Pablos PBH-4

[pablopepper]

Okay, so I've had a little time to get started on this bad boy today, and I guess I should start a build diary while my latest coat of undercoat dries.

First of all, the concept.

My plan (as it stands, I might end up changing my mind) is to build a replica of a custom guitar made by Fender for Troy Sanders of Mastodon. See pic:


I love Mastodon, Troy's playing is phenomenal, and SILVERBURST!

As such my first job was to design a logo for the headstock. I don't agree with using manufacturers logo on copies, but I wanted something close. Here's what I came up with:

[pablopepper]

I've had a bunch of trouble getting hold of that printable decal paper, so that will have to wait.

Next up, I taped off the fret board and fitted the neck and made sure it was straight and level. Then pulled it apart and taped the neck pocket and made a hook.

A few coats of spray putty as undercoat/grain filler later and here we are. A pretty productive day so far.

[Gavin1393]

Very Nice - I can hear some scurrying around at DB's getting that silver organised!

[GlennGP]

Quote from pablopepper on March 28, 2013, 11:28
... I don't agree with using manufacturers logo on copies, but I wanted something close. Here's what I came up with:

I agree, and that's a great solution. Nice one. Also, the silverburst - never seen one before, and I like it! Good luck Pablo, I'll look forward to the outcome.

[Gavin1393]

I missed it completely earlier! Second look. Got it! Pretender! Excellent idea....might steal it!!

[keloooe]

Quote from Gavin1393 on March 28, 2013, 14:09
I missed it completely earlier! Second look. Got it! Pretender! Excellent idea....might steal it!!

I thought you were goin bonkers there Gav... Then I took a good look at the tread myself and saw it!!! Neat lil' pun there Pablo!!!

[pablopepper]

Quote from Gavin1393 on March 28, 2013, 13:38
Very Nice - I can hear some scurrying around at DB's getting that silver organised!

Solid colour paint for me again. As luck would have it, with this colour scheme I already have the paints. But, as an inexperienced sprayer, I am a little wary about getting it right. Airbrush may be resorted to.

I would love to be using wudtone, but the basswood bodies I have got so far haven't been up to it. This one has a distinctly darker piece with almost curly grain on the top side and lighter, straight grained pieces on the bottom 2/3. Glenn's TL-1 and your SG-1 on the other hand, looked great.

[pablopepper]

Over the weekend, after some late night ebay trawling, I found myself the winner of an uncontested auction for a genuine Fender bass humbucker. Sweet, I thought, that was a bargain! Now,I knew I'd have to modify the body a little to accept this pickup as the mountings are different, but...

When the parcel arrived, I opened it up and put it up to the body and guess what...sad trumpet . It don't fit. And not by a long way. Dangit! Oh well, it was pretty cheap, I'm not too upset. At least now I don't have to mess around with filling and routing.

So, let this be a lesson to anyone building a PBH-4. If you want to upgrade the humbucker in this kit get the Stingray style instead of the Fender style!

[pablopepper]

Anyone want to buy a brand new pickup for cheap?

[pablopepper]

Paint day!

First colour coats have gone on today. The body prep so far has been a breeze, only a few little nicks and bumps that needed to be taken care of, so this build is coming together a lot faster than I originally expected.

Next step is applying the burst, which I am not looking forward to.