PBG-2F build. First guitar kit - here we go

[normrepa]

Had my PBG-2F kit for a little while, was thinking about an electric guitar for a while but I thought building my own would create that 'ikea effect' and hopefully port-over to picking it up more often to learn how to play, more often, and thus make more progress. Well, that's the theory anyway!

I really looked the like the G*bson Lucille originally, but when I saw the book matched veneer options available I thought a gloss black finish might be a waste. Consequently, sunburst was on the menu, but I wanted to experiment with mahogony and walnut tones to get someting approximating an oxblood sunburst.

If nothing else it's highlighted all the ways you can tweak and tune an instrument to extract maximum performance out of it, regardless of whether its inexpensive or the price of a small car. I'll throw up a few pictures from time to time and hopefully tap into the brains-trust here in the (likely) event that I come up against some challenges during the build.

[fender3x]

Welcome! My first build was also an ES type, although a bass rather than a guitar. I'll be looking forward to watching your build.

I have done a couple of ES style basses...both ended up with sold color tops because that veneer is SO thin and easy to damage--for me at least! Fortunately there have been others that have done better with it. TD has done a couple lately. You might want to peruse the build diaries to see how successful folks have done theirs ;-)

[normrepa]

Thanks very much, yes you need to be careful how you look at the veneer in some places it's that thin - fortunately though there were very few areas where glue had seeped through and required goof-off / IPA to open pores. What I've since discovered is that you ALSO need to be supremely careful with how you apply stain.

I wanted some areas to pop a little more and left a dilute pool to soak for 10min before rubbing out - I forgot the veneer is probably paper backed and ended up with a couple of bubbles in the veneer. Not ideal but this is as much a 'learning to build guitar' as it will be 'learning to play guitar'.

I'll post some pictures once I either download them from my phone or get the forum up and runnin on the phone.

Thanks for the advice re other build diaries- will need to check a few out in anticipation of future steps.

[normrepa]

PBG box arrived with a large centrally located puncture - first 0.0 pucker moment was hoping all the vitals were missed, which fortunately they were!
After laying everything out, noting missing bits, and tweaking pickup openings for fit there was some chin scratching on how to shape the head. On the table is a paper template that was used to shape the head with a jigsaw.

Fitting the neck to the body took a little fluffing around but I anticipate I'll have to do it again after getting some finish on the neck.

[fender3x]

I think these are some of the coolest kits. IIRC he PBGs are unique to PB, so you won't see them elsewhere. The closest I have seen to them are the Tomcat series from Sublime Guitars. I think that the PB guitar design may actually predate Sublime's design. It was a great little company that, unfortunately, went under during Covid. At least Tim won't need to send them a cease and desist letter ;-)

Yours looks great out of the box. Glad the puncture spared that beautiful top! Is is 24.75" scale or 25.5?

Will be looking forward to seeing what yo do with it!

[normrepa]

Just looked up the Sublime Tomcats - they do indeed look good. There were one or two pics that looked super flash with how they'd been optioned and upgraded. Progress has slowed a little on my guitar, cool weather and having a few things on is slowing down how many coats I can get on...and then sand back. Will try and get another couple of pics up later on.

[normrepa]

Hmm, I made a note at the time of the scale length when doing a preliminary adjustment of bridge - I think it was 25.5" but will confirm if I get a chance to hit the shed tomorrow.

Built up an oxblood sunburst (of sorts) using feast watson stains, starting with mahogany, then walnut and then black around the outside of the body.

Applying the stain was a process of diluting the first coat with reducer and then progressively darkening with mahogany and walnut. Worth noting if you're going to try this approach for yourself on veneer is to not let any of the stain pool in areas (thinking you can rub out and disperse later). You can rub out and disperse, but not without soaking through the super thin veneer and into the paper backing which will bubble.

Whole process took an hour or so of just creeping up on the tint and shading I was looking for.

[fender3x]

Good tips. Wish I could get Feast Watson stains here...

I particularly like the burst on the neck.

[normrepa]

Fender3x - confirming 25.5" scale
3dprinted fret sanding blocks were very helpful for leveling everything out - only thing is...i might need another guitar kit to use them a little more ;-)

Burst on the next was last minute inspo. Because I was staining the back of the guitar too I thought a plain blonde neck might look a little out of place. Remains to be seen if the texture of the finish will be off putting. However Im realising that this is my first build and quite possibly not my last so don't expect perfection on the first go if you're trying new stuff!

[fender3x]

Fender3x - confirming 25.5" scale
3dprinted fret sanding blocks were very helpful for leveling everything out - only thing is...i might need another guitar kit to use them a little more ;-)

Burst on the next was last minute inspo. Because I was staining the back of the guitar too I thought a plain blonde neck might look a little out of place. Remains to be seen if the texture of the finish will be off putting. However Im realising that this is my first build and quite possibly not my last so don't expect perfection on the first go if you're trying new stuff!

3D Sanding block? Now I am intrigued. Please put up a pic of that ;-)

I have a one bass neck that is painted maple...actually the one in my avatar though you can't see the neck. I don't really notice any difference in feel from my blond maple necks finished with shellac (for a little color) and water-based satin finish. Some gloss finishes, I have found, don't feel as good, but this varies quite a bit. I have one bass with that came with a very thin gloss finish that feels great. Wish I knew what they used ;-)

I think as long as it is pretty flat when you put the clear on, and you apply enough clear so that you can sand flat, the texture should be fine.