Paul Kelly. STA-1

[kells80aus]

Hi Adam,

There is going to be two issues with these cracks, one will be trying to hide them under colour. the second is that one of the craks is perilously close to the neck pocket with the wood grain trailing towards the pocket. I do feel that it is likely that that section of the body will eventually fail. It is also likley that the cracks will reopen. I had sealed the body with shellac, before I went off on my holiday to Singapore, but that was only a few sprayed on coats. I have no problem with doing a full reset and swapping this for a new kit.

Cheers PK

[adam]

Ok Paul, we'll get Bones to ship you a new kit, with a Return Postage label inside. When you get it, just pack the complete kit up and send back using that label.

[Brendan]

Bugger Paul. Sorry to hear that there's a bit more of a setback for the build. That said, can't complain about the customer service! Hope you have more luck with the new kit.

[kells80aus]

Hi Brendan
Yep happy with the guys replacing the kit.
More than you will get from some other kit suppliers.
I have a RAW kit that is absolutely Abissmal. In fact this little set back on the Strat, has allowed me to do some work on that.
With that kit a 335 copy, the Guy at Guitar Makers Emporium recommended putting a sealer coat on before putting colour on. now I can't get the colour stain to stick with any uniformity. But I'll keep toiling at that till the Strat Arrives.

All is good in the world. Got a possible job offer this morning. Hope to get an interview later in the week. Back into IT for a six month contract. should see my hobby go on for another couple of years.

Cheers PK

[Brendan]

Good luck with that - what area of IT?

Sorry to hear about the 335 - they're a beautiful guitar - keen to start on my 335 bass one of these days...

[kells80aus]

Hi Brendan
I am what is called an Operations Analyst - Production Scheduling. Mainframe or Midrange . can do both.

I am slowly getting the colour done on this es335. Good thing I am using Shellac, cos It just wipe off again.

[kells80aus]

Pic of RAW es335 build. you can see the ridge lines across the back. The ply is too thin to try and sand them out. the Frets are sitting 1/2mm high in the middle of the fret board. the neck was cut wrong so I could not improve on it being 10mm out of alignment with the body centre line..... I'll get a PB later and revist the es 335 theme.

[kells80aus]

Just worked out why I am a little light headed after spraying Shellac.... It's mostly Metho.... woo hooo.

[wokkaboy]

Paul where are RAW kits based ? Thanks for the lowdown, won't ever purchase a kit from them, sounds like its a nightmare !

[kells80aus]

Kits From RAW are produced by Reid and Son Vilolin Company. The kit was in an open auction, so I suspect it was dodgy, but when I challenged them they just replied that there was some luthier work required in any kit.
They are USA based. the kit was $127USD at Auction, but ended costing another $75UDSD in freight so in the end it simply was not worth it. the quality of the item and the service you get from Pitbull is unsurpased at this stage.
the body looks to be a very thin(about .5 mm) layer of maple over what appears to be a .75mm layer of white plastic. So any sanding is not going to be an option. This kit would take a pile of woodfiller just to get the back of the body to a uniform smooth level. It's just not worth the effort. I have learned a lesson here. Local products can be a damn sight better than OS.

Cheers PK