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stevierayvannabe
30-12-2013, 11:00 PM
Well Christmas came and I must have been good this year because I found a LP kit under the tree.
It arrived well packaged with no damage. The body looks great, and I could only find two glue spots, nothing a little sanding won't take care of. The neck fit is very good. I couldn't be happier with the kit.

Now the fun starts. I apologise right from the start as this will be most likely a slow build. I have a lot of research to do and I tend to take my time with things. I am also sure I will be asking plenty of questions.

I'm off to get the work bench all cleaned off and set up.

Cheers,
Brian
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/uoq5l-Guitar-1.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/os8jk-Guitar-2.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/o4fo8-Guitar-mockup.jpg

stevierayvannabe
30-12-2013, 11:01 PM
Oh, ok, one more pic
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/3s0cx-guitar-grain.jpg

Bass Guy
30-12-2013, 11:47 PM
Looks like you,have quite a special specimen there! Well done!

Looking forward to,seeing how you go- and do sing out if you need help.

Brendan
31-12-2013, 01:46 AM
Looking sweet Brian. Good luck - hope it goes well. Nothing wrong with taking your time at all...

wokkaboy
31-12-2013, 02:32 AM
nice kit Brian, the flames on the cap look sweet. What colours have you got in mind for body/headstock/neck ?
As the others said ask lots of questions and not rushing it is a good way to minimise mistakes !
Best of luck and look forward to seeing it progress in the build diary section.

stevierayvannabe
01-01-2014, 10:16 PM
I'm thinking of doing a turquoise and blue burst on the front with some artist ink, and a blue back and headstock. The neck I might just keep a natural colour. I have always wanted a blue guitar. I think right now I will just keep all the equipment stock and see how it sounds. I can always change things out later if I want.

gavinturner
01-01-2014, 11:32 PM
Beautiful flamed cap! Will be great to see how it turns out. Your colour choice sounds great. Are you going to pop the grain with some darker colour (eg black) before applying the final colour?

Cheers,
Gav.

stevierayvannabe
02-01-2014, 12:23 AM
Hi Gav, I'm certainly going to try, but I'm a little nervous about it having never done anything like it before.

AJ
02-01-2014, 01:47 AM
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from stevierayvannabe on January 1, 2014, 09:23
Hi Gav, I'm certainly going to try, but I'm a little nervous about it having never done anything like it before.


Hi there, looks like you have a nice figured top to highlight, should come out stunningly in blue. As a side note, my first effort was an LP.
Just take your time and ask the guys here if you need any guidance, they're is the equivalent to the world encyclopedia of knowledge from the guru's here.

gavinturner
02-01-2014, 03:43 AM
...but I'm a little nervous about it having never done anything like it before.

Yeah I hear ya. It can be a little nerve wracking the first few times, but I've found it surprisingly easy to do. My last attempt didn't turn out quite like I pictured in my head, but at the end of the day you finish with something that looks great anyway. Ive found that espcially with popping the grain you cant go wrong because you sand most of it off anyway. Good luck!

Cheers,
Gav.

stevierayvannabe
03-01-2014, 10:51 PM
Hi all,
I just got a load of sand paper and a really nice sanding block. I was curious though as to the best way to sand the carved top. I have never liked sanding with just my hands as it doesn't give a nice even result. Should I use a block of foam or something similar?

Also I can't seem to find any stores that stock tightbond glue for the neck. Other than ordering it online is there another type of glue that would work? I live out on the west coast of Canada so shipping from Australia takes a bit of time, although if necessary I will do it. Is regular carpenters glue strong enough for the job?

Thanks all,
Brian

gavinturner
04-01-2014, 12:05 AM
hi Brian,

personally I use a rectangular pencil eraser like you buy in stationary shops. It is flat with enough flex to follow the curves of the top.

hope this helps.

cheers,
Gav.

Gavin1393
04-01-2014, 12:07 AM
Regular carpenters glue is usually not an aliphatic glue but a PVA glue and is thus not suitable. If it is an aliphatic glue like Titebond then it should be used over a PVA.
In terms of sanding around curves etc. what I do is use flexible erasers wrapped in the various sandpaper grits. This allows you to get into those small nooks and crannies and still get a great result!

