
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/335/BA929487-F853-44F3-96D9-95E1073311C1.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/335/BA929487-F853-44F3-96D9-95E1073311C1.jpg.html)
Dedman
09-10-2016, 05:49 PM
nice antique look happnin there Stan, will look killer with gold fittings
vh2580
09-10-2016, 06:42 PM
Nice colour Stan, nice repair as well
andrewdosborne
09-10-2016, 07:13 PM
Nice work Stan this will look unreal. Must be good to get this project back on track
Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
pablopepper
09-10-2016, 07:52 PM
Hell yeah, Stan! This looks great. What's the plan for clear?
Thanks guys happy to have this going again . This time it's getting nitro for clear, no more acrylic for me
Chuck
10-10-2016, 05:37 AM
Looks great Stan - very earthy!
pablopepper
10-10-2016, 11:21 AM
no more acrylic for me
http://m.memegen.com/m4rnf5.jpg
well if Chuck approves.... haha
going to go with Mowhawk nitro, have heard very good things about it and can get it here in Aus from Australian Luthier Supplies
Looks great Stan - very earthy!
thanks Chuck, going for an old violin look, sort of honey coloured , warm tone kind of thing, got what I was after
Andy40
10-10-2016, 02:07 PM
It took me a while to see what was wrong with the saddle holes....then i realised you were a lefty...good save Stan.
Yes, it was a lefty drilled for a righty bridge, thanks
gavinturner
11-10-2016, 03:58 AM
Looking great Stan!
cheers,
Gav.
thanks Gav, wish I could bash them out as fast as you!
Will be hiding the redrilled holes under some inset washers and the bridge posts will sit on top, will just look like slightly bigger bases
Binding is scraped and what a task - Feast Watson prooftint really sticks...
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/335/3AE649E3-9275-49C8-88A6-ED580D525A68.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/335/3AE649E3-9275-49C8-88A6-ED580D525A68.jpg.html)
Ok , open question to the floor...
My binding seems to have a bunch of vertical cracks in it, and they must be deep because they don't scrape away.
The give the thing a bit of an antique feel, and it's not too bad, but it would be nice to see if I could get rid of them.
I was thinking that I could use acetone on a cotton bud and see if they blend out.
Any other ideas???
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj128/louisruby/Guitar/335/B87EB173-07A3-48CF-B0BB-114FE3214A85.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/louisruby/media/Guitar/335/B87EB173-07A3-48CF-B0BB-114FE3214A85.jpg.html)
pablopepper
24-10-2016, 08:04 AM
Bugger. I would think acetone would seal that colour in rather than leach it out.
WeirdBits
24-10-2016, 09:57 AM
Metho may be a safer option at first, but not sure if it will enough to budge the FW. I'm with Pabs on the acetone, with the depth of the cracks, the layered binding and the meltiness factor it could makes things worse.
thanks guys, might try a little metho...
metho no good, doesnt work...
Dedman
24-10-2016, 12:12 PM
maybe bleach?
possibly, looks like the cracks run full thickness, they might have to be a feature...
andrewdosborne
24-10-2016, 01:38 PM
How about the FW colour thinner?
Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
Chuck
24-10-2016, 02:26 PM
For what it's worth, I quite like the vintage effect they give. Is all the binding like that or just a couple of spots?
How about the FW colour thinner?
Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
they are really fine cracks, it may work, just have to try i guess
For what it's worth, I quite like the vintage effect they give. Is all the binding like that or just a couple of spots?
i think i'll be living with them, they are sort of scattered about, so enough to be a feature and not just a blemish in one area
dingobass
25-10-2016, 08:18 PM
Afraid there isnt anything you can really do to get the faeces twatson stain out of those cracks.. Other than re binding... you dont really want to go there....
Personally I reckon they look kinda cool.
thanks DB, I thought as much, the antique look it is
andrewdosborne
26-10-2016, 09:30 AM
It'll look okay like this Stan. My ES also has some stain in the binding and adds to it's 'vintageness' (is that a word?)
UpperCaseH
26-10-2016, 10:54 AM
I reckon the way the stain's crept into the binding looks pretty good on that particular guitar.
I'd actually like to know how to make it do that if I want to do a vintage look in future.
It'll look okay like this Stan. My ES also has some stain in the binding and adds to it's 'vintageness' (is that a word?)
yes, yes it is
I reckon the way the stain's crept into the binding looks pretty good on that particular guitar.
I'd actually like to know how to make it do that if I want to do a vintage look in future.
buy a body with cracked binding and get stain on it - how ever it couldnt be seen prior to staining, so if I had of masked it the result would have been different.
i will carry on and call it 'vintageness' , thanks Andrew O
Freakystyley
26-10-2016, 01:50 PM
14645
Same happened to to my binding. Im not sure why. The only thing i could think of was i used a spirit based stain without knowing. I thought maybe it reacted with it.
Freakystyley
26-10-2016, 01:54 PM
i forgot to say i actually did mask my binding prior to staining too
Freakystyley
26-10-2016, 02:06 PM
I just looked up that feast Watson prooftint and it is also spirit based. Maybe dingobass can shine some light on weather this reacts with binding? Or if it was just cracked beforehand? Mines was so bad I lost heart in the build and it is sitting half done. I might buy a dingotone and sand it all back and try again and live with the antique look
wokkaboy
26-10-2016, 03:15 PM
Hey Freaky, I have used FW prooftint stains over binding and don't think that's the cause of the binding cracking. Seems to be pretty common theme with these kits.
I would guess the Chinese factory use thin or lower grade binding so once it's been rubbed back with sandpaper/steel wool or scraped it is susceptible to cracking
I agree Wokka, the cracks are already there, the stain just highlights them
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