First build

[Tgraham]

Just ordered FH3TL kit waiting with a measure of excitement and fear about the build - pretty handy with stuff so hopefully no problems. I go to the local men’s shed lots advice and help if needed. Any pointers for a newbie?
Cheers graham

[fender3x]

Sound's good! Welcome! I understand how you feel. My first was also a semihollow bass.

As far as advice, we usually recommend starting a build diary. Good place to get advice from members, and folks also like to watch the progress ;-)

Other advice: When you get the kit, do a dry-fit to make sure sure the neck fits in the pocket, that you have all the parts, and that you can get the bridge/scale-length/neck all to line up properly.

If you have any questions or are not sure about something, ask questions, post pics. The site has experienced builders as well as people who have minimal experience with tools. So no question is too small.

I envy you the "men's shed." Wish we had them here!

[Tgraham]

Thanks for the suggestions will keep the diary with pics and notes
Cheers

[Trevor Davies]

Hi and welcome graham.

+ 1 for starting a build diary and asking questions along the way. Good luck with the build.

[Tgraham]

I’ve been looking at stains and finishes - it looks like dingotone has gone so I’m looking at colortone and some sort of oil to finish, buying finishes from luthier supplies costs more than the kit.
Experiences and suggestions
Cheers
Graham

[Trevor Davies]

IÂ’ve been looking at stains and finishes - it looks like dingotone has gone so IÂ’m looking at colortone and some sort of oil to finish, buying finishes from luthier supplies costs more than the kit.
Experiences and suggestions
Cheers
Graham

A lot will depend on the colour and finish you want, your work area, and your experience!

For me, it would depend on the colour stain I want! Most times I try to get my stains from local hardware supplies. For browny tones I normally use Feast Watson stains. For red, orange, yellow, green , blue colours I use Ubeaut water-based dyes (which I get from Timbecon). I have also used Inks!

For the clear finishes, I have used Cabot's Polyurethane (water or oil based), rattle can clear, or Tru-oil.

I know a lot of forum members use oil finishes, others shellac, some spray clear lacquer or 2K.

Lots of options.

[Tgraham]

A lot will depend on the colour and finish you want, your work area, and your experience!

For me, it would depend on the colour stain I want! Most times I try to get my stains from local hardware supplies. For browny tones I normally use Feast Watson stains. For red, orange, yellow, green , blue colours I use Ubeaut water-based dyes (which I get from Timbecon). I have also used Inks!

For the clear finishes, I have used Cabot's Polyurethane (water or oil based), rattle can clear, or Tru-oil.

I know a lot of forum members use oil finishes, some spray clear lacquer or 2K.

Lots of options.

Thanks Trevor

[Trevor Davies]

What look are you aiming for?

[Tgraham]

What look are you aiming for?

Probably a bright ish colour thinking rich yellow kinda thing, I’ve ordered some u beaut stain from timbecon ( thanks for that) so I will experiment with those before I decide. Finish coat still undecided- haven’t got the kit I ordered yet so patience is required. Just doin some homework before kit arrives. I’ve got access to shellac at the local men’s shed so that might be an option

[Tgraham]

Kit arrived safely looks great have done a dry fit. Just making sure neck fits right it seems to be sitting too high and too much downward tilt towards the headstock, would love your advice.
Cheers
Graham

Having trouble uploading photos ggrrrr