Brendan
04-01-2014, 12:24 AM
Go with the two Gav's ideas - I ended up getting a couple of packs of them, wrapping them in different grits and then writing the grit # on the end of the eraser. In terms of glue - try your local specialist woodworking shop and see if they have it. Try this site for Canadian / US suppliers: http://www.franklinadhesivesandpolymers.com/home/distributor-locator.aspx.

stevierayvannabe
04-01-2014, 03:56 AM
I never thought of using erasers, that's an excellent idea. Tomorrow I'm hitting the office supply store, and I may have found a place to get titebond. Things are looking up.

Brendan
04-01-2014, 05:40 AM
Great news. Hope you can find it. It's become my pretty much stock glue for fixing kids wooden stuff as well - cheaper than PVA and heaps better.

As for erasers, I found the local $2 shop better than office suppliers - you're not going to be erasing anything, just looking for the right size / shape and they tend to be heaps cheaper at the cheapo shops.

stan
04-01-2014, 09:17 AM
If you have a Masters hardware nearby - they sell Titebond

AJ
04-01-2014, 10:36 AM
Balsa wood, blue Styrofoam, even the white Styrofoam along with offcuts of wood, dowels etc all make really handy sanding blocks, either use double sided tape or superglue to attach them to the chosen item.

stevierayvannabe
04-01-2014, 07:50 PM
Good news, I found titebond at a shop called kms tools. They have a great wood working section. I also made up all my sanding blocks. Got the erasers from the local dollar store.
Started sanding today. I love it, but I'm kind of weird like that. I also really enjoy the sanitizing of home brew equipment.

stevierayvannabe
04-01-2014, 10:42 PM
Hi all,
This is probably a stupid question but since I don't have much wood working experience, how do you tell when to switch grades of sand paper? Is it just a feel thing? What grade do you go to? I plan on spraying the sides and back and staining the front.

I was thinking of Wudtone, and while I'm sure it's a great product, I just have a certain picture in my head for this guitar. Call it a dream guitar. Maybe Wudtone on my next build. Oh man, I'm already talking about a next build, my wife is going to kill me.....

Brendan
05-01-2014, 04:23 AM
In terms of switching - bit of feel - bit of look - make sure you can't see any grooves in the wood you didn't create - the basswood bodies I've worked on tend to have a lot of tool marks around the body. These can take some work to get them out but will come out with time. Once you think it's done, get a damp rag and run it over the body against the grain - that will make any "fluff" stand up and you can knock that on the head as well. By the time you get to the higher grits (240+) it's more a once over to clean up any sanding marks that you have created. Don't go too far over 240, depending on wood as you'll start to polish the wood and it'll reject stain.

With spraying I'm not sure you need to go that hard with sanding as you will be using a sealing spray that will even out a lot of the imperfections. I'd still get rid of tool marks / dings / etc, but in terms of going beyond 180 odd - not so sure (that said - never sprayed a guitar).

gavinturner
05-01-2014, 10:17 AM
If you are spraying then you can go to higher grits if you like without issue. I usually go up to 800 grit before i spray the undercoat, and then lightly sand the undercoat itself between coats with 800. Depends on the number of colour coats you are going to do etc. etc. It's hard to go wrong though after about 360 grit (IMO).

cheers,
Gav.

stevierayvannabe
11-01-2014, 01:47 AM
Hi all,

Sorry for the lack of updates lately. Had to work for a bit. I have for the most part been sanding furiously. I believe the guitar is ready for staining and painting. I have decided to do some practicing to hopefully iron out the process and make some rookie mistakes before tackling the actual guitar.

I have also been toying around with the headstock design. I made some preliminary templates up just to get a feel for it. Take a look and tell me what you think. My current favourites are template A and B. I don't want to go traditional Les Paul style. I would like to add a little individuality here. I'm trying not to make the design too complex. Less chance of mucking it up that way I figure.

