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bargeloobs
24-04-2014, 02:21 PM
"Blacktop" you say? "A Spalt top" you say? You're doing what to a spalt top?
Yes...I'm painting a spalt top, for the simple reason I wanted a mahogany body & neck and the spalt kit's the only one in the LP family that can deliver.
It was that or wait til July for a custom order to arrive... I have many virtues but patience isn't one of them.
Not to mention the amount of glue spilt on the top of this one I wouldn't want to be trying to sand, pry, naw it off anyway, painting this puppy will be my pleasure.

I'm going pretty heavy on the extras with this kit and just when I thought I'd rounded up everything I needed, upon a quick mockup I realized the Pitbull cream plastics are a totally different colour to my pickups , toggle switch plate & knob(groaaan), so a new pickgaurd and pickup mounting rings have had to be ordered as well meaning the extra goodies will now be...

Seymour Duncan SH-4 & SH-2 zebra pups
500k CTS long shaft pots + Gibson knobs to fit said pots
Switchcraft jack and toggle switch as well as the deep nut for the toggle switch
Gotoh Nashville Tune o Matic bridge
Gotoh Machineheads
Gibson headstock overlay (it is a tribute after all)
Gibson Plastics - Toggle switch plate, pickup rings, pickgaurd, back cavity covers, truss rod cover
Graphtech Nubone nut
Schaler strap locks



http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/986zr-001.jpg

bargeloobs
24-04-2014, 02:26 PM
First job was to ditch the old nut.
I had a bit of a job seating the new one and a bit of filler had to go down first to so I had a flat surface to work with.
After a bit of reshaping of the new nut it all came together quite nicely in the end which was a relief.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/83f7u-002.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/qqmao-003.jpg

bargeloobs
24-04-2014, 02:37 PM
Next job was to drill the holes in the headstock overlay, position it, then glue and clamp. As these overlays are quite a bit longer than the pitbull headstocks I had to chop around 9mm off the bottom.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/ba9wf-004.jpg

bargeloobs
24-04-2014, 02:49 PM
Whilst the headstock was setting I attacked the body with bog and bored out the pot holes to accommodate the CTS pots.
Since this will be a natural finish (apart from the top) I went fairly OCD on the cracks and blemishes. Like I mentioned earlier that spilt glue on the top is some stubborn gear alright, I'm so glad I'm painting over it.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/t2baj-005.jpg

bargeloobs
24-04-2014, 02:58 PM
I pulled the headstock off the clamps this morning and found the overlay had pressed on really nicely.
I used a portion of the plastic that I'd chopped off the overlay the day before to fill the gap at the base of the overlay to give me something to fix my truss rod cover to.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/951cb-006.jpg

gavinturner
24-04-2014, 03:03 PM
Sounds like an awesome project Nigel!

Looks like you've gone for top-shelf parts all the way - should be a great axe when completed! Where did you get the headstock overlay? It's a pretty cool idea to create a black headstock face fairly painlessly.

If you are going for natural mahogany on the back and sides, may I suggest pore-filling the mahogany with Timbermate before you stain/clear it? I prefer to use "Walnut" Timbermate myself (it's quite a bit darker than the natural mahogany colour) and I really like how the mahogany looks afterwards. Even if painting it's a good idea to pore-fill mohogany as the pores are quite large..

cheers,
Gav.

bargeloobs
24-04-2014, 03:06 PM
Following that I cut out the shape of the headstock. I used a rasp for the sides and a coping saw for the detailed top section.
I mixed some of the overlay dust with some PVA and filled the hairline cracks.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p6zk5-007.jpg

bargeloobs
24-04-2014, 03:14 PM
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from gavinturner on April 24, 2014, 00:03
Sounds like an awesome project Nigel!



cheers,
Gav.

Hey cheers Gav, I'm hoping it comes out okay, I'm just cruising nice and slow and hoping there's no unexpected surprises (touch mahogany). To answer your question the overlay came from Germany, with shipping you're looking at about $80 AU so not exactly a cheap option by any means but if you had the right gear they'd be piss easy to make yourself.
And yeah I'll definitely take you up on the pore filler, what does it do exactly? (apart from fill pores, dolt)
I'm gueussing the mahogany really sucks up the lacquer huh?
Just wondering does that sealer come in clear? I really had it stuck in my head that it was going to be a natural finish but if you could show me an example of that stain you mentioned to maybe change my mind, I'm always open to suggestions.

bargeloobs
24-04-2014, 03:42 PM
Pretty stoked at how the headstock came up after sanding back the filler.
Just out of curiosity I threw one of the tuners in a peghole just to see what the fit was like and it looks like due to the added thickness of the overlay I haven't quite got enough thread.
Hurdle number one, luckily it's only missing it by a poofteenth and I think with bit of sanding on the back it shouldn't be too much drama.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/07oeq-008.jpg

wokkaboy
25-04-2014, 07:28 AM
looking good Nigel, and nice hardware upgrades, does that headstock veneer have the G word on it ? wondered why you have blacked it out

Hillsy
25-04-2014, 07:56 AM
A headstock veneer will suit the plans for my build nicely, thanks for sharing Nigel :) and very nice job so far will watch with interest.

bargeloobs
25-04-2014, 08:29 AM
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on April 24, 2014, 16:28
looking good Nigel, and nice hardware upgrades, does that headstock veneer have the G word on it ? wondered why you have blacked it out
The upgrades were a bit of a steam roll effect if you know what I mean, I'd really just planned on some nice Seymour Duncans and some decent tuners, then it was the wiring, bridge bla bla bla, before I knew I'd replaced everything, should have just bought a bloody Les Paul lol.
To answer your question yeah it is the "G" word in a beautiful MOP inlay.
Anyway I've hit hurdle number two today in the form of a water slide decal that didn't want to play nice with my nitro lacquer.
No worries, sanded back three good coats and decided to use a spare vinyl one I had laying around.
After four really heavy luscious coats of lacquer everything was looking nice then all of a sudden the vinyl decal started to disintegrate.
That's when I cursed the "G" word and pulled pin for the night. Now I'm faced with the prospect of yet again having to sand back another four coats of nitro, not to mention having to wait for more waterslide decals which are as dear as poison and apparently manufactured on Mars.
I knew everything was going too smoothly...



http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/6eb8g-56356456.jpg

stan
25-04-2014, 09:34 AM
Nice work mate- headstock overlay seems to make the shaping a little easier, looks good

bargeloobs
25-04-2014, 09:54 AM
Hey Stan, it was surprisingly easy, even I got it right:-)

wokkaboy
25-04-2014, 09:55 AM
bugger Nigel about the logo disintegrating. Sucks having to sand back. Was the logo a bit old did you say ?

bargeloobs
25-04-2014, 10:02 AM
Well I can't really say how old it was but it had only been in my hands for mere days, honestly man it does suck just a tad. I'm sure I'll have a more positive outlook in the morning.

bargeloobs
26-04-2014, 12:19 AM
So this was the neck "pre disaster" sanded clean, headstock planed to correct thickness and masked ready to shoot some clear over my LP water slide logo.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/6w2x7-009.jpg

bargeloobs
26-04-2014, 12:33 AM
This was the second attempt using a much thicker vinyl decal after the water slide decal failed (catastrophically), as you can see it didn't fair much better so all efforts are now concentrated on the body whilst I mentally build myself up to sand the headstock back....again.
Although me old mate at Crox Guitars was nice enough to send out another decal I've decided I'm flagging the whole "LP MODEL" logo in favor of my own design. Just waiting to hear back from a printing company right here in Aus about getting a metallic gold water slide made up.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/658hx-010.jpg

