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Chris Cordle
 Post subject: Explorer Kit Build
PostPosted: Tue Jan 03, 2012 9:28 pm 
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Cocobolo
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Joined: Wed Apr 26, 2006 1:56 pm
Posts: 412
Location: North Muskegon, MI
Country: USA
Focus: Build
Status: Amateur
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.
Image
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.
Image
… and after a rough trim to size
Image

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Christopher C. Cordle
North Muskegon, MI

http://www.yardsaleunderwear.com
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Chris Cordle
 Post subject: Re: Explorer Kit Build
PostPosted: Tue Jan 03, 2012 9:29 pm 
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Joined: Wed Apr 26, 2006 1:56 pm
Posts: 412
Location: North Muskegon, MI
Country: USA
Focus: Build
Status: Amateur
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.
Image
… half-way there!
Image
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.
Image

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Christopher C. Cordle
North Muskegon, MI

http://www.yardsaleunderwear.com
http://www.facebook.com/christopher.cordle
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Chris Cordle
 Post subject: Re: Explorer Kit Build
PostPosted: Tue Jan 03, 2012 9:30 pm 
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Joined: Wed Apr 26, 2006 1:56 pm
Posts: 412
Location: North Muskegon, MI
Country: USA
Focus: Build
Status: Amateur
Part Three:
Here the binding is being installed and taped into place while the glue dries.
Image
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.
Image
Next was the glue and clamping of the neck.
Image
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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Christopher C. Cordle
North Muskegon, MI

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Chris Pile
 Post subject: Re: Explorer Kit Build
PostPosted: Tue Jan 03, 2012 11:55 pm 
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First name: Chris
Last Name: Pile
City: Wichita
State: Kansas
Country: Good old US of A
Focus: Repair
Status: Professional
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the blue!

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Chris Cordle
 Post subject: Re: Explorer Kit Build
PostPosted: Wed Jan 04, 2012 8:08 am 
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Location: North Muskegon, MI
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Chris Pile wrote:
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the blue!


Thank you, Sir.

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Christopher C. Cordle
North Muskegon, MI

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Chris Cordle
 Post subject: Re: Explorer Kit Build
PostPosted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 1:19 pm 
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Posts: 412
Location: North Muskegon, MI
Country: USA
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Status: Amateur
Just got it back from my buddy who sprays my clear … really couldn't be happier!
Image
Here's a side-shot … I'm hoping to have it assembled & set-up in time for this weekend's shows … we'll see
Image
My "Gitsum" logo that I designed … I think it's funny
Image
The difference in the neck