Loving the contrast between the dark edge and the bright maple



Finally its time to stain the top!



I always knew that putting some stain on the veneer was going to highlight any imperfections mainly around the binding, but also just under the left cutaway and the join line of the veneer which wouldn't take stain. Someone got a bit glue happy in the factory - I've seen worse, but still needs fixing.
After some research, I used the wire brush and wire wool method which worked a treat.



Was also greeted with more random imperfections - was quite nervous about sanding these marks out and not going through the veneer.



Sanded back and a much brighter finish - ready for some blue



Headstock first - just in case!



Really pleased with how this has turned out! I've since rubbed it back slightly with some wire wool and applied another coat of blue. The area of the cutaway on the left where the scratches were seems to take stain fine but is a bit lighter so i've put a few extra coats to darken it.

I'm currently waiting for some oil to arrive to give it some depth and shine. I'm in two minds about fixing the neck in the meantime and oiling the whole thing as one, or oiling them both separately and then fixing the neck afterwards.