Cheers,

Brian
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/7m3h2-Headstock-Ideas.jpg

wokkaboy
11-01-2014, 01:57 AM
Hey Brian, good to see an update and you are making good progress, I like your sample headstock shapes, B to E are quite original, I tend to prefer symmetrical shapes but nothing wrong with B and E. If I had to choose think I prefer C or D. Or 'D' with a little Les Paul centre dip. Entirely up to you. A good tip I've had is tape the cardboard shape on the headstock and see which shape you grow to like the most.
Look forward to next installment, Can't wait to see stain on that beautiful flame cap

Analyst69
11-01-2014, 10:01 AM
I like D. Like Wokka, I like symmetry, but I also think D has a particularly classy look about it. And its unique.

Cheers

Darren

Brendan
11-01-2014, 11:46 AM
Read somewhere on the forum that a headstock should reflect the body... That said - I'd go E or something like that...

stevierayvannabe
25-01-2014, 02:21 PM
Well, some progress has been made. I took the dive and started working on the front of my lp1. I started by staining it black with ink. That was a little nerve racking. Then after is was dry I sanded it down and wow, did the grain ever come out.

After a wipe down and clean up I started with the Marine Blue for the centre main colour. I'm really happy with the colour choice. It was just what I was looking for.

I attempted a little bit of a burst on the edges with Ultramarine Blue to provide a little transition. That was fun. Next step is to carefully clean it up with some 0000 steel wool.

Here are some pictures of points along the way.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/lw2hx-20140123_124220.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/191t5-20140123_151658.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/zd8b1-20140124_060329.jpg

stevierayvannabe
25-01-2014, 02:23 PM
It seems the blue around the edges doesn't come through the pic as blue as it actually is. Must be a camera thing.

Here's a picture of the transition I was working on.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/a8b2p-20140124_060319.jpg

stevierayvannabe
01-02-2014, 04:26 PM
Well started to paint the back and sides. Using a metal fleck paint. I know, into the naughty corner, but I really like metallic blues. I put a primer on and gave it a nice sanding then wiped it down and cleaned the back and sides with an oil remover. I have put two coats on in the pics and so far it seems to be coming along. I'm definitely not the best painter in the land but you have to start somewhere eh. I only have one area where it seems to not take the paint very well and I'm not sure why. I'm going to try to give it a light scuff up before the next couple of coats. Here are some pics so far.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/7cx18-Guitar-back.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/c3szu-gb2.jpg

stevierayvannabe
04-02-2014, 01:32 AM
Got 5 coats of metallic blue on dream catcher. I'm so happy with the colour. Next it's time for clear.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/a82n9-20140202_174524.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/qa96s-20140202_174434.jpg

wokkaboy
04-02-2014, 02:33 AM
wow StevieRaywannabe those colours look sweet, metallic blue is one of my favourite colours, looks forward to seeing it after clear coats. What sort of clear and method are you using ?

stevierayvannabe
04-02-2014, 02:49 AM
To be honest I'm using acrylic spray cans. I'm following painting videos done by pitbull guitars. I have an acrylic clear spray to use. I'm really enjoying the process. I can't wait to see it myself once cut and polished.

Oh, and just a question for everyone, is it better to do all the wiring before putting gluing the neck in or after or does it really matter? I figure if I install the wiring before gluing the neck in, then I can measure the neck placement easier.

wokkaboy
04-02-2014, 05:12 AM
SRV I don't think it matters which order you do the wiring, up to you. Make sure you have the neck pickup in place when you do glue the neck in. If you don't have much workbench space I'd do the wiring first. I generally do the wiring last but that's a personal preference.

stevierayvannabe
05-02-2014, 04:24 PM
Excellent. Doing the wiring before putting the neck on will definitely make things easier given the size of my work bench. Thanks for the advice

stan
06-02-2014, 02:25 AM
looks great - the blue on blue was a nice choice

stevierayvannabe
08-02-2014, 10:20 PM
Hey thanks Stan. I have always loved blue and I am very excited with how this has come out.
Does anyone know if acrylic lacquer will stick to the binding material? I'm using an Acrylic clear coat and am deciding if it is necessary to tape over the binding or if I can just spray over it?

