Smaller ES-335 (ES-337?) build

stickyfiddle

guitargeek62 said:

I’m calling dibs please

I was assuming that to be uncouth before the build was even done!!!

davros

Thanks chaps! I think this will be one I'll be holding on to but will let you know 

@Andyjr1515 I cheated on this one, it's a hollowed out solid block of mahogany. At some point I might venture into laminated tops and bent sides but not brave enough yet!

The back is Khaya (African) and the neck is Honduran, provided by David Dyke.

davros

The clear coats are all on now, just the agonising 2+ weeks wait until I can wet sand.

WezV

that looks great!

RickLucas

Beautiful.

guitargeek62

stickyfiddle said:

guitargeek62 said:

I’m calling dibs please

I was assuming that to be uncouth before the build was even done!!!

I never professed to being gentleman-ly  

vanlooy1

That back is a beauty!

davros

Thanks chaps, I'm very happy with the way the finishing has gone this time. Hopefully I don't sand through it!

davros

Aargh, why does nitro take so long to dry! Still have nearly 2 weeks to go, so need to be patient!

In the meantime, I've removed the masking tape and kitchen roll from the f holes, softened the sharp edges where the fretboard was masked, with a razor blade, aged most of the hardware (not the pickups yet) and given the fretboard a good dose of lemon oil.

I'll probably do the fret job next weekend to keep myself occupied!

Another pointless but satisfying mockup...

WezV

Top Tip.  When you have a blacktop you have to make sure to take pics from an angle to show the glow of the mahogany

davros

Yeah, I always forget to take photos in the daylight too. Kitchen spotlights aren't flattering!

Andyjr1515

Flippin' gorgeous!  Wow duly awarded

normula1

Superb

davros

Not a very exciting update for this weekend. Nitro is drying, 1 week to go and it already passes the fingernail test. I scuffed it all over with 800 grit as I read it can help to release the solvents and dry a little quicker. I don't know how true that is but it can't do any harm.

Did a full level, crown and polish too, so once the finish is done it will be ready to play. Tried using some abrasive rubbers for a try this time after 800 grit wet and dry, and befire chrome polish. Medium followed by Fine, seemed to do the job well and a little easier than more wet and dry grits.

matt_sefton

Very late to the party but I’ve just read the entire thread. Absolutely stunning work. The attention to detail is inspiring!

davros

2 weeks was up yesterday so 2 evenings of wet sanding and polishing and we are ready for assembly!!! Doesn't look much different in the photos than when just sprayed but it definitely does in real life!

Hopefully I'll be able to get it all together and wired up tomorrow morning, very exciting!

vanlooy1

Looks awesome!

davros

Well, wiring was painful, very glad it had a side mounted jack so I could get my fingers in. Long pots were just a smidge too big, should have used medium length. Very annoyed that I managed to take 2 chunks out of the f hole with a screwdriver trying to move the parts into position but they should drop fill nicely.

I haven't decided whether to use the pickguard yet but leaning toward yes. I need to slim it a little as it's about 5mm wider than I'd like.

So, left to do is fixing the 2 dings, pickguard rtimming and fitting, a proper setup and aging the pickups to match the other hardware (I wanted to make sure I like them first - Oil City Forces Sweethearts).

But first some NGD porn. I'll post a proper NGD thread in the guitar board when fully complete.

What does tFB think, pickguard on or off?

Philly_Q

Pickguard on, IMO.

It looks great, similar to my CS-336 except mine's black all over and doesn't have that lovely natural mahogany back.

You did well to only ding the f-hole twice, I wouldn't dare to attempt wiring a semi!  I know I'd totally lose it in frustration and smash the guitar up and feel terrible afterwards.

GluedtoMusic

Stunning!