P-Bass kit, Paper finish. All done... On page 4.

[Ohioisonfire]

This is such a cool idea. When I saw paper finish title I wasn't expecting anything this nice, really good work!

[Zork]

+1 on the gold anodized pickguard!!!

[AWSchmit]

Thanks a lot for the kind words everyone! I to feel it a shame to cover so much of the front with a pickguard. Ideally, I would like to only use a control plate, but I have a couple big things working against me. The control cavity is connected to the pickups routes. If only they weren't connected like a Jag, that would be sweet. Also, the pickup routes are cut over sized. I wish they were only cut to accommodate the pickups and covers themselves only. I would LOVE to use a gold guard, I think that would suit this very well. However, this being a $70 kit from ebay, I don't like the idea of sinking even $20 into a new pickguard. I know that seems stupid, maybe I will in the future. For now though I will just use the w/b/w guard it came with.

AWS

[AWSchmit]

Would something like this be stupid?

[kamillebidan]

^ I like it. But I feel I'd be in the minority; I think pearl variations (especially dark black) are very cool.

[smjenkins]

+1 to gold anodized. That would just look sooooo classy.

[CROSS_guitars]

Pickguard would look cool transparent with matching floral backing.

[AWSchmit]

I think I found a good choice for the pickguard:



I normally HATE this shade of mint green. It's nowhere close to actual mint... However, with the greens in this paper, I think this would work well. Plus it's only $8.

[Singlebladepickup]

I think regular-style mint would look perfect here.

[ThePearDream]

I'd love to see this with a frosted clear acrylic guard.

[AWSchmit]

I received the mint guard, and even though there appears to be some fit issues, I think this will work in the end, even if it doesn't end up snug around the neck pocket. Mainly because it's a perfect match for the lighter green color in the design of the paper.

[jeff m.]

Yep, that mint looks terrific, AW ! Much nicer than the mock-up a few posts back.

I know you're being 'budget-minded' with this build, so one last suggestion..cream pickup covers ? Cheap as chips, in general ! ( I went back to your OP to see what came with the kit..black covers ).

Such a cool & impressive build, mate !

Best,
Jeff.

[Kramertron 2000]

That looks freaking awesome. Iv always wanted to do that with a guitar, so this thread has definitely given me some ideas (dangerous, I know).
Was there any particular method you used for the burst? Iv tried it with a spray can before, and as you might expect, it came out prettt rough, but that may have just been technique.

[AWSchmit]

Thanks Jeff.

That looks freaking awesome. Iv always wanted to do that with a guitar, so this thread has definitely given me some ideas (dangerous, I know).
Was there any particular method you used for the burst? Iv tried it with a spray can before, and as you might expect, it came out prettt rough, but that may have just been technique.

I used an air brush for the burst. I’ve had very marginal success with rattle cans before. But it pretty much requires special tips that narrow the spray. Getting an air brush and gun rig with a nice powerful compressor has been a Godsend for doing finish work. Good luck with your build if you decide to tackle it.

[AWSchmit]

I wanted to share a realization I had about this technique in the shower yesterday. I've been going at this all wrong, I think. So if you're interested in possibly doing a finish like this, read on...


On both this and my previous guitar I put the paper on after sealing the body. I'm thinking now that this is a mistake. I got to thinking yesterday that I'm essentially adding a veneer to the body by applying paper, I'm not adding a finish... So I think a better method would be to have a spray bottle around with water in it and spray the unfinished raw body to moisten to make it draw the glue into it's pores better and to keep the glue from form dryer spots right away. Then apply wood glue all over the body and brush it around to create an even and fairly generous layer of glue, being care to evenly cover the entire flat surface of the top and or back of the body. After that spray your paper to enough sure that it's already somewhat saturated with water to keep it from hitting the glue and expanding on the guitar, rather than expanding evening before application. You might even do this before applying the glue to the body in order to allow the paper to saturate and then shed access water while you do the rest of the procedure. Once the paper is wet is become very delicate, so careful handling is required. When applying the paper roll over it with a brayer like before to ensure it's even and flat. at this point I'm not sure what would be the best step to take. I would think one of two options would be good. One, like before give the paper a top coat of wood to seal it in. Or two, Start the sealing and finishing process just like you would on a regular fishing job. I'm leaning more toward the latter. So if I ever do this again, this is the method I will take.