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View Full Version : Kanes first build ST-1M



kanelangmaid
22-09-2013, 05:10 AM
Here is is my very first build, always loved the strat shape with a maple fret board

Plan is to re-do the Eric Clapton signature series eventually. Pitbull will help me to get there, and maybe make and sell a few in between. A few of the guys that know my character have already talked about making me one for them.

Will post up a few pics in my initial check assembly along with eventual build colours etc.

Thanks for looking and grateful for the support.

Was bummed to see the site down from hackers.



http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/32521-image.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/66k84-image.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/mut0h-image.jpg

kanelangmaid
22-09-2013, 05:14 AM
Not much to report, although I thought there was way too much slop in the neck and bridge cut outs.
After a few quick measurements it looks like it will be ok, however the neck may take some time to get just right.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/36ocv-image.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/a1o4d-image.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/73rx4-image.jpg

23-09-2013, 03:17 AM
Ok! So now i'm itching to start my strat, well it's for my grand daughter. It's on it's way and should get it early this week. (although it may not be finished for a while).
Will be good to check how you are progressing.

Brendan
23-09-2013, 03:42 AM
Kane - looking nice - if you're going to sell them - put your own moniker on them! You built it - be proud of it!

What colour are you going?

BTW - nice job on the headstock.

kanelangmaid
23-09-2013, 04:25 AM
Ricmo - I would love to have this one completed and another one ready for work at start of December as I have a month off and want to put it to good use.

Brendan - I have a logo ready just need to sort a decal out, hopefully it will appear later. Colours, well I will add a pic.

kanelangmaid
23-09-2013, 04:29 AM
I will attach a fender colour scheme, I am looking at the inca silver but will depend on where I can get it mixed. Also I will attach a pick of my grand plan final version.


http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/hb92j-IMG_0367.PNG

Here is my final design, the silver isn't quite there but you get the idea. Was also toying with the idea of gold hardware.

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/w0974-IMG_0098.JPG

Here is a mock up

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/c1kx7-IMG_0143.JPG

57strummers
23-09-2013, 05:17 AM
Nice job on the headstock, very cool shape and not too beefy

kanelangmaid
25-09-2013, 09:42 AM
Had a few hours to progress somewhat over the past few days. Even the scary neck joint.

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/g8iie-IMG_0139.jpg

Fitting the tuners.

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/8214c-IMG_0150.JPG

Trying to setup the neck. This took 4 hours over two days before I was happy.

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/6x3az-IMG_0153.jpg

Almost all of the hardware fitted - time for sanding soon.

kanelangmaid
25-09-2013, 10:02 AM
Talked to the paint supplier to day,will try and catch him on Friday and talk colours.

The let the sanding begin!!
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/f7087-IMG_0159.JPG

kanelangmaid
26-09-2013, 11:19 AM
Well I fully assembled it.

I was pleasantly surprised by the sound considering the action wasn't even setup right. A little fret buzz which hopefully will disappear after I adjust the bridge properly. Should be picking up some colour and clear lacquer on Friday. Sanding in the mean time and on the weekend.

adam
26-09-2013, 11:30 AM
Be patient with the neck setup - intonation/tuning/fret buzz, it can take months for a new neck to "settle in". Also check out some YouTube videos on truss rod adjustment, but be very careful and no more than a quarter of a turn at a time (either direction), then leave it overnight to settle.

kanelangmaid
06-10-2013, 10:19 AM
Here is my little gun. Been using it last few days. Had a few issues spraying to begin with as as the lacquer dries really fast.

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/mpi8g-image.jpg

kanelangmaid
06-10-2013, 10:22 AM
Trouble is that my clear lacquer levelling wasn't that great. So now I can see every little imperfection. I think next build will consist of some primer/filler.

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1j247-image.jpg

kanelangmaid
06-10-2013, 10:24 AM
If you look too close you can see all the dings & wood imperfections. Tomorrow will add some clear coat.

