robs ST-1L (Lyn #9) The Lefty

[robin]

@ Nick, Fretty, Scott, Gav and Pabs
Thanks guys. This means a lot coming from you guys.

@ Tony
Yeah mate, keeping it white for now. It will be his Christmas pressie, if he wants to change it I can always do it later.

@ Woks
Thanks Warren. I did the whole guitar in Golden Teak then "tried" to do a burst with Jarrah. Because it was a stinking hot day up here (over 40 degrees) I think the Golden Teak dried too quickly, that's why I had to resort to metho to try and lift the Teak and blend in the Jarrah. There was a bit of yellow left in the middle but as TO turns everything a shade or two darker its not that noticeable.

Applying the TO is easy mate, just smear on a little at a time. When sanding I apply no pressure and just let the steel wool or paper do the work. Its just time consuming is all.

Thanks again guys, the encouragement is really appreciated.

rob

[wokkaboy]

nice one Rob, think DB will give you at least 2 months in the naughty room with those products hahah
Think I'd delay the staining if it was above 40 degrees, sit down and pour a cold beer instead in the aircon !

[robin]

Think I'd delay the staining if it was above 40 degrees, sit down and pour a cold beer instead in the aircon !

Yeah in hindsight you are probably right. But it's a bit of a rush to get this one finished. Before I give it to my brother a mate of mine (another lefty), who I used to be in a band with, has asked if he can check it out first.

Over the years I've known him he has owned many Strats (the real ones), an EBMM, even a neck-thru Jackson, so I am keen for him to have a look at it and give me an honest opinion of our humble kits. And being a lefty this is probably my only chance.

rob

[robin]

Well guys, its finished, but unfortunately this one might end up a wall decoration .

Somehow the truss rod has slipped about 10mm down inside the neck and has now become stuck fast and will not allow any neck adjustment at all. It was OK when I straightened the neck to level and dress the frets, but now has become stuck fast. The neck is pretty straight at present and has very little relief. I am hoping that with the tension of the strings it might develop the desired relief but only time will tell.

It is a beginners guitar for my brother, so I decided to finish it and give it to him for Christmas as originally planned and we will keep an eye on it over the next few months. Unfortunately he lives in Sydney and I in Brisbane so there is little I can do. Hopefully he will get some use out of it.

Its all standard except for a bone nut and roller string tees, so in terms of money there is no great investment there. But I spent about 50 hours on it. Ouch, that hurts. lol.

Anyhoo here's some piccies:

[pablopepper]

That's pretty unfortunate Rob. I had a similar thing happen with my pbh4. The neck has held up incredibly well, but eventually string tension will get to it. When that happens, I'll replace the neck altogether or consider steaming the fretboard off.

But, what a stunner! Absolutely beautiful finish. Once again, you've produced a strat that I really like, even if it is backwards.

[AJ]

excellent finish matey!

[robin]

@ AJ
Thanks mate

@ Pabs
Thanks Pabs.

I had considered both of your suggestions, but not having the guitar in my possession makes it a bit of a bumma. I will probably opt for a new kit for him next Christmas. At least that way he has something to play, until it ends up "U" shaped. lol.

rob

[wokkaboy]

Rob that is a stunning str@t, but what a bugger about the truss rod. Hopefully your bro will get 12 months use out of it before the neck is unplayable. You have also extended the elbow and tummy cut on this ?
You are still the king of mirror finishes with naughty oil mate

[WeirdBits]

Rob, amazing finish as always. Was the truss rod completely loose when it slid in and jammed? I imagine you've tried this but I wonder if you hold the neck vertically, heel up, and give it a few taps on the butt of the heel with a rubber mallet if it would jolt the rod free or at least move it into a semi-useable position.

[wokkaboy]

yeah worth a try Rob, I'd remove the neck and give Weirdys idea a go, got nothing to lose