Fred's IB-5

[FredA]

Hey guys,
I haven't updated my build diaries too much, but I've been slowly progressing the IB-5.

After a few tests, mixing DT walnut with Black Stump, I found a mix I liked, and I started applying to the neck.
I also added some black stump to the body walnut Intensifier.
Always look amazing when wet... a shame it doesn't keep this look when it dries!





With the neck, it got 4x coats of stain, and I managed to get it to the colour I wanted.
It looks very dark in the garage / mancave:





But in the sun, the body and neck are now colour matched:


So now that the staining is finished, I've applied a first final coat to the body, and a first top coat to the neck (I had left over clear neck DT from the STA-1). We'll see how it cures...

Now that I'm starting the top coats, it's start to think about the electronic side of things. I am considering getting a blender pot to blend between pickups since there's no switch. So I'm thinking: 1x master vol, 1x pickup blend, and 2x tones.

Any better suggestion?

Also with the blend pots, the CTS or Bourns I see onoine seem to have 10mm diameter shafts instead of 6mm for the standard pots.
Is that correct? I can't seem to find actual data sheets...

Thanks!