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/z8p09-image.jpg

kanelangmaid
07-10-2013, 10:41 AM
Here is a look after a couple of clear coats. Mock build. Haven't worked out my gun for clear yet. Seems to spray sand like. Word has it that pressure is too high (35psi) and not enough fluid flow. More practice tomorrow.


http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/91ok9-image.jpg

kanelangmaid
07-10-2013, 10:44 AM
Go easy, first build, first spray attempt, first of many things. However I should have primed / filled to get the body level, my clear coat attempts didn't work. Looked a little different prior to colour coats. Didn't look that bad. Anyways, next time will be better.


http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/16030-image.jpg

Andyport
07-10-2013, 12:21 PM
I'm guessing the main problem with your clear coats is not pressure but flow consistancy. Acrylic lacquer can withstand a large percentage of thinners. Far more thinner than paint, it will then flow evenly and give a much higher level of gloss straight off the gun. I use a cheap touch-up gun which requires a pressure of about 40 to 50psi for all my spraying, just means a bit more overspray in the air. Hence I always use a very high quality respirator...I value my lungs. A filler/primer with lots of sanding, when going for a solid colour finish is a must.
With my builds I have used a stained finish with clear lacquer top coats, so I use a grain filler first.
Hope that helps.
Andy

57strummers
07-10-2013, 09:59 PM
Looking good mate

Scott J.
08-10-2013, 06:20 AM
Don't sweat it brother, from the pics she looks GREAT!

... and no matter how good a job someone else thinks it is, every builder is always their own hardest critic! (we always know where we screwed up, even if no-one else notices! :D )

gavinturner
08-10-2013, 10:10 AM
Yep I agree with Scott. Everyone is their own worst critic. The pictures look great! I know that photos can hide a lot of imperfections, but it still looks a million bucks. If the clear coat is uneven you always have the option of spraying a lot of coats and then wet sanding it level. There's always some orange peel, even on the best spray job.

cheers,
Gavin.

stan
08-10-2013, 10:49 AM
as gav said, wet sand the final finish for an even better job.
it looks fine though mate, a week of playing and all the dints will simply be character

kanelangmaid
08-10-2013, 12:49 PM
Well I managed to sort the spray gun. It was a mix of everything. Pressure was too high, fluid flow not enough and the mix not enough thinners.
Thanks Andyport, it came up a lot glossier straight out of the gun.

More pics in the next few days. Then leave a week for curing before final buff and polish.

Andyport
09-10-2013, 10:00 AM
No worries, glad to hear you are happier with the way things are going now.
Should come up a treat once buffed and polished.
Looking forward to seeing more pics.

Andyport
09-10-2013, 10:01 AM
No worries, glad to hear you are happier with the way things are going now.
Should come up a treat once buffed and polished.
Looking forward to seeing more pics.

kanelangmaid
09-10-2013, 12:35 PM
Well all the hard work is mostly done. Sprayed another 3 coats of clear tonight. Total of 6 clear coats. Should provide me with enough layering so I don't fine sand through it before polishing.
Does anyone know if meguires scratch X has silicone in it? This is what I was planning to use for my initial polish followed by one of their other products.
Now to wait until the 20th or so for the lacquer to cure properly.

57strummers
09-10-2013, 09:17 PM
Agree looks pretty good mate, but as you say you can see all the imperfections that the pics may not show us. You know what if you are not happy with the finish you can always dis-mantle get the sander out and take it back to start and do it again, in my build the colour is not quite what I was looking (it come up a bit grey and I was looking for a more antique colour) for but I am going to play it for a little while and see with some real wear. If it still is not what I want I will take it back to wood and simply spray another colour onto it to get the desired result. I am with you if you are not happy you will never be happy and you are the one playing the axe so be happy with it or take whatever measures you need to rectify it.... My opinion is that is looks pretty good but you have to be good with it, if you are not it will affect your playing on it... guaranteed!

Analyst69
10-10-2013, 09:12 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from kanelangmaid on October 8, 2013, 21:35
Well all the hard work is mostly done. Sprayed another 3 coats of clear tonight. Total of 6 clear coats. Should provide me with enough layering so I don't fine sand through it before polishing.
Does anyone know if meguires scratch X has silicone in it? This is what I was planning to use for my initial polish followed by one of their other products.
Now to wait until the 20th or so for the lacquer to cure properly.

Hi Kane

Apparently Scratch X does contain Silicone. there is another product called M09 Swirl Remover 2.0. Apparently this one is silicone free.

I used Scratch X on a spray paint build I did over a year ago and was really pleased with how much it cleaned up the orange peel and fine scratches...obviously in retrospect I would have been better to avoid it and use the silicone free swirl remover though. I think the main thing is to use a polish with a mild cutting compound so you don't take all your carefully applied paint off again. :)

kanelangmaid
11-10-2013, 02:43 AM
I have again built up the guitar so I can show it off to my brother on Saturday. Looks ok. Now have to wait wait wait. Oh, and a little play while I wait.

