EX 1 Staining

[Rodc]

Hi guys,

For my next kit I'm looking at a EX1. I came across a thread of rjmc and the problem of staining a EX kit because of the mix match of grain. Would a Ash timber body EX be the better option or would it be the luck of the draw?

Thanks..

[rjmc]

Hi,

The Explorer Ash kit is indeed more suitable for staining. However, it is possible to stain the EX1-M, but in my case, the body came with a terrible joint (see on page two), so there were only two options: A nitro finish, wich he doesn't want, or staining! Instead of a Korina finish as my friend wanted, because it was impossible to make it look good with that finish, I tried a darker finish. So my friend liked a finish used on some Les Paul Studio's... So with that in mind, I tried my best to make it similar somehow. It is my second try at staining and considering the issues refered on previous posts, I think that it is not too bad. The colour will get a bit lighter when applying the oil. So it will pop the right way, I hope....

But, resuming, it is possible to stain EX-1, but try not to set your mind on a certain finish. Be open mind, recieve the kit, and be creative somehow. Contact Adam and see if he can find a good one. I think it is possible to ask for some pictures. I forgot to do this as step 0, but I was so focused on put my hands on the kit....

Hope this helps...

Kind Regards,

[Rodc]

Thanks rjmc. I’ll mention it to Adam when I order it. I’ll go with a black red too.
The best thing I’ve learnt from here is using Tru Oil as the final coat. It’s forgiving and simple to. Just the way I like things..😉👍

[wazkelly]

Most kits come with mismatched planks of timber glued together and it is quite often just luck of the draw as to what you end up with.

Ash can have stunning grain to work with but hard to know if all the pieces used on Explorer shape line up properly and will look ok. Should also mention that Ash is heavier than Basswood, and maybe almost as heavy as Mahogany, if not heavier?

Ash kits come with maple necks which is a lighter shade of timber thus making an even coloured stain just that little bit more difficult. For this reason I personally believe Ash is best used with bolt on necks as they are supposed to have a different colour than the body.

On my Basswood EX1 there was mismatched grain but not as dramatic as can be found with Ash and found it relatively easy to get a better overall colour as the maple neck was almost same colours as Basswood body. Being an unusual and longer shape, the lighter weighted body is more comfortable to play.

If you can handle the extra weight and want a uniform stain colour, I reckon go with Mahogany. The added sustain would be huge too.

Sent from my Lenovo TB-7104F using Tapatalk

[Rodc]

Most kits come with mismatched planks of timber glued together and it is quite often just luck of the draw as to what you end up with.

Ash can have stunning grain to work with but hard to know if all the pieces used on Explorer shape line up properly and will look ok. Should also mention that Ash is heavier than Basswood, and maybe almost as heavy as Mahogany, if not heavier?

Ash kits come with maple necks which is a lighter shade of timber thus making an even coloured stain just that little bit more difficult. For this reason I personally believe Ash is best used with bolt on necks as they are supposed to have a different colour than the body.

On my Basswood EX1 there was mismatched grain but not as dramatic as can be found with Ash and found it relatively easy to get a better overall colour as the maple neck was almost same colours as Basswood body. Being an unusual and longer shape, the lighter weighted body is more comfortable to play.

If you can handle the extra weight and want a uniform stain colour, I reckon go with Mahogany. The added sustain would be huge too.

Sent from my Lenovo TB-7104F using Tapatalk

Thank you for the info Waz. That makes sense. I'll stick to the Mahogany when I go to order..

[wazkelly]

It would look good done Heritage Cherry.

[Rodc]

It would look good done Heritage Cherry.

Very true. Will be looking into it..👍