Thanks for any info.
Cheers
Brian

johnnychronic
09-02-2014, 06:25 AM
If the binding has some tooth it will adhere.

stevierayvannabe
09-02-2014, 04:01 PM
Excellent. Thanks. I'll give it a light sand before spraying.
Cheers
Brian

stevierayvannabe
01-03-2014, 07:41 AM
Hi all,
Sorry about the lack of updates to my build. Between family vacation time and work and weather I haven't had much time to work on the guitar. I have been sketching some more head stock designs and trying to figure out how to best support the neck while I cut the head stock with my jig saw. I don't want to damage the neck and I don't have a fully equipped shop yet. Might just have to break down and buy a new table for it.

I'm hopeful that the temp will crawl above 5 degrees so I can start painting again. I'll let you all know.
Cheers,
Brian

stevierayvannabe
09-03-2014, 05:25 AM
Well got 2 coats of clear on the body today. Looking pretty sweet. Hopefully I can get some more on tomorrow. I also got some new blades for my jig saw so I can cut the head stock shape. Now I just have to figure out how to clamp it down and not damage the neck.

Cheers all,
Brian

stan
09-03-2014, 10:56 AM
pics please Brian

stevierayvannabe
09-03-2014, 06:41 PM
Hi all,

Here are a quick couple pics I took of the body after the third light spray of clear. Sorry for the bad lighting but I have to get some new bulbs for my stand light.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/x2k4y-clear-coat-3.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/oqm69-back-clear-coat-3.jpg

stevierayvannabe
10-03-2014, 02:18 AM
Well I might have messed up the finish a bit on the back. I found a bit of a run so I thought I would be smart. I let it dry then used some 800 grit wet paper and wet it down and tried to gently sand out the drip. Problem is now it's dry and the area is really noticeable now, not shiny at all. How do I fix it? Will it just buff out when I cut and polish the back? Should I put another light coat of clear on it? Will the scratches show through? Should I do both, polish the area then put some more clear on it? I'm kinda lost with this. I don't want to mess it up any more than I have.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/3x49v-20140308_190620.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/t9i11-20140308_190547.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/3qe74-20140308_190523.jpg

Gavin1393
10-03-2014, 02:40 AM
I'll let the spray painting experts handle this one, but me thinks it has a lot to do with the paint not being cured that has produced the disaster. I'd be guessing that you may have to do a wet sand and/or steel wool application to get the surface nicely level again and then do another coat to get the colour consistency right throughout if you breached into the colour layers. Only then should you proceed to the clear coats.

stevierayvannabe
10-03-2014, 03:53 AM
I just took a close up look and it appears that I didn't penetrate the colour layers. I think it's just the top layer of clear. I think you may be right about the curing though.

Analyst69
10-03-2014, 07:17 AM
A further light sand with 1500 should improve it, then the cut and polish should give you the shine. The thing I look out for is getting colour on the paper during wet sand. If you can see blue on the paper, you've gone through the clear coats.

My last spray job, I did get colour on the paper, but only a small tad so continued to the cut and polish and it came up fine and consistent shine (it did have quite a few layers of colour over the primer).

Cheers

Darren

jarrod
10-03-2014, 01:05 PM
Ok lets see what we can do.
If you have not penetrated the paint underneath then there is no problems. First before you apply another coat make sure you rub the whole back of guitar down lightly with say a 400 grit and then give it another coat of clear and all should be well. Nice colours by the way.

stevierayvannabe
10-03-2014, 02:34 PM
Thanks for the advice guys, I was getting worried that I mucked it up. I'm not real experienced with spray painting. I will keep you updated as to the fix.

Cheers,
Brian

stevierayvannabe
10-03-2014, 09:50 PM
Hi all,

Does anybody have some suggestions on clamping the neck down to cut the headstock design? I have been looking at it on and off all afternoon and can't come up with a way to do it without damaging the neck in some way.

Thanks,
Brian

gavinturner
11-03-2014, 03:11 AM
Hi Brian,
I usually clamp to one end of a saw horse. Something that's not very wide is ideal as the headstock sits flat and the neck heel sits off the edge.

