Erics STarter build

So... I ordered the STA-1M kit from adam a few weeks ago.
Along with the stock kit, i ordered the Grover tuners and a bone nut to suit.
I need to order a bridge, and i like the look of the Babicz FCH bridge.

Day of Delivery :D3
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Now, i work a bit... so not much happens for the next 4 weeks :(
So.. onto the interwebs i go...

Cue, 1 notched straight edge, fret rocker, fret files, switchcraft output jack, doublesided copper shielding and some tightbond.
About this time I do a mock up (after reading the damn manual...) and realise that my neck pocket is slightly too big ;)

Not to worry, i order a sheet of .4mm veneer and get to work...
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and BAM.. a neck that fits properly...
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So... that was yesterday!

Today I got to work with some 320, 400 and 600 Grit Sandpaper.

400
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600
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CBF'd getting my painters tape out of the garage to tape up the neck... but thats next!

Eric

Looking good Eric! What's the plan for the finish on this bad boy?

cheers,
Gav.

Woah!, nice work with the shim. That ash looks incredible. (drool):cool:

Hi Guys,

Finish wise... well it was supposed to end up as a Gilmore-ish black strat clone...
I've since changed my mind a thousand times. I really like the ash grain, so I've bought some ebony timbermate and ill grain fill with that to really bring it out. Once i see how that looks, ill most likely dye it deep red, not quite burgundy and finish with a heavy clear.
If the grain doesn't come out as planned... damned if i know!

Eric

This should be a cracker! I vote the deep red, I really want to see how that turns out.

I worked from home today, so inbetween emails and phonecalls..

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I still need to sand it back again... and again... and again.

That's come up nicely, will this affect your overall plan for coloured finish?

I'll sand it from 120grit up to 300 again.
The timber is coming through but, its still a bit darker than i was hoping for.

For those interested, this is timbermate blended at about 10:1 with warm water, applied with a cloth left to dry until it starts to turn cloudy then wiped away with a second damp cloth.
I left it for about 30mins after the wiping down and sanded it lightly with 120grit paper i'd normally use to sand paint from walls.
It needs to be sanded again a little more aggressively though to get some of the timber back through.

Eric

Looking good and grain is popping nicely

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