Aadamdun build #1 TL

Hi Buddy, Ash has a very strong grain pattern that sometimes results in 'grain waves' in the finish where it is nearly impossible to get a flat finished surface. Overall effect looks great but if you want that 'dipped in plastic' look maybe another timber would be a better choice.

Have only used Basswood on 3 builds and Ash on 1. With Basswood the top colours were orange on one and gold on the other which were unaffected by the slight yellowish tinge inherent in that timber species however under the blue Tele things did turn a bit more Teal than Blue.

Haven't built with Alder so cannot comment other than to say my Antique White Pacifica made from the same stuff feels and sounds great, but you wouldn't really know what the timber was as it is hidden under a solid colour.

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Originally Posted by wazkelly

Hi Buddy, Ash has a very strong grain pattern that sometimes results in 'grain waves' in the finish where it is nearly impossible to get a flat finished surface. Overall effect looks great but if you want that 'dipped in plastic' look maybe another timber would be a better choice.

Have only used Basswood on 3 builds and Ash on 1. With Basswood the top colours were orange on one and gold on the other which were unaffected by the slight yellowish tinge inherent in that timber species however under the blue Tele things did turn a bit more Teal than Blue.

Haven't built with Alder so cannot comment other than to say my Antique White Pacifica made from the same stuff feels and sounds great, but you wouldn't really know what the timber was as it is hidden under a solid colour.

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Thanks for the input much appreciated.

This style of guitar is one that I badly want for my collection so near enough is not good enough for this one. The basswood body I have just looks ugly because there is 2 very big spots of very soft grain on the front side. As soon as you wipe colour over it the spots turn into big dark blobs. I attempted to grain fill it but it didn't next to nothing. Just a not so great piece of timber, but that's the luck of the draw. At this price point you must also expect these types of issues. If I wanted a solid colour body great but I'll be roasting marsh mellows over this one.

Hi Adam,

Have you found a pic of the finish type you are trying to achieve?

As you say, its the luck of the draw with basswood (or with any wood for that matter). Although I have an idea, most of the time I don't really settle on the colour/finish scheme until I've sanded for a few hours.

I love my basswood strat (solid paint build) and prefer it to my others sometimes as its so light and comfortable yet not compromising on tone.