RAD -- Fast Guitars LP Kit Build

[RestorationAD]

Why the epoxy compared to Titebond?

Habit.

I switched to West Systems a few years ago for my S9 models so I just went with it. I like that there is no extra water introduced to the build. I use some pretty sensitive exotics on the S9s and anytime I can keep water out of the equation I do.

Honestly if I had to do it again I would use titebond. There are no gaps in the tenon/mortise on this kit and the black limba is really stable so no real reason not to use titebond.

 

[RestorationAD]

Before we start to throw finish on have to install the nut.

 

[RestorationAD]

Starting with a few heavy coats of high solids sanding sealer before a grain fill followed by leveling. I like to keep the guitar level while spraying as it helps even the flow out.

 

[RestorationAD]

 

[RestorationAD]

Fast forward a few days and it is time to grain fill. Not my favorite thing.

 

[RestorationAD]

Looks like I will still need to do some leveling.

 

[RestorationAD]

Can't really see it in the photo but even the top is still a little uneven.





Leveling the back with CA and credit card. I know what you are going to ask. Why are you leveling out with CA when you already grain filled? The vintage grain fill I have is just not really good at it. I love the color though so I always use it and then if I need to have a really flat surface I will use CA on top of it. Normally I don't do super flat clear. I like the nitro to shrink and still show the grain. It makes me feel that the clear is thin and is letting the instrument breathe... yes just "voodoo" but still. For the LP I think it needs to be a mirror finish that is flat and clear... tradition maybe?

 

[RestorationAD]

I really don't like using the CA as sanding it can be tricky and I know the dust is bad. But it is quick and that is what respirators are for.





Still some work to do.

 

[RestorationAD]

First coats

 

[RestorationAD]

Don't use a red solo cup to scoop nitro out of a full can. Melts the cup.

 

[RestorationAD]

After about 3 coats of clear we scuff and start the burst. I like the burst to be in the middle of the coats to add depth.

 

[RestorationAD]

Almost want to stop here...





But we continue on

 

[RestorationAD]

Black Transtint has a very purple look to it in bright lights.

 

[RestorationAD]

 

[RestorationAD]

 

[RestorationAD]

Sanded flat.

 

[RestorationAD]

Fresh off the buffer. About ready for assembly.

 

[Tom Drinkwater]

Great job!!

 

[RestorationAD]

All these parts are going to be a LP at some point.



Putting the covers on the humbuckers



Tone Pros bridge and tailpiece




Using brass inserts and socket head stainless steel screws to mount the pickups. Also I decided against vintage wire inside so here you see the switch wires.

 

[RestorationAD]

Of course it was beautiful this weekend so I went outside to do some of the assembly.