First Build - ES-12G

[johnc]

Hi folks,
So I've decided to jump in at the deep end and start with a 12 string.
Always wanted one in a Gibson style but I'm not ready to pay 5k.
I'm going with Karijini Red.

I'm at the sanding stage at the moment and have a few questions.
The first being, how much sanding is required?
I bought the Dingotone kit which goes from 180g through to 400.
I've done a run through all of them but I've noticed some slight pitting between the veneer grain that runs across the body. The surface itself feels very smooth, but the pitting (if that's what you'd call) is noticeable under light.
I'm not sure whether trying to sand the pitting out with the 180g would be overdoing it.
Would post a photo but It doesn't show up. Any advice much appreciated.
Will try and post regular updates.
regards
John

[gavinturner]

Hey John, looks like a great kit! Be very careful sanding the veneer - it's very thin and there's a good chance you'll sand through. When that happens it sucks the big one. Any chance you could post a picture of the "pits" in the surface? Maybe some steam might be a possibility to raise them out, but hard to say without looking at them.

cheers,
Gav.

[johnc]

HI Gavin,
Thanks for the reply. Pic attached, probably doesn't show it very well, actually it makes it look slightly worse than it is.
I spent maybe a 2-3 minutes sanding with each grit? I'm new to this whole sanding lark.
As i mentioned, the surface is very smooth, so maybe once I apply the stain etc. it won't be as noticeable?
Thanks again
John

[dingobass]

Hey John,
Noice kit
With the veneers, you can always expect some pits.. Best not to over sand it as Gav pointed out.
Sand it to 400 and go mental with the stain

Most of the pits will be filled by the Intensifying and top coats. As each layer cures, you can gently scuff sand with the 400 grit... Just don't get too carried away

By the end of the finishing process most if not all will be filled.

If you have any dramas, just yell out!

[johnc]

Excellent Dingobass, thats just what i wanted to hear

[wokkaboy]

hey John awesome looking kit. As DB says once all the coats go on the tiny pits won't be visible.
Should look a treat in karijini

[Swanny]

Hi John, I ordered my ES-12G back in September, I'm hoping its on it's way as of yesterday!

I'll be watching your build with interest, as I've jumped in the deep end too with my first build being a 12 string.

Good luck!

[johnc]

thanks wokkaboy, thats what i'm hoping

[johnc]

good choice swanny
I'll try to do regular updates, good luck with yours too

[johnc]

So heres the body after 4 coats of Karijini (front and back).
I'm after a deeper red but wood colour is showing through giving it a salmon-ish hue.
So getting a second bottle of stain delivered so i can apply maybe 2-3 more coats.