Hot Rod LP JR DC: Non-Warmoth metal flake extravaganza

[dmraco]

So I am re-doing a LP JR DC.  This is Precision LP JR prototype.  I was never happy with it.  The neck was a HUGE 50s style...super thick.  Also the humbucker neck pickup was too close to the neck causing a super unstable setup.

I ripped out the electronics I installed, (fishman) and drilled a new bridge.  I filled three of the five control holes and filled the neck pickup cavity with epoxy.  This really firmed up the body and eliminated the flex.  Finally I got out the 50 grit sandpaper and power sander and went to work reshaping the neck.  It is closer to the diaper of a standard thin but is a little flatter of a profile, kind of like the Ibanez necks of the 80s.

What this will become is an experiment in metal flake.  Someone asked my on another build thread "where is the flake?" so I am going to make up for it here.

What you see now is the body with a red base and masked for some of the highlights.  The guitar will have a faux flake binding.  I cut it out by hand but as you can see I still have some places to even it out a bit.  My eyes are crossed from cutting so I need to rest a bit.

Colors will be a ruby red and 24k gold with black accents.  This one will stick out.  I am even buying a new gun to accommodate the larger flake (.015 vs the .004 I usually shoot).  I will retain the gold hardware and it will have a single bridge PU with tone and volume.  Frets are gold too :headband:

 

[dmraco]

1st part is done.  I am not liking this big flake.  It is a lot harder to get an even coat with the larger diameter nozzle.  After much patience I think I am there.  I have to let it set a bit before removing the tape.  Its feels like Christmas.

The accents are gold with a black base.  Should be a cool effect.  The rest of the body will be red flake with a red base.

 

[Fat Pete]

Looking forward to this one!

 

[bagman67]

You'll be the only kid on your block with one of those babies, for sure!  Looks like a fun concept.  Shooting flake seems like an awesome idea, until I contemplate the actual logistics.  Good for you for making it happen.

 

[rgand]

I can't say I'd want to tackle spraying flake. You have my respect. Looks good. The finished project should be impressive.

 

[dmraco]

I could get the tape off the headstock. 

The red will be coated with red flake.  I may do an intercoat clean on this one.  I have to mask off the gold and want to make sure it is fully "melted" in. 

 

[Pelagaard]

Looking good.  This wouldn't happen to be the Tonar finished one from a few years ago, would it?

 

[dmraco]

Looking good.  This wouldn't happen to be the Tonar finished one from a few years ago, would it?

That was Mayfly I think.  I would never repaint a TONAR finish!!!

 

[dmraco]

After peeling off the tape I did not like what I saw.  I am starting over.  I am still going to incorporate red and gold flake and stripes of some kind.  I may play with different color bases too.

 

[Pelagaard]

Looking good.  This wouldn't happen to be the Tonar finished one from a few years ago, would it?

That was Mayfly I think.  I would never repaint a TONAR finish!!!

Total brain fart on my end.  For some reason I assumed it was his based on the description of the guitar...  Now I like this project even more.

 

[mayfly]

Looking good.  This wouldn't happen to be the Tonar finished one from a few years ago, would it?

That was Mayfly I think.  I would never repaint a TONAR finish!!!

Yes that one was mine.  A fine rock and roll guitar that.

 

[dmraco]

OK  Started over.

I got out the router and rounded the edges and gave it some PRS style contours.  I had a CAGEY like experience when the router passed the input jack.  I fixed with epoxy because  it was bad.

I sanded a bit.  I am on a wing and a prayer here.  Not sure whats next.  This is an experiment for sure.

 

[mayfly]

You are a crazy man.

 

[rgand]

I like the routed edges. Looking forward to following your progress.

 

[dmraco]

this just happened.  Flake is next

 

[Cagey]

I had a CAGEY-like experience when the router passed the input jack. 

You mean you inadvertently added the playability- and appearance-enhancing angled plug relief notch modification?

 

[dmraco]

I had a CAGEY-like experience when the router passed the input jack. 

You mean you inadvertently added the playability- and appearance-enhancing angled plug relief notch modification?

thats the one!    :doh:

 

[Cagey]

Yeah, you gotta check the order sheet more than once while fabricating, or you might find yourself needing to do something like finish a universal pickup cavity route (also known as a "tone chamber") that wasn't asked for.

 

[dmraco]

some progress.  it is really hard to capture the flake movement in a photo.  Also the finish is not flat.  I will need several coats of clear to do that.  I have to trim the pick guard a bit to account for the new curves added.  I am happy.



here you can see the carve out and top horn transition

 

[mayfly]

I'm shocked at how good that looks