LP-1S Second First Build

[Blueshound]

I finished my last bit of sanding for 2015 and my JM1 kit is hung out to dry. So I started 2016 with even more sanding on the LP-1S.

The top has been lightly sanded down to 320 and I'm currently working my way through the back and sides with 180 trying to remove all the machine and glue marks.

I've been using Goof-Off to remove the glue as recommended by wokkaboy in another build thread. It's been working a treat.

I shaped the headstock to break up all the sanding. It's just a freehand design, but smoothed out the curves using a cheap set square from the greenish shedish place.



Cut using a coping saw.



The cut was pretty clean so it only needed a bit of filing to finish the shape.



And now back to sanding.

[wokkaboy]

cool headstock shape BH it's original ! I got one of those adjustable set squares and they are very handy for measuring depths of cavities when you start building scratch guitars !
When DB sees you admitted shopping at the Big Green Shed expect a visit to the naughty warehouse !

[Blueshound]

Haha, yes, he already sent me to the naughty warehouse for one of my other posts, so this would extend the sentence. Guess I should get comfortable.

[Blueshound]

So much sanding. And just when I thought I'd finished, I noticed I'd managed to take a piece out of the top veneer. So in went the ebony timbermate and now the guitar almost has mirror image scars.



First coat of stain is on. The natural stain was effortless to apply after doing the burst on my JM-1 kit. Only a couple of small stain repelling spots. I suspect this will be finished before the JM-1.

[Andy40]

That mahogany grain on the back is beautiful!

[Blueshound]

In contrast to my JM-1 build, this one has been progressing smoothly. Applied the 2nd intensifier coat today. I think I'll start the final coats next week.

[gavinturner]

She's looking great. That grain is really starting to pop!

cheers,
Gav.

[wokkaboy]

Bluesy that's looking spaltingly good. Keep doing what your doing

[Blueshound]

First application of the final coat:



The colourless finish helps hide imperfections in the finish. It's very hard to see but there is some patchiness in the final coat. I've read about this in other build diaries so was sort of expecting it. The weather has been bad in Sydney and looks to continue so i think it will be a while before I have another go at it.

The cutaway is where the patchiness is most evident.


One thing I noticed - I did the body final coat and neck final coat at the same time and the neck has come out with no issues, in fact I did two necks and they have come out looking and feeling great. If I don't have luck with the body final coat, perhaps I'll try using the neck final coat before I resort to trying.. a certain popular oil product.

[Blueshound]

And this is the neck with first final coat:



I was too indecisive to order decals so I bought a cheap laser printer and decal paper so I could experiment and change my mind.