Build for a Mate

So in the proud FrankenLab tradition of doing too many things at the same time, we have started on an ST-1 build.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8ca371913f.jpg

It’s a reasonably nice body, but the neck is fantastic!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9415c79636.jpg

The fretboard is variegated from a typical rosewood deep brown, through to an orange/russet colour.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4517f8622b.jpg

This build is for a Mate who is getting back to playing and he wanted something basic.
I’m going to replace the plastic nut with a bone one (the factory fitted one was glued in backwards, high side to the headstock) which I’ve already shaped a blank for.
The pups are going to be ripped out and replaced with a set of tone riders.
I’m trying to get some colour input from the client but he’s done the “I’ll leave it up to you mate, I trust your judgement”. So I have Carte Blanche, but no freaking idea.




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

Cool! I never liked strat shaped guitars, but I've become such a fiend for them recently. I've caught the strat bug, clearly.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JohnH

Cool! I never liked strat shaped guitars, but I've become such a fiend for them recently. I've caught the strat bug, clearly.

---

I was always an Ibanez and G company bloke, but the way my Korean Deluxe turned out I’ve come to appreciate the STs more.
I’ve got some plans for a couple of super Strat styles that may end up as scratch builds.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by FrankenWashie

I’m trying to get some colour input from the client but he’s done the “I’ll leave it up to you mate, I trust your judgement”. So I have Carte Blanche, but no freaking idea.

---

So he's asking for Pink?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Brendan

So he's asking for Pink?

---

if I paint it pink it will never get further than my daughter.
I’m opting for a striking shade of baby poo brown.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by FrankenWashie

if I paint it pink it will never get further than my daughter.
I’m opting for a striking shade of baby poo brown.

---

OOohh!! Stunning...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Brendan

OOohh!! Stunning...

---

The tricky bit will be simulating the corn....

Did you cut that headstock wiht a bandsaw?

Shell pink is my vote!

http://davesguitar.com/wp-content/up.../10/423243.jpg

Hell yeah, I’m man enough to play that......

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Andy40

Did you cut that headstock wiht a bandsaw?

---

Heck I wish! That my friend, was 1 long continuous coping saw cut, cleaned up with a shinto rasp a curved razor file, 80 grit emery, Abranet sanding nets and a lot of elbow grease.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fretworn

http://davesguitar.com/wp-content/up.../10/423243.jpg

Hell yeah, I’m man enough to play that......

---

That's hideous...yet still infinitely better than SFG....Hmmm

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by FrankenWashie

That's hideous...yet still infinitely better than SFG....Hmmm

---

I’m beginning to worry about you Frankie, you hate all the best colours.............. ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fretworn

I’m beginning to worry about you Frankie, you hate all the best colours.............. ;)

---

Its the pastel looking colours that get me. I'm fine with the bolder shades, but pastel shades sh*t me sideways, I have no idea why.

There's only one colour choice......

https://medias.spotern.com/spots/w64...1532336916.jpg

Bonus that it's easier than a dark colour.

Edit: Also you could do an 'Excalibur' headstock logo for it as a reference to the film....

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sonic Mountain

There's only one colour choice......

https://medias.spotern.com/spots/w64...1532336916.jpg

Bonus that it's easier than a dark colour.

Edit: Also you could do an 'Excalibur' headstock logo for it as a reference to the film....

---

I can't do it, I simply can't do it. I've already gone post CBS corporate buyout big head stock!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by FrankenWashie

I can't do it, I simply can't do it. I've already gone post CBS corporate buyout big head stock!

---

Have you fully recovered or are you still on the meds?

Maybe shell pink with SFG stripes?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by frankenwashie

heck i wish! That my friend, was 1 long continuous coping saw cut, cleaned up with a shinto rasp a curved razor file, 80 grit emery, abranet sanding nets and a lot of elbow grease.

---

r e s p e c t

Please tell me you are not using enamel based paints for this build? they react poorly with guitar stands with foam... just terribly, I've just sanded off and started repainting my ES build from waaaay back.

I've been getting some good results with Dupli-colour paints from Supercheap auto. They have brilliant colours but none of them are really pastel type colours.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Andy40

Please tell me you are not using enamel based paints for this build? they react poorly with guitar stands with foam... just terribly, I've just sanded off and started repainting my ES build from waaaay back.

I've been getting some good results with Dupli-colour paints from Supercheap auto. They have brilliant colours but none of them are really pastel type colours.

---

No, no enamels. After the PITA time I had with Rustoleum on the Cliche LP, The PE-SV and the clear coats on the ST deluxe I’m going to look at Automotive stuff for it. The shame is I still have a bunch of the rustoleum stuff left over, but The Bride has numerous projects that may consume that.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Andy40

r e s p e c t

---

And the 12” disc sander made the ball end incredibly easy to get nice and even and round! I can see it being a much use tool!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by FrankenWashie

And the 12” disc sander made the ball end incredibly easy to get nice and even and round!