Hillsy
26-04-2014, 12:44 AM
Sheeet dude, my plan is to cut a stencil and paint the gold lettering, maybe that's an option for you. And that is a kickass headstock, didnt see it written, did you plug the machine head holes?

bargeloobs
26-04-2014, 12:46 AM
I gotta say this body took some real sanding to get out some hella deep scratches, especially around the sides, I swear the guy at the factory must have have been leaning on it with both feet on the wall.
That aside I'm stoked with the final outcome, there's some real sexy grain coming through and I can't wait to shoot some clear over top and really see it pop.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/bd2mm-011.jpg

bargeloobs
26-04-2014, 12:55 AM
I don't reckon I could cut that sort of detail with any real degree of precision, it would end up looking like my 3 year old did it.
Hopefully it should only be a couple of bucks to get one printed up and they're in Australia as opposed to the other side of the planet. Anything I can do to make it easier and save more heartache and dollars is the new philosophy.
I didn't plug the holes, I purposely ordered a blank overlay as opposed to a pre-drilled one so I could just match it up with the factory holes on the headstock.

Hillsy
26-04-2014, 12:58 AM
Yeah I have access to a vynil stencil cutter, wouldn't do it freehand either. Hope you have more success next go

bargeloobs
26-04-2014, 01:01 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Hillsy on April 25, 2014, 09:58
Yeah I have access to a vynil stencil cutter, wouldn't do it freehand either. Hope you have more success next go

You know what they say... "third time's a charm"

bargeloobs
26-04-2014, 01:13 AM
Body all masked and shot with first coat of primer, that cursed glue spilt on on the top is still poking through though. I'm not sure if additional layers will bury it or if I should just bite the bullet and sand it off. It's not "raised" as such, it's just shiny which makes it stand out.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/jp6nq-012.jpg

bargeloobs
26-04-2014, 02:25 AM
I went with my gut and sorted out the glue issues on top and shot a second coat of primer and it looks way better. I'd hate for someone else's crap workmanship to bite me in the bum further down the track...
If anyone's crap workmanship is gonna bite me in the bum it'll be mine thanks!
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/nedy0-013.jpg

Hillsy
26-04-2014, 04:06 AM
Looking good, your really ripping into it. I'd think about plugging the tail piece and bridge holes to save sanding them out later.

bargeloobs
26-04-2014, 04:24 AM
Yeah roger that mate, will do!

gavinturner
26-04-2014, 10:03 AM
Looking good! Did you mask the binding or will you scrape it later?

Cheers,
Gav.

bargeloobs
26-04-2014, 10:53 PM
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from gavinturner on April 25, 2014, 19:03
Looking good! Did you mask the binding or will you scrape it later?

Cheers,
Gav.

Hey Gav, I had every intention of masking it off, even bought some of that blue thin line tape and everything. 5 mins into it I made the executive decision that it would in fact just be easier to scrap it, so yeah...if anyone's got any handy tips how how to easily and effectively mask binding I'd love to hear about it.

wokkaboy
27-04-2014, 02:02 AM
nice primer coat, so ready for coats of black now ? is it satin you are going for Bargeloobs ?

bargeloobs
27-04-2014, 03:11 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on April 26, 2014, 11:02
nice primer coat, so ready for coats of black now ? is it satin you are going for Bargeloobs ?


Hey Wokkaboy, whilst the black I'm using is satin (as you can see in the pics) my vision for the final product is a high gloss mirror finish top, now whether I can actually pull that off remains to be seen.
I'm pretty pleased with how the blacks turning out, I've got about 4 coats on now with a light scuff in between, I thinking another smooth sand, one more coat and I might think about scraping the binding tomorrow.
I sanded my headstock back and shot it with a light coat of nitro so (thankfully) everything's back on track again.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/65250-014.jpg

stan
27-04-2014, 03:36 AM
satin finish looks great, doing the back and sides of mine like that, but leaving it satin

bargeloobs
27-04-2014, 03:41 AM
Is that on an LP too Stan? Definitely interested to check it out, should look sick.

bargeloobs
27-04-2014, 10:55 AM
After finishing up the black top coats this arvo I scraped the binding and I'm real happy with the results, I can't wait to get some clear over top.
If anyone's got any good suggestions for fixing something to the body so I can hold it a bit easier whilst shooting the lacquer I'd appreciate it, I know it's easier with the bolt on necks but a bit unsure about where to fix something on a set neck body, cheers.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/jq3ua-015.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/g0bfy-blacktop-custom.jpg

gavinturner
27-04-2014, 11:00 AM
Beautiful job! The binding is clean as a whilstle. Looks amazing. Headstock is also looking great. This is going to be one sweet LP!

cheers,
Gav.

bargeloobs
27-04-2014, 11:06 AM
Cheers Gav, I learnt heaps with my first build about how not to scrap the binding so yeah, it came up real sweet on this one thankfully.

Hillsy
27-04-2014, 11:35 AM
Frigin awesome, wonder how silver highlights would go on that

bargeloobs
27-04-2014, 11:46 AM
/<\\/p>[[b]]<\\/p>/silver highlights

How do ya mean Hillsy, on the headstock?

Hillsy
27-04-2014, 11:56 AM
On the body, tiny little silver fleck's that catch the light at certain angles but you normally won't see em.
Never used them though so I don't know how it would work out on that finish.

bargeloobs
27-04-2014, 12:35 PM
Orr yeah I'm with ya, although it'd be a wicked idea it's a bit over my head mate, I'm following the K.I.S.S principle on this one. Having said that you have given me an idea regarding the colour of my headstock design so cheers for that.

WeirdBits
27-04-2014, 01:05 PM
Quote from bargeloobs on April 26, 2014, 19:55
[...] suggestions for fixing something to the body so I can hold it a bit easier [...]

The simplest option is a piece of broom handle in the jack hole...

Hillsy
27-04-2014, 01:17 PM
WB that Sounds painful

Nigel I think I've guessed it, was thinking the same.

Brendan
27-04-2014, 03:05 PM
If you want to hold it while you spray the back and sides, a quickgrip between the 'bucker holes is a great option. Some of the new ones have a nicely sized hole at the top that fits perfectly over a hanging pot hook all available from the green store. Great part of it is that it becomes a handle for moving it around.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/s0ei3-WP_20140128_001.jpg

bargeloobs
27-04-2014, 08:43 PM
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from Brendan on April 27, 2014, 00:05
If you want to hold it while you spray the back and sides, a quickgrip between the 'bucker holes is a great option. Some of the new ones have a nicely sized hole at the top that fits perfectly over a hanging pot hook all available from the green store. Great part of it is that it becomes a handle for moving it around.


Ahh yes, that does it nicely, cheers Brendan.

Brendan
27-04-2014, 11:15 PM
Doesn't help with the front though - which is looking fantastic!

bargeloobs
27-04-2014, 11:30 PM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Brendan on April 27, 2014, 08:15
Doesn't help with the front though - which is looking fantastic!

I've run with your suggestion Brendan and jimmied up the "SPRAYBOOTH 3000", I think it's gonna work pretty cool. I'm thinkin' just lay it down for the top then I'll hang it for the back and sides.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/8n3m6-016.jpg

gavinturner
27-04-2014, 11:47 PM
Nice! Also If you take a look at any of Wokka's set neck photos, he uses a t-shaped wooden cutout in the neck & first HB hole with two wooden wedges to hold it in place. I'm sure he'll chime in with more info..

cheers,
Gav.

bargeloobs
27-04-2014, 11:56 PM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from gavinturner on April 27, 2014, 08:47
Nice! Also If you take a look at any of Wokka's set neck photos, he uses a t-shaped wooden cutout in the neck & first HB hole with two wooden wedges to hold it in place. I'm sure he'll chime in with more info..

cheers,
Gav.

