Tims Les Paul Spalty

[Timsan]

My first build... I'm excited and terrified at the same time.

I received the kit a few days ago, but since it was my Christmas present it got opened and inspected today. For my first build it's exciting, but the degree of difficulty is well above my novice level.

I have loads of experience as a drum tech, but guitar building is completely new to me. I've given birth to something that I'm totally and utterly responsible for, but I also feel like I'm in way over my head. I will be asking a LOT of questions.

Onward to the pictures!

It's... beautiful.

The spalt on the cap is nicely pronounced, and the grain of the maple is there in the mix as well. On the whole the build is quite good, there's little play in the neck joint, and everything seems to fit fairly well off the bat.

The headstock has a nice grain to it. Quite attractive and almost quilted.

I've only just opened it and had a squiz. Hopefully in the next few days I'll be able to do a full mock-build.

I am REALLY looking forward to this journey!

[Timsan]

A couple more pics of the body and headstock. It seems my internet connection is potato-powered... it doesn't like it when I try to post lots of large files at once.

[Gavin1393]

Looks like a really nice spalty u got there!

[gavinturner]

hi Tim,
Wow! looks like a great kit. That spalted cap is amazing - it's going to come up a treat. A very cool first project! Looking forward to reading your build diary - I'm sure you'll be addicted to guitar building in no time .

cheers,
Gav.

[jarrod]

That's great looking grain . Your going to enjoy the build from the first bit of sanding to the first strum.

[robin]

Hey Tim that's a lovely looking top, I'm sure you will end up with a great guitar.

And don't be daunted by what lies ahead. We all were (and most of us still are) just amateurs when it comes to building guitars, so it can't be too difficult. Just take your time, don't rush and enjoy the build. And don't be afraid to ask lots of questions. No matter what your problem is, there is bound to be someone who has gone there before and will be willing to help.

cheers mate
rob

[stan]

Welcome Tim , it looks great, nice to see another lefty in the house

[Andyport]

Hi Tim, you are going love building the LP.
Most of us were like you and had little or no experience when we started our first kit.
The main advice I can give is to ask plenty of questions along the way.
We have a fantastic community here, full of guys more than willing to part with their experience and help you through any situations you may encounter.
All the best, Andy.

[keloooe]

Tim, don't worry about the build too much, I built a Les Paul kit earlier this year and I'm only a teenager still! Good luck, have fun, take your time and ask as many questions as possible here on the forum to help you!

[Timsan]

Thanks, lads. I can guarantee there will be quite a few questions.

I've given the body a bit of a wipe over with a damp rag... damn that grain stands out. I like how the binding sets it off.