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Somehow I ordered a TLA-1 kit as a side project. The Kit looks nice.
Started working on the body.
Lots of sanding.
Put on a slurry of ebony Timbermate.
More sanding.
Put down some FW jarrah stain.
Then put on 2 brushed coats of tru-oil. Very happy with the result so far.
Now I will begin the many thin coats of tru-oil.
These things happen. :D
It looks nice.
Oh wow, Trevor, that's looking very fine...
I've also been tempted to accidentally order one of these kits. Standard hardware, or other?
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Also, is that a subtle burst going on there, or darker sides?
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Standard hardware!
Though the kit did not have a bridge and they sent me a replacement - but it is different to other kits.
Also came with a Rosewood fretboard (and not the maple) and a pearloid pickguard. Go figure.
The stain is a bit darker on the sides. No burst.Quote:
Originally Posted by dozymuppet
Highlighting the grain has given it plenty of character. Looking good. I must order a kit, “Somehow”, someday.
Looks great!
Headstock shaped. The neck and body have been tru-oiled (about 20 coats). The logos are inkjet waterslide decal paper coated with tru-oil.
The head stock shape and decals look really good. I like the body colour too.
Neat work Trevor!
Body and headstock are looking great!
can I ask you how did you find using the inkjet waterslide decal paper? Was it a headache? or relatively straight forward to print and apply? It looks amazing.
Hi FaustoB,Quote:
Originally Posted by FaustoB
The waterslide decal paper was relatively straight forward. I print my logo onto paper first to check for size and position. Then tape some decal paper over the logo area of the paper and then reprint. Then I added a few layers of truoil to the decal paper. Cut out the logo with a minimum clear edge. Add it to water for a few minutes. Carefully slide it on and position it (it is easy to damage the decal here as it is very fragile). Sponge dry the logo to remove moisture and air bubbles. Note - I normally do 2 Logos at a time in case I stuff up.
I have also found the packing tape method with a laser printer works well (but the decal paper is better). You just have to be careful when rubbing off the paper backing to ensure all the backing is removed, and that the image is not rubbed off. The tape is thicker and therefore harder to bury under the finish.
I am now using vinyl stickers.
Have you ever tried putting a few layers of Tru-Oil on the decals first before soaking them? I've used clear spray, and it makes them far more robust and less likely to crease and leave crack lines in the ink.
That’s a good idea!
Yes, the tru-oil layers need to be placed before adding to the decal to the water, otherwise the inkjet ink dissolves. I assume they will be more robust with more layers!Quote:
Originally Posted by Simon Barden
I use a laser printer for my decals, so dissolving ink isn't an issue but still add finish over them first to add strength/stiffness.
My TLA-1 kit came with a pearloid pick guard. But I think black may be better. So I made an MDF template of the traditional pickguard and then routed out a new black one.
So, you do know you can buy those, right? :pQuote:
So I made an MDF template of the traditional pickguard and then routed out a new black one.
What's the fun in that!:oQuote:
Originally Posted by McCreed
Still playing around with pickguards. Colours, shapes - too many options.
That black/white ply one looks perfect in the photo. Ship it.
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Thanks Dozy.
Bridge is on. Neck is on and checked using the E strings. Electronics all soldered and working with the tap test. Pickguard and control panel screwed on.
162 days later...
I wasn't sure about the dark stain with a rosewood fretboard and black guard, but it works! I like it!
FYI:
162 days, or 3,996,800 seconds; 233,280 minutes; 3888 hours; 23 weeks and 1 day; 44.38% of 2021 :)
It worked for George Harrison..Quote:
Originally Posted by McCreed
Attachment 42149
162 days - well I've been pacing myself!Quote:
Originally Posted by McCreed
Setup completed. Set the neck relief, adjusted string heights, filed nut slots, intonation completed. All sounds good! I will let everything settle for a few days and recheck.
So my first tele style guitar is completed.
That colour scheme looks great, Trev. Nice work.
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Thanks Dozy. :o
Very nice, looks like George's rosewood Tele