First Build - JBA-4

[Mathew]

This was my second attempt with the dye... The first attempt, I went over it with dye too many times and the dye turned a green/gold/metallic colour. So, I sanded it back, went over it again with one light coat of dye, sanded it lightly... It's better now, definitely the colour I was looking for, although a little patchy. I'm not game to sand further as it's already close to the bare timber in places. But I think it will look fine under a gloss finish and black burst edges.

[Mathew]

Headstock dyed, and a test to see how it will look together. I'm not proud of the dye and sanding, but it will look good once I do the black burst. I'll let the dye dry for a week before seal and finish.

[phrozin]

Headstock dyed, and a test to see how it will look together. I'm not proud of the dye and sanding, but it will look good once I do the black burst. I'll let the dye dry for a week before seal and finish.

your dye looks patchy, off the top of my head is that an ash body or basswood? this is my 2c I wouldn't have used Timbermate if you're going to clear it with lacquer as it will swell and shrink back for months if your not getting good penetration you have sanded it with too finer grit paper on basswood I would only sand to120 grit and Ash 180 grit before dye as you will get better penetration with your dye, if your going the road you are with your stain and Timbermate you would be better if you use wipe on Polly or tru-oil you will just have problems with a lacquer trying to fill the grain for a smoother finish and if its Ash body you will need to seal it well after dyeing it for lacquer.

love the colour and nice grain if you do another guitar in the future you will need to go another way to prep if you want to go with lacquer, btw DO NOT sand every coat go 6-7 double header coats then lightly sand with 400 w&d then thin out you're clear to 2 to 1 if you are using rattle can just recoat it without sanding but leave it 20 mins between coats 🤘

[juz]

The gloss makes a huge difference. I think it probably takes a bit of trial to see how the colours work with different wood. It is easy to see why people who cut out their own bodies keep the offcuts to test out the finish on. It is a huge learning cure but that is what I am enjoying about my build.

[JohnH]

That looks great!

[Mathew]

@Juz: Thanks for the words. I'm feeling much better about the finish knowing the clear coat will help. Yes, it's a huge learning curve, but so much fun!

@JohnH: Thanks for the compliment. It's appreciated!

[juz]

I love that you stained the headstock. I wish I had done it to my build. I was worried about the different wood but the grain can still be seen there. I will definitely try this on a future build.

[Mathew]

I appreciate the feedback, Juz. I used a little ebony timbermate on the face of the headstock to bring out the grain before dying to match the body. I'm really happy with how the headstock looks.

[Mathew]

@Phrozin: The body is Ash. I agree, the dye is patchy. I think your comment about sandpaper was spot on as my second attempt with dye (after sanding to 400 grit) seemed to sit on the surface rather than penetrate.

I do love the colour and grain, so I'll work with it. I'm doing all this by hand with Sandpaper on blocks, and am not really set up to (or confident in) stripping it back and starting again. I've ordered another guitar to do after this one, so I'll go another way with prep for my next project. I drew so many ideas from so many people for my current methodology (including from yourself) - I need to consider compatibility next time.

Thanks for the great and honest feedback. I really appreciate it.

[phrozin]

@Phrozin: The body is Ash. I agree, the dye is patchy. I think your comment about sandpaper was spot on as my second attempt with dye (after sanding to 400 grit) seemed to sit on the surface rather than penetrate.

I do love the colour and grain, so I'll work with it. I'm doing all this by hand with Sandpaper on blocks, and am not really set up to (or confident in) stripping it back and starting again. I've ordered another guitar to do after this one, so I'll go another way with prep for my next project. I drew so many ideas from so many people for my current methodology (including from yourself) - I need to consider compatibility next time.

Thanks for the great and honest feedback. I really appreciate it.

yeh your sort of committed atm with this one if you need any advice you know how to contact me I do read the forums but rarely comment, with your next build try get a plan of what you want to achieve and you will soon get some nice gear, I do read the forums but i rarely comment