Finished First guitar build. Shiny then not so shiny.

Deadman

Thanks Andy! I was tempted to add some of the yellow stain destined for the body to the grain filler but decided against it. I hope it covers OK.  

Andyjr1515

Deadman said:

Thanks Andy! I was tempted to add some of the yellow stain destined for the body to the grain filler but decided against it. I hope it covers OK.  

I haven't used Rustins grain filler ( but many do) but with all fillers, it is making sure that you sand back to the wood enough if you are using a stain while not sanding all the filler out of the grain! How well the filler takes the stain sometimes depends on the stain as much as the filler. The beauty is that, if it doesn't go completely right the first time, you can just sand it back and try again....most of us have!

Deadman

I thought it would sand back very easily, thanks for confirming mate. I'm gonna have a little tickle of it later

Deadman

Grain filler knocked back, stain applied and 4 coats of sander sealer. Quite a bit of the grain is still showing but I like it. Next up, give it a quick tickle, add the black burst and nitro lacquer.

Then I have to start designing a decal for the 'stock before lacquering that:

Andyjr1515

That looks really nice...

Deadman

Thanks again Andy. Burst later.

Deadman

The burst is on the body now and I'm at the mid lacquer stage. This is after 3 coats. I might put a couple more on but want it as thin as possible, so maybe not:

Andyjr1515

Not sure it needs any more -  it looks fabulous!

Deadman

Cheers! I've wanted a stark yellow/black burst forever.

randomhandclaps

TBH I absolutely hated the yellow, but in the burst (and I'm not particularly a burst fan) it looks bloody lovely.  I think it's the opposite to the reason why I dislike a lot of bursts in that they can be a bit insipid but the strong contrast makes it look fantastic.

Deadman

Thanks man and understood, the yellow did look a bit puke, but yeah I feel it's getting there now. The single ply black guard I've got should complete the look I've been yearning for, in fact it's absolutely critical
Just hoping the neck doesn't look too dark or I'll be taking drastic action to remedy that.
I've decided to simply call it 'Ashcaster'. The decal will be very plain and black.

simonbeckwith

This is great, well done!

TheOtherDennis

Bloody hell, for a first go that's really impressive!

Deadman

Cheers guys. First time build but I'm a seasoned paint sprayer so no excuse if I muck the paint up!

jd0272

Fckn knew I done shoulda bought that neck      Looks tremendous! What I'm doing with one of mine, tho no idea how you're getting the nitro done as humidity through the roof up 'ere. That booth got a control in it I assume? It's obv a wee but more fit for purpose than me shed  

Deadman

It's fully controlled jd, yeah. Gas burners the lot.
The neck might be getting re-done today, it's just too dark for my liking. It'll be a hell of a lot of work to get the poly off between the frets without removing them (which isn't an option) but I might have to put the graft in to get what I want.
My hardware has all arrived too from Gavin at Axecaster so I'm a bit excited.

Fez

Nice job, what pick ups are you going for?

jd0272

Deadman;430052" said:

It's fully controlled jd, yeah. Gas burners the lot.

The neck might be getting re-done today, it's just too dark for my liking. It'll be a hell of a lot of work to get the poly off between the frets without removing them (which isn't an option) but I might have to put the graft in to get what I want.

My hardware has all arrived too from Gavin at Axecaster so I'm a bit excited.

A shed I can only aspire to!

Did you go for their aged hardware? If so, what's it like?

randomhandclaps

Have you ever thought of moving to Essex and specialising in spray tans? I don't envy your work on stripping the neck but completely agree that if you're making something you always envisioned then it's worth the effort to be satisfied.

Deadman

Fez said:

Nice job, what pick ups are you going for?

I've gone for the Fender '51 Nocaster set Fez. Kind of wish I'd gone Mojo or Oil City like most of the other guys here but I do like the sound they make.