I did order some “Black Stump” Dingotone thinking the dark stain would look good with chrome parts? No neck holes in the body? Wasn’t sure if this was typical or not. Work today, then a couple days off. Hoping to make a start on it tomorrow.
Was seriously considering doing a string through as well. Have heard it definitely increases the sustain? Have to get my drill press back off a mate first though.
Also, do you guys recommend doing all the drilling before I start any staining?
No neck holes is a bit of a blessing as they aren't usually very accurate. A string through is worth while, but tricky to do well. A drill press is definitely a good idea. I'm hoping to do that mod to the Sonicaster eventually. I have pre drilled before and then run into dramas with water getting into the holes during cutting back of the clear- the wood swells and cracks the finish.
There isn't really a hard and fast rule with pre drilling. My approach now would be to make sure its all going to work, neck goes into the pocket straight, scale length is all good etc. Then finish, then drill the holes for assembly (Very carefully). You can pre-drill if you don't think you will be doing any wet and dry sanding or if you can be very careful about not letting any moisture get into the holes. They can be plugged up pretty well with toothpicks if you go that way.
I've found it to be a good idea to enlarge the bridge cavity a bit towards the neck to move the bridge up with the pickup installed. This makes it sit more nicely in the scratch plate and gives you a bit more wiggle room with intonation. If you have a look at the Rellicaster thread you can see a before and after. Your kit is slightly different so it may not be an issue - worth having a look at though.
Build 1 - Shoegazer MK1 JMA-1
Build 2 - The Relliecaster TL-1
Build 3 - The Black Cherry SG AG-1
Build 4 - The Sonicaster TL-1ish
Build 5 - The Steampunker Bass YB-4
Build 6 - The Howling Gowing ST-1
"What I lack in talent I make up for with enthusiasm"
Yes I would have to agree. Tried to do the 2 holes on one side and then the rest half-way each side.Originally Posted by Sonic Mountain
Still managed to mess it up.
I would use the method again but only if I had access to a drill press.
cheers, Mark
I've stalled out on one of my two builds because the neck holes were off (screw would have been going into the very edge of the neck), and I've been reluctant to start the work to plug and drill new ones. As Sonic said, maybe that's a blessing in disguise. You can drill them right the first time instead of having to plug and re-drill.
Hi guys, just a few progress shots...
I sanded back to 120 and then used some "Ebony" Timbermate grain filler. After I finished putting it on I sat back and had a "what have I done" moment and hoped that I'd made the right decision.
I left it on there for about 24 hours, then wiped it off and was pleasantly surprised with the result.
I let it dry and then sanded back to 240 and got ready to start staining.
Very happy with the tone the Black Stump Dingtone stain has given. The grain still shows through beautifully. It does look a little bit darker in the photo than it does in the flesh, which I'm happy with. I'll try to start playing with the neck while I give that body some time to cure.
Thats tasty Scott, really worked out well in highlighting that grain pattern. Wonderful job.
FrankenLab
Hand crafting guitars, because Death Rays are expensive.
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