Righto, been a bit slack..
Update #1 - headstock shaping. Tried to go with a teledeluxe style headstock shape. Used the drawings linked in the "How to build" forum as a guide. I got the general shape cut with a coping saw, then used files to hand shape it. Pretty happy with the result in the end.
Here it is after the coping saw effort
And here's the final shape
Right, I've done 3 coats of Uluru red on the body. I really like the colour now. It's evened out across the whole body. Still a few bits in the curves where it's not taking as well but not too shabby overall for a first paint job. I've taken a week between coats, no point rushing this baby.
I initially wanted a butterscotch neck, but then thought I'd take a gamble on some other dingotone stain and see what pops out. I went with Bloodwood. Initially came out a bit darker than I had in mind but it's growing on me.
First I masked off the fret board with painter's tape - all the front and the edges. I then sanded the neck to 400 grit.
I've put one coat of stain and I'm pretty happy with the colour. It looks like it's gotten a bit lighter since application 6 days ago.
I'll get a photo with the painter's tape removed to show the contrast between the back of the neck and the fret board. I'm interested in what you guys think - I really like the contrast between the bright maple and dark neck. But is there anything I should put on the fret board to protect it? dingotone wax?
Quick mock up of the guitar between coats - I couldn't resist! It's looking sweet as pie!
My housemate pointed out that the fretboard isn't smooth, so I'm going to sand that carefully to get rid of the roughness.
For the headstock decal, should I apply it after one coat of dingotone top coat, then put a light coat on top to protect it?
Mate a mock up between coats keeps us sane! looking fine in that uluru red
Build #1 - ST-1 - Completed
Build #2 - LP-1SS - Completed
Build #3 - TLA-1R - Completed
Build #4 - SGD-612 - Completed
Build #5 - ES-1G - Completed
Build #6 - STA-1HT | Completed
Build #7 - ST1JR - Completed
Current Build #8 - JBA-4
Build #9 - Semi-scratch build Tele x 2 - Completed
Current Build #10 - PRS-1H
Current Build #11 - AGJR-1 - Completed
Current Build #12 - ATL-1SB
Current Build #13 - GST-1
Current Build #14 - FBM-1
I've found decals apply better on a glossy surface, no spaces for air bubbles to lurk
Build 19 PSH-1 Kustom
Build 18 HB-4S Kustom
Build 17 WL-1 Kustom
Build 16 TL-1TB Kustom
Build 15 PBG-2-
Build 14 FTD-1
Build 13 RD-1 Kustom
Build 12 DM-1S
Build 11 MKA-2 -
Build 10 Basic strat
Build 9 JM Kustom
Build 8 FV-1G
Build 7 ES-2V
Build 6- Community prototype
Build 5 LP-1LQ
Build 4 ES-5V
Build 3 JR-1
Build 2 GD-1
Build 1 TLA-1
Looking good
Mock up looks good. Is that some flaming in the neck?
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Current Projects
#Planning 5 String Bass
Naive question here, but what do you mean by flaming in the neck?
Did a light sand on the fretboard to smooth it, then put neck top coat over every part of the neck. It very slightly darkened the fretboard but not an issue - it is a shade lighter than the raw maple and I quite like it. Will update with some pics over the weekend.
This is a slow process, but I guess it will be worth it. How do you guys keep sane and not give into temptation to say "eh, stuff it, let's just call this the final coat and play the thing already"?
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