phoenix_rising Posted November 6, 2007 Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 (edited) So I just won the auction for a 1970's Crate Electra LP. This guitar has had the top cap removed. The auction includes the mahogany body, a humbucker, neck, tuners, and some accessories. What I am wondering is: I want to use a curly maple top and stain it, but I want to leave a natural maple binding around the edges, can I leave extra material on the top's edges then stain the top and then scrape or trim off the extra? Or will the stain penetrate too far into the material? Or should I just buy some maple binding and do it like everybody else? Edited November 6, 2007 by phoenix_rising Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WezV Posted November 6, 2007 Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 the 'faux' binding you are talking about is the way PRS does it and its becoming a lot more common search for 'natural binding' and you should find some info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setch Posted November 6, 2007 Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 There is a good thread from David Myka abut this - it shows his technique which is to mask of the areas to be dyed, then apply clear lacquer to the binding area, so that no dye can penetrate later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drak Posted November 6, 2007 Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 I'm sure even David will tell you it is not his technique, but simply 'a' technique that he employs. This technique is displayed and explained in detail very clearly on Stew-Mac's 'Spray Finishing With Colors' DVD hosted by Dan Erlewine, which I've owned for at least 11 years now. Mine is so old it's on VHS and I believe was the first version. I know there is a newer version out there, hopefully they covered this technique again in the second version. It's been around for quite some time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix_rising Posted November 6, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 I'm sure even David will tell you it is not his technique, but simply 'a' technique that he employs. This technique is displayed and explained in detail very clearly on Stew-Mac's 'Spray Finishing With Colors' DVD hosted by Dan Erlewine, which I've owned for at least 11 years now. Mine is so old it's on VHS and I believe was the first version. I know there is a newer version out there, hopefully they covered this technique again in the second version. It's been around for quite some time. Cool! Thank you guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brian d Posted November 7, 2007 Report Share Posted November 7, 2007 Click on Dan Erlewine "PRS" finish for a step-by-step guide. Cheers, Brian. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix_rising Posted November 7, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2007 Click on Dan Erlewine "PRS" finish for a step-by-step guide. Cheers, Brian. Thanks for the link Bri! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix_rising Posted November 20, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 20, 2007 (edited) I just wanted to let you guys know that I recieved the Electra today and am so excited. The neck on this thing is phenomenal! It is so much more slender and comfortable than a standard Gibson neck. I think I have identified the model as well an early carved maple top SLM Electra 2249 model. Looks like these came with rosewood fretboard on a maple neck early but then were switched to maple / maple. http://www.rivercityamps.com/electra/2249.php Anybody know how thick I have to make the top? I have a 4/4 piece of Curly Maple that I was going to bookmatch and is ready to go, but I am afraid it may be too thin seeing that most carved top LPs are about 2 7/8" thick and the body of this electra is is smaller than 2 inches. What do you think? Should I bookmatch the top or cut it as is (1" thick). Edited November 20, 2007 by phoenix_rising Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gosh Posted November 20, 2007 Report Share Posted November 20, 2007 I just wanted to let you guys know that I recieved the Electra today and am so excited. The neck on this thing is phenomenal! It is so much more slender and comfortable than a standard Gibson neck. I think I have identified the model as well an early carved maple top SLM Electra 2249 model. Looks like these came with rosewood fretboard on a maple neck early but then were switched to maple / maple. http://www.rivercityamps.com/electra/2249.php Anybody know how thick I have to make the top? I have a 4/4 piece of Curly Maple that I was going to bookmatch and is ready to go, but I am afraid it may be too thin seeing that most carved top LPs are about 2 7/8" thick and the body of this electra is is smaller than 2 inches. What do you think? Should I bookmatch the top or cut it as is (1" thick). The max depth from lowest to highest point on a Gibson Les Paul top is exactly half an inch. There is a flat area around the whole perimeter of the top extending in for 27mm before the curve of the 'arch' starts. The lowest point leaves 4mm around the edge for the binding. I'd book-match it if I were you. I have a luthier plan for a LP at home and If you wish, I can post you exact measurements that you require. Just list them here. hope that helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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