Hello

[matty42]

Hi everybody,
I'm after a new guitar, well actually, I really want a "Blackie" clapton strat but at this point can't justify the cost. Anyhow, one night when I couldn't sleep I was googling guitars and came across this site. Now I'm super keen to try build my own ST-1. So... For somebody that has no idea what a tool looks like, do you think I could do a successful build?

Cheer

Matt

[wokkaboy]

Hi Matt,
welcome to the forum and good choice kit to start on the ST-1, I've built about 5 of them.
Have a read of the how to build a Pitbull Guitar post that Gav and Dingobass wrote, its very detailed
http://pitbullguitars.com/?page_id=4...iewtopic&t=302

Have a read of the tools required, maybe if you don't own any tools you can borrow some or slowly build up a tool collection or maybe you own some of the required tools.

Sure if you take your time and ask the forum any questions you have with the build you can end up with a nice Clapton Blackie !

good luck

[Gavin1393]

Hi Matty42

My wood work teacher told me if I ever became a surgeon I needed to warn him so that he and his family could move state....

I often wonder what he would think now, but the cigarettes killed him before I could!

You will surprise yourself and who knows, maybe like I did, your first build will be an experience you will remember for a long time!

[matty42]

Thanks for the warm welcome and the link. I'm super excited to have a guitar I can proudly say I built. How long does it take from start to finish?

[wokkaboy]

Quote from matty42 on June 5, 2013, 13:36
Thanks for the warm welcome and the link. I'm super excited to have a guitar I can proudly say I built. How long does it take from start to finish?

Hi Matt,
build time can vary alot depending on the spare time you have and whether you have all the tools/stain/paint and any other after market parts you may want to fit to the kit.
I'd say if you are going to finish the guitar in wudtone stain allow 3-4 weeks. If you are going to paint the body then it depends on how many satin or gloss coats you apply.
Last 2 ST-1 kits I built in 2 weeks but I've built a few of them now.
First thing to work out is what sort of finish you will use - paint or wudtone. The blackie is obviously painted with a gloss finish.
Majority of forum builders use the wudtone finish as its easy to apply, doesn't hide the wood grain and gives the best tone !

[matty42]

I actually really like the Carmine Gypsy Wudtone, that red with the wood grain underneath is just beautiful. Will cold weather have any effect on the Wudtone? Its kinda cold here this time of year and I will have to leave it in the garage. I'll save my blackie until a later build or until I can afford the real one.

[wokkaboy]

Quote from matty42 on June 5, 2013, 14:22
I actually really like the Carmine Gypsy Wudtone, that red with the wood grain underneath is just beautiful. Will cold weather have any effect on the Wudtone? Its kinda cold here this time of year and I will have to leave it in the garage. I'll save my blackie until a later build or until I can afford the real one.

Yes good choice Carmine Gypsy is one of my favourite wudtone colours, if you haven't seen it check out Robin's ST-1 in carmine on the build diaries

where are you situated Matty ?

cold weather shouldn't affect the wudtone but curing times may be slightly longer, as long as the body and neck are kept in a dry garage.
I find leaving a fan on low speed near the body and neck can speed up the curing time a bit

[matty42]

I just had a look at Robin's ST-1 and all I can say is WOW WOW WOW!!

I'm in Canberra.

[wokkaboy]

Quote from matty42 on June 5, 2013, 14:39
I just had a look at Robin's ST-1 and all I can say is WOW WOW WOW!!

I'm in Canberra.

say no more about cold and Canberra !
I'd allow another week for wudtone curing time, I've seen the minimums you get there - makes Melbourne look like a heatwave !

[dingobass]

Hey Matty, I am a recent escapee from Canberra
Beautiful city to live in but the winters were getting to much for me!
What Woks said about curing times being a bit longer was spot on. I would tend to leave it for two days between coats,unless you can do it inside by the fire that is..