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Hi everyone! My TB-4 bass kit (firebird) was just posted to me in NZ today, looking forward to it, planning on covering the build on the forum. Already started to get an idea of the body shape i'm going to cut it down to (blue line in the pic). Iv'e started to gather supplies, was wondering if anyone knew where to get a nice strong blue wood stain. No luck at bunnings, Cheers.
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Oooh, nice. I do love a bit of heavy kit alteration. Look forward to seeing it come together
Welcome Skye.
Cool "re-imagining" as Hollywood says.
As for blues stain, you will likely need to go for a dye rather than a stain. There are lots of alternatives for adding colour to you project ranging from leather dye, timber dye, fabric dye, inks etc. You can get timber dyes from somewhere that sells guitar parts and finishing supplies, or wood working supply shops.
Don't know what options you have in NZ, but there are a bunch of online suppliers in AUS where you can get stuff (including PBG).
I'm thinking blue dye for my next build. I don't know what that will be yet, other than blue that is :D
Keep posting, it will be an interesting build.
Cheers,
Mick
O.K. a negative spin, but here goes.
Correct me if I'm wrong (usual am) but I thought this particular model was prone to 'neck dive'.
Removing body material would surely exacerbate this situation?
cheers Mark.
Ah damn, yea I was wondering about that, especially with the light bass wood body. I'll have to see how it feels when it arrives. Might take what I can out of the head and add some weight if I have to, hopefully it's not too bad.
I love that shape! Makes me wonder why no one thought of it sooner. Have fun with the build. fyi I've just started my 1st build too - a Telecaster thin line style
Ok cool. I'll look around for some dyes, thanks for the help.
Definitely prone to neck dive. Which is ok if you are prepared for it. Perhaps there is a way to hide a lead or steel weight in the tail end of the body to counteract?Quote:
Originally Posted by king casey
Cool looking design!
Colour-wise, I ordered through Crimson guitars. It takes 10-20days before it arives but I like the way their stains work. I went with the "Stain shots" as they keep the weight of the package down.
P.S. sending to Australia, I found out that when you fill out your shipping details, you get a couple of dollars discount which makes up for shipping cost, I believe the total is even cheaper than a European delivery.
Have fun!
Cheers, Yeah it looks like a good option, might go with that. Thanks
Kit arrived today, looks good, every thing fits. A corner of the neck is missing though and the wood is split. Is anyone able to tell me if this is important? Is it something I need to have replaced, or deal with myself? Cheers all
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Hmm. That's not ideal, it's had a tear out when they've routed it, which has split the neck.
You could glue and clamp the crack and then tidy up the corner. It will be hidden in the pocket and shouldn't cause any issues. That said, I'd probably send a pic to Adam, I don't think he'd be happy with it arriving like that.
Alright, Iv'e sent him an email with the pic, i'm missing the copper shielding tape too lolQuote:
Originally Posted by Sonic Mountain
I've found another issue, at first I thought it was a weird grain line, but no. Two of the top pieces of the body have been cut off at some point and glued back on. Really disappointed in the quality of Pit Bull guitars.
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That is completely normal. The body blanks are almost always several pieces glued together. You'll find that a lot of commercial guitars are made exactly the same way and it's only once you get up into much higher spec models that you get one or two piece bodies. Looking at the top shot, you've actually got a really nice grain match, it would come up well with a stain if that's the direction you want to go.
You should probably give it a wipe over with a damp cloth and have a look for glue spots before you do anything, they can be cleaned up with a soft wire brush and metho.
It is true that the kits can be a bit hit and miss at times, but they are also extremely cheap for what they are. There isn't much you can't overcome, both of the main issues you have could be sorted with a bit of tinkering. That's why we are all here. Adam is also very understanding and does his upmost to ensure customer satisfaction.
It's often said that these are not Ikea guitar kits, but its the problem solving and sorting out that really makes it your own and teaches you about the process, so don't be disheartened, we've all been there. My first build I was very unsure and also had a few things that I wasn't happy with. That is now one of my favourite guitars and has been through a couple of evolutions since it's original completion.
I hope you stick with it.
Oh lol ok, I had no idea, thanks for clearing that up. Yea i'm going to stick with it, the neck damage annoys me but the fit is still snug with no wobble, so I guess i'm gonna have to deal with it somehow. Not sure how i'll finish it yet, but i'm gonna get started shaping the body. I'll start a build dairy and post in there from no on.
Thanks again for your help.
Skye - having seen the guys packing the guitars - not sure how the neck has gotten through the QA processes.Quote:
Originally Posted by Skye
Agree with Sonic - the body joins are normal - most bodies are 3 / 4 / 5 pieces - though they have been getting some newer kits through that are advertised as 2 piece bodies. The grain match is pretty good - have seen a whole lot worse - check for any glue spots - though with a solid ash body - you should be able to get rid of them fairly easily.