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Brendan
01-10-2016, 09:58 PM
November Guitar of the Month (for Guitars and Basses finished in October 2016)

November 2016 GOTM

Enter your finished guitar or bass here to be judged for the Pit Bull Guitars November 2016 Guitar of the Month.

Please remember:

For Guitars or Basses finished on (or before) 31 October 2016

One guitar/bass per member per month
It must be a Pit Bull Guitars kit (mods and upgrades acceptable)
Guitar or Bass must be finished and playable


We need at least 4 photos:
· full guitar shot from the front;
· close up of the body finish;
· shot of the back of the guitar; and
· close up of the headstock (please, no brand name logos)


Please post your photos in this thread. If you are having issues posting photos on the forum, please email them to brendan (at) pitbullguitars (dot) com

Please note: This competition is open to amateur guitar builders only. If you are making and selling guitars for profit, you are ineligible.

Competition for September closes 31 October 2016.

May the best axe win!

UpperCaseH
10-10-2016, 12:10 PM
Not as amazing as many of the other builds I've seen, but here's my just-finished fretless JBA-4.

Fretless conversions was done by pulling the frets and filling the slots with cedar timbermate before applying CA glue in many many layers. Body is ebony timbermate then a mix of Feast Watson Walnut and Japan Black in different proportions for the body and neck followed by 20+ (I lost count, but it's somewhere between 20 and 25) coats of Tru Oil. I used black pickguard screws that I had spare instead of the stock ones, and I replaced the nut with a graphite one I shaped and filed myself, but apart from that and the fretlessness, everything's stock standard.

I had a ton of fun building it and I'm now having a ton of fun playing it. My first practice with this bass was the very first time I've played a fretless instrument, so I've got a lot of learnng to do.

http://i.imgur.com/XRmZR2e.jpg

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

http://i.imgur.com/9coIq61.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/X0gBND3.jpg

Hope those photos are of the right stuff.

Chuck
10-10-2016, 12:38 PM
That's a great build - don't down play the amount of work you had to do with the neck especially with the results you've achieved. Really looks sweet!

stan
10-10-2016, 12:42 PM
a ton of work there H and a very nice result

Andy40
10-10-2016, 01:58 PM
Lovely Bass H

wazkelly
10-10-2016, 06:42 PM
Top job. So envious of the block markers on the fret board.

andrewdosborne
11-10-2016, 05:38 PM
Lovely bass your effort has paid off. And yes those 70s style block markers are the business

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

Ronnie Balz
12-10-2016, 08:40 AM
Mind blown!

FrankenWashie
12-10-2016, 08:45 AM
Top notch work H! Great photos as well, you should be immensely proud of that effort.

wokkaboy
12-10-2016, 08:58 AM
good work H, apart from the block markers and pickguard it's pretty similar to Ponch's JBA-4.
Great effort the bar has been raised high already.
You will love a fretless heaps of fun to play.
Did you upgrade the pickups to Entwistle or Tonerider or are they stock ?

UpperCaseH
13-10-2016, 06:28 PM
Thanks everyone!

Wokka, the pickups are stock. I had to choose between pickup upgrades and a new kit this month, so new kit it was. The stock ones are much nicer than I was expecting so I'll probably end up leaving them for a while. I mean, they're not fantastic, but they sound totally OK through my amp, so it's not an immediate issue. I'd like to see how the Entwistles go, so they'd be my choice for an upgrade.

wazkelly
13-10-2016, 08:43 PM
The stock ones are much nicer than I was expecting, but they sound totally OK through my amp, so it's not an immediate issue. I'd like to see how the Entwistles go, so they'd be my choice for an upgrade.

G'day H, upgraded my Red J Bass with Entwistles as the stockers were OK but pretty low on output. Might need to re-shoot another video and remove the 'Up-shorts' one everyone made comments about. My playing was ordinary in it as I was focusing too much on whether the iPad was recording both sound and vision. The Entwistles are taller and the side lugs are a bit further outbound thus requiring a bit of re-shaping scratch plate and bridge PUP rout for them to fit. They have lots more grunt and for about $80 bucks for the Neodymium ones I am happy with the investment. They do have a slightly cheaper set but haven't tried them so cannot comment.

adam
20-10-2016, 03:25 PM
***Special Bonus Prize for November GOTM***

Dedman has kindly offered up a sensational bonus prize for the GOTM winner this month.