---

Ouch! :eek:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Simon Barden

Ouch! :eek:

---

BOOM-TISH! Simon Barden Ladies and Gentlemen, he's here all week, do try the veal and remember to tip your server, thank you!

ha ha ha
;)

Okay, because i don't need to show you all what sanding looks like, not much has been happening in this diary.

We are now down to the nitty gritty on this thing. Body is smoothed off and sanded to an appropriate level and i am now looking at Paint and Decals.

First coat of Cabothane has gone on the neck but I'm not real happy with it, it seems i got a dodgy can, and the nozzle and spray dispersion has been really poor. I may have to strip back and try again, with a different can.

The reason for doing this first is to get the decals on the headstock:

Attachment 29942Attachment 29943Attachment 29944



I'm sticking with the branding Sonic did for me as i think it works well on a traditional Strat headstock, and the rest is pretty standard, just personalised to the bloke this is for.

I've still got to pick a colour but i am looking at the Supercheap Auto range Andy40 mentioned and a couple of others, so far we are either going an olympic-ish white, or a deep red.

Red looks good on any guitar and makes them go faster :p

I can’t see your attachments.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DarkMark

I can’t see your attachments.

---

In FW's case with Igor's experimental sewing habits, that's probably a good thing. :D



There's an issue with uploaded pics ATM.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by FrankenWashie

Okay, because i don't need to show you all what sanding looks like, not much has been happening in this diary.


First coat of Cabothane has gone on the neck but I'm not real happy with it, it seems i got a dodgy can, and the nozzle and spray dispersion has been really poor. I may have to strip back and try again, with a different can.

---

Is Cabothane your way of saying Cabots Polyurethane? Every can of poly I've used has required extreme shaking before use, a decent clearing blast before initial spraying and then being diligent turning the can upside down and purging the nozzle to avoid a shitty splattery mess. It's a great product when it's working, but its really easy to gum up the nozzle.

Yes, it is, and what you have described is exactly what I was doing. Three minute rattle (or more) agitate and up end. Inverted cleaning blast, but no dice.
I've gone to the extent of solvent cleaning out the nozzle after the upside downing didn't clear it. I played with finger position on the nozzle and what seems to happen is that after a brief good spray, it sputters and spurts then i get a blast of seemingly straight propellant.

The Poly itself seems good, just the can is not behaving.

Yeah, its the suspension medium clogging. I've had that exact thing happen a couple of times. More shaking required! Like till your arm falls off (Igor will be familiar with reattachment)

It's worse with a full fresh can and also happens more if it's humid. I'd be putting a bit of solvent down the stalk as well as I think most of the blockage is happening at that valve then making it's way into the nozzle. Obviously give it a good blast out to clear the solvent afterward.

Worth it for the finish results I reckon.

So long time between drinks on this one, finish proving problematic. I was forced to cut back and re-spray, worth it I think.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d5fe46148a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9cd9c4bcbf.jpg

Especially liking how the headstock is coming up
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...158813828c.jpg

A couple of small ish runs to fix, and then clearing it. Will need the run a test if Cabot’s over the rustoleum to see if there is any drama first


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

No. More. Red. Guitars.
I am abandoning Rustoleum after this build. 4 guitars I have used it on. all 4 have been a-holes to finish.

I'm sticking to natural finishes on figured wood. :mad:

I would simply stop using Rustoleum.
It's giving other paint brands a bad name.

cheers, Mark.

Yeah, I'm not a fan of Rustoleum any more, despite having some good results with it. It's just not that great to work with.

I used Rustoleum... ONCE...


Never again...

Also, with rattle cans, I found using a trigger attachment made a difference in my application. I know it won't fix a dodgy can, but with a proper working can, I found the trigger gave me more consistent downward pressure on the button and I didn't get my finger tip in the way!

I've switched to a gun and compressor since, but I'm sure I'll use rattle cans again for something.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by McCreed

I used Rustoleum... ONCE...


Never again...

Also, with rattle cans, I found using a trigger attachment made a difference in my application. I know it won't fix a dodgy can, but with a proper working can, I found the trigger gave me more consistent downward pressure on the button and I didn't get my finger tip in the way!

I've switched to a gun and compressor since, but I'm sure I'll use rattle cans again for something.

---

If I could figure out a way that the other half could also get use out of a gun and compressor set up....I'd be getting one.
In the interim, I shall try some of the Non BGSFOS brands should I develop amnesia and think about painting a finish again.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sonic Mountain

Yeah, I'm not a fan of Rustoleum any more, despite having some good results with it. It's just not that great to work with.

---

While i did have some problems with the PE-SV, the finish actually turned out great, or at least better than I though it would, which is I guess why I went back to it. On this red Strat it's just been an exercise in frustration.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by FrankenWashie

No. More. Red. Guitars.
I am abandoning Rustoleum after this build. 4 guitars I have used it on. all 4 have been a-holes to finish.

I'm sticking to natural finishes on figured wood. :mad:

---

I agree FW. For rattle cans, I only use Duplicolor now.