Roger that Gav, cheers!

Brendan
28-04-2014, 03:57 AM
Looking great! Nice setup...

bargeloobs
28-04-2014, 04:48 AM
So once again this nitro lacquer is proving to be the bane of my existence.
By in large the top is coming up nicely save four little patches around the edge which have for some inexplicable reason had some sort of reaction.
It's obviously not the black top coat itself or the whole thing would have blistered so there's a residue of some description creating a problem.
I guess my question is is this salvageable without having to go back to square one, I don't think I could handle that.
Cheers.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/i04f9-017.jpg

Hillsy
28-04-2014, 05:52 AM
Worth a shot to sand those areas back to the black and try again, that was something in the hole that ran out lay it flat maybe, Up near the pickup could be finger mark.

bargeloobs
28-04-2014, 06:04 AM
Yeah it's all I can do Hillsy, and just hope that it takes. You'd almost think they were finger marks seeing that they're all round the edge huh? I honestly didn't think it would be an issue, I guarantee it wouldn't have happened with poly lacquer.

wokkaboy
29-04-2014, 03:17 AM
looking excellent Bargeloobs, bummer about the 4 spots that bubbled. Looks like you got some sanding to do !
Are you clear coating the back/sides ? love the contrast of black and mahogany

stan
29-04-2014, 03:25 AM
good luck with the fix up

bargeloobs
29-04-2014, 04:25 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on April 28, 2014, 12:17
looking excellent Bargeloobs, bummer about the 4 spots that bubbled. Looks like you got some sanding to do !
Are you clear coating the back/sides ? love the contrast of black and mahogany

What a mission Wokks I tell ya! Whatever was causing the reaction was right in the timber so I had to strip those little areas right back to bare, I think I've got it now though (fingers crossed). Yeah everything's getting a clearcoat, I've already shot a few coats on the back/sides/neck it's lookin' really nice over the mahogany.

bargeloobs
29-04-2014, 04:26 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from stan on April 28, 2014, 12:25
good luck with the fix up
Cheers Stan, just playin' the waiting game now...

wokkaboy
29-04-2014, 07:02 AM
yer good work Bargeloobs, hope the clear coats don't bubble up this time. Clear coats on mahogany will look excellent with the black top, look forward to updated pics.
Love your spray booth !

bargeloobs
03-05-2014, 08:28 AM
Came up with a cool logo in Photoshop, made up some decals.
Customized some capacitors.
Strip my body back to bare timber...
Getting drunk!
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/pfdza-018.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/748e1-019.jpg

zeromick
03-05-2014, 09:00 AM
woooo! beer!!!!!!!

:D

Brendan
03-05-2014, 09:16 AM
Love the logo! Nicely done!

Hillsy
03-05-2014, 09:37 AM
Quote from bargeloobs on May 2, 2014, 17:28
Customized some capacitors.
Nice one.

stan
03-05-2014, 11:59 AM
some very cool details there, nice

bargeloobs
07-05-2014, 06:28 AM
[quote]/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from bargeloobs on May 2, 2014, 17:28
After having MAJOR issues trying to get lacquer to stick and consequently stripping the body back bare I've finally managed to get 3 nice coats on with no dramas and been over with the first 240 wet sand. I'm thinking maybe one more coat of nitro to get some little inclusions that I don't think will sand out before starting the finishing sand.
It looks like in an effort to fill in the porous grain of the spalt top using numerous layers of primer and black I'd created a very spongy layer that was wrecking havoc with the hard nitro lacquer causing bubbles and crackles and all sorts of bad things. I was essentially trying to lay concrete on a trampoline and it was NOT happening.
Solution, stripped it bare, one coat primer, one coat black...sorted.
It feels good to be back on track.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/969sz-020.jpg

wokkaboy
07-05-2014, 06:35 AM
awesome Bargeloobs, glad you sorted out the problem with bubbling paint, that looks the goods, so clear coats after one more black coat ?

bargeloobs
07-05-2014, 06:46 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on May 6, 2014, 15:35
awesome Bargeloobs, glad you sorted out the problem with bubbling paint, that looks the goods, so clear coats after one more black coat ?

Naa colour's all done, I'm thinking one more clear just to fill in a few divots that I don't reckon will sand out.

stan
07-05-2014, 10:32 AM
looks great now, I know your pain with paint being an issue, mine crackled - and yes: boy is it hard to lay down satin or matte black without isssues

jarrod
07-05-2014, 11:05 AM
to heavy with the coats boy's, Its paint not filler.
Looking fantastic now though bro. I want one

Hillsy
08-05-2014, 08:56 PM
Great result Nigel worth all the effort

gavinturner
09-05-2014, 11:31 AM
Great work! She is really looking the business now. I feel your pain, as I've just had a major solid finish fail myself. So soul-destroying to have to get it back to bare wood and start again. But you've done it, got past it, and really hit it this time!

cheers,
Gav.

bargeloobs
09-05-2014, 11:57 PM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Hillsy on May 8, 2014, 05:56
Great result Nigel worth all the effort

It'd wanna be Hillsy, it'd wanna be...

wokkaboy
10-05-2014, 12:19 AM
any more progress photos Bargeloobs ?
can't wait to see this beast with clear coats

bargeloobs
10-05-2014, 12:25 AM
"soul destroying" boy you got that right Gav! Being that his is my first real adventure into the world of nitro, whilst it has a phenomenal curing time and a beautiful finish it also has some quite nightmarish properties they don't tell you about on the can.
We could start a whole new thread and call it "Epic Fails".

bargeloobs
10-05-2014, 01:11 AM
:o

bargeloobs
10-05-2014, 01:30 AM
Clears all on (about seven coats all up with fine sandings in between) and hopefully I can get through the finishing sand without any further surprises, fingers crossed.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/d73yd-021.jpg

zeromick
10-05-2014, 01:57 AM
the finish looks beautiful! nice job man.

wokkaboy
10-05-2014, 02:02 AM
wow that looks sensational Bargeloobs, good work. What sort of clear have you used and what method ? can or air gun ?

bargeloobs
10-05-2014, 02:07 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on May 9, 2014, 11:02
wow that looks sensational Bargeloobs, good work. What sort of clear have you used and what method ? can or air gun ?

