PB SG style build diary

[zachlee]

Based on a couple of comments, starting my build diary.

I had a 57 LP JR that I had to sell for college, I loved the neck width, it fit my hand so well. So I went with the PB SG style kit.

I have moderate woodworking and kit building skills, probably weakest on wiring although I am OK at soldering.

I have a Golden Age wiring template, not the pre-wired one, but I want to make sure the wiring fits into the cavity.

I see StewMac has a gloss black nitro finishing kit, which I am leaning towards.

I am considering Guyker tuning machines, cuz they're damn pretty.

I have a pretty full range of home woodworking tools, but nothing guitar-specific.

[fender3x]

Hello Zachlee,

Welcome!

Have you got your kit yet? I haven't seen the kit you are referring to for a while, but there were a few LP types that were being discontinued. I am not sure if there are any left, but you might take a look at this if you are interested:

https://www.buildyourownguitar.com.a...ad.php?t=12622

If you actually have one of the SG kits, good to know. A beautiful white one with gold hardware was my "one that got away" so I have a soft spot for them ;-)

If it's not pre-wired, all the parts from a Golden Age template should fit into pretty much any of the 4 pot, solid body kits.

[zachlee]

also, I am considering installing humbuckers on my build.

[zachlee]

One question I am unsure of.

When, during the finishing process, should I finish the fretboard? And what’s a good process/product?

[zachlee]

ignore that, everybody. upon deep review of the included bits and bobs, it seems it includes two humbuckers. So now the question becomes, do I use a P90 single coil on the neck position?

[Trevor Davies]

One question I am unsure of.

When, during the finishing process, should I finish the fretboard? And whatÂ’s a good process/product?

I'm assuming it has a rosewood fretboard, but I'm not sure what you mean by finish! If it is when to add the fretboard oil - a good product is fretboard Lemon Oil, and I would give it a coat or two after the final coats on the neck. Also, another coat before I add the strings.

[zachlee]

just what I wanted to know!

[Dikkybee007]

I am in the process of doing 4 SG style guitars. I have done 2 in gloss black paint and have vowed never again as you need a good spray environment to produce a good finish and unfortunately, I don't have such a space. I have now started doing wipe on finishes as I can do them inside as I use water based wipe on poly that I mix myself from Cabots water based poly. I use straight finish for the first 2 coats and lightly sand just to remove any brush marks. Then use a 1 part poly with 1 part water for 2 coats and lightly sand. The final coat is a 1 part poly and 2 parts water that I then buff with a fine Scotchbrite. I like a satin finish on the neck as I find the finish doesn't stick when my hand gets sweaty plus it almost looks like an oil finish if done right.

I am doing a wipe on gloss finish on one for my nephew's son that I have stained black and I am going to put in a set of zebra humbuckers.

I have redone a previous kit from another company in gloss black paint and I am using a set of P90's which are humbucker size so I don't have to use a new pickguard.

I have another which I am going to stain walnut with a satin water based wipe on finish and put in a set of Filtertron style pickups.

Lastly I have a SG bass that has a gloss paint finish with a single music man style pickup.

As for fretboard finish I use Almond oil and only use a single coat after cleaning with a cleaner. I use a fairly wet application and leave for about an hour then wipe off with paper towel. There are a lot of different finishes that people put on, none are right and none are wrong its what ever you like to use. I use almond oil as its relatively cheap and I have been using the same bottle for about 5 years. Just got to make sure its pure oil without any additives.

[zachlee]

you're quite a factory!

Thanks for the input. I have a decent spray environment, so I think I'll give it a try anyway. Only myself to blame if it goes sideways!

[zachlee]

Based on feedback from another friend, I am planning on getting a Lollar humbucker-sized P90 for the neck location. Considering a Lollar El Rayo humbucker for the bridge, but am going to wait to see what the kit standard sounds like before I add another 200 bucks to the project cost.