EX-1 with alder body build

[Simon Barden]

Well, my EX-1 has arrived.



The neck fits very well into the body cavity. It's tight enough for it to have stayed there when laid horizontally, as in the picture, for over 15 minutes (and counting) without moving. I've checked the neck angles and it seems square and with just the right amount of tilt to fit a tune-o-matic bridge in without it sitting too high. Routing is all nice and clean; looks like it should be a good one.

I'm not going to rush this build as it's too cold over here to work outside on it (and will be for a few months now), plus I need to buy the hardware and I'm trying not to spend too much at the moment with Christmas coming up. I also need to decide whether I'm going to rout it out and fit a pickguard to have the pickup selector switch in the traditional Explorer location, and fit three control knobs, or stick with it as it is. It will probably depend on the finish.

I know it's going to be a white body, but I want to paint a large graphic on it as well. Something that's noticeable from a distance, and fairly simply to spray-on using templates; so mainly black, light and dark grey with a few splashes of colour. Still not decided what it's going to be. I'm not really into skulls or other traditional heavy metal style images on guitars. Maybe a Star Wars image or something similar. I still have plenty of time to think about it.

[wokkaboy]

nice one Simon I've built a EX-1 and EXA-1 kit, great axes. I reckon a pickguard and move the switch sounds like a good plan

[andrewdosborne]

Nice looking kit Simon looking forward to seeing this progress

Sent from Android N

[gavinturner]

Looks like a great kit Simon. I like the sound of the Star Wars graphic! That would be a first for the forum.

cheers,
Gav.

[Tweaky]

How about something like the famous checked explored used by Cheap Trick.

[pablopepper]

I love my ex-1. Best neck of any kit I have done. Moving the pickup selector wasn't too hard and I'm glad I did it.

[Raz]

I'm not really into skulls or other traditional heavy metal style images on guitars. Maybe a Star Wars image or something similar.

What about Star Wars combined WITH skulls? Darth Nihilus!
Depending on which side of the Force you agree with, perhaps have the creed on the back "Peace is a Lie" (I also have that entire thing tattoo'd on my arm btw). If it's a white guitar, maybe just use a black paint and have the Stormtrooper helmet as the design. No outlines, just the visor and face sections.
dunno, just tossing out ideas.

[FrankenWashie]

Even with the cold weather you may still beat me to completion. Second stain attempt, Intensifier coat 3. Almost 12 months to date thanks to distractions and screw ups.



You could always go Doctor who on it? Sonic screwdriver selector switch? Cybermen and Daleks on the back, Tom Baker on the front?

[wokkaboy]

looks good Frankie, what is the stain DT black stump ?

[Andyxlh]

What about the Tardis?
Or just go black and be James Hetfield.....😀