First Build SSCM-1Q

[MadMike]

So, I have been working on and modifying guitars for years. I have done lots of repairs, rebuilds, and customizing. Both in the acoustic and electric form. I have always wanted a Les Paul single cut arch top. But affordability has been out of reach, and I didn't want something so cheap that i would hate it. I found this and was amazed its everything I want, set neck, single cut, arch top, and i get to make it exactly what I want!! So in a few days my build will begin, my kit is set to arrive on Wednesday, And I will be on here reading these pages and asking for advice. I am very excited to be doing this, and with a forum to support my project. And I hope I bring my share to the table.
My idea for this builds main highlights are:
1 I would like to get a pretty low action, with little loss in playability.
2 Cleanly set up my EMG 81 - 85 pickups.
3 Successfully get an "iced" blue finish, with a deep blue burst.
4 Just complete this build with an all around awesome guitar.

[Cliff Rogers]

G’day, I will be watching, keen to see the blue finish.

[MadMike]

So I have been searching the web and this forum, I can find the ice blue finish that i want to do, but I cannot find "how to" get the finish i desire. I'm going to attach an image of the finish I would like to get, if anyone can help me with the way to get this finish, please reach out to me, I am open to all assistance. Thank you fellow guitar gurus.

[dozymuppet]

Fairly safe to say that there is a base black stain, sanded back, to get that grain depth.

I'm not sure about the white though. Something I'm interested in finding out about myself.

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[MadMike]

So I got the guitar today. Did a fit of the neck to body. Nice fit, appears to line up good. I'll get some measurements shortly. The quilting is beautiful, I can't wait to get to staining and finishing. But that is in due time. So here are a couple pictures of the neck set in place.

[MadMike]

I have been busy sanding and starting to get the dark stain on the back of the body and neck, this is where i am so far.

[chunkosauras]

Looks gorgeous!


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[nitroburner1000]

So I have been searching the web and this forum, I can find the ice blue finish that i want to do, but I cannot find "how to" get the finish i desire. I'm going to attach an image of the finish I would like to get, if anyone can help me with the way to get this finish, please reach out to me, I am open to all assistance. Thank you fellow guitar gurus.

Heres a couple of links, but be warned, pitbull guitars have a super thin veneer, power sanding is out of the question

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...=1617594447327

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...8OOTEJu6PxXwUH

[MadMike]

nitroburner1000,
so I had seen one of thise videos already in all my searching. I have already started on the method I have chosen. I have been hand sanding for several hours to get the black dialed back to show the quilting. Its not going to be the exact finish i desired, but I think its going to look very good, I also hand carved the headstock to match the LP look. Here are some pictures up to this far.

[RocknRolf]

Mike, That is absolutely stunning!

What grid did you use to sand back the black?