On top of the usual honour and glory normally bestowed on our GOTM Winners, they will also receive this awesome Book:

14517

"The Gibson Electric Guitar Book is a comprehensive, richly illustrated guide to Gibson electrics past and present. Starting with the ES-150 - generally acknowledged as the first commercially successful electric guitar - through the 335s, Les Pauls, SGs, Firebirds, and more, it is packed with facts, stories, and images that tell the story of Gibson's great guitars and their most famous and influential players."

Gotta be in it to win it!

(In the event of a tied GOTM, we will draw a winner of the book using the random number generator we use for our Facebook comps)

wokkaboy
20-10-2016, 03:48 PM
wow that's very generous of you Dedman, I'm sure the winner will get some enjoyment reading the donated book

extra incentive forumites to build a ripper entry

Dedman
20-10-2016, 03:57 PM
my way of giving back for all the advice and laughs :)

wokkaboy
20-10-2016, 04:02 PM
good on you Dedman, if it was a history of the Mosrite guitar you would have to post that straight to DB being the #1 fan in the world haha

was it a good read did you read it ?

stan
20-10-2016, 05:57 PM
Superb effort Deddy, very cool of you. Did you tear out the pages for the 2015 Les Paul's?

WeirdBits
20-10-2016, 06:07 PM
lol @ stan, nice Deds.

FredA
20-10-2016, 06:59 PM
Good on you Dedman! Shame I won't have anything to enter this month's comp!

Dedman
20-10-2016, 07:08 PM
good on you Dedman, if it was a history of the Mosrite guitar you would have to post that straight to DB being the #1 fan in the world haha

was it a good read did you read it ?
I already had it and someone sent me a brand new copy not knowing I already had it :)

Fuzzbeard
20-10-2016, 08:01 PM
Very cool Dedman! How many days left this month... Hmm... nope, I'll have nothing ready :(

Zandit75
20-10-2016, 08:56 PM
Great idea Dedman!
At this stage, it looks like H has the comp in the bag!
My build is progressing surprisingly fast at the moment, but I don't think I'll make it for this month!

JB RETRO
21-10-2016, 03:49 PM
That's a great incentive to get my GR-1SF finished. A buff and polish, some hardware and no more mishaps and I could just make it. I have been completely slack with a build diary but I'm not too far away from finishing. Have been looking at all the previous entries and there is certainly some talent out there !

MrMayhem75
21-10-2016, 06:32 PM
My ES-TL1 Trini clone project is almost done. My first time building a kit, she's not perfect, but she's a real beauty. Can't wait for you guys to see it.

Andy40
22-10-2016, 06:58 PM
I think i got no hope to enter this month.....:(

gavinturner
26-10-2016, 01:39 PM
Hi guys, it's been a long time between builds for me but here's my latest

Mahogany LP-1M
Tea Burst using Colortone dyes
Acrylic Clear Coats
Tru-Oil Neck and Headstock
Seymour Duncan Pickups
CTS Pots.
Tonepro bridge and saddle set.
Kluson tuners.
Fretboard untwist and Fret Level by DB himself

Thanks for your consideration.

cheers,
Gav.

Fuzzbeard
26-10-2016, 01:43 PM
Very nice Gav! Can I have it? 😉

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

Zandit75
26-10-2016, 01:46 PM
Great looking build Gav.
This month seems to be missing a few entries!!

wokkaboy
26-10-2016, 01:48 PM
excellent build Gav just saw it before on FB, very traditional sunburst look, you nailed it mate

pablopepper
26-10-2016, 01:52 PM
What a stunner. Gav, you've done it again.

andrewdosborne
26-10-2016, 02:06 PM
Oh my word Gav a stunner. When can I pick it up?

Chuck
26-10-2016, 03:54 PM
Simply wow. So classy. Really love your work Gav.

Andy40
26-10-2016, 04:21 PM
I think I teared up a bit looking at this Gav. mostly at the thought of Ponch picking her up before me.:p

FredA
26-10-2016, 04:37 PM
Very nice Gav! Two very nice entries so far!

stan
26-10-2016, 05:36 PM
Is Gav, is Good, nice work mate

gavinturner
26-10-2016, 07:23 PM
Thanks for the kind words guys. Unfortunately my mate Jeremy already has dibs. ;P

cheers,
Gav.

UpperCaseH
26-10-2016, 08:06 PM
Wow, that's a killer burst you've done on that!