Cheers, Mick,Wokks.
I've used the Behlen Nitro spray can(s)on this one.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/j477k-149254.jpg

wokkaboy
10-05-2014, 02:21 AM
cool thanks Bargeloobs, where is the Behlen available from ?
I've experimented with heaps of clear cans and trying to find a reliable one. Thats more of a gloss coat isn't it ? looks glossy in the photos

bargeloobs
10-05-2014, 02:30 AM
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on May 9, 2014, 11:21
cool thanks Bargeloobs, where is the Behlen available from ?
I've experimented with heaps of clear cans and trying to find a reliable one. Thats more of a gloss coat isn't it ? looks glossy in the photos

Yeah it's pretty glossy, I'm not aware of them doing different finishes of clear in the can although I think they do sell a flattener additive if using a gun.
I've been getting it off these guys in Melbourne.
http://www.guitaraust.com.au/

stan
10-05-2014, 09:12 AM
aaah, I've finally worked out what bothers me about this guitar - it's looking better than mine - great work

bargeloobs
10-05-2014, 09:23 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from stan on May 9, 2014, 18:12
aaah, I've finally worked out what bothers me about this guitar - it's looking better than mine - great work

I laughed, Na that thing of yours is lookin' pretty slick now Stan. Can't wait to see that headstock all finished up!

bargeloobs
10-05-2014, 10:51 AM
I finally feel like the build's taken a positive step forward after a fairly hellish ordeal earlier on.
I'd always entertained the idea of a stinger on the back of the headstock but kinda blew it off, anyway my curiosity got the better of me and I went and painted it on, I'm stoked as hell with it to be honest.
Had a fairly epic wet sanding mission on the body starting at 600,800,1200 then 2000 followed by some cutting compound and a good buff. I'm really pleased with how it turned out.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/92kvd-022.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/38v1c-023.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/3avb5-024.jpg

robin
10-05-2014, 11:01 AM
Wow Nigel, what an awesome finish. Can't wait to see this beauty finished.

rob

bargeloobs
10-05-2014, 11:48 AM
Hey cheers Rob, I can't wait either. This building guitars thing is like Christmas all year round.

Dengreg
11-05-2014, 02:56 AM
Great finish.

vh2580
11-05-2014, 05:45 AM
Now thats a shine!!

bargeloobs
11-05-2014, 08:08 AM
I thought I'd spray a couple of final coats of clear on the back/sides so I masked the front up.
Long story short, the tape pulled up some of the clear when I took it off, sanded it back and put it down in disgust.
To clear my head I finished a track I'd been working on the last couple of days and dedicated it to this build.
I'm taking a break from guitar building.
https://soundcloud.com/sodacupkiller69/guitarbuilding
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/oe828-025.jpg

stan
11-05-2014, 11:13 AM
it looks absolutely awesome.

Not to be critical, but you may want to remove the paint from inside the neck joint area (I assume this is a set neck), otherwise you are gluing to the paint, not the body of the guitar - the joint will be weaker.
For max strength, the sections of body and neck that are joined together should both be bare timber

The gloss is amazing

stan
11-05-2014, 11:15 AM
oops double post

bargeloobs
11-05-2014, 11:19 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from stan on May 10, 2014, 20:13
it looks absolutely awesome.

Not to be critical, but you may want to remove the paint from inside the neck joint area (I assume this is a set neck), otherwise you are gluing to the paint, not the body of the guitar - the joint will be weaker.
For max strength, the sections of body and neck that are joined together should both be bare timber

The gloss is amazing

Hey Stan, yeah it's a bit hard to see but that neck pocket is actually masked off, it's just covered in paint so I'll let you off, cheers mate.

stan
11-05-2014, 08:52 PM
ahh, you are ahead of the game then, great. Shame about the clear coats and the damage. I have repainted mine twice and doing my second edge repair. I've scraped the binding so much (I keep scratching it and paint works its way in...), I'm surprised it's not transparent.

Black guitars - Look awesome - painful to paint

bargeloobs
11-05-2014, 11:32 PM
Yeah I know what you're saying about the binding man, and every time you scrap it it gets a little lower.
I'm f*#cking over it. Not giving up but definitely taking a break...

stan
13-05-2014, 04:26 AM
That's the way mate, give it a rest and come back when you are in a better frame of mind, best to avert some apocalyptic disaster

Brendan
13-05-2014, 11:46 AM
Barge - I know what it's like to have a guitar good to go and then have an issue at the last minute... Feeling your pain. Best of luck with the fix.

bargeloobs
13-05-2014, 12:59 PM
Thanks Brendan, I'm sure it'll work out in the end.

bargeloobs
15-05-2014, 10:11 AM
Man I'm gettin' pretty good at patchin' up these stuff ups, I'm almost thinking about changing my name to "sandy".
So anyway everything's looking nice, fortunately the back and sides of the body were done before my little mini disaster and we're currently sitting in a satin state after having gone back over the top with 2000.
All is good with the universe once more.
As much as I want to jump right in with the buffer I'm resisting the urge and lettin' her sit until next week just to be safe.
Fun times!!


http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/0m8ua-026.jpg

jarrod
15-05-2014, 10:20 AM
That's the way !
Man that's gonna look pretty special

bargeloobs
15-05-2014, 10:30 AM
I need to do what you guys were talking about and get a few more builds going to keep me from wrecking things lol.

stan
15-05-2014, 12:06 PM
good stuff mate, looking great again

bargeloobs
16-05-2014, 07:34 AM
Cheers Stan, doesn't it feel so much better when you're not trying to fix stuff ups?

gavinturner
16-05-2014, 09:01 AM
Great save! She's looking amazing again. Don't be disheartened, I havent had a solid painted finish that hasn't required 3 do-overs. All the planets have to align to get it first (or even second) time..

cheers,
Gav.

bargeloobs
16-05-2014, 09:28 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from gavinturner on May 15, 2014, 18:01
Great save! She's looking amazing again. Don't be disheartened, I havent had a solid painted finish that hasn't required 3 do-overs. All the planets have to align to get it first (or even second) time..

cheers,
Gav.

Not that you ever want to see anyone having failures with their builds it's reassuring to know even the pros have issues from time to time.
I don't know about you but I try to be a bit of a perfectionist and find myself getting pretty OCD on the smallest details, so when a major disaster occurs like redoing a whole paint job I tend to be fairly hard on myself.
I probably need to lighten up a tad...

Cheers Gav!

stan
16-05-2014, 10:17 AM
No BL, we are all OCD here, you are in good company

bargeloobs
16-05-2014, 10:58 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from stan on May 15, 2014, 19:17
No BL, we are all OCD here, you are in good company

Yeah, I kinda get that feeling, the quality, workmanship and craftsmanship that goes into every build on I see on here. This ain't amateur hour down the local.

stan
16-05-2014, 11:40 AM
Yeah, I kinda get that feeling, the quality, workmanship and craftsmanship that goes into every build on I see on here. This ain't amateur hour down the local.

Yes it is, but we just persist until we get the result we want

except for Gav, Gav, Wokka, Jarrod, DB, Andyport, and half the PBG list - they are all pretty pro

bargeloobs
17-05-2014, 12:28 PM
Well after another really nice warm day here in SA I made the executive decision late this arvo to do a cut n polish on the body.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/y0wap-027.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/fdjva-028.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/5x194-029.jpg

bargeloobs
17-05-2014, 12:38 PM
Plugs tapped in with no dramas. Had to go round the pot holes/toggle switch hole with a rat tail file just to remove a bit of excess lacquer that had filled the holes.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/176ld-030.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/94e47-031.jpg

bargeloobs
17-05-2014, 12:43 PM
Got the Switchcraft Toggle switch wired up.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/v40xz-032.jpg

bargeloobs
17-05-2014, 12:48 PM
Turns out the Switchcraft switches are a fairly snug fit in the cavity but after a bit of slight tweaking with the terminals it slipped in nicely.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/00pae-033.jpg

bargeloobs
17-05-2014, 01:18 PM
Screwed the plate on the back, got the deep nut for the toggle switch holding everything in place on the front and Bob's your uncle!
Couldn't be happier with how the cream hardware's working against the black finish, it's just how I imagined but better.
It turns out (and I'm not one to exaggerate) the long shaft CTS pots I ordered stick out about half a mile out off the body so I've ordered some more nuts to put on the cavity side of the shaft to shorten them up a tad.
I probably won't bother wiring up the pots until the nuts turn up.
Also ordered a fret crowning file today and am trying to figure out what would be best for leveling frets, a 12" radius block or one of those square tube steel straight edge thingy's that cost far too much. I need to do a fret leveling job and the nearest luthier is 300+ km's away and wants to charge $120 an hour so f*#K that. I'll have a go myself
So without headstock decals and 4 little nuts I'm at a standstill.
Good times!!

