TonyM's ESG-1

Hi All,
Although I had finished my ESG-1 a couple of months ago I thought it was worthwhile posting a photo and sharing some thoughts. I can see that this DIY kit building is a little addictive and I enjoyed the process. I can see myself starting another build soon.
I used Dingotone for the finish and this allowed my to carry out the complete build indoors in our office at home! In the beginning I thought that I would end up with a second rate guitar that with a bit of luck could be played and sound passable. Notwithstanding this I decided to give the build my best shot and not rush anything. I was surprised how long the Dingotone (Bushfire Sunrise) took to dry between coats and it's slightly less than "gloss" finish. I was also surprised at how long (two months) it took to apply the various Dingotone coats and therefore how long it took to build the guitar. The rest of the build was straightforward, including the wiring and it's installation.
What has impressed and delighted me was the quality of the kit and the subsequent final quality of the finished guitar. I have recently started guitar lessons and my teacher (a university qualified jazz guitarist of many years) is very impressed with my ESG-1's play-ability but just as importantly it's sound. He feels it is better on both counts than a couple of his quite expensive well known branded commercially produced instruments. I would not seek to claim a guitar of the month award, but I feel that my Gibson copy is at least as good and better than most(?) similar guitars for sale in shops. I have been playing my guitar in company, with pride and a high degree of overall satisfaction. Thank you PB Guitars.
Cheers
Tony

Nice work Tony, she looks great!

Nice ESG. Yes agree these are great kits

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

GReat Job Tony, love that bushfire sunrise

great looking build Tony and glad you are happy with the quality of the kit and the sound and playability of the axe. Looks pretty similar to my ES-1G.
Warning building kits is very addictive and GAS (guitar acquisition syndrome) increases exponentially the more you build.

Was worth the wait for the Dingotone to cure.

Must be a good build if your guitar teacher is impressed. Keep plugging away at the lessons

Very nice looking ES Tony, well done.

Thanks for the positive comments, I must add that I took up playing about a year ago after a break of almost 50 years!! I used to play mainly rock as a teenager, but now am moving towards jazz, hence the Gibson 335 lookalike. I was hoping for a guitar that had that smooth jazz sound as well as a light action. I am really surprised how the ESG-1 has met those needs. After I finished the kit build I replaced the neck on the cheap Squier that I bought a year ago and with the knowledge and (limited) experience I gained from the esg build I have set up the Squier to a very playable instrument. This is great for alternative tunings.
I am hooked on this kit building and have dropped any ideas of spending large dollars on a real Gibson or Fender!!! I read the forum on this issue with interest and agree with most of the comments. My teacher commented that he would like me to build him a Pit Bull guitar!!

I do love those hollow body guitars. Nice work Tony. Very satisfying making something you can use.