TheHermit1184
26-10-2016, 09:58 PM
Hello. Here is my Explorer bass that I recently finished. I'm a wood carver who just recently started experimenting with guitar building. This is the 2nd kit guitar I made. I tend to have an all or nothing approach to everything I do. It might be stomach-turning to traditionalists, but oh well. Take care.

1465314654146551465614657

andrewdosborne
27-10-2016, 04:50 AM
Nice bass, great carving like the organic vibe

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

vh2580
27-10-2016, 05:03 AM
Beatuiful work, love carved guitars. There must have been some hours in that body.

Dedman
27-10-2016, 07:16 AM
.............gob suitably smacked!

Fuzzbeard
27-10-2016, 07:30 AM
How awesome is the explorer bass

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

UpperCaseH
27-10-2016, 08:54 AM
Explorer bass

Wow! Love it.

wokkaboy
27-10-2016, 09:25 AM
different but cool bass build Hermit, would hate to know how many hours it takes to carve. Pity the photos are so dark can't really see enough detail clearly. The pickups look really wide for a 4 string bass and off centre, is this a EX-5 kit you converted to a 4 string and chopped a tuner hole off the headstock ?
I am also puzzled why the E string tuner the string is wound to right of the peg and A D G strings to the left ? I guess to compensate for the 5 to 4 string mod. The bridge is aftermarket by the looks

stan
27-10-2016, 09:28 AM
wow Hermit, there is a ton of work in that. well done

pablopepper
27-10-2016, 10:17 AM
Hot damn. Loving that bass.

Andy40
27-10-2016, 10:46 AM
I only wish i was this talented

WeirdBits
27-10-2016, 10:53 AM
Hermit, amazing carving... absolutely stunning.

Gav, great burst very classy (avoid the curse of the Gavins and get a pic with a TRC stat!). Also, tuners intentional?

wazkelly
27-10-2016, 12:46 PM
The pickups look really wide for a 4 string bass and off centre, is this a EX-5 kit you converted to a 4 string and chopped a tuner hole off the headstock ?
I am also puzzled why the E string tuner the string is wound to right of the peg and A D G strings to the left ? I guess to compensate for the 5 to 4 string mod. The bridge is aftermarket by the looks

Hey Woks, this is a new EX-4 kit that has the 3 point Gibbo style bridge that everyone has hassles with on the hollow body Bass, and yes those are wide for stock PUP's and reckon they are the ones out of the 5 stringer. Looks like the factory has used the 5 string body PUP routs and reduced width of neck pocket to take a narrower 4 string bolt-on neck.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/shop/guitars/pit-bull-guitars-ex-4-electric-bass-guitar-kit/

A, D & G strings have been wound on the wrong side of the post and suggest unwinding and restringing in the correct direction as was done on the low E string.

Lot of work went into the carving and created a truly gothic looking beast. Not my cup of tea but certainly has that death metal theme nailed.

wokkaboy
27-10-2016, 12:59 PM
cheers for the explanation Waz, it's one of the few kits I haven't built. Think it's the angle of the photo that makes the pups and string offsets look off centre

wazkelly
27-10-2016, 06:38 PM
Hi Woks, it looks weird in the PBG shop shots too? I reckon they have used a 5 string body which is the same size as EX-1 (just with different PUP & neck pocket routs plus controls drilled in a slightly different spot) and used the same starting point on the low E side of the neck pocket as things look too far south on the high E side by about 5mm or so. The Fiver doesn't come with bridge holes drilled so that could have been easily done at the factory and in the shop photo that part of the setup looks a bit more centred than the neck pocket. The 3 control knobs are in the same plane as on the Fiver too.

Zandit75
27-10-2016, 07:34 PM
Time to do it!!
Here she is, my beautiful first born!!

LP-1S Spalted Maple top, Mahogany Body and Neck.
Dingo Tone Clear finish on the front and headstock
British Paints Black Indoor Stain with clear varnish from the same brand.
Custom headstock shape, with own logo for CQC, Custom Quaile Creations
All stock Hardware with exception to Orange Drops 223 Capacitors supplied by Stan(The legend!!)
http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu124/zandit/20161027_192913_zpsvedlle09.jpg (http://s640.photobucket.com/user/zandit/media/20161027_192913_zpsvedlle09.jpg.html)

http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu124/zandit/20161027_193105_zpsfwwqbrpg.jpg (http://s640.photobucket.com/user/zandit/media/20161027_193105_zpsfwwqbrpg.jpg.html)

http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu124/zandit/20161027_193027_zpsjtq36ial.jpg (http://s640.photobucket.com/user/zandit/media/20161027_193027_zpsjtq36ial.jpg.html)

http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu124/zandit/20161027_193126_zpsr5hvspbx.jpg (http://s640.photobucket.com/user/zandit/media/20161027_193126_zpsr5hvspbx.jpg.html)

