57 Custom replica Build

[TKOjams]

Originally Posted by stmfitr636

How much work went into leveling or otherwise sanding/polishing/buffing the color coat before going ahead with the clear coats?

I wondered about any transferring of orange peel or other defect through after clearcoat is leveled/sanded/polished/buffing/etc.

I never sand a color coat.

Where is the orange peel

[ltdave32]

Originally Posted by stmfitr636

How much work went into leveling or otherwise sanding/polishing/buffing the color coat before going ahead with the clear coats?

I wondered about any transferring of orange peel or other defect through after clearcoat is leveled/sanded/polished/buffing/etc.

Not trying to speak for Ken, but sanding the color coat is risky business. What one does to achieve a level surface is to diligently block-sand the flat surfaces of the guitar, then apply a sealer (grain fill can be done after the sealer and sanded), then spray a color coat, which is very fragile, no runs, etc. This is only a few thin coats of color. To sand at this stage would burn through the color coat, and you would have to start all over again. Several coats of clear are applied over the color, and the project is wet-sanded with a block to achieve a flat, glass-smooth surface, then buffed to achieve a mirror-like appearance.

One doesn't have to worry about orange peel on the color coat; multiple clear coats and sanding them will take care of any orange peel.

Ken buddy, I don't think he was implying there is orange peel, I think he's asking about how to generally avoid color coat orange peel transferring through.

[TKOjams]

Originally Posted by ltdave32

Not trying to speak for Ken, but sanding the color coat is risky business. What one does to achieve a level surface is to diligently block-sand the flat surfaces of the guitar, then apply a sealer (grain fill can be done after the sealer and sanded), then spray a color coat, which is very fragile, no runs, etc. This is only a few thin coats of color. To sand at this stage would burn through the color coat, and you would have to start all over again. Several coats of clear are applied over the color, and the project is wet-sanded with a block to achieve a flat, glass-smooth surface, then buffed to achieve a mirror-like appearance.

One doesn't have to worry about orange peel on the color coat; multiple clear coats and sanding them will take care of any orange peel.

Ken buddy, I don't think he was implying there is orange peel, I think he's asking about how to generally avoid color coat orange peel transferring through.

Oh, gotcha
Excelent explanation, Dave. I thought he saw some orange peel and I went running out to the shop and inspected the guitar. I useally finish up at 2am, so I may have missed something.
The cool thing about the color coat is the clear hides a load of imperfections in it.
At least with black, I don't know about any other color, haven't used any others yet.

[Drew224]

I'm loving those gold keystone Grovers.

I almost want to say go ahead and add a third pickup, but maybe you should see how you like it with just two, first.

[TKOjams]

Originally Posted by Drew224

I'm loving those gold keystone Grovers.

I almost want to say go ahead and add a third pickup, but maybe you should see how you like it with just two, first.

I like them also, I was going to go with the Kluson Waffleback repros but, I don't like the button color on them. If they were off white, yes, but they're mother of toileteseat and ugly. (to me YMMV)

[mondrian]

Originally Posted by TKOjams

...but they're mother of toileteseat and ugly. (to me YMMV)

I'm sorry, I just had to do that.

I LOL'd so hard, people at work think I'm crazy.

FWIW, TKO, you've done one hell of a build, man. Kudos to ya!

[TKOjams]

[Cpt_Gonzo]

...I like them!

But I really prefer Grovers on Les Pauls. Personal thing, but I think that the added weight to the headstock adds sustain and attack.

[Ole'Lefty]

I think this is my favorite build(it already has an edge over others because the BB is my favorite factory LP) of those I have seen. Do you use the "mirror- back chisel" technique when mitering binding?

[TKOjams]

Originally Posted by Ole'Lefty

I think this is my favorite build(it already has an edge over others because the BB is my favorite factory LP) of those I have seen. Do you use the "mirror- back chisel" technique when mitering binding?

Thanks Lefty,
I'm not clear on that technique, I just used an exrtemely sharp razor blade and cut it by eye.

[Ole'Lefty]

For those that are not as steady as TKO-flatten the back of your chisel and take it through the stones to a mirror polish back. When used to miter, the mirror shows the angle-you just look at the image reflected.

Now, all of my chisels are mirrored like that but for providing the truly flat back that allows the best sharp edge. The other is a side benefit.

[TKOjams]

Originally Posted by Ole'Lefty

For those that are not as steady as TKO-flatten the back of your chisel and take it through the stones to a mirror polish back. When used to miter, the mirror shows the angle-you just look at the image reflected.

Now, all of my chisels are mirrored like that but for providing the truly flat back that allows the best sharp edge. The other is a side benefit.

Hum, cool! I'll have to try that out someting.
Thanks

[Ole'Lefty]

I have an old Swan 1/2" parer that I use only for binding trim. I took that one past 12000 grit and .5micron diamond paste. My honing sequence is, flatten back to 8K Shapton. Hollow grind on a Tormek and hand hone micro-bevel up to 8K Shapton and strop on hard leather with the diamond paste. If I have to reset a working bevel I use a jig on stones. Really I use the Tormek for shaping, more than sharpening/honing.