Cheers,
Gav

stevierayvannabe
15-03-2014, 11:11 PM
Thanks for the tip Gav. I will try that.
So I finally got home from work last night and today I took Dream Catcher and used some rubbing compound made for clear coats on the little spot I was concerned about. After a couple minutes of work the spot disappeared. Just like it had never been there in the first place. My smile must have reached my ears. Very happy indeed. Next cutting the headstock.

I also found some blank water transfer decal paper so I'm now trying to design a head stock logo.

Cheers.
Brian

lawry
15-03-2014, 11:35 PM
That's excellent news, Brian. I can understand your relief. And go for it making a decal. It's a great way to personalise your guitar.

stevierayvannabe
16-03-2014, 12:39 AM
Well, after some thinking and looking around in the garage I found some lumber that I wasn't using. Gav's suggestion about clamping to a saw horse led me down a track and I made a jig to clamp my headstock to. I now have a cut headstock and I'm really happy with it. I know the design won't be everyone's cup of tea but I sure like it.
Here are some pics

Cheers,
Brian
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/h229b-20140314_175936.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1r25b-Jig-2.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/7t39z-Jig-3.jpg

stevierayvannabe
16-03-2014, 12:41 AM
first pic didn't show for some reason, I'll try again.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/k4ib4-jig-1.jpg

gavinturner
16-03-2014, 01:16 AM
Headstock shape looks cool Brian!

cheers,
Gav.

lawry
16-03-2014, 02:41 AM
Yeah. That's a great shape. Even by itself it has attitude.

johnnychronic
16-03-2014, 05:47 AM
I thought of doing something like that for my RC-1 but, I wussed out, yours looks really cool.

stevierayvannabe
18-03-2014, 09:21 PM
Just a little teaser pic. I've been polishing the body today and will be starting to paint the neck today.

Cheers
Brian
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/c98gt-20140317_151735.jpg

stevierayvannabe
18-03-2014, 09:30 PM
Hi all, when installing the bridge and saddle is there a ground wire that should be soldered to the post during installation? I just want to make sure before I go headlong into putting the posts in the body.

Cheers,
Brian

Fretworn
19-03-2014, 01:09 AM
Yes, there should be a ground wire. You won't need to solder it to the post, but when you need to make sure it is in contact with the bridge post "socket" when you push it in. I had to strip an extra section of the wire on my Bigsby Thinline TL-1 to ensure contact.

stevierayvannabe
19-03-2014, 09:34 PM
Hi all,

I just started shielding the pickup cavities on my lp. I was wondering where the shielding would have the greatest effect as it appears I might not have enough tape to do both pickup cavities and the control cavity. I have completed the bridge pickup cavity so the choice is do the neck cavity after the neck is installed or do the control cavity and wait for some more tape.

Cheers,
Brian

stevierayvannabe
19-03-2014, 11:00 PM
Oh and I just thought of another possibly silly question. I'm making my own headstock decal by printing onto waterslide decal paper. Should it be attached to the bare wood then clear over, or put a coat of clear on first then the decal then the rest of the clear?

Thanks
Brian,

Oh and got the colour done on the neck today, so next step is clear coating. Very excited.

stevierayvannabe
19-03-2014, 11:37 PM
Sorry that was rude to not put a picture up, so here it is. Sorry for the poor lighting but it is in the basement.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/0tk5p-20140318_173408.jpg

stevierayvannabe
20-03-2014, 12:12 AM
Just found the answer to the decal question, amazing what you can find on this site.

Cheers,
Brian

gavinturner
20-03-2014, 10:09 AM
hey Brian,

The colour on the neck looks great! Personally I would wait for more shielding tape and do all the cavities.

You probably know this but just in case...Don't forget to solder a wire between the shielding on all the cavities (so they are electrically connected) and then one of them to ground so that they are all grounded. Oh, and shield the back of your control cavity cover and make sure it connects electrically to the cavity shielding in as many places as possible (eg. around the entire lip of the cavity). The key is to create as complete a faraday cage as you can around the "hot" wires with as few slits or holes as possible.

cheers,
Gav.