Zandit75
27-10-2016, 07:36 PM
Couple more shots
http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu124/zandit/20161027_193042_zpsvlvrzote.jpg (http://s640.photobucket.com/user/zandit/media/20161027_193042_zpsvlvrzote.jpg.html)

http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu124/zandit/20161027_193149_zpsztfeoiin.jpg (http://s640.photobucket.com/user/zandit/media/20161027_193149_zpsztfeoiin.jpg.html)

http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu124/zandit/20161027_193058_zps2pbd2jnk.jpg (http://s640.photobucket.com/user/zandit/media/20161027_193058_zps2pbd2jnk.jpg.html)

I had such a blast building this!
Thank you so much for everyone's assistance, this would have been a complete shambles if not for this forum!!

Fuzzbeard
27-10-2016, 08:21 PM
Excitement level is through the roof with all of the sweet guitars rolling in at the moment! Great looking guitar Zandit.

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

wokkaboy
27-10-2016, 08:51 PM
Well done Zandit you scored probably best looking spalted kit I've seen. Oh what a joy to be a judge this month!!

nitroburner1000
27-10-2016, 09:05 PM
Wow, im glad i dont have an entry ready this month, such a high standard of builds, also glad im not one of the judges!

FrankenWashie
28-10-2016, 08:36 AM
Ladies and gentlemen, this is approaching terminally cool. This bass is so cool your eyeballs may freeze just from looking at it.
Absolutely top notch Hermit!

wokkaboy
28-10-2016, 08:43 AM
Hey Frankie welcome back mate, where you been hiding bro ?

UpperCaseH
28-10-2016, 10:29 AM
That came up wonderfully, Zandit!

Zandit75
28-10-2016, 01:05 PM
Thanks guys, appreciate the comments. It's going to be a bloody close month again. The quality of builds is again through the roof this month!

wazkelly
28-10-2016, 06:26 PM
Well done Zandit, that looks sensational and you should be proud of your first effort.

Alan
28-10-2016, 09:41 PM
This is Betsy, my first ever guitar build. All parts are as supplied, except the scratchplate - but I think the pearloid makes it into something a bit different. Been an enjoyable experience and the finished result is exceptional considering who built it ! I had to file down the nut slots as the action on the first fret was much too high, even though the rest of the neck was OK. However, now that's done I've been able to lower the saddles a bit more and the action is fantastic.
The paint is an original colour, it does not have a name as it was made specially for me. I had a problem with the stain I bought from Wu***ne UK, which was supposed to be blue but turned out green. Had to sand it all back down to bare wood, and started again with a tinted laquer, over a very pale whitewash, finished with a clear laquer and then flatted with 2000 grit wet and dry. Have not used any filler as I wanted to keep the texture of the grain. Very happy with the result and now thinking about what to build next.
Cheers
Alan

pablopepper
28-10-2016, 10:02 PM
Ladies and gentlemen, we have ourselves a competition.

Two more phenomenal entries. All four of these guitars are outstanding.

Zandit75
29-10-2016, 06:40 AM
Ladies and gentlemen, we have ourselves a competition.

Two more phenomenal entries. All four of these guitars are outstanding.

Good to see the Queensland education system at work!! Where did you learn to count??!!! :p
There's 5 entries this month!

Arzi
30-10-2016, 02:25 AM
Great builds both Zandit and Alan. Love the blue RCA-4 - bass player as I am but also the spalt goodness of Zandit's build.

FrankenWashie
30-10-2016, 06:10 AM
Been OS and up to eyes in work and parenting Wokka, finally getting back to some progress on builds.

JB RETRO
30-10-2016, 09:53 AM
One more into the mix! This my GR-1SF first build.
Headstock has a burl veneer, not sure what species just liked the look, and I slightly reshaped to match the Falcon a bit closer. Mother of pearl truss rod cover, I shaped to compliment finger board inlay. Finish is in Nitro. Colour is with Starcast amber and Encore brown. The redish hue is from extra shading with the amber. 8 or so light coats of gloss clear and lots of elbow grease. All the hardware is stock from PBG. Thanks JB

wokkaboy
30-10-2016, 09:56 AM
sensational JB, that is a stunning GR build, love all the personal touches, this is shaping up to be another killer month of builds. Going to be very hard to separate the scores !!
That burl veneer on the headstock is delicious as Bruce McAvanney would say.
How is the bridge pup mounted ? looks like you used the bush holes for a TOM bridge ?