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/765xv-034.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/f79o1-fret-file.JPG
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/7gg0k-Fingerboard-leveller-150mm.jpg

zeromick
17-05-2014, 08:20 PM
very tidy! love the cream on the black

stan
17-05-2014, 11:23 PM
!!! absolutely fantastic finish - that is a superb job !!!

The cream looks way better than I thought it could- really nice.

The repaints were worth it.

Hillsy
17-05-2014, 11:30 PM
Yeees that looks awesome and nice job on the switch wiring.

gavinturner
18-05-2014, 12:03 AM
Hey bargey,
I bought a long levelling beam, short levelling beam and a notched straight edge from this guy on ebay. Very reasonable prices and will combine postage. I'm very happy with mine.

http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/251271631474?nav=SEARCH


Cheers,
Gav.

bargeloobs
18-05-2014, 12:49 AM
Hey thanks guys, it's great to see a plan coming together, and cheers Gav I threw that bloke into me watchlist, I'll go and have a proper look later.
So I decided to play round with the preliminary wiring today and decided to go with a modern harness, as well as screwing the cavity plate on. I'd originally bought a genuine Gibson plate for the back but the size was so far out of whack it wasn't even funny so Adam was good enough to send me one out free of charge, top bloke!!
Also just a quick question for anyone out there, having never worked with braided wire before, are the bare parts running through the body (as shown in the pics) gonna be a problem when they come into contact with the pups?
Cheers, Nige.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/3e50d-037.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/0pg23-036.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/i96z1-035.jpg

Brendan
18-05-2014, 01:08 AM
Nigel - depends on what else they're in contact with. You can use the braid (silver stuff) around the wire as your ground wire - joining the pup and the bridge - it will conduct. That said, it will conduct, so if it's in contact with a "hot or live" wire you'll end up with grounding out your sound.

BTW - you thinking of shielding your cavities? Pit Bull have some great tape to reduce the impact of RF noise on your axe. (http://www.pitbullguitars.com/shop/luthier/pit-bull-guitars-shielding-kit-quality-copper-shielding-tape/)

bargeloobs
18-05-2014, 01:55 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Brendan on May 17, 2014, 10:08
Nigel - depends on what else they're in contact with. You can use the braid (silver stuff) around the wire as your ground wire - joining the pup and the bridge - it will conduct. That said, it will conduct, so if it's in contact with a "hot or live" wire you'll end up with grounding out your sound.

BTW - you thinking of shielding your cavities? Pit Bull have some great tape to reduce the impact of RF noise on your axe. (http://www.pitbullguitars.com/shop/luthier/pit-bull-guitars-shielding-kit-quality-copper-shielding-tape/)


Well the way that I'm wiring it, the outer braid is being used as the ground, I guess what I need to know is, is the bottom part of the pup (mainly the screw/spring) that will be in contact with the braid an earth as well, I'm pickin' it is so it shouldn't be a problem but correct me if I'm wrong.
In regards to shielding the cavities, it's something I considered briefly but the simple fact is I've gone so far over budget with this thing (and I'm still spending money on tools) if I was to throw any more cash at this build at this stage there's a high possibility something may happen that involves me, my missus and my balls, and I don't mean in a good way.
I know you can retrofit that stuff so definitely something to think about further down the track. I guess I'll know more once i plug her in.
Cheers.

Brendan
18-05-2014, 02:20 AM
Nige - sorry - missed that you were aiming for the pups. From memory, the ground to the pup is earthed to the plate anyway, so gut feeling - shouldn't be an issue. Understand the over budget thing ... the Minister of Finance has raised the issue of my builds with me (more than once) :) . All the best when you plug it in - looking preeettty sweet! Hopefully it'll sound even better.

bargeloobs
18-05-2014, 02:29 AM
Roger that, cheers mate.

Hillsy
18-05-2014, 08:15 AM
Looking so good with the hardware on nige and I agree pup case won't be a problem touching ground, also I'd only bother shielding the output jack and 3way cavities when you do it, with the way your wiring it everything else is pretty well shielded.

bargeloobs
18-05-2014, 09:07 AM
Oh great, that's good to know, cheers Hillsy!

bargeloobs
18-05-2014, 10:24 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from gavinturner on May 17, 2014, 09:03
Hey bargey,
I bought a long levelling beam, short levelling beam and a notched straight edge from this guy on ebay. Very reasonable prices and will combine postage. I'm very happy with mine.

http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/251271631474?nav=SEARCH


Cheers,
Gav.

Hey Gav, I got hold of one of those levelers earlier. I got the 7.7" one. Good prices alright, and they throw in abrasive with the deal, cheers for that!
It's gonna be an invaluable tool once I figure out how to use it.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/46mh2-KGrHqVHJEFE3spbY-qBRhP1YgB0w60_57.JPG

jarrod
18-05-2014, 11:58 AM
Looking dam fine Nige.

dingobass
18-05-2014, 07:53 PM
Is that level beam ally or steel?
The best ones I have found are the Stewmac steel ones. They have nice rounded corners and are weighty enough that you dont need to apply any pressure for them to work.
Also, unlike ally they wont bend or dent easily and stay true regardless of the temperature.
But having said that, for occasional use these should be fine, I would run a file along the corners though as the sharp bits can cause some unwanted damage to your frets....

dingobass
18-05-2014, 07:57 PM
Oh, and with the notched straightedge, I got a steel rule from the local hobby shop for $15 and filed the notches in!
Works a treat. I have Fender scale on one side and Gibson on the other..... Two for the price of one!

bargeloobs
18-05-2014, 10:01 PM
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from dingobass on May 18, 2014, 04:57
Oh, and with the notched straightedge, I got a steel rule from the local hobby shop for $15 and filed the notches in!
Works a treat. I have Fender scale on one side and Gibson on the other..... Two for the price of one!

Ahhh way ahead of ya DB, I scored a straightedge on Friday from the local $2 shop, jimmied it up yesterday using the angle grinder and a small round file and it works like fricken magic. It might not be as accurate as the "you beaut" Stew Mac ones but it certainly works better than the one I had before.
I was all set to do the other side Fender™ styles but I decided for that price I'm just gonna grab another one, I like having the one edge straight.

That's a good question regarding the composition of that leveler, and to tell you the truth I don't know, went back and had a look at the Ebay listing and apparently he doesn't know either. What I can tell you is it's machined to 0.001mm(0.000004'') accuracy whatever that means...
I'm gonna say after carefully examining the pictures in my expert opinion it's some sort of alloy. Having said that Gav's actually using these so he'd be able to give us the real answer.
Cheers.


http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/re978-038.jpg

bargeloobs
18-05-2014, 10:32 PM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from jarrod on May 17, 2014, 20:58
Looking dam fine Nige.

Hey cheers Jazza, no signs of the nitro dimpling after the c&p at all so I think we're all good. Don't ya just get all gooey around shiny guitars, man I know I do!

dingobass
18-05-2014, 10:38 PM
Five bucks? BARGAIN! :)

stan
19-05-2014, 09:03 AM
speaking of levelers, why not just use a smallish spirit level, surely the bottom edge is pretty much flat enough...

bargeloobs
19-05-2014, 09:26 AM
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from stan on May 18, 2014, 18:03
speaking of levelers, why not just use a smallish spirit level, surely the bottom edge is pretty much flat enough...


