Cheapest way to finish good looking wood?

[AGWAN]

SO much of the cost in building a Warmoth is the paint/dyes. which is a pity because the mahogany and Korina bodies look gorgeous... but I feel bad paying 200 dollars for a clear coat on that.

So... oil? rattlecans?

whats the best way to get a gorgeous finish, for cheap on these woods?

ideas?

 

[Cletus]

Look for troubled trebles korina strat, done in tru-oil and quite beautiful. There's a thread in the strat section (I think) where he describes the process.

 

[AGWAN]

I've seen his korina ZZtop guitar... I just kinda wonder the start to finish cost on all that.

*Runs to see the Strat*

 

[Cletus]

I'll save you the exercise my good man: http://www.unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=251.0

Now If you'll kindly point me toward this ZZ top thing we'll be all square.

 

[AGWAN]

http://www.unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=12383.0

though I think there are two other threads on it.  :headbang1:

 

[dNA]

Sometimes with guitars plain totally wins. While an oiled ash, alder, or mahogany body may not scream "LOOK AT ME" in and of itself, you can make a really nice classy guitar with one of those cheap common woods and just an oil finish. I went with Walnut for my first build because the grain is beautiful with an oil finish, and finishing it myself was cheaper than buying an alder or ash body that had been painted

it depends on what style you're going for. I think an oiled mahogany body with a pickguard looks great.

i'd say look/ask for a piece that's a little darker with more of that reddish or brown hue. but that's just me. this actually has me thinking i might do the same thing down the road.

 

[AGWAN]

I've been playing with the idea of cloning the Ibanez RG321's looks... but making it nice...

WHILE KEEPING IT AS CHEAP AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE.

seems pretty damn doable. Mahogany Soloist body+ showcase strat neck. I'll get something much nicer, for not much more.

 

[jackthehack]

Tru-oil, used less than $10 worth: http://www.amazon.com/Tru-Oil-Gun-Stock-Finish-Ounce/dp/B0000C5398

Tung Oil, used less than $10 worth: http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Finishing_supplies/Finishes_and_solvents/Behlen_Tung_Oil.html

Watco Danish Oil, I used the "natural" but now comes tinted, see this link, again, under $10: http://www.woodcraft.com/search/search.aspx?query=watco+danish+oil&keyword=watco_danish_oil&refcode=06INGOOG&gclid=CLqv5OK576QCFQQCbAodT0eczw

http://amberjackmusic.com/rwfront.jpg[/img

[img]http://amberjackmusic.com/rwback.jpg

 

[AGWAN]

that Watco looks great!

 

[dNA]

seems pretty damn doable. Mahogany Soloist body+ showcase strat neck. I'll get something much nicer, for not much more.

Currently in the showcase:

I'm just sayin...

 

[AGWAN]

Right handed... ehh maybe.

Oh, Tremolo route.... No thanks!

:sad1:

 

[dNA]

Right handed... ehh maybe.

Oh, Tremolo route.... No thanks!

:sad1:

ohhh bugger. God damn, that tremolo route thing is really a deal-breaker for SO many nice bodies. it's retarded

 

[AGWAN]

it really is. I mean, you can always route pickups later. why the hell not the trem!? it really makes no sense.

the only real benefit is for those who like exposed springs. because they get the trem pocket painted.

the rest of us are stuck stalking the showcase for those elusive hardtails.
:binkybaby:

 

[Cagey]

Or, you could just order what you want. After all, the company's claim to fame is custom parts. If what you want is unusual, then you have to expect it to cost a little extra.

Unless Mr. Warmoth turns senile, it's highly unlikely that The Showcase is ever going to be populated with bodies or necks that may stay on the shelves for months or even years on end due to low demand. It just doesn't make good business sense.

 

[dNA]

Or, you could just order what you want. After all, the company's claim to fame is custom parts. If what you want is unusual, then you have to expect it to cost a little extra.

Unless Mr. Warmoth turns senile, it's highly unlikely that The Showcase is ever going to be populated with bodies or necks that may stay on the shelves for months or even years on end due to low demand. It just doesn't make good business sense.

I don't see why a body that's NOT pre-routed for a trem is less likely to sell than something that is. If it's not pre-routed, you get it routed, just like any of the other numerous options that you get to have routed on bodies. They sell bodies that aren't pre-routed for pickups, input jacks, or bridges. and they allow you to modify/enlarge existing routes when possible. And i think having a trem is more of a dealbreaker than any other pre-routed feature on a guitar.

But then, I also don't doubt that they have their reasons. I just don't see them myself

 

[Cagey]

I'll bet it has to do with how the CNC machine(s) are programmed, what they use for reference points, and how many times the thing has to be handled/setup. Every time you have to move a part or change a tool setting, you add time and increase the potential for mistakes or inaccuracies. If you can clamp down a part and have it stay in place, you really want to do as many things as you possibly can at that point.