ES-1GL (newbie build!)

[Gavin1393]

Very brave taking on a 335 as a first build. Don't forget to check out the thread on installing the pots with tubing......or Wokka, DB. And I will see you in our therapy classes....

[WeirdBits]

Andy, the back, sides and neck have turned out great, really nice looking colour. Just be careful with getting Wudtone on the neck heel where it will sit (and be glued into) the body, as you need bare wood to ensure a good bond. In the photo you posted it looks like a bit of Mahogany is starting to creep onto the contact patch (maybe?).


Just check where the edge of the body will sit around the neck heel, measure about 5-6mm further in to ensure no bare wood will show, and then carefully use some 80 grit sandpaper to remove any Wudtone from the contact patch of the heel.

As far using water, Wudtone is an oil and wax based finish so I'm not sure water would be your best choice. But, DB and Gav are probably the best people to advise you about this. Sunbursts with Wudtone are a bit of a black art, either it works really easily like in the demo videos or you have to really work at it to get a good result. Colour choice, deep colour and base coat combos, plus wood type all have an impact. Super fine (0000) steel wool can help a lot in getting your colour transition to work. You normally use it to lightly 'sand' the Wudtone between coats, but with a bit of careful rubbing you can help the colour blend/transition, particularly rubbing back the darker colour. But, like I said, it's a black art so your experience and results may vary. Best to experiment if you can, but understand that you will get different results on different woods.

[Gavin1393]

"Was thinking to do the outer, and the center, then mix the mahogany stain with a bit of water to fade it in, but have no idea if that would work or not?"


You were WHAT?????

No water....you are dealing with a solvent based paint. You can use water on water based stains and water based paint. For solvent based paint like Wudtone, you use Shellite aka Lighter Fluid!

[stan]

Hey Andy, you can still use a stop tailpiece with the floating bridge - I'll be doing this mine. That way you don't have to fix any holes.
Now I'll have to look at floating bridges as a solution as well, if I can find a wide one!

Just another option if you decide not to use the trapeze.

[mcgrawaw]

See Gavin, this is why I post stupid questions! Wait...there are no stupid questions, only stupid people!

[mcgrawaw]

and Stan, I looked at the floating bride with the stop tail, but I didn't like the look. My other option is to redrill the holes in the correct positions, but I think I'm a little nervous of doing that.

[mcgrawaw]

I had put these in the wudtone thread as well, but figured I'd add back in to my build diary to show the progress. After struggling with glue spots on the front, I've gotten those taken care of, but have a few other issues now with lines and light spots...always something I guess!

I've also decided to replace the standard hardware (with the exception of the pickups...that's for a later day), and did a little mock up of what I've got so far.

I'm looking forward to getting the damn finishing done so I can start putting this bad boy together!

[gavinturner]

Nice! Very nice! I'm always a sucker for a trapeze tailpiece, it turns any semi-hollow into a masterpiece. Got one lined up for my florentine as well. You've done an outstanding job with the finish - especially the burst. An amazing first effort dude!

cheers,
Gav.

[adam]

Hey McGrawaw, firstly, that is an amazing finish, you've really brought out the best of that veneer. Looks amazing.

I think I've had a bit of communication with you, or your partner, about the incorrectly drilled bridge post holes on these kits. I see you have plugged them, which is what we recommended. But, looking at your photos, they look to be on the right angle?? I'm just curious, did you check the holes as they came with the kit? Were they wrong?

[Brendan]

Beautiful colour McGrawaw. Done a nice job on this one!