[JimmyPage968]

Originally Posted by TKOjams

TKO, do these Wafflebacks have an imroved base for more contact with the headstock? I got Grover Kluson style and they are a couple steps up from the Klusons.
Improved post, no wobble
Bolt down, no bushings
Flat base for max contact and stability to the headstock.

They're great!

[TKOjams]

Originally Posted by JimmyPage968

TKO, do these Wafflebacks have an imroved base for more contact with the headstock? I got Grover Kluson style and they are a couple steps up from the Klusons.
Improved post, no wobble
Bolt down, no bushings
Flat base for max contact and stability to the headstock.

They're great!

I have no idea. I have never had a set in my hands. Due to the ugly ass buttons......I doubt I ever will.

[JimmyPage968]

Originally Posted by TKOjams

I have no idea. I have never had a set in my hands. Due to the ugly ass buttons......I doubt I ever will.

Haha! I never had any good experience with Kluson tuners!

[Guitar Goober]

Great build TKO! Looking forward to seeing the final pics.

I have some major GAS for a black '57 custom now... and it's all thanks to you!

[stmfitr636]

Originally Posted by ltdave32

Ken buddy, I don't think he was implying there is orange peel, I think he's asking about how to generally avoid color coat orange peel transferring through.

Exactly, thanks.

I haven't finished anything yet, so I'm trying to absorb enough so that I don't screw up too bad when I do. And having to remove several layers of clear to fix an imperfection in a color coat is not something I want to do.

I'm kinda a stickler for a nice finish... I'm sending my new car to be buffed out because I can't stand the orange peel from 99% of factory paint jobs. Didn't know if that would include going thru the clear to color to fix... glad it doesn't!

[Red Flametop]

BEAUTIFUL.......

If I ever do another LPC, I'm going to make certain to either do all-mahogany or the butt-ugliest plain maple top so I'm not derailed from the glory that is an all-black Custom.

Ready to see your finished result...the crowning touch of your wife's penmanship truly makes this one-of-a-kind. Outstanding work!

[Toris93]

just incredible! screw bursts...customs and goldtops is where its at :P

i just love reading threads like these, thanks for documenting the process!
i've always loved working with my hands and its my dream to have a small shop like that one day...


different than yours but another clip of an amazing sounding and looking custom:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! PHIL X 1956 Gibson Les Paul Custom 01070 - YouTube

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! PHIL X 1956 Gibson Les Paul Custom 01070 - YouTube

[FF_Pedals]

I can't remember if this came up before, are you going to do anything to yellow the binding like an amber clear coat? Or will the lacquer you used yellow over time?

[TKOjams]

Originally Posted by FF_Pedals

I can't remember if this came up before, are you going to do anything to yellow the binding like an amber clear coat? Or will the lacquer you used yellow over time?

I've been pondering this myself.

[FF_Pedals]

Originally Posted by TKOjams

I've been pondering this myself.

Only you can decide














................DO IT

[MBrennan]

PM sent.

I'm loving this build!

Outstanding work.

[emoney]

Of course, I think 3 p'up guitars are the bomb and that was my intent all along with my
RIT Dye burst. Accident-smaxident.

WHITE...sorry, I got a little excited, but this thing is begging to be left white on the edges.

So......where's this lovely beauty at present? Shouldn't we be getting the video treatment
at this point? If I could come even close to pulling off this finish, I would've went with
solid black as this thing is as classy as a good tuxedo. Maybe I should just ship you
mine..........

[TKOjams]

Originally Posted by emoney

Of course, I think 3 p'up guitars are the bomb and that was my intent all along with my
RIT Dye burst. Accident-smaxident.

(in my best Bill Cosby voice) ..........................Right!

So......where's this lovely beauty at present? Shouldn't we be getting the video treatment
at this point? If I could come even close to pulling off this finish, I would've went with
solid black as this thing is as classy as a good tuxedo. Maybe I should just ship you
mine..........

It's sitting in the shop, waiting for some of that "Best weather in the US" to head up north, so I can finish spraying the clear.

[emoney]

We may need to make a "you shoot the color and I shoot the clear" arrangement. At least
until the "frozen tundra" thaws......then you can do all the shooting.

[TKOjams]

I finished up the DC, so........

Back to my beauty!!!!

First wet sand, and more clear.

[crompo]

Looking good - what's with the black custom body sitting on the floor in the photo ?

Another project ?

Wayne.

[TKOjams]

Originally Posted by crompo

Looking good - what's with the black custom body sitting on the floor in the photo ?

Another project ?

Wayne.

That is an fake gibson LP custon i found, and then tore it aport to see what it was made of. Just in case you didn't know, it's made of sh!t.