Thanks guys, for all the tips concerning the pickups. Since getting the wiring installed was much less a hassle than I expected, I decided to go with the stock pickups first.
They do sound better than I thought - so at least for the moment it's fine.
I stringed it up, checked the intonation and action. I am really surprised how well the Gr plays. So all in all I am really satisfied with the result.
However, for future projects - and I already ordered a custom AES from PBG - I would do a couple of things differently.
1. Use a grain filler - although basswood is not quite porous, it took around 4 coats until the wood on the body was filled, and the neck of course took even longer.
2. Try a different finish. I have to say that occupying our home office space for weeks to apply the wipe on poly put quite a bit of strain on family relations. My wife wasn't very happy that the office could not really be used due to poly fumes what other options are there?
Spray can poly? It'll also smell but should take a lot less time to get the finish to the desired depth?
Tru Oil? Can anybody tell me about he smell/fumes? I am assuming that it'll be similar to wipe on poly.
Shellac? That should probably be the least 'invasive' but also most time consuming options.
I love to hear from you guys what you think.
3. I'd love to get a little more depth and accentuating of the wood fibres. I put on two coats of regular water-based stain, and got even color all around, however the grain is not very pronounced. I am thinking of maybe going over the body with a darker stain, then light sanding back, and then the main color. Do you have any best practices?
Anyway, here's a Pic. Still working on the Pickguard, but not quite sure whether I actually want one.
what other options are there?
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