First build LP-1MQ

Hi all, yes first build (probably not the last!) and thoroughly addicted already, I got my kit last week and am loving the process so far. I did a mock build on day 1, all seems good, did have exactly the same panic with the neck fit as Greg did on his LP-1MQ, but found his thread covering that very reassuring.
The plan has alway been DT Coolangatta Gold with a Bushfire Sunrise burst, which I was pretty concerned about doing as I had no idea what to do, however reading a couple of hundred threads I felt empowered with enough knowledge to have a crack, worst case scenario is paint it black!
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Anyway after much sanding, 2 stain coats of Gold and a few burst coats later I'm quite chuffed by how its coming along
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Did the first coat of Bushfire on the body this evening, probably do another tomorrow (gotta love good drying conditions in Queensland) and will post another pic then.
Next thing to work out is headstock shape, jury is still out on that one, I will come up with something eventually.
Any advise or suggestions, good or bad, are very welcome.

That burst is coming along nicely, DT just looks great on quilted tops. Well done.

That's looking stunning - great job!

WOW! :cool:

A stunner!

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Hi Dave

Great start and color. It is interesting that the quilts are quite different and patterns change from different directions. Looks like you didn't try any black highlight. Did you sand the cap first?

I am interested that you were worried about the neck fitting as well as me. I haven't seen anything similar on commercial guitars that are the LP type body. It appears the ES(?) is a bit like it at the neck but the body is entirely different. I am not expert in guitar shapes and models though. Just like to drool in the guitar shops.

I have long way to go. At least you have got started.

That's really beautiful! Fantastic job!

Great start Dave, that burst is really nice and subtle.
Well done!

Thanks for the feedback guys, it's all going to plan at the moment.
Greg I did sand the cap very lightly with 320 then 400 and then after the first stain coat found some glue and scratches I had missed the first time around, I was probably lucky not to go through the veneer, I just had all the advice ringing in my ears about not over doing it. I'll post a photo later of my first stain coat so you can see what I mean

That top is lovely.

Great colour tones that have done an awesome job of highlighting the quilted top.

As promised, a picture of the first stain coat to show you the glue patches I missed, I couldn't see them at all even with a damp rag, little bit more gentle sanding and all was good.
As you said Greg I didn't worry about a grain popping tint first, I thought I'd see how I went without it and was too worried about excessive sanding on the cap. From what I have read and seen the intensifing coats will bring out more depth of the quilt, here's hoping anyway



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Does it still have the burst?

It seems like its almost a ghost burst... how sick will that look?!

I originally wanted a more cherry burst but actually decided the subtle look is quite appealing so didnt try another coat of burst.
I've now done a couple of coats of DT Bushfire on the back and that is coming along, it was a mystery as to what colour it will look like on mahogany, I'll get a picture up when I can, quite pleased with the look when wet, only time will tell.

Yes the burst is still there, I posted my pictures out of whack, this was before I did the burst, wanted to show the glue spots

turning out well Dave

I am interested in your comment about the "damp rag". I tired to find glue spots on my MQ with the damp rag trick and developed bubbles ( see photos in my diary - Greg's First Build - LP-1MQ #151 ). Sounds like you did not have any bubbles.

I am discussing the bubbles with DB at present but he suggested that I should not have put a damp rag on the veneer. Begs the question about water based stains though.

Luckily the bubbles went down when the veneer dried so discussing regluing options at this stage.

Greg I am keeping a keen eye on your build thread, it's interesting to see someone in the same position as me with the same kit on the go at the same time, and did see your problem with the bubbling, I feel your anguish. I was very nervous wiping the cap and kept my cloth barely damp, only a few drops of water on a microfibre cloth, hence the reason I missed the glue spots.
It will be interesting to see how both our guitars pan out, I'm not expecting miracles from mine but will be proud of myself if I end up with something vaguely playable that looks ok, from a distance in dim light!

Must have been a very, very thin cap as on my Flame Maple Tele it was fine and that was after using water based ink twice and wiped off wet 24 hours after each application.