Workingman Posted December 30, 2008 Report Posted December 30, 2008 Hi all, I am am a newbie to this site. I have done some fairly low level repairs in guitars and basses but little finish work beyond drop filling. I have aquired a butchered Electra MPC (LP Shape). It looks like someone attempted to install a Kahler using a screw driver (not even a chisel) to do the route. They then tried to "fix it with some kind of putty. I have removed the putty and intend to clean up the hole with a router and fill it with a block of mahogany; then carve it to match the contour of the top. Even after this the top is in bad shape. It has numerous gouges and scratches in addition to the bad rattle can finish. I am considering stripping it and putting on a veneer. I understand that there are differences of opinion on the ease of using a veneer. Are there any special consideration for doing this with an LP shape (easier/harder), remove the binding first etc. Also I have always liked the idea of having a cherry topped guitar (or bass). If I do use a cherry veneer, does it require grain filling? Thanks in advance for any responses and also for all the info I have already gathered. Quote
kpcrash Posted December 30, 2008 Report Posted December 30, 2008 The one thing I will say about veneer, regardless of job, is make sure you get some commercial veneer conditioner before doing anything. It's about $16 bucks a bottle and allows you to have a respectable result without using a vacuum press. It's also IMHO easier with the binding removed. Welcome to the forum! Quote
Workingman Posted December 31, 2008 Author Report Posted December 31, 2008 The one thing I will say about veneer, regardless of job, is make sure you get some commercial veneer conditioner before doing anything. It's about $16 bucks a bottle and allows you to have a respectable result without using a vacuum press. It's also IMHO easier with the binding removed. Welcome to the forum! Thanks. What does the conditioner do, soften the veneer to help it follow the contours or help the glue adhere? Quote
kpcrash Posted December 31, 2008 Report Posted December 31, 2008 Yes. I use this one with good results - just follow the directions. I haven't noticed any incompatibilities yet, then again, when veneering, I use zpoxy to fill the pores before final clearcoating (lessons learned the hard way!). Quote
ihocky2 Posted December 31, 2008 Report Posted December 31, 2008 A Les Paul shape will add a degree of dificulty though. You will need to keep the seam together while still applying even pressure to get the veneer to conform without getting bubbles. It can be done without a vacuum press, but will definitely take some work. Quote
Workingman Posted January 4, 2009 Author Report Posted January 4, 2009 I was considering going for a one piece to instead of book match. Will this make it easierr or harder? Thanks Quote
kpcrash Posted January 5, 2009 Report Posted January 5, 2009 one piece is a little easier because you're not worried about the seam in the middle. Quote
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