Brendan
20-03-2014, 12:04 PM
Brian - hard to tell what's been masked on the heel of the neck, but you may want to double check that there's no paint on the bit that needs to be glued. They don't tend to like each other and it may also slightly affect the neck angle. Otherwise looking good! On the other issue - go with Gav - it's a whole lot easier to wait a couple of days than have to pull everything apart to stick some copper tape down then put it all together and find yourself one small chrome screw spare (variant of Murphy's law). :)

stevierayvannabe
21-03-2014, 04:34 PM
Hi all,

Well I found some more shielding tape and finished off all the shielding, including the backs of the covers, and tackled the wiring. I watched Adams excellent video's on wiring a couple of times and downloaded the wiring diagram. I then took it one wire at a time. It's not a neat as I was hoping but for my first time I'm happy with it. I'm even happier that it seems to work properly. I then finished installing the hardware on the body, leaving the pickups loose for adjustment purposes while attaching the neck.

I just have a couple of clear coats to do on the neck and it will be ready for hardware in gluing in. Kinda nervous about that part, but I've been watching Adams video on that as well.

Here are some pics of the wiring and such.

Oh I want to thank Adam for the excellent videos. They are great for confidence building and reference as the project goes.

Cheers,
Brian
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/gcw1h-all-wired-up-2-800x600.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/08x88-ready-for-the-neck-800x600.jpg

gavinturner
21-03-2014, 09:10 PM
Great job on the shielding Brian! Looks top notch. Your whole build is really coming together - love how you've popped the flamed maple top! Don't sweat the set neck - I was nervous to begin with too, but there's nothing to it in the end. What kind of glue are you planning on using? I recommend titebond. Just check the string height one more time before gluing and clamping in case you need a shim. Looking forward to seeing this baby finished and to hear what she sounds like!

cheers,
Gav.

stevierayvannabe
21-03-2014, 10:03 PM
Thanks Gavin,

I picked up some Titebond glue for the neck. Took a little time to locate but when I found it I snapped it up. Thanks for the compliments. I'm really enjoying this new hobby, although I found myself looking at the kit page wondering what guitar should I start saving for next, no no finish the one your on first Brian.

Cheers,
Brian

gavinturner
22-03-2014, 02:04 AM
Yes Brian that's how it starts! Sounds like the addiction is setting in - most of us have an acute case. In 6 months time you'll have 4 different builds on the go at the one time even though you promised yourself that you wouldn't start the next one until the current one is done....

cheers,
Gav.

wokkaboy
22-03-2014, 02:28 AM
wow Brian, I haven't seen this diary for a while but love how its turning out, that blue on the cap and body/neck looks fantastic and cool headstock shape. Wiring/shielding looks neat too,I think this is your first build so you must be stoked and hanging to plug it in.
Don't stress about glueing the neck, as others have said put both E strings on to check string height on fingerboard and use plenty of glue, can always wipe the excess off after its clamped.
Can't wait to see this strung up and a sound demo !

stevierayvannabe
22-03-2014, 05:36 PM
I am very stoked to plug it in. I Just finished the clear coat on the neck and am trying to wait patiently for it to dry. I think I have done everything else I can do prior to gluing in the neck. I'll post some more pics when it's all clamped up.

Cheers,
Brian

lawry
22-03-2014, 11:05 PM
Drying time is inversely proportional to how quickly you want it to dry. I think you may be waiting a while :-)

stevierayvannabe
24-03-2014, 02:49 AM
Sure felt like a long time waiting for the paint to dry.

Well I took the plunge today. I re read the excellent article on gluing in the neck and then I re watched Adams video on how to glue in a neck. I went to the workshop, aka the garage, and measured and lined up strings about half a dozen times, then I liberally coated the surfaces with Titebond glue and clamped the neck and body together. I then re measured all of my measurements a couple of more times, wiped up any excess glue I found and figured I can't do anything else except wait 24 hrs until it all dries. :?