Great question Stan, probably because spirit levels don't cost $20 per cm. No disrespect to all the "real" luthiers out there but it seems anything to do with fixing, repairing building guitars is so ridiculously over-priced it's kind of out of reach of the everyday man.
E.G Bought a tiny little black plastic Knob off Stew Mac for a Tele Switch, $15+, $70 for a notched straight edge via Stew Mac...I did it for $4.95, frankly Stew Mac can get f@#Ked.

stan
20-05-2014, 01:35 AM
exactly - hence the spirit level idea. They are certainly flat.
More pics of the LP please!

bargeloobs
20-05-2014, 02:53 AM
I mean seriously, how flat does flat have to be? I'm gonna try your idea anyway Stan and compare it to the real deal one coming from Greece, I'll level the Blacktop with one and my Desert Burst with the other
and check the results.
Unfortunately the build's come to a screaming halt as I eagerly await the arrival of some nuts for the pots and a headstock decal from the States. I wired the hot wire into the jack this morning and screwed up the plate as well as attached the strap lock buttons, took a couple of mock up pics but can't really do much else.

http://i.imgur.com/YOSKLlH.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/IcqVPAr.jpg

pablopepper
20-05-2014, 04:20 AM
That's looking damn fine, Barge. With all the drama that has come your way, it's nice to see it getting there.

wokkaboy
20-05-2014, 04:43 AM
agreed looking really nice Bargeloobs, you got to be happy with the black and white top !

bargeloobs
20-05-2014, 04:50 AM
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from pablopepper on May 19, 2014, 13:20
That's looking damn fine, Barge. With all the drama that has come your way, it's nice to see it getting there.

Yeah we're definitely on the home straight now Craig, fingers crossed no more dramas, cheers man.

@Wokkaboy, I tell ya what man, I've wanted a blacktop since the first time I ever copped eyes on one, now I've just about got my own. I'm literally drooling. The trick's gonna be getting it to play as good as it looks.

wokkaboy
20-05-2014, 05:14 AM
sure you will get it playing as good as it looks Barge. What type of pups you got in it ?

bargeloobs
20-05-2014, 05:50 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on May 19, 2014, 14:14
sure you will get it playing as good as it looks Barge. What type of pups you got in it ?

We're running a SH-4 JB in the bridge and a SH-2 Jazz in the neck.

wokkaboy
20-05-2014, 06:34 AM
cool so it should sound awesome then

bargeloobs
20-05-2014, 10:09 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on May 19, 2014, 15:34
cool so it should sound awesome then

Jeez you'd hope so...all that mahogany's gotta help too.

lawry
20-05-2014, 10:57 AM
My two cents worth (well, five actually, you can't get two any more)... Zebra pups always look sh!t hot!

bargeloobs
20-05-2014, 11:10 AM
I only ever had zebras in my head when planning this build, most of the blacktops you see have either p-90's or chrome humbuckers, but yeah, couldn't agree more Lawry:)

stan
20-05-2014, 09:38 PM
The zebras look awesome.
Convention is the adjustable poles face the outside like this:

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc293/spudzers/S1050641.jpg

http://www.neighborhost.com/images/zebra.jpg

However I have also read it doesnt make much difference, but they look good.

I have the same SD combo going into my LP! All black for me though

bargeloobs
20-05-2014, 11:48 PM
[quote]/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from stan on May 20, 2014, 06:38
The zebras look awesome.
Convention is the adjustable poles face the outside like this:

Haha, good spottin Stan! Yeah I'd inadvertently dropped it in round the wrong way for the mock-up pics, if you look closely you'll see the pup ring is sloping the wrong way.
Anyway I screwed on some hardware this morning and everything went pretty cool. I ended up with a slight gap between the neck and the pup ring due to the fact the Gibson pup rings are a couple of mm narrower all the way round than the rings that come with the PBG kits but I can live with that.
Another little job that I've known about since day 1 that needs doing is the Nashville bridge I've got needs boring out to 6.5 mm to accommodate the studs that come with the PBG kit, will get it on the drill press today, should be fairly straight forward.
If there's one thing I've learnt through doing this build trying to incorporate USA parts is you can pretty much guarantee nothing is going to fit. Hey I guess it's all part of the fun!

http://i.imgur.com/wciY3CK.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/jh8PjJ3.jpg

bargeloobs
22-05-2014, 07:13 AM
Hey guys, just a quick question to anyone out there regarding wiring. I got everything wired in today and realized I should have run the earth from the saddle that runs into the cavity before I banged the plug home. The small hole designed for the earth to be fed through is on such an angle that when I banged the plug home for the saddle I've covered it up. I know I could probably try and drill a new hole but firstly I haven't got a long enough drillbit and secondly I'm not even sure if I could hit the "butter zone" between the bottom of the hole and the bottom of the plug. Is there a work around for this?
Cheers.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/7517s-043.jpg

gavinturner
22-05-2014, 07:20 AM
Hey Barge, If I was you I would gently lever the post back out and then add the ground wire. I typically use a claw hammer resting on a square of wood which is itself resting on some soft cloth to protect the finish.

I have forgotten this wire a couple of times myself in my haste to assemble. Should be no sweat to get the post back out. unscrew the post adjustment a little to give the claw something to grab on to. Maybe the luthiers in the forum (Gav? DB?) may have a better suggestion, but this works for me.

Remember when you put the ground wire in to just expose the bare wire and turn it over and down into the post hole so that it contacts the post as it gets pushed back in.

cheers,
Gav.

wokkaboy
22-05-2014, 07:21 AM
Hey Barge, bummer mate, think the only solution is to remove the tailpiece post. This is a very risky procedure as you may slip and ruin the finish of the top. You may also damage the Big screw top that fits into the post, so you may need to replace that. All I can suggest is getting some adjustable clamping pliers and slowly pull out vertically the post by gripping onto the big screw head. The only way to drill a hole from post holes to the control cavity is from above and I see you have your treble bridge post banged in. I'd remove the easiest one. You may have to drill a new hole to the control cavity so you will probably need a longer drill bit.
DB may have a better solution how to remove the post bush.
If you don't have a spare top screw fitting try wrapping it in cloth and you may be lucky and not damage it when pulling the bush out

Hillsy
22-05-2014, 07:31 AM
Barge if you take out the adjusting bolt and source a longer bolt of the same thread you can easily wind out the stud with no damage at all. Just keep winding until the longer bolt hits the timbre inside the hole it'll tighten up then it should push right out.

bargeloobs
22-05-2014, 07:53 AM
Oh yes, I like that idea the best so far. Where on Earth would you even go to find that type of thread Hillsy.
@Gav,Wokks cheers guys for the suggestions, the thought of going anywhere near that paint job literally made me shudder.
So there's absolutely no way of going through with a new hole from the cavity side you reckon?

bargeloobs
22-05-2014, 08:14 AM
I just elaborated on your suggestion Hillsy, chopped 9mm off the bottom of an old drill bit, dropped it in the hole, chucked the screw back in and started winding. Came out like a fricken charm.
Cheers bro, you're a legend!!!!!!!
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/vp2so-5645645645634.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/l33ic-044.jpg

Hillsy
22-05-2014, 08:35 AM
Nice work man!

