Kirk’s ST-1 Ash Build

[McCreed]

Maybe change 'Strats' to 'Guitars'? You won't get Fender coming after you then!

...I will certainly try “Guitars” instead of “strats”

Yeah, Fender is less litigious than Gibson, but better safe than sorry.
When I list one of my builds for sale, I post it as something like "S-style" or "T-style" (or ST, TL) just to avoid any problems or misrepresentation.

Looking good though. I like the logo concept and that's a nice looking piece of timber!

[Fretworn]

Party time! Excellent!

Hey everyone,

I purchased the ST-1 Ash Strat model off Pitbull. Been looking at various kits, and decided to try a build on one of their entry level kits. I’m going to use this Build Diary forum to document my process, and my mistakes as a reference for future builds I have in mind. Feel free to follow along and provide any pointers or questions you may have.

First up, I’ve always been an acoustic guitar guy (currently own 9 of them) and they all run in different tunings. The only electric guitar I own is an Epiphone Dot 335. So this Strat is my jump in to understanding all the finer details that make up an electric guitar.

Originally, the plan was to create Excalibur from Waynes World, the “oh yes, she will be mine” Strat in Olympic White. Since then, I’ve set my sights on creating more of what I would want in a Strat.

So the tentative plan is finish the guitar in Sage Green Metallic with a gloss clear coat finish.

We’ll see how close i get to this.

Attachment 34843

[Retroman33]

Latest update,

Built a guitar holder with a piece of stud pine and an inanimate carbon rod. =P

Put some alli rod through the neck clamp holes and into the jig.

Hit the guitar with 3 passes of SCA Primer Filler, with the intention of sanding it back with dry sand paper to expose high and low areas in the ash timber. From pics, can already see spots where more sanding is needed. Mainly around the edges, as a better job is needed there.

[Sonic Mountain]

[jugglindan]

I am glad you used an inanimate carbon rod, those animate ones are a world of trouble. Mine wouldn't stay still while I spray, so my guitar holder is a length of chain hanging from a wooden beam in the shed ceiling. A d-bolt lets me adjust the length. The guitar hangs down into my makeshift spray booth (a large cardboard box).

[GregLane]

Hi Retro

Just a couple of things I learnt when finishing my ST recently.

You should measure from the nut to the middle of the 12th fret. Then from the middle of the 12th fret to the bridge thingos (adjusting bits - sorry) should be the same. About the middle. You see the bridge already has been adjusted to somewhere near the expected during intonation. I hardly needed to move mine.
As long as the "same" is within the adjustment you should be fine. A PB expert may be more helpful.

Second, if you are going to use the whammy bar make sure you leave at least one mm between front of the bridge and the pickguard. This ensures the bridge does not bind on the pickguard when using it. This mm will of course be part of your setup measurements.

There is a good articles on the StewMac website. You can find great videos on YouTube. Look up fitting bridge.

Greg

[McCreed]

Good work Kirk!

But the perspectives of those photos are just doing my head in! Please... no more upside down left side right pics!

[jugglindan]

Good work Kirk!

But the perspectives of those photos are just doing my head in! Please... no more upside down left side right pics!

Doesn't everyone hang their guitar from the ceilingwalls?

[Simon Barden]

You do it on purpose to confuse any paint runs. They don't know which way to go, so stay where they are.

[Retroman33]

I am glad you used an inanimate carbon rod, those animate ones are a world of trouble. Mine wouldn't stay still while I spray, so my guitar holder is a length of chain hanging from a wooden beam in the shed ceiling. A d-bolt lets me adjust the length. The guitar hangs down into my makeshift spray booth (a large cardboard box).

I’m using the box from my new trolley and chest box. Thing is huge!

I’m starting to like this forum more and more as I drop pop culture references and they get picked up. At first this forum was constrictive, but after a while it’s becoming a part of me.