@ Frankie no worries mate good to have to back on board

Mal75
30-10-2016, 10:03 AM
HB-4 Violin Bass.

It's a matt varnish with a wax finish, hand stained sunburst. This is my first build and am ready for more! I had a lot of fun doing it. 14752147531475414755

Zandit75
30-10-2016, 11:38 AM
Damn! Talk about last minute rush!!
Great looking builds guys!!

JB RETRO
30-10-2016, 02:04 PM
If I was going to build a bass, which I might, that would be the kit. Nice!

Mal75
30-10-2016, 05:22 PM
If I was going to build a bass, which I might, that would be the kit. Nice!
It's worth it. It sounds really good. I'm going to buy some flat wounds to make it authentic.

wazkelly
30-10-2016, 05:44 PM
It's worth it. It sounds really good. I'm going to buy some flat wounds to make it authentic.
How is the intonation as the bridge looks offset rather than the usual horizontal?

BTW, love the look and always wondering how those mini humbuckers sound on a Bass?

ThreeBbass
30-10-2016, 07:28 PM
So many beautiful guitars in this thread this month ...

Here's my offering ... a JB5RF.
I've always wanted a fretless bass and this was my chance to make something that I was hoping would be great to play as well as having some fun along the way.

I've replaced just about all the hardware that came with the kit - I kept the tuners and the control plate.
New hardware includes EMG J5 active pickup set, Schaller bridge, Hipshot string retainer, Warwick Just-a-Nut and strap-locks.
I've also put RotoSound Flatwounds on it too.

I also made a couple of mods that came out pretty well ... inlaid walnut scratchplate and recessed control plate as well as fretmarkers on the neck.
Finish is DT colourless on the neck and body ...

14765 14766

14767 14768

14769

It plays pretty well and sounds great ... now I just have to learn how to get accurate when I'm playing ...
:cool:

Zandit75
31-10-2016, 03:03 AM
Looks fantastic 3B!! Two fretless basses in the one month, I don't think that's very common!

Chuck
31-10-2016, 04:47 AM
That inlaid pickguard is beautiful ThreeBbass - it's a really cracking job!

zeromick
31-10-2016, 06:24 AM
One more into the mix! This my GR-1SF first build.
Headstock has a burl veneer, not sure what species just liked the look, and I slightly reshaped to match the Falcon a bit closer. Mother of pearl truss rod cover, I shaped to compliment finger board inlay. Finish is in Nitro. Colour is with Starcast amber and Encore brown. The redish hue is from extra shading with the amber. 8 or so light coats of gloss clear and lots of elbow grease. All the hardware is stock from PBG. Thanks JB

Give that man the gold!

andrewdosborne
31-10-2016, 07:16 AM
Where are the judges to begin, they’re all gold!

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

wokkaboy
31-10-2016, 10:42 AM
very nice build 3bass, love the mods you have done. Only fault I can see is would have liked the neck heel to be shaped more to suit the rounded neck plate.

Fretworn
31-10-2016, 10:47 AM
Wow, it turned into a amazing competition this month. I pity the judges.

Mal75
31-10-2016, 12:27 PM
The intonation is good. It is on an angle because the string sadles are staggered on an angle along the bridge.
How is the intonation as the bridge looks offset rather than the usual horizontal?

BTW, love the look and always wondering how those mini humbuckers sound on a Bass?

Mal75
31-10-2016, 12:32 PM
Oh sorry Wazkelly didn't see the other part of your question. The pick ups are great for what they are. They are not Hofner pickups but they are not far off them. I recorded with it the other night and it has the sound i was looking for.
The intonation is good. It is on an angle because the string sadles are staggered on an angle along the bridge.

wazkelly
31-10-2016, 03:01 PM
Cheers Mal and wishing you good luck for GOTM.

ThreeBbass
31-10-2016, 05:47 PM
very nice build 3bass, love the mods you have done. Only fault I can see is would have liked the neck heel to be shaped more to suit the rounded neck plate.

