Guerrilla Radio Posted November 7, 2008 Report Share Posted November 7, 2008 I like the stain. Question, though; is it 'standard procedure' to stain, sand back, and then stain again? The only reason I can think of why this is done is so there is a deeper color to the flame, but I'm not sure so I'd like to know. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackdog Posted November 7, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2008 I like the stain. Question, though; is it 'standard procedure' to stain, sand back, and then stain again? The only reason I can think of why this is done is so there is a deeper color to the flame, but I'm not sure so I'd like to know. Thanks! Thanks to you all for the compliments. Yes, GR. The purpose is to enhance the flames. But you have to be cautious. If the first stain is too dark and/or not sanded off enough you run the risk of "fixing" the flame (as in less 3D effect). A normal 1-step staining renders the deepest 3D effect, but with a less dramatic flame. You have to try to achieve a balance. The two I have stained so far have been double-stained and I like the results. It's more work. Sanding the stain off is a PITA. PRS still double-stains most high price models. I read that Gibson did it for a while with their Custom Shop guitars and now they don't do it anymore. This is the top with some sanding sealer nitro applied. This should be closer to what the color will look like when finished: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xanthus Posted November 8, 2008 Report Share Posted November 8, 2008 Oh jeez, that's a keeper. What a way to make that maple pop, congrats! Is that natural binding on the sides, or does the maple continue under the binding? I'm citing the top of the horn, specifically. Not too keen on the shelf at the center of the knobs, but I'm thinking that it will come together nicely once there's hardware on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackdog Posted November 8, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 8, 2008 Oh jeez, that's a keeper. What a way to make that maple pop, congrats! Is that natural binding on the sides, or does the maple continue under the binding? I'm citing the top of the horn, specifically. Not too keen on the shelf at the center of the knobs, but I'm thinking that it will come together nicely once there's hardware on. Yes, the maple on this one is much nicer than I thought. And I'm liking this color a lot, I think I'll use it again with my future LP-hollowbody. There is no separate binding. What you see is just the edge of the maple top left unstained. I used a method posted not too long ago here. I can't seem to find it now, masking the top and cutting the tape parallel to the edge with a small tool, then lacquering the binding-to-be for sealing before staining the top. I know what you mean about the recesses of the controls. It's there to house the nut/washer and help in keeping the knob low. It looks horrible now, but it's invisible when the knob is there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jer7440 Posted November 8, 2008 Report Share Posted November 8, 2008 That is going to be one sweet looking LP....nice job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westhemann Posted November 8, 2008 Report Share Posted November 8, 2008 I believe it was Perry who said once he uses a rag soaked in thinner(alcohol for alcohol based stains,water for water based,etc) to wipe away the excess first coat until it reached the "sanded back" look...without sanding...then wait to dry and apply the other coat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pukko Posted November 8, 2008 Report Share Posted November 8, 2008 Wow! Great work on the stain! The whole build looks fantastic! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maiden69 Posted November 8, 2008 Report Share Posted November 8, 2008 I believe it was Perry who said once he uses a rag soaked in thinner(alcohol for alcohol based stains,water for water based,etc) to wipe away the excess first coat until it reached the "sanded back" look...without sanding...then wait to dry and apply the other coat. Both Perry and David have posted the same comment. That's how I do mine, but I still sand to get the highs to be clearer (lighter) than the figure. Nice looking, lets get it finished!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackdog Posted December 14, 2008 Author Report Share Posted December 14, 2008 Well, now it has been finished. I had significantly less problems that on my previous one. I had a small problem on the headstock face that will require touch-up. A small pore let some water in when wet sanding and developed in a 5-6mm long crack. I'll see tomorrow what's the damage and how to correct it. But it should not be too difficult. So still not perfect. But I think she looks pretty good and is going to be a mighty singlecut !!! While the lacquer was curing I did most of the fretwork, so it should be about right when I string her up. I'm looking forward to assembling and calibrating her. I'm really enthusiastic and curious to hear her voice !!! In a few days she'll have some strings on and will be a guitar for the first time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HuntinDoug Posted December 14, 2008 Report Share Posted December 14, 2008 WOW! That top is killer! Very nice work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southbound Posted December 15, 2008 Report Share Posted December 15, 2008 Geez man that looks great! I'm planning a LP rebuild for my first project where I'm gonna put a new top on... For me IT'S ABOUT THE TOP! and if mine comes out 1/2 as good as this I'll be stoked. Really nice work mate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hooglebug Posted December 15, 2008 Report Share Posted December 15, 2008 yes yes lovely top. but baby got back too! hehe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setch Posted December 15, 2008 Report Share Posted December 15, 2008 Nice!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andronico Posted December 16, 2008 Report Share Posted December 16, 2008 This top and its carve is fantastic ! Congratulations BlackDog ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Six String Theory Posted December 17, 2008 Report Share Posted December 17, 2008 Impressive job Blackdog. Very pretty top. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ae3 Posted December 17, 2008 Report Share Posted December 17, 2008 The back is just as good looking as the front! Just like a pretty las..... Don't worry there are no women on here At least... I don't think so... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guitar2005 Posted December 17, 2008 Report Share Posted December 17, 2008 effing nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackdog Posted December 18, 2008 Author Report Share Posted December 18, 2008 Thanks, guys !! It's true, this top is amazing. I'm already looking forward to making my own. I think I'm going to follow the same carving pattern and quite possibly the same color. I have assembled it already. The nut still needs a little attention and it has no truss-rod cover yet. Also the little crack on the headstock face needs to be repaired. But it plays great !! And sounds very good at low volumes. I still need to spend some more time playing it at a more realistic volume, and comparing against other guitars to know where she stands, sonically speaking. It has a very good sustain, that's for sure. And acoustically is quite loud, no doubt thanks to the big chamber in there. Looks killer too. It's going to be hard to see it going with the new owner.... Soon I'll finish it and will take take good pictures for a Finished Build thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Narcissism Posted December 20, 2008 Report Share Posted December 20, 2008 If God played a Les Paul, it would look like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackdog Posted December 20, 2008 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2008 If God played a Les Paul, it would look like that. Hey, Thanks !!! So you're saying this is some kind of Holy Paul.... Shall I call her Santa Paula then ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verhoevenc Posted December 21, 2008 Report Share Posted December 21, 2008 It;s possible for him to be able to! PM for my... I mean his address... Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setch Posted December 21, 2008 Report Share Posted December 21, 2008 GOTM! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riffster Posted December 21, 2008 Report Share Posted December 21, 2008 Sunning! This guitar has got me digging pauls again. Thanks again for answering my question a while back! GOTM it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Six String Theory Posted December 21, 2008 Report Share Posted December 21, 2008 Santa Paula sounds sweet. You should inlay it on the headstock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebadger Posted December 22, 2008 Report Share Posted December 22, 2008 looks great, what did you use for the "sink" on the top for the knobs and toggle switch? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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