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/zj8oe-image.jpg

kanelangmaid
11-10-2013, 02:49 AM
Not too shabby
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/z77z4-image.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ghve1-image.jpg

pablopepper
11-10-2013, 03:10 AM
Very nice. Great colour choice.

stan
11-10-2013, 10:55 AM
that came up really well Kane, looks good

kanelangmaid
11-10-2013, 08:56 PM
MAJOR SETBACK - Help me

I fear the worst.

Let me explain. Early on when spraying the neck, it fell off the hook that was holding it during the spray. It landed on the very end. It fell from just below chest height onto the concrete garage floor. I gave it a quick sand back hoping it didn't do much and the damage was hidden once installed on the body.

However, when I fully assembled the guitar last night, the neck didn't fit in the same position from my original setup and the strings were skewed a little. Anyway I adjusted to have the strings set right. Then once the strings went on there was some major fret buzz happening. A lot more than my original setup.

Alarm bells started ringing, then I also thought maybe the lacquer had changed the characteristics of the neck and it just needed adjusting etc. Well once the strings settled down I checked the height of the strings (with the 1st fret fitted with capo) and basically the bottom E string has no gap. This is even with the bridge saddles fully up. Not enough back bow. So my fear increased. I then attempted to adjust the truss rod, "lefty loosey", 1/4 turn to begin with. Let it settle for a bit, recheck measurements and the E string still sat on top of the frets with no gap. Ok, adjust the rod another 1/4 turn. More time passes. Nil change to the string measurements. Leave it over night, no change.

Argghhhhh!!!! Not happy today. Looks like I need another neck. So close. Anyways, once work finishes today I will try another adjustment and see what happens.

Thoughts?

Gavin1393
12-10-2013, 12:44 AM
I think you are right, a new neck may be required. Especially if you have managed to turn the truss rod a half circle. I am actually surprised your truss rod hasn't stripped.....

Brendan
12-10-2013, 02:07 AM
Bugger - know that dropping feeling. Sorry to hear and I know how frustrating it can be to be nearly there and to then have to start part of it again...

kanelangmaid
13-10-2013, 01:36 PM
Well all may not be lost. After sitting in the cupboard all day it seems there may be some movement in the neck. Not as much fret buzz as yesterday and some of the buzzing is located on certain frets. Anyway I will let it sit for a few more days and see what happens. String measurement seems to be moving so it is not flush all across the frets.

Photos you say


http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/e2qyh-image.jpg
Finally got the spraying sorted

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/21xq6-image.jpg
Always trying to find a decent pose

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1g33z-image.jpg
Krank is an offshoot of my brothers business name - Krank roofing WA

Also I have decided on "Platinum brother" as a name.
As it is based on my brothers character. Strong, Spanish for silver (parts of his hair), rare, valuable found between gold and iridium (one of rarest elements) on the periodic table.
It was my brother that helped my through one of the lowest points in my life and helped me on my feet again. I saw it as an opportunity to name my first build after him. I hope the sound it eventually plays sings the blues but also some funk to remember those times.

Scott J.
14-10-2013, 09:27 AM
I hope the neck comes good for you Kane (I'd say "fingers crossed" but its bad luck to be superstitious! :D ) ... you've done a great job on her and she's looking really sweet ... just love that "gunmetal" colour!

stan
14-10-2013, 12:48 PM
looks great!
What about a new nut with a little less relief in it for the buzzing string - if you cant fully get it at the bridge end, go for the head end...

MetalMatt
15-10-2013, 12:32 PM
Dude that's a classy looking Strat - very nice colour.

Tim
16-10-2013, 01:58 AM
Nice strat and nice story behind the name hope allnthe neck issues work out

kanelangmaid
16-10-2013, 11:15 AM
Thanks for the encouragement guys.
Looks like I have had some movement with the neck. I ended up using my long alley keys with the ball ends. I don't think the alley provided cut it. Decided I will wait until I strip it down for the final sand and polish and I will dress the frets and add a new nut. That should give me a little less buzz.
My super fine sand paper should turn up in the next few days, but won't have enough time this weekend I think to finish it.

Also have some custom made pickups in the planning stage. Just need to order some parts.

kanelangmaid
16-10-2013, 11:22 AM
Here are some more pics

Custom neck plate - well a modified stock one. Will add a decent one at later stage.

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/16a47-image.jpg

Practicing some shots for a potential GOTM submission.

