Bargeloob's STA-1

[west0288]

Hey thanks for the kind words Brodie.

No worries, mate. Quality work deserves quality praise.

If you're entertaining the idea of trying something a bit different, after deciding what style you want to go with I normally try and compile a bunch of images of ideas that I like then take the best bits of those until I finish up with a concept I'm happy with.
Then, depending on the techniques involved to actually complete the build, I do more research until I'm at the stage where I'm comfortable enough to put it all into practice.
After which it's just a matter of diving off the deep end and having a crack. As the old saying goes "nothing ventured, nothing gained".
To be honest, being a first attempt at this type of carving I actually surprised myself a little bit:P

One day, when I have the resources available I will definitely attempt some mods. I like the basic premise of a strat shape, but I feel it could definitely use some refinement, so that would be my first try I reckon - especially given it is the cheapest kit...

EDIT: Have you finished the "Wasp" yet man? I'm itching to see that build all buttoned up.

Ah yes, the Wasp... I have got it together, the clear coat looks smooth as, and the neck wax has cured to make it feel awesome. Still a few problems though:

1. I sanded through the black in a few places on the back (so you can see yellow) so I'm toying with the idea of a repair, but by the same token I don't want to mess with anything for fear of ruining it.

2. I wired it, was running fine, but now it has horrible feedback when no hardware is being touched (grounding issue) so now I have to go back and rewire it all too.

3. The nut makes the action way too high to be comfortably playable, so I have to try and remove that again to shave it down, whilst hopefully still keeping it level.

So, still a bit to do, but I'm as keen as you are to see it done. On an unrelated note, the IB-1 is awesome, and with a decent fret job it will be an incredible player. I'm happy enough with it I would even consider dropping some more $$ on it to upgrade the pups, pots, etc. Just got to sit down and put in the man hours to finish up the fret board.