Hi everyone,
Starting a build diary for my second build which will be a PBG PSH-1 semi-hollowbody.
I ordered this kit, with some customisations in June 2021. I wanted a Mahogany body, binding on both sides, f-holes in the syle of a GPR-1 and a quilted maple veneer top.
As you know, global supply chains are a bit of a mess so that deplayed what would have already been a long lead time for a custom order and I finally received the kit on Christmas eve!
It was a bit of a disspointment. The quilted top is there - but quite a few marks on it and glue spots everywhere including on the sides of the body. I *think* the body is Mahogany but it is is awfully light and I suspect it is the standard basswood. The double-binding was not provided and the f-holes were not customised. To top it off, the standard "maple" neck does not look anything like maple to me.
PBG gave me a refund for the customisations not provided, which was nice, but I would have to say that this kit is nowhere near the quality of the TL-1 kit I used in my first build (and that had its issues with glue spots, misaligned holes, and other fiddly things).
Regardless, I am soldiering on as I think I will learn quite a bit about building as I come across each issue. I ordered both a chrome and gold set of hardware as I am going to mix and match things for a unique look. This may have been a waste of time as the standard hardware is pretty much junk but I figured I would at least see what it looks like first before aquiring better quality parts as replacements. I will definitely be swapping out the pickups, pots, toggle switch.
For example, I am using the chrome wraparound bridge with the gold bridge pins (if anyone can tell me how to remove the bridge screws so I can swap out the chrome saddles for the gold saddles that would be most appreciated!); chrome machine heads with gold tuning buttons; etc.
Lastly, I am avoiding the Dingo Tone stains this time around. While I got good results using the natural neck stain kit on my TL-1 and ok results using the natural stain on the body, the Bondi Blue kit I used on my flamed maple top was a disaster. When it finally cured (and to be honest its probably still not fully cured) it was months later and I think by then I had done so much work on it with sanding, polishing and waxing that I had probably ruined it. It looks ok now but it is no longer blue - more a ocean green colour :-).
So this time around I am using a stain set from TLC Guitar Goods. Will see how this goes.
I have read through the PSH Guitar Build diarys from @vivek_rc and @mrpearson. These have been most helpful and I am eagerly awaiting the next posts on both these threads.
At this point in time, I think my focus needs to be on how best to deal with the glue spots and to ensure that the neck angle is correct for a good action. These seemed to be biggest issues for both vivek_rc and mrpearson to manage.
So I am going to take my time on this one and will start to post some pictures. If anyone would like to throw some advice my way I am all ears!
Cheers... db