Cheers,
Brian

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/9c8y9-gluing-guitar-neck-800x600.jpg

Brendan
24-03-2014, 05:41 AM
Looking great!

gavinturner
24-03-2014, 05:42 AM
Drool. From where I'm standing it looks bloody awesome Brian. Good job!

cheers,
Gav.

stevierayvannabe
31-03-2014, 09:13 PM
I finally got a couple of hours to work on my Dream Catcher.

I screwed in the pickups, attached the strap buttons, and strung it up. I quickly learned that I put the string on the wrong side of the bottom 3 tuners and had to restring those. Oops.

I then adjusted the truss rod, bridge and pickup height and intonation. I have to file down the nut height a little but I'm waiting until the neck gets settled and I restring it.

I then plugged it into my amp and noodled around a bit. I don't think I've had a smile on my face as big as that for a long time. I mean ear to ear. I still can't belive that I built this guitar. I really can't believe my wiring worked out. All the pots do what they are suppose to do and the pickups sound nice.

So there are a couple of little things, the nut height and the saddle on the D string seems to wobble back and forth a bit. All the others are rock solid. Can that be fixed?

I'm still waiting for my truss rod cover to come in the mail and I need to find a recorder that I can record the guitar with to post it.

Some how I think I will be busy the rest of the day :)

Cheers,
Brian.

Thanks for all the help, advice and motivation from all the forum members.

Now what to build next. Hmmmmm I do like the SG......
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/224p7-Guitar-ready-for-setup-600x800.jpg

pablopepper
31-03-2014, 09:23 PM
That looks ace! It's really come together as a great package. Well done.

quiet1_au
01-04-2014, 09:08 AM
Nice deep blue - it's great to see some less traditional colour schemes, but that blue really works with the vintage cream and gold, and I do like your "Harry Potter" headstock cut. :-)

Nickosaurus
01-04-2014, 10:44 AM
I've always loved a blue Les Paul.

You should put an orange pickup switch tip on there ;) I think that little orange highlight on the blue would look great!

stan
02-04-2014, 01:42 AM
so nice, great looking axe

stevierayvannabe
02-04-2014, 02:46 PM
Hi guys, Thanks for all the compliments. Still can't get the smile off of my face when I play the guitar. I was thinking about orange strings, but we'll see about that.

I'm still waiting for my truss rod cover to arrive, then I'm planning to enter it into the guitar of the month contest.

I'm also trying to record the guitar but my phone doesn't do it justice. I'm looking at borrowing a camera from a friend with a better mic in it.

Cheers,
Brian

maxaxe
03-04-2014, 10:02 AM
"Blue flame" has certain connotations . . . but in this case it's all good vibes.
Obviously, plenty of blues is going to be chunked out on this lovely looking beastie.
Couldn't be better IMO and will be a hot contender in GOTM.

ihasmario
03-04-2014, 11:55 AM
Really nice work. I really like the colour of the front. It's the kind of colour I was hoping to get

I really like your headstock too.

:)

stevierayvannabe
07-04-2014, 03:05 AM
Thanks, I'm really happy with it.

I'm just waiting for my truss rod cover to come in the mail then I'm going to enter the GOTM.

I'm still having a bit of an issue with the D string saddle buzzing, almost like it's loose.

@maxaxe, ha blue flame, I didn't even think of that.

Cheers all
Brian

lawry
07-04-2014, 05:18 AM
Excellent. I'm looking forward to seeing the TRC

stevierayvannabe
14-04-2014, 07:36 PM
Hey guys,

Sorry it's taking so long for a clip of the guitar, been working a lot lately. I tried a video last night but the result was not very good. Have to fine tune my volumes so my phone can pick it up clearly.

I promise it is coming, but be forwarded I'm not a very good player.

Oh and still waiting on the truss rod cover. I'm hoping next week.

Cheers,
Brian

gavinturner
15-04-2014, 03:18 AM
Don't stress the guitar skills Brian. I'm sure you are better than me. We've quite a few beginner builders here in the forum who are also beginner players. Just check out my demos and you'll see what I mean. I always need many many takes to get usable material. Whatever you can do will always be greatly appreciated by the forum. We all love a sound demo as it brings the whole experience full circle and is the ultimate pay off for following the build over its weeks to completion.

cheers,
Gav.