ESB-4SC - First build!

Hi All!

We've been quiet because we're mostly just putting on coats of Tru Oil. The gloss gets a little better every time, as expected. We're up to ten coats now, and the grain is almost totally filled. I'll grab some pics and post them on Thursday.

So we'll see you after another 10 coats then!!!:p

Good stuff Hooligan looking forward to seeing the final result


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We're up to 14 coats of Tru Oil at this point. Each coat gets thinner as the surface no longer absorbs any new oil. It just lays on top until it cures. Most of the guitar is very very smooth now (check out that reflection in the last pic!), though there are a couple of spots that still have some grain showing. I think just a few more coats and we'll be done. Then the plan is to let it cure for a couple of weeks, then buff it to a high shine. Then, FINALLY, we'll be able to put the electronics in, do some set up, and play it!

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looking awesome!

looking very nice Hooligan, you and your Dad must be stoked with the results !

I'm new here, Hooligan, I just read about your build and saw the results. It's a beautiful instrument.

So, how does it play? How does it sound?

Looking good. I was just reading up on Tru Oil (heard the name before but never knew exactly what it was) and one luthier's web page says that it doesn't take too well to buffing (probably machine buffing). I'd test out any manual buffing on a small area first that's less important if it goes wrong, or easier to fix (e.g. the back of the headstock). As with any buffing, avoid a build-up of heat as this will soften and damage the finish created by the Tru Oil.

Yeah I tried Tru Oil Buffing on mine before I changed tactic - it didnt really like being bufffed whatsoever - went all cloudy and stuff. Do I have decent buffing gear? Not at all - so Im absolutely positive others would get a FAR better result from TO than I did - but it really did not like me at all...

Considering it's intended use is rifle stocks, they tend not to be super glossy so, not really surprising it doesn't go to a mirror finish