robs STA-1 - Lyn #6 (Serenas Strat)

[robin]

Thanks Tim and Woks.

When Serena said she wanted it black I thought "Oh no, that lovely Ash grain". I tried to talk her out of it but she obviously knew more than me (nothing unusual there) but I am a bit surprised myself how well the grain is hanging in.

It's hard to tell from the photos, but in real life its more of a textured finish rather than a colour finish, if that makes any sense. Now I'm beginning to think that she may also be right with the satin finish when I was trying to talk her into a gloss finish.

Oh no, if it turns out OK I know she will never let me live it down. lol.

Thanks guys.
rob

[gavinturner]

Looking Awesome Rob. The black is nice and deep and yet the grain is still popping. It's the best of both worlds. Can't wait to see it with the clear on!

cheers,
Gavin.

[robin]

Time for an update.

I have now put 6 coats of Minwax Wipe-on Poly Satin finish on it (hello naughty corner). I chose that finish because Serena used it on her IB-1 to get the finish that she was after and that's what she wanted on this one.

It's darn near impossible to take a decent photo of it. At one angle the grain shows through as almost brown, at another is looks black and it can be anything from satin to almost a full gloss depending on the light source.

I was given two instructions for the body, 1)black and 2)satin finish. Sorry Serena, lol. I guess I can always hit it with some sandpaper or steelwool if there is too much gloss.

Anyhoo, I am trying to keep the grain texture a feature and am not sure how many more coats to put on. More coats = better protection, but too many and I will lose the grain feature. I think I will proceed with caution from here on.

rob

[wokkaboy]

that looks awesome Rob, well done. Love how you sanded away under the headstock logo. If Serena has any criticism of this axe then too bad, it will look fantastic all buttoned up

[gavinturner]

Looks amazing rob. Love the black. Just the right amount of gloss IMO.

Cheers,
Gavin.

[WeirdBits]

Looks great Rob, especially the headstock.

[robin]

Well its time to get out the old faded blue sheet ounce again. Its Photo time.

This build has gone fairly well for me, except for a few minor headaches (but isn't that always the case) lol.

This is the most difficult guitar to photograph. None of the shots show it in its true colour, it is actually quite black with dark brown highlights. I must admit to being the worst photographer, but in my defense I wasn't helped by the naff phone camera.

Specs.
Headstock and Body dyed with Japan Black and finished in Satin Minwax Wipe-on Polly. Serena had specifically requested black so I didn't grain fill as I wanted to feature the beautiful Ash grain. So I went for the "exposed" grain effect.

Neck finished in Tru-Oil.

Tonerider Pickups

Orange Drop Cap

7 Sound wiring mod.

Happy Birthday Serena

Cheers
rob

[robin]

And a few more

[gavinturner]

Wow rob, that looks spectacular - I'm blown away! Serena will be very pleased with it!

cheers,
Gav.

[robin]

Thanks Gav, when you start one of these builds you are never quite sure how they are going to turn out. For myself I don't care, but as its for someone else I'm glad it turned out OK. I'll find out on Sunday if it passes muster.

Cheers mate
rob