Build #2 - PSH-1 (Redux)

[mrpearson]

Re-starting a Build Diary for my second build which is a PSH-1 kit from PBG.

PBG were awesome in their customer support and service. I took their advice in not going with a replacement of my custom order rather taking one of the standard PSH-1 kits they had in stock. They picked out a very nice expression as well - I can barely see any glue spots with the naked eye (just one so far); the maple veneer looks very nice; the basswood body does look good - not as nice as the mahogany on my custom order but perfectly acceptable; the neck and fretboard look great too with the headstock shape a much nicer profile than the very elongated/pointy one on my previous kit.

My original design ideas are the same.remains the same as for the original kit. I'll use a two-tone (chrome and gold) style for the hardware, in the same style as the PRS SE Hollowbody II. I have purchased some Tonerider alnico II pickups, new pots, switch and locking machine heads.

I just need to do something about the truss rod cover as the standard black plastic trapezoid one is not ideal. This may be an opportunity for some unique design and handcraft

All in all, I'm very happy. I'll wait for my replacement bridge to arrive before doing a mock assembly and checking the neck angle, bridge locattion, etc.

In the meantime, here are a few shots of the kit body and neck.

Just one question for the forum: The standard kit has white binding. My pickup surrounds and toggle switch knob are both cream in colour. Does anyone have any suggestions for how to tint/stain/recolour white binding?

Glad you got your new kit. Some shared learnings ….

1) my kit and also Viveks seemed to have large areas of glue that had soaked through the veneer edge. It was less obvious to see when wiping down with turps than the bigger surface chunks of glue. Suggest a very light water wipe down. (Careful though with water) The surface chunks come off easily with goof off, the glue soaked in is harder to remove. Vivek got some advice using warm water but be super careful not to warp the veneer. When trying to remove the stains my grain opened up and it took ages to fill. I would count on a burst in your design.

2) truss rod cover - see my other comment

3) the basswood can get very smooth, I used the truoil slurry method which worked amazing well to remove any grain texture on the back Even after heaps of sanding before staining the slurry method was required.

4) where the edges bend below the horns I really struggled getting any stain to absorb but accepting it as wood character which looks pretty cool.

5) the neck angle will need some work as the action our of the box is way too high. I think you have seen all the discussions around vivek and I building shims.


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