wokkaboy
22-05-2014, 10:08 AM
great tip Hillsy, I'll remember that next time I got to remove the bush

well done Barge, good work getting it out

bargeloobs
22-05-2014, 10:51 AM
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on May 21, 2014, 19:08
great tip Hillsy, I'll remember that next time I got to remove the bush

well done Barge, good work getting it out

Great tip alright Wokks! I tell ya, I was gettin' a bit concerned there for a bit.
Anyway, fret file, headstock decal and extra nuts for the pots turned up today so it was a great leap forward for the "Blacktop"
I couldn't help myself and before the pups got wired in I added another little custom feature for a bit of a laugh stuck down to the bottom of the neck pup cavity, just a little shout-out to PBG even though it's something no-one can see.
Wiring's all finished up after a little mishap earlier on regarding an earth wire but my man Hillsy came to the rescue. I plugged it into an amp and (shock horror) everything does what it's supposed to and is round the right way....SCORE!!
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/vm542-045.jpg

bargeloobs
22-05-2014, 10:58 AM
So upon finishing up the wiring, the remaining hardware went back on, Gotoh bridge fits like a champ after reaming it out, and the body is as they say in France... "done"
Now awaiting a neck...
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/9rljb-046.jpg

bargeloobs
22-05-2014, 11:08 AM
So me ol' mate at Gary at http://gwsdecals.com/ has done a superb job with the white waterslide decal and the whole thing cost me $12 delivered, so apart from waiting for close to 3 weeks it was well worth it. Shot a couple of coats of clear over top, no dramas, it's looking nice.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/pf5z9-047.jpg

Hillsy
22-05-2014, 11:39 AM
Oh man glad it worked out cause that is awesome.

bargeloobs
22-05-2014, 12:02 PM
I reckon you could probably take a bit of credit for that logo too Hillsy, I was originally just gonna use the gold "Les Paul MODEL" decal, then you started talkin' about silver highlights which got me thinking in a whole other direction.
Way better imho.

Hillsy
22-05-2014, 12:25 PM
That's cool, cause I totally stole your veneer on the headstock idea, preping a bit of ebony for my inlay.

wokkaboy
22-05-2014, 12:27 PM
looks awesome Barge. You must be stoked at the results.
Look forward to seeing it completed and a sound demo.
Are your seymour duncan pups coil splittable ?

bargeloobs
22-05-2014, 12:37 PM
Are your seymour duncan pups coil splittable ?

Yeah they are but I didn't wire them as such, it's all a bit over my head to be honest. I'm just a lowly musician with an out of control guitar building addiction, I know nothing of "coil splitting".

wokkaboy
22-05-2014, 12:42 PM
haha no worries Barge, I'm fairly new to it as well but all you need is two push/pull pots and you will be able to split the humbuckers coils to get a bigger range of sounds.
Sure the SD's will punch out some great tones !

bargeloobs
22-05-2014, 12:42 PM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Hillsy on May 21, 2014, 21:25
That's cool, cause I totally stole your veneer on the headstock idea, preping a bit of ebony for my inlay.

"ebony" wow that's gonna be sick!

gavinturner
22-05-2014, 12:45 PM
Looking fantastic. Love the white decal Barge!

cheers,
Gav.

bargeloobs
22-05-2014, 12:45 PM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on May 21, 2014, 21:42
haha no worries Barge, I'm fairly new to it as well but all you need is two push/pull pots and you will be able to split the humbuckers coils to get a bigger range of sounds.
Sure the SD's will punch out some great tones !

I have a hard enough time switching between the neck and the bridge whilst playing let alone pushing and pulling lol.
I'll leave that shit to the big dogs, I can definitely see how it would be a handy feature though!

bargeloobs
22-05-2014, 12:48 PM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from gavinturner on May 21, 2014, 21:45
Looking fantastic. Love the white decal Barge!

cheers,
Gav.

Ya never quite know how these ideas are gonna work out Gav until you actually try them out but yeah... It seems to work, thanks man!

ihasmario
22-05-2014, 09:10 PM
Are those caps Russian Military PIO or Teflon?

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/vm542-045.jpg

bargeloobs
22-05-2014, 09:38 PM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from ihasmario on May 22, 2014, 06:10
Are those caps Russian Military PIO or Teflon?


These are K40Y-9 0.047 uF 400V Paper in Oil Russian Caps, cheers.

stan
22-05-2014, 10:40 PM
so many great touches mate.
I hope it is ready in time for this months GOTM, because mine will be ready for the next one - and I dont want to be going up against this one!

pablopepper
22-05-2014, 10:45 PM
I'm a big fan of all the little details going on here.

bargeloobs
22-05-2014, 11:07 PM
@stan,pablopepper

Hey cheers guys, I guess the way I look at it is it's not everyday you get to build the guitar of your dreams so why not make it count, more importantly I had to sell quite a beloved piece of studio equipment (sniff sniff) in order to fund this so I kinda' have an obligation to get it right.
Jeez Stan I don't think I'd want to be going up against "The Dark Knight" that thing's gonna look fricken badass once that satin finish is all buttoned up with those black SD's at the heart of it.

Gavin1393
22-05-2014, 11:57 PM
Can't wait to see this finished. What a beautiful piece of ART.

bargeloobs
23-05-2014, 01:51 AM
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from Gavin1393 on May 22, 2014, 08:57
Can't wait to see this finished. What a beautiful piece of ART.

Thanks Gav, I realize "art" is such a subjective term in this day and age, you only have to look at pretentious douchebags like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY7UK-6aaNA making a mockery, but when you come on a site like this, see the heart and soul that people pour into creating these things, they're not just instruments that make sound. Guitars are "art" in the truest sense of the word.

So anyway, I hope I'm not taking this a bit too far but I had a spare decal left over that I'd shot with enamel just in case the other one packed a sad with the nitro and decided to put it on the inside of the cover, once again no-one will see it but it's there. Also I almost forgot these Gotoh bridges come un-slotted, luckily they have little guide marks so it was just a case of carefull notching them out with a little file, turned out sweet.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/82q99-048.jpg

Fretworn
23-05-2014, 02:15 AM
Thanks Gav, I realize "art" is such a subjective term in this day and age, you only have to look at pretentious douchebags like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY7UK-6aaNA making a mockery,

Geez, I hope that was a free concert....

stan
23-05-2014, 03:29 AM
4:33 is such a bunch of pretentious b/s, yet I seem to have mastered it quite well on the guitar

@BL, the Dark Knight, have to use that one now ;)
You efforts are worth it, you have maximised the potential on this one

bargeloobs
23-05-2014, 06:26 AM
Got the headstock decal buried pretty nicely and taken back to 2000. You can just make out the outline of the decal backing if you look in the right light but hopefully once I cut & polish it should damn near disappear.
Rechecked strings and neck measurements and everything looks sweet.
All set to glue a neck I think.
What have I forgotten?

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/s30x1-049.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/4vq8x-050.jpg

ihasmario
23-05-2014, 12:38 PM
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from bargeloobs on May 22, 2014, 06:38
These are K40Y-9 0.047 uF 400V Paper in Oil Russian Caps, cheers.

I knew it! I've got some Teflon russian caps here. The build quality is shockingly good. I bet they'll sound a real treat.

Looks amazing. All the little touches really give it some class.

bargeloobs
23-05-2014, 01:16 PM
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from ihasmario on May 22, 2014, 21:38

/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from bargeloobs on May 22, 2014, 06:38
These are K40Y-9 0.047 uF 400V Paper in Oil Russian Caps, cheers.

I knew it! I've got some Teflon russian caps here. The build quality is shockingly good. I bet they'll sound a real treat.

Looks amazing. All the little touches really give it some class.