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/e0gb7-image.jpg

Hopefully a fine sand and polish will bring it up a treat.

pablopepper
17-10-2013, 07:30 AM
That neck plate is cool! Did you get it CNCed? I laser etched one of mine but it didn't take too well and is slowly rubbing off. :/

Tim
17-10-2013, 07:33 AM
Nice neck plate.nice axe

dvous
18-10-2013, 10:52 AM
That's a sweet looking strat

kanelangmaid
18-10-2013, 12:24 PM
Thanks again guys.
Well a pre-cut tusq nut is on its way along with some 42awg pickup wire and bobbins. There is also the micro mesh sandpaper inbound.
Busy weekend already so not sure if any of this will arrive in time. My nights next week look busy.
Things to do before end of the month:
1 - Fine wet sand and polish
2 - Install copper shielding
3 - Install new nut
4 - attempt to dress the frets with home made tools - wet sand and blend head stock logo
5 - wind some custom shop 69 replica's (decided that the vintage noiseless pickup wind will have to wait, along with the clapton mid boost kit - they can wait till I get some finer wire and another pickguard).

Not much.

My neck plate was engraved by a fine tipped diamond tip on a pentograph machine (the ones used for trophies / plaques etc).

stan
18-10-2013, 09:36 PM
looks great, love the neck plate idea

kanelangmaid
24-10-2013, 04:44 AM
Well, all my goodies have turned up. Hopefully once I get this lot sorted it will be the last time the guitar is apart for a little while so I can play for a bit.

Platinum brother - time for your makeover


http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/s7rb1-image.jpg

stan
24-10-2013, 06:55 AM
mmmm goodies, enjoy

kanelangmaid
25-10-2013, 08:22 AM
I was having a good run.

Spent a few hours shielding on Wednesday night. Spent all day with fine sanding and polish.

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/a5234-image.jpg

Then this - hand fisted......aarrrgghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!

I broke it. Is it even salvageable?

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/8jtkw-image.jpg

A bit of titebond and no longer a replaceable nut? Just glue it all in and then replace the neck later?

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/170l2-image.jpg

Boy was I ticked off. Being a little distracted and not knowing my own strength. Not good.

Any advice from the knowledgable floor?

DB, can it be used for a while?

lawry
25-10-2013, 08:28 AM
Man. That would've broken my heart. I'm no guitar expect but I feel your pain. I'm keen to see what can be done here for future reference. But as DB says, there are workarounds for just about everything.

Brendan
25-10-2013, 09:27 AM
Kane - easy fix - you got any StewMac superglue? I'd say not your fault - more to do with how fragile the end of the neck is and how much glue they use to hold the nut in place. All it needs is a touch of superglue and Bob shall be the relative of choice. Titebond should be OK as well - when I've been with Gav and the same thing happened (twice) all that's been used is a tiny amount of superglue and then some light sanding once it's all finished.

Don't worry about it though. Easy fix and you'll be the only one to know once its all fixed.

EDIT - all I meant was to fix the wood - gut feel your Tusq nut should be able to go in as per plan once the head side of the nut is fixed. Shouldn't be a biggie and should be straightforward to fix.

SIMpleONe89
25-10-2013, 10:08 AM
Did the headstock break off? Or just the area where the nut sits?

Scott J.
25-10-2013, 10:39 AM
Yep agree with Brendan, a bit of glue and all will be well ... as long as you get the broken off piece back in place correctly, the nut should then fit back in without a problem ... after all, the bit that's broken off isn't structural and doesn't really provide that much (if any) major support for the nut ... the Gibson-style nuts don't fit into a slot but just sit in a rebate up tight against the end of the fretboard, so your small breakage won't effect the performance of your fine axe at all.

kanelangmaid
27-10-2013, 04:57 AM
Well a bit of progress last night, first attempt at pickup winding. People make it sound so easy. That 42awg is sure some fine stuff.

I managed 500 turns before I broke the strand. Anyways a complete unwind and 2 hrs later I have a neck pickup.

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/9r78a-image.jpg

I also see why they pot them in wax, protection along with stopping vibration. Will see how they sound first.

2000 winds down on the bridge. Hoping to get them sorted this weekend and fitted to the pickguard. Then all I have to do is reassemble and glue in a nut. Trying to enter Nov GOTM but time is a approaching fast.

http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/o2xwl-image.jpg

Gavin1393
27-10-2013, 01:10 PM
Kane, did you only do 2000 winds?

kanelangmaid
27-10-2013, 10:20 PM
No Gavin close to 8000. Looking for the 69 custom shop 5.8K on the neck, the bridge ended up not as tightly wound, tried for 6.2K but ended up around 6K. Really interested to see how they sound.

kanelangmaid
30-10-2013, 01:01 PM
Platinum Brother is complete.


http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/cy372-MG_5606.jpg


http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2rj25-MG_5612.jpg

stan
31-10-2013, 06:49 AM
looks really nice, put some sounds in the new section!