PBG Build #3 ES-1S

[Simon Barden]

Honey might be another option as they give it a 2 for maple. Although I suspect an amber neck kit would work just as well on the maple top.

Goldenrod and Saffron are other yellow/amber options.

[Gary B]

I hadn't thought about using a neck finishing kit.
That's a great call Simon, thank you.
Made to work on maple and a few amber options to choose from

[Simon Barden]

Though the quantities provided per kit will probably be less for a neck kit.

[Gary B]

Though the quantities provided per kit will probably be less for a neck kit.

Yes I thought that.
Should be enough for the top though and then I am thinking about whether to get another the same for the rest of it or something different for the back and sides.

[Gary B]

It occurred to me that when I did the mock build I hadn't checked the scale length so I re-fitted the neck and did so.
313mm nut to 12th fret and 315 12th to bridge so quite happy with that.
I also very lightly sanded the sides of the neck pocket so it isn't quite such a tight fit

[Gary B]

There's a lot of binding on this guitar so I thought I'd best have a go at masking it.
I've used some modellers masking tape around the body which was a bit rough at first but went on quite nicely once I got the technique sorted.
I used some masking fluid around the F holes which I managed to peel quite a lot off when doing the tape so needs to be redone now.
I don't expect this to be perfect but should reduce the amount of scraping greatly
Pic of work in progress



And got the first coat of stain on the neck. Went with Saffron.
Before:-



and after:-



Have since got a second coat on and is looking good.

[Gary B]

I've got three coats of Saffron stain on the back and sides now. Its coming along nicely.

[Simon Barden]

Yes, that does look good.

[Gary B]

The moment of truth arrived to get some stain on the top.
I elected for Vintage Amber and I have to say after the first coat I was not impressed. It was a lot more brown than I had hoped and just generally rather dull looking.
However, second coat on tonight and things are looking up

[FrankenWashie]

The moment of truth arrived to get some stain on the top.
I elected for Vintage Amber and I have to say after the first coat I was not impressed. It was a lot more brown than I had hoped and just generally rather dull looking.
However, second coat on tonight and things are looking up

I’m picturing the above in my mind with a clear coat over it and I’m drooling. Often the wood takes things in directions we didn’t anticipate; the results can be tragedy or triumph. I believe you have the latter. It might not be what you had in mind, but it is pretty special nonetheless. Nice job!