Thanks Woks!
After thinking about the neck heel shape and doing a bit of research, I decided to go with the shape that was used on the original 5 string jazz deluxe models.
:)

Brendan
31-10-2016, 07:59 PM
The countdown's on - any last minute entries to gazump the ones to date??? 4 hours to go...

Brendan
02-11-2016, 11:37 PM
Entries have now closed - sorry to be a little late out of the blocks, but we'll get the judgement done and see who's the November GOTM!

Zandit75
03-11-2016, 04:29 AM
Dammit Brendan! I was almost too scared to click on this thread to see the results!!......Almost! :p

Brendan
03-11-2016, 08:22 AM
Sorry - have had a nutzoid couple of days at work and home. Under control now, but had to go into withdrawl from the forum for 24 hours. I'll work on the guys and see if we can get the results up in the next few days. Ultimately - you guys have to drop the quality of the outputs - it's getting nigh on impossible to pick the winners these months ;) !

Zandit75
03-11-2016, 08:33 AM
Sorry - have had a nutzoid couple of days at work and home. Under control now, but had to go into withdrawl from the forum for 24 hours. I'll work on the guys and see if we can get the results up in the next few days. Ultimately - you guys have to drop the quality of the outputs - it's getting nigh on impossible to pick the winners these months ;) !

Yes, I wholeheartedly agree. Maybe this can no longer be considered an Amateur competition!!
Maybe PBG need to lower the standards from the factory!! It's getting to easy to build a fantastic guitar!! :p

Brendan
06-11-2016, 08:53 PM
So to the results!

Judges comments in submission order...
UpperCaseH’s JBA-4
Jazz Bass after my own heart - loving everything here from the simple, classic colouring through to the inlays. Hope it sounds as good as it looks.
Very nice build H and love the fretless conversion and the mods you have done. Sure its fun to play. Keep building at this high level!
Absolutely flawless finish and a properly drool worthy natural look.
Love the overall look of this bass. Dark, sleek and sexy. The defretting and block inlays really set it apart and step this build up to the next level. Great job.*
Solid Effort. Looks like something you would want to play everyday
Fantastic, this looks fabulous.
Very clean and the fretless conversion is very well done. The finish suits the instrument well and I also really like the logo!
Nice work H a classy build and nice lines. Great colour combo, and nice work on the fretless conversion.

GavinTurner’s LP-1M
Gav you always produce a classy build and this one is lovely. Some pro choice upgrades and superb finish. A lovely instrument that must play as good as it looks. Needs a truss rod cover to finish it off.
Gav’s experience shows through with this one. Very classy, and every element is done just about perfectly. It really looks like a guitar you’d buy in a shop.
Wow Beautiful such an eye for detail.
Great colours. Where's the truss rod cover?
Superb finish. Outstanding choice of hardware. An exceptionally lovely looking guitar let down by a few small issues. No truss rod cover and the machine heads are installed upside down!
The king of bursts back at it again – loving the brightness of the finish. A classic build.
Another classy build from Gav, but he hasn't learnt from Gavmiester leaving the truss rod cover off ! Also would have preferred to see matching zebra pickups but overall would love this axe in my collection ! Love the vintage gold control knobs.
While I'm not normally a yellow kinda guy, the burst here coupled with the classic colours for the headstock and end to end gloss just looks amazing and have me rethinking that bias. Also forgot to add a truss rod cover - nations have been lost for less :).

TheHermit1184’s EX-4
I love how the carving fits with the rest of the guitar - it feels - right. Great job! Only comment would be on winding on the strings in the right direction and hiding the tails in the holes, but that's an easy fix!
Some impressive carving work and one for the pool room. The rustic stain really suits the character of the build.
Very well executed carved build I'm sure many hours have gone into this build. It's a pity the photo's are so dark can't see the detail that clearly. Next build you should put a headstock logo on to tell people you built it.
Wow! So much work has gone into the carving and it has paid off in spades. Epic design. Great looking guitar. Bravo.
Massive effort & clearly a lot of work. I find myself wondering if I'd want to play it or just hang it on a wall.
Oh my goodness what can I say. This is a work of art. Who cares what traditionalists think.
Bonus marks for creativity and creating something unique (although not really my cup of tea), however the it feels like the headstock could’ve been carved too to complete the effect.
Wow Hermit, probably the best carving job i've seen on this site - a cool beastie look to a very metal axe - tons of work in this. *Be proud of it and put a logo on it. I assume it's standard parts - you didn't say.

