Insane finish

[ultpanzi]

This might not be the right thread to post this is, but anyone got any idea on how to do a finish like this?? Its one of those insane ESP customs, but this one's finish is crazy. ...if you could call is a finish. If the method of doing something similar is doable, I might try to give it a shot.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/u4p99-armor_big1.jpg

[dingobass]

STEAM PUNK!
Think Tim Burton.....

Grab yourself thin copper plate, some aluminium etc and go nutz :)

[stan]

It's all real metal, bonded, screwed or riveted on and done in layers - DO IT!

[ultpanzi]

How to shape the metal though?? And would there be a weight issue??

[maxaxe]

One way to shape thin plate is to use a rounded head wooden mallet in conjunction with a smallish sand filled leather bag. Just keep banging away 'til the plate gets a compound curve; then, if you want an indented finish, tap the the metal all over with a peen hammer.
Also start looking for found objects! Saves lots of rooting around.

[ultpanzi]

Thanks Maxaxe!! Thats a neat tip. Im used to metal shaping where the end look doesnt matter (tools mostly) and so I was wondering how to do it without heating it so that itd still retain its original look.

[dingobass]

Though you will need to heat the copper as it work hardens and will crack :(
Once it is done you can either leave the patina (which always looks cool) or polish it up with steel wool.

[ultpanzi]

Thanks for the tip DB!! I might try and do that kind of plating on other things first till I can get my technique close to perfect and have a room of armored things that look badass.

[stan]

variations of the theme:

http://img.wonderhowto.com/img/66/57/63484919646841/0/beautiful-custom-steampunk-guitar.w654.jpg

http://cdn.mos.musicradar.com/images/Product%20News/Guitar/feb09/steampunk/organum-insolitus-main-630-80.jpg

http://www.hutchinsonguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG_3320l.jpg

http://chickgeek.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/guitar.jpg

[bargeloobs]

@Stan
Now those axes are what I'd call "Steampunk", the OP is almost "Fantasy", at any rate it's good to see a bit of timber showing.

[dingobass]

Of course there is a trade off.... these Axes nearly always have lousy tone but when something looks this cool, who cares! :)

[lawry]

I love that sort of look. Definitely keen to see what you do with something like this, man. It'd be so hot!

[Andyport]

I have had thoughts of tackling a steam punk "pitbull" for a while now. One of those "one day, maybe" projects tucked away in the dim dark recesses of my mind. Just thought it would be something completely different for the forum.
You should go for it! Would love to see how it turns out.

[ultpanzi]

DB, to make up for the lousy tone, Id probably stick in some EMGs so the tone comes purely from the pups. Itll be a while before I get to start something like this though, cos I have a few other builds planned first and Id need to take a while to practise metal shaping and draw up a plan for a guitar like this, as well as getting money for it all (Student wages over here in Sydney are terrible!!)

[stan]

yep to compensate for tone, run hot pups and all the effects chain stuff you want

[stan]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from bargeloobs on May 23, 2014, 18:59
@Stan
Now those axes are what I'd call "Steampunk", the OP is almost "Fantasy", at any rate it's good to see a bit of timber showing.

Steampunk for sure, you are right.
Just put them up as examples of where things can head. Also an easier starting point in some ways, the metalwork on the OP post is craftsmanship ++

The LP style one first up looks pretty mild and playable, love the woodwork