@ihasmario To be brutally honest I haven't had anything to do with these specific caps, I did a bit of research and from what people were saying they sounded like the business. I guess we'll find out.
Thanks for the kind words man!

ihasmario
23-05-2014, 01:23 PM
Make sure to post a demo. It'll be fun work to hear how the qualities of the PIO and the teflon (which I selected due to its relative permittivity) compare (if there is indeed an audible difference)

bargeloobs
23-05-2014, 01:39 PM
"Make sure to post a demo"
Yeah I sure will, the necks gluing as we speak so not long now.

gavinturner
23-05-2014, 10:01 PM
Looking sensational Barge. Can't wait to hear her sing!

cheers,
Gav.

stan
23-05-2014, 10:22 PM
looking forward to the full reveal - and get it into the GOTM mix

bargeloobs
23-05-2014, 11:05 PM
Something tells me this blokes's got too much time on his hands...
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/7rt3d-051.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/7f8x3-052.jpg

pablopepper
24-05-2014, 12:26 AM
That looks killer dude. I'm starting to think my photography skills are gonna have to improve.

stan
24-05-2014, 12:31 AM
lovely shots, that damn Pitbull bar raises all the time, builds, photography aarrggghhh

bargeloobs
24-05-2014, 12:36 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from pablopepper on May 23, 2014, 09:26
That looks killer dude. I'm starting to think my photography skills are gonna have to improve.

I'm a rubbish photographer, I used to do a bit of freelance graphics and editing so I kinda know my way around Photoshop.
It definitely helps to have a good image to start with but not necessarily essential.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/2ji3m-55696757588.jpg

bargeloobs
24-05-2014, 08:36 AM
Clamps off, might think about puttin' some strings on tomorrow.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/n4x5v-053.jpg

bargeloobs
24-05-2014, 08:57 AM
[quote]/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from bargeloobs on May 23, 2014, 17:36
Clamps off, might think about puttin' some strings on tomorrow.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/0krj6-054.jpg

bargeloobs
24-05-2014, 09:12 AM
8-)
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/0f293-055.jpg

stan
24-05-2014, 09:35 AM
very nice , dont know how you could have done this better

bargeloobs
24-05-2014, 09:43 AM
Hey thanks Stan, it's kind of a relief really, I can get back to some sort of normality (until the withdrawals start kicking in anyway) and sit back and see the "Dark Knight" and all the other cool axes on here unfold.
I'm still waiting on one more piece in the form of a stamp I've ordered from Maylasia with my logo on it for the back of the headstock so it might be another 3 weeks before this is ready to reveal anyway.
Good times...

bargeloobs
24-05-2014, 10:18 PM
So got some strings on this morning, run the notched straight edge down the finger board and noticed a slight back bow so a bit of adjustment on the truss rod and it seems a lot better.
Roughly dialed in the bridge to a height where it will play right up the neck with minimal buzz but the action's still a bit too high really. It's not horrible to play by any means and I can still knock out a sound demo no worries but I think once the leveler turns up and I can attempt a fret job it's gonna help get the action down a lot more. I suspect it may be a bit high at the nut too just comparing it to my SG but a more expert eye could probably tell instantly.
Was going to wait for a stamp for the back of the headstock but stuff it, I'm just gonna call it done.
Thanks to everyone who helped out along the way, it certainly makes putting these things together sooo much easier when you've got such a wealth of knowledge on the forum.
It's been fun...

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/q7c8k-056.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/6kr1j-057.jpg

Gavin1393
24-05-2014, 10:34 PM
Yes, it is a bit high at the nut and i am sure once the fret job is complete that you will be able to bring the action closer to the fretboard without any annoying buzz.

bargeloobs
24-05-2014, 10:37 PM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Gavin1393 on May 24, 2014, 07:34
Yes, it is a bit high at the nut and i am sure once the fret job is complete that you will be able to bring the action closer to the fretboard without any annoying buzz.

Yeah cool, cheers Gav.

bargeloobs
24-05-2014, 10:56 PM
I'm stoked how the Mahogany turned out, the natural light really brings out that lovely reddish hue.

http://i.imgur.com/bknlfqx.jpg

stan
24-05-2014, 11:30 PM
one slick axe mate, I hope you are proud, now get it into GOTM!

Gavin1393
25-05-2014, 01:29 AM
Get it entered in GOTM for this month. Otherwise we wont have any entries in next months comp!

zeromick
25-05-2014, 02:01 AM
beautiful job! i love the black and white all over the front with the natural timber on the back.

Fretworn
25-05-2014, 08:49 AM
Awesome job. Worth all the strife.

bargeloobs
31-05-2014, 02:58 AM
Just finished up a new song "Life on a String" that was inspired by the build of my LP-1SS so I thought I'd throw all the build pics together in a video with that as the soundtrack, the quality's kind of rubbish seeing that it's an MP4 but you get the general idea.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UReREzGN2Vc&feature=youtu.be


https://soundcloud.com/sodacupkiller69/life-on-a-string

stan
31-05-2014, 07:56 AM
terrific vid BL, it's great seeing build threads done this way, this is no exception

lawry
31-05-2014, 09:57 AM
That's an excellent vid, Bargie. I'm with Stan on this. It's a great way to see the evolution of a build. And this has been a really great build.

bargeloobs
01-06-2014, 06:06 AM
@stan,lawry admittedly my video production skills are elementary at best but yeah, I reckon it's a cool way to see a build take shape. You could get real fancy with it if you could be bothered to spend more time at it but this is as good as it gets for me, would love to see more done like this.

bargeloobs
03-06-2014, 08:57 AM
Fret leveling beam turned up today so I got to finish off the last (and most important) piece of the puzzle and attempted my very first fret leveling job.
I had a bit of latex shearers emery glue laying around which came in handy for fixing the abrasive to the beam.
Ran round the edge of the nut with a blade to break the lacquer seal, a couple of little taps with a block and she slid right out thankfully.
Using my "you beaut" $5.00 notched straight edge I checked and made a few minor tweaks of the truss rod before getting stuck into the leveling/crowning/sanding/buffing, which all went pretty sweet.
Slid the filed down nut back in with a bit of glue, and went back over the fret board with some Dr Ducks before re-stringing. I must have done something right as I managed to get the action down quite a bit more, it's really comfy to play and the intonation sounds sweet, so all in all a fairly successful first attempt.
For me this was the real test because at the end of the day you could have the most badass looking axe in the world but if it plays like a dog well what's the point, all you've got is a shiny ornament.
I can now finally say I've built the axe of my dreams.
Bargeloobs out...


http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/3cuux-069.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/5p1zv-070.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/41lu9-068.jpg

gavinturner
03-06-2014, 10:44 AM
Nice work Barge! Did you file the bottom of the nut down too? It looks lower to me..

cheers,
Gav.

lawry
03-06-2014, 11:15 AM
The action certainly looks a lot closer. And man, what shine she's got!

Brendan
03-06-2014, 02:00 PM
So I'm guessing it's not your last? It does look fantastic and I think it'll be hard to beat that one!

stan
04-06-2014, 12:40 AM
top effort on the neck, much slicker

kanelangmaid
11-06-2014, 08:21 AM
Hey Barge,

Do you have a build diary of your desert burst, or a GOTM pic?

bargeloobs
11-06-2014, 08:49 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from kanelangmaid on June 10, 2014, 17:21
Hey Barge,

Do you have a build diary of your desert burst, or a GOTM pic?

Gidday Kane, I didn't even think about doing a diary for my first build and it was only on a whim that I even entered in GOTM at all.
You can check out a few pics here mate..

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/community/?mingleforumaction=viewtopic&t=1067.7

cheers:-)