Zandit’s LP-1S
Stunning spalty with colour to match and a beautiful, organic feel to it. Great job!
Zandit was gifted an extra special top and did the absolute correct thing by going with a clear finish to highlight the natural beauty. Spalty, flamey goodness. Other than the neck being very slightly out of alignment, a cracker of a build.
Possibly the best spalt LP build I’ve seen. Letting the wood speak for itself was the best choice.
Probably the best spalted kit I have seen you scored Zandit a very cool looking axe. Think you could have assembled it out of the box and still scored good points !
Captured to beauty of the spalted top. I would have like a bit more wood above the D tuner. It also would have benefited from a less angular truss rod cover
Any other month? This is a fantastic first born.
Very impressive, especially for a first build although I guess that shouldn’t really be taken into account. The build is super clean but I wonder whether it’s the quality of the spalt that really makes it. Props for treating it so well though.
One of the best spalted kits around and the best LP one i've seen - spalt and flame , you lucky so and so. You didn't need to do a lot to make this look good, but you treated it with respect and chose your finish well, for an excellent result. The black really sets it off and no pickguard was a good choice. Love the cool logo - all in all, very nicely executed.

Alan’s RC-4
A great first build, again very clean – pity there’s no logo to give it a personalised touch. The colour pops but I wonder whether more of a mirror gloss would have really kicked it up a notch.
Betsy Blue is a real looker Alan, nice job. Good to see a less traditional colour choice, and the pearloid sets it off nicely. You conquered a few hurdles and the result was worth it - just needs a logo to finish it off. I assume stock parts here, not mentioned, but it looks good.
Great colour choice.
Wow! Absolute beauty. Stunning colour. Very eye catching
Super interesting colour, this is definitely a one off. Fit and finish look top notch, the pearloid plastics are a great touch.
A stunning blue on the often tricky ash wood. Well done Alan. The white pickguard contrasts well.
Got to love a blue Riccy the colour looks nice. Again have to deduct a point for photos with poor lighting. Would have also liked to see a headstock logo or the cover engraved would have been a nice touch.
Great looking bass - I love how this has turned out!

JB Retro’s GR-1SF
What a beautiful finish on this hollow body – extremely well executed and professional.
Stunning! This is exactly how these kits were meant to be done. Beautiful gloss and the burl veneer is an very nice touch. I love how the truss cover reflects the inlays (intentional or not). Keep it up JB!
stunning GR build JB, this one is going to be hard to beat. Love the tobacco burst, *the finish looks professional. The burl veneer on the headstock (and neck heel?) no headstock logo would have really sealed the package
Outstanding build, best GR I've seen. The first thing I thought was that it looked like a pro build. So shiny, so good. A beautifully executed burst - hard to do well and you nailed it to the wall. Great to see that the stock hardware sets it off, as does that cool headstock treatment - this is the first axe i'd go to in a store without doubt - a logo would have been nice, but no points off .
With the finish being so important to me, this one is really amazing. I love this one! Again, I can see this hanging in a guitar shop and wouldn’t know it was a kit build.
This is a first build wow. I can’t wait to see your next builds if this is the starting point. Beautiful work such an eye for everything.
Totally stunning finish
Amazing shop like finish to this guitar. Overall effect is stunning…

Mal75’s HB-4
great effort for first build. Burst could have used a bit more work in the transition but for first effort it looks great
Another great burst – reminds me of toffee. I like the headstock shape and the bridge orientation is a nice touch.
Great burst! I love the choice of colours and the satin finish. Really classy looking bass. Shame about the wonky bridge (what's going on there?).
Found myself wishing the colour of the back & neck was exactly the same as the top, or completely different. And the bridge angle is messing with my head.
Super solid build, and the matt varnish with a wax finish is a great touch (and complements the flame well) – really suits the instrument.
Another nice burst, and love the satin treatment, you've done it very well. Once again, no logo, it deserves your mark on it. An excellent first build, and i assume stock hardware. A classy job, well done.
Love the matt finish. Fantastic colour.
Oooooh this is tasty - I get this massive retro / sepia / classic vibe here that I think is an amazing fit for this guitar! This is one I'd walk into a shop to look at!

3B Bass’ JB-5RF
Simple & beautiful. The walnut pickguard is a nice touch.
This is my kind of bass! Dead sexy. The inlaid pickguard, control cover and fret markers are mind blowingly cool. The hardware upgrades are so next week it's not even funny. Sensational build! This is the winner in my books.
Simple yet yum. *Eg. The scratch plate inlay fantastic.
Awesome looking fretless 5 string love the recessed walnut pickguard and the no fret markers on these kits. Only thing I would have liked to see was shaping the neck heal to suit the curved neck pocket/plate. Nice upgrades
Love the attention to detail of recessing the scratchplate and control plate. The extras are like icing on the cake!
Extremely creative build with the recessed scratch plate. Natural wood tones contrasting makes a very classy build – well done.
A super clean build with some nice custom touches, and great hardware choices. That bare fretboard looks amazing, it's simple lines make it. Very nice job insetting the flat work - steps it up to the next level. Cool logo, a very nice quality build, any bass player would love this.
The inlay work with the pickguard and control plate really steal the show. The fretless neck is also beautifully done and I love the inlays. They are wonderful and unique touches to make this is very special bass beautifully put together.

Brendan
06-11-2016, 08:55 PM
Sorry - I've had to cut this post in two - we've got a couple of entries and a lots of judges comments. Overall the results were pretty close with more than one great guitar here, but as they say, there can only be one...


So to the outcome....


Drum roll if you will.

Runner up with a stunning 5 string bass - give it up for 3B Bass' JB-5RF.
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=14765&d=1477826195
The inlay, scratch plate and attention to detail have blown the judges away.

And the winner...
Congratulations to JB Retro with his GR-1SF.
http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=14745&d=1477792343
I'm sure that there's one or two judges that would love this one in their collection!

BTW - thanks for all the judges - we've had a couple more come on board and they have been spot on with their comments and quick to reply to requests for scores. Without them, there wouldn't be much of a competition...

Simon Barden
06-11-2016, 09:01 PM
Congratulations JB Retro and very good work 3B Bass! Great work on both guitars.

UpperCaseH
07-11-2016, 03:38 AM
Congratulations! Both instruments look fantastic. I love the inlay pickguard and control plate, and the burst on the 6 string looks totally amazing.

Chuck
07-11-2016, 03:40 AM
Brilliant results from all the nominees - what a tough month! JBRetro and 3B deserving winners. The bar just keeps getting set higher and higher!

Zandit75
07-11-2016, 04:45 AM
Congratulations guys, both well deserved! Such a hard month to be entered in. I guess that just means I'll have to try again!!!!
Thanks also for the judges comments, most appreciated. I'll take it all on board for my future builds!

wokkaboy
07-11-2016, 06:16 AM
Congratulations JB and 3 Bass. Both well deserved winner and runner up. Think I scored these the highest. Well done all other entries weren't far behind. Just shows you the standard this competition has risen to!!

Andy40
07-11-2016, 07:31 AM
Congratulations guys. all of the entries this month were high standard.

pablopepper
07-11-2016, 07:49 AM
Really tough month. Congrats to the winners. Well deserved.

stan
07-11-2016, 07:52 AM
some awesome submissions and a tough judging month, well done to everyone, and the winners

WeirdBits
07-11-2016, 08:40 AM
A month full of winning builds, you'd be proud to own any of them. Congrats to JB, that's a stunning GR-1SF and deserved winner. And well done to 3B as runner-up, it's pretty much the perfect JB-5RF.

Fretworn
07-11-2016, 09:33 AM
Congratulations to everyone!

ThreeBbass
07-11-2016, 11:21 AM
wow ... feeling honoured ... thanks for the nod!
so many amazing guitars this month ...
absolutely agree with the judges on the winner ... I'd love to have JB Retro's GR-1SF in my collection, it's a thing of beauty!
:cool:

JB RETRO
07-11-2016, 02:11 PM
Feeling totally honoured, as per 3bbass . the entries seem to be getting better and better each month. This time next year what will we have to do to win! Thanks again JB

Mal75
07-11-2016, 03:10 PM
Congrats JB Retro! It looks unreal!

andrewdosborne
07-11-2016, 05:32 PM
Congrats winners and everyone else for superb entries


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Dedman
07-11-2016, 06:44 PM
Congrats JB, I've sent you a PM for details of where to send the Gibson book

wazkelly
07-11-2016, 06:46 PM
Congrats to all entrants. Another outstanding month choc full of stunning axes.

Alan
08-11-2016, 05:46 AM
Well done everyone, some really nice looking guitars there

nitroburner1000
12-11-2016, 04:41 AM
Nice lineup guys, off the charts quality....

Wayne.Mumford
24-11-2016, 01:40 PM
Well dona all . JB Retro , thats got to be guitar of the year, stunning.