Just ordered a JBA-4 (Ash Body) kit along with some upgrades:
Gotoh GB640 Res-O-Lite Tuners
Tonerider TRJ1 'Jazz Plus' Pickups
Schaller S Strap Locks
Rotosound RS77 Monel Flat Wounds
Babicz FCH 4 Bridge (Black)
Copper Shielding Tape
Bone Nut
.047uF Orange Drop Capacitor
Accessories:
Mono Betty Guitar Strap
Phil Jones Micro 7 Combo Amp
I'm aiming for a black burst over a dark purple base with a glassy finish, and with a matching headstock. After reading many posts and watching many videos, I've settled on the following methodology:
Note: I will continue updating this methodology as I receive feedback from others.
PRELIMIARY
Test Fit & Adjust
Fret Crowning
BODY
1. Sand to 240 grit
2. Grain fill black with Timbermate Ebony Woodfiller
3. Sand from 240 grit
4. Apply Angelus Leather Dye Purple (1 coat, let dry 24hrs, lightly sand, let dry for 7 days)
5. Apply Gluboost Fill n Finish (2 coats, sanding in between with 220 grit, 400 grit for final sand)
6. Apply 5 double header coats of SCA Acrylic Aerosol Paint (Clear) , 20mins drying between each set
7. Spray burst edges with SCA Acrylic Aerosol Paint (Black)
8. Finish with 15 double header coats of SCA Acrylic Aerosol Paint (Clear) , 20mins drying between each set
9. Let dry for 7 days
10. Level sand with 600 grit then wet sanding with Micro Mesh Pads (1500, 1800, 2400, 3200, 3600, 4000) changing sanding direction with each grit
11. Finish with Maguire's Polishing compound, Scratch Remover, Ultimate Polish
NECK
1. Cut headstock to shape
2. Tape off fretboard and where neck fits into guitar
3. Scruff up with 400 grit
4. Apply Angelus Leather Dye Purple to headstock (1 coat, let dry 24hrs, lightly sand, let dry for 7 days)
5. Plug up tape tuning holes with tape
6. Apply 1 double header coat of Cabot's Clear Stain Exterior Aerosol (Gloss) to face of headstock
7. Spray burst face of headstock with Self-Priming Acrylic Aerosol Paint (Black)
8. Apply decals produced on Waterslide Decal Paper
9. Apply 5 coats of Cabot's Clear Stain Exterior Aerosol (Gloss) to headstock front, level sanding before final coat
10. Apply 3 coats of Cabot's Clear Stain Exterior Aerosol (Satin) to headstock sides/back and neck), sanding to 2000 before final coat
10. Level sand headstock face with 600 grit then wet sanding with Micro Mesh Pads (1500, 1800, 2400, 3200, 3600, 4000) changing sanding direction with each grit
11. Finish with Maguire's Polishing compound
ROSEWOOD FRETBOARD
1. Oil with Dunlop Fretboard 65
SETUP
Truss Rod
Nut
Saddle Height
Intonation
This method has been updated and now reflects the method I used in my actual build
I used black wood filler and dye on my build. I really liked the results so look forward to seeing the results of yours. I was not looking for a super smooth finish so I only did the grain fill once. If I had done a couple of fills it would be easier to get a flat surface. This seems to be what more experienced builder recommend if you are going for that look.
I have been using wipe on poly for the first time and can recommend as a great way to get a good cover. I don't have a great set up to spray when it is winter so I was looking for an alternative. I did do two very light coats of the Cabothane Poly Gloss before the wipe on as sealer as I had seen it as a recommendation to stop the dye bleeding into the wipe on. Not sure if this is necessary but it made sense to me and worked.
This was my second attempt with the dye... The first attempt, I went over it with dye too many times and the dye turned a green/gold/metallic colour. So, I sanded it back, went over it again with one light coat of dye, sanded it lightly... It's better now, definitely the colour I was looking for, although a little patchy. I'm not game to sand further as it's already close to the bare timber in places. But I think it will look fine under a gloss finish and black burst edges.
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