Smaller ES-335 (ES-337?) build

SteveRobinson

Beautiful work

davros

I think all the woodwork's done now, so time for a mockup!

Lots of sanding to do, and I may need to slim the neck a little bit (it always feels different when there are strings on it).

This bridge has nashville-style studs, and I'm not sure whether to install them before painting, or after. I normally mask the tailpiece studs, but I believe the flange of the stud should sit proud of the body, so masking won't work well. Any ideas?

SteveRobinson

You could drill before or after painting but don't install them beforehand. 

davros

Thanks Steve, that makes sense. I have already pilot drilled it to get the location, so I might as well drill to the right diameter before spraying.

Now to decide what colour. It will be natural back and sides, thinking black for the top...or Pelham blue...

Handily I have enough of the 5-ply you sent me to make a pickguard. Just need to get a 30° chamfer router bit.

SteveRobinson

If you get stuck, I have a 30° cutter you could borrow but it has a 1/2" shaft.

davros

Thanks Steve, I only have a 1/4"/8mm router but I have a Trend bit on my xmas list!

Andyjr1515

Looks really good! 

davros

Thanks Andy!

I did get a 30° router bit in my xmas stocking, and it made light work of the pickguard bevel. The pickguard is basically a short 1961 ES-335 shape but slimmed a tiny bit to account for the smaller body.

davros

Stunk out the kitchen but the first coat of grain filler is on. I think I'll do one more, but I really like the dark filler on the mahogany, it darkens the colour quite a bit and enhances the grain nicely.

I'll need to give the binding a good scrub with white spirit to get it totally clean.

davros

Did another coat of grain filler and noticed quite a few sanding lines, so gave the back another sand from 120 to 320 grit along the grain and did another coat of grain filler.

I think I'm ready for finish now, so need to get a nitro order in. The question is what colour, black or pelham blue...

breezytele

@davros   thanks for the great thread 
And kudos for the build - very impressive !

The drawings of the various profiles are very interesting.
I’ve recently put a deposit down on a Collings I35LC Vintage 
and the narrower horns and body of that design,  are of real appeal to me.
So, understandably , I have a  particular interest in your illustrations 

Thanks for sharing your aesthetic take on this classic shape 

davros

Thanks breezytele, the Collings will be a stunning instrument. I tried an i35 alongside an ES-335 and the Collings was by far superior, the quality was impeccable and it resonated so much better.

davros

Ordered some of Steve's lovely nitro, went for a black top. Looking forward to getting that in the new year when he's back in the office and getting this thing sprayed. The bathroom spray booth (folding wardrobe) will need to be employed as the weather's rubbish at this time of year.

Bored, I decided to up my wiring game and try to do a decent job of the loom, heatshrink and all. Relatively neat job. Also checked I could get it all through the hole in the bridge pickup cavity - success! Don't think it would have gone through the f holes.

Andyjr1515

Ooooo... if Pelham Blue is one of your choices...

Go on, @davros ; - you know it makes sense

davros

Oops, just ordered black...but it won't ship for a few days....

SteveRobinson

I'll send you one of each and you can make up your mind

davros

Thanks Steve, that's very kind of you!

davros

These 2 test carves will come in handy as paint samplers!

SteveRobinson

Ooh I just saw this in another thread!
https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/219781/1q22-challenge-downbytheriver-335-style-from-a-kit-with-stains

Teyeplayer

I agree with @SteveRobinson, that combination would look killer.