CNKXU1 ST1 build

/No, DB is just a bit heavy handed on the pump when he provides you with the paint....plus he doesn't want you to run out!!! This is why there is usually paint left over unless your name starts with 'P' and ends with 'est" and that's only because he tells us he drinks the stuff!

Thanks Gavin. Might mean I have enough to redo a painted black strat copy after stripping. It certainly is frugal to apply.

Had a look at the timber under the strat copy I mentioned. It is actually wood - refer to my story about the trip to the timber yard. Body is actually made from ply and the gloss paint covers everything - just makes me realize how good these kits are by comparison.
I guess everyone is ignoring my fanciful headstock but just to make sure, here is another one.

[Brendan]

Maybe talk with DB re getting some offcuts of maple and put something behind the tuners as ears?

Good idea Brendan. I thought a slot at the top holding a couple of picks would make it look like ears. Not.
This is the minimalist approach with just a line suggesting a mouth. I think I am capturing the essence without it looking too stupid.

A lot of planning, a bit of shaping after making a jig for routing, a huge amount of sanding, and the neck and headstock are ready for base coat. The maple is certainly nice to work with but the rosewood is difficult to remove all scratches and glue. Might wet it down and sand a bit more just to make sure.

[gavinturner]

Looks great! What did you do to your nut?

Cheers,
Gavin.

Have not touched the nut itself Gavin, except to clean a small amount of dried glue around it on the sides and top of the fretboard. Why do you ask? I was going to follow your instruction after stringing to see if it is too high by checking gap at first fret while holding down third for each string. Still some time to go until that step.

Decision time again. I had planned vintage yellow for the neck, but the black hardware I have chosen and pearl pickguard (still waiting on a darker black pearl pickguard but the plain black shows the idea) suggest maybe the neck and headstock should also be dark onyx. Gavin's red pearl suggestion would suit the vintage yellow or the dark onyx. Or I might use the red pearl for another build with a red stain followed by black base. Possibilities are endless.

[DanMade]

Lots of options. You must of spent more on pickgaurds than you paid for the kit, lol.
I like the first pearloid one looks hot. Then again the red one does too, and an all black stealth look with the different shades of black would be pretty cool.

Either way you go your a winner. Have you considered a non coloured neck finish, just clear.
I would probably do the headstock in BMW and clear on the neck.

[Tim]

Mmmm red looks awesum..
Pearloid looks wicked.
Black looks ultra cool.
Do like the red....