first build, ST1

[Arune5]

Hi all,

First time building a guitar, hopefully all goes well. done the test fit, all good and measurements are spot on. Im thinking about staining the body and headstock dark grey, not exactly sure how to accomplish that. For the back of the neck I want a 'pool cue' finish, read somewhere that Danish oil could work, a second opinion would be much appreciated . If anyone has a headstock template for 50/60s Strat that would be a big help, can't seem to find one that's right. Thanks in advance.

Regards

Aaron

[ian_macpherson]

Electric Herald - https://www.electricherald.com has a number of downloadable templates including several stratocaster and telecaster headstocks. I'm not sure that any of these will fit the paddle headstock from the kit.

[Trevor Davies]

Hi and welcome Aaron.

For a dark grey stain, you may need to use a diluted black - but definitely try it out on some scrap wood (or in the cavity routes to see how it looks). And it will darken up more with the addition of the final coats.

I have not used Danish oil - I use tru-oil which gives a glossy finish.

[Arune5]

Thanks for the replies, really do appreciate it. Shaped the headstock, I don't think it looks too bad except for a few chips right at the top, should I try sand them out? honestly not too heart broken about them but it would be nice to fix them if I can.

https://imgur.com/a/lLXlM3U

Thanks

Aaron

[Trevor Davies]

To upload, the images must be smaller than 1000 on the biggest edge. Some folks use IMGUR to store bigger pictures and then just link them to the forum.

[Trevor Davies]

Thanks for the replies, really do appreciate it. Shaped the headstock, I don't think it looks too bad except for a few chips right at the top, should I try sand them out? honestly not too heart broken about them but it would be nice to fix them if I can.

https://imgur.com/a/lLXlM3U

Thanks

Aaron

The headstock shape looks good.
For the chips, you may be able to sand them out! I would add some wood filler (like timbermate in Oz) in a light colour. After it sets hard, sand it back to the surface. You can stain over the top.

[XP Rider]

Amen to Trevors recomenndation on TruOil for the neck finish. About 25 coats for a glossy finish and a nice feel. I just followed a suggestion for boiled linseed oil. Terrible mistake. Don't go there.