Salo's 2nd Project ES-1G

[Salo]

Hi everyone. Just bought my second project. An ES-1G with gold hardware. Before considering my options, just a question. I know that the front is a very thin veneer, but how about the back and sides. Do I need to be as careful with the sanding. If I was to use prooftint stains do I need to fill the grain or use sanding sealer. Thank you for your collective wisdom.

[wokkaboy]

Hi Salo, sounds like a cool build. The back and sides of the body are basswood but can't hurt to use some timbermate to grain fill.
Be worth masking off the binding when you stain the body, will save you some cleaning up later.
Look forward to seeing the build progress

[Andy40]

I thought its maple veneer front back and sides wokks?

Its all pretty thin salo, just go easy with the sanding and you'll be alright.

PS good to see your GAS continues!

[Dedman]

I treated my ES as if it was all veneer, better safe than sorry although the sides do seem to be denser

[wokkaboy]

@ Andy, maybe the current ES-1G axes have flame maple back, front and sides, my kit would be about 3 years old so maybe it's changed.
Looking at Eric's build the back definitely isn't flame maple so presume it's basswood

[Andy40]

@ Andy, maybe the current ES-1G axes have flame maple back, front and sides, my kit would be about 3 years old so maybe it's changed.
Looking at Eric's build the back definitely isn't flame maple so presume it's basswood

Time to get a new one then eh?

[Salo]

Back on the building after doing some carer duties for she who must be obeyed. The front looks to be flamed maple veneer. Have changed tack with the finish. Mahogany is not the right red that I'm after. So I went to my trusty Auto Paint store and Mario (They're always called Mario) suggested an auto product called candy paint which is a see thru colour coating in candy apple red. I think this will look hot.

I have a problem with the neck I checked it with a notched straight edge and it's a strange slope. If I put the straight edge on the first two frets there is a large gap at the joint end. Some pictures.


I haven't tried the truss rod yet. Do you think it will correct this or is it a manufacture defect.

[Brendan]

Try getting it flat at both ends - don't worry too much about how flat it is between individual frets - what you're looking for is - is the neck overall straight - or is there a dip / bulge in the middle.

[Salo]

Thanks Brendan, I've sorted the neck. Have highlighted the grain with timbermate and sanded to 320. I gave the body it's first coat of colour yesterday and this how it came out. It's not as pink in the flesh.

[wokkaboy]

looks good Salo, what sort of paint have you used ? looks like you shot it from a spray gun ? Any more coats and you will hide the flame maple and nice grain on the back