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| Explorer Kit Build http://mowrystrings.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10122&t=34815 |
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| Author: | Chris Cordle [ Tue Jan 03, 2012 9:28 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Explorer Kit Build |
Part One: I received this as a gift from my wife for Christmas this year. This is the Guitar Fetish Explorer kit with poplar body and maple neck.  This is the third Explorer I have built-up. I've also built 5 acoustics from scratch as well as 5 Bull Dog LP kits. For this one I wanted to try some things I had never done on an electric build before. My idea was to add a Flamed Maple veneer top and binding on the top edge. Here's a look at the veneer I picked up.  … and after a rough trim to size 
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| Author: | Chris Cordle [ Tue Jan 03, 2012 9:29 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Explorer Kit Build |
Part Two: Here I have one half of the veneer glued and am routing for pickups, neck pocket, etc., with a flush-trim router bit.  … half-way there!  Here's a shot with the veneer fully installed, routed flush and one coat of Z-poxy as a sealer coat before binding routing. I was a little worried about tear-out but had no such experience. 
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| Author: | Chris Cordle [ Tue Jan 03, 2012 9:30 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Explorer Kit Build |
Part Three: Here the binding is being installed and taped into place while the glue dries.  This was also my first experience with StewMac's plastic binding which is very easy to work with. I chose to use the blue TransTints for the top and a red mahogany on the back, sides and neck. Here the body sits after bindings are scraped free of excess stain & dye.  Next was the glue and clamping of the neck.  I will let this sit overnight before removing clamps and cauls. That's it for now …. I'll be back with more soon |
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| Author: | Chris Pile [ Tue Jan 03, 2012 11:55 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Explorer Kit Build |
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the blue! |
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| Author: | Chris Cordle [ Wed Jan 04, 2012 8:08 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Explorer Kit Build |
Chris Pile wrote: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the blue! Thank you, Sir. |
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| Author: | Chris Cordle [ Tue Jan 24, 2012 1:19 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Explorer Kit Build |
Just got it back from my buddy who sprays my clear … really couldn't be happier!  Here's a side-shot … I'm hoping to have it assembled & set-up in time for this weekend's shows … we'll see  My "Gitsum" logo that I designed … I think it's funny  The difference in the neck & body wood made the finish appear different on the backside … not too concerned over it though 
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| Author: | Chris Pile [ Tue Jan 24, 2012 1:25 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Explorer Kit Build |
He did a good job. Are you doing anything to personalize or customize it, or just painting by numbers - as it were? |
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| Author: | Chris Cordle [ Tue Jan 24, 2012 1:35 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Explorer Kit Build |
Chris Pile wrote: He did a good job. Are you doing anything to personalize or customize it, or just painting by numbers - as it were? Hmmm ... not sure what you mean. Did you see I added the flame maple top, the binding & the custom headstock logo? |
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| Author: | Chris Pile [ Tue Jan 24, 2012 3:39 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Explorer Kit Build |
My bad. I remembered something about a kit, and just went with it. Call it early onset Alzheimers..... |
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| Author: | Chris Cordle [ Tue Jan 24, 2012 3:51 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Explorer Kit Build |
Chris Pile wrote: My bad. I remembered something about a kit, and just went with it. Call it early onset Alzheimers..... HaHa ... No problem! This has been fun ... |
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| Author: | Chris Cordle [ Thu Jan 26, 2012 10:59 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Explorer Kit Build |
About ready for a test run!  Setup is done, can't wait to try it out this weekend.   Overall I'm pretty happy with this project. It was not without a few minor setbacks, but I suppose that's how I progress. 
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| Author: | Tony_in_NYC [ Thu Jan 26, 2012 11:33 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Explorer Kit Build |
Great job! Love the veneer! |
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| Author: | theguitarwhisperer [ Thu Jan 26, 2012 11:58 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Explorer Kit Build |
Can't argue with that. Great job! |
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| Author: | Chris Pile [ Fri Jan 27, 2012 12:17 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Explorer Kit Build |
I'd be proud to own it. |
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| Author: | Mike Lindstrom [ Fri Jan 27, 2012 12:28 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Explorer Kit Build |
Man that looks great! Nice job. mike |
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| Author: | Chris Cordle [ Fri Jan 27, 2012 8:10 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Explorer Kit Build |
Thanks. I'm pretty pleased with it. There's a few things I'd like a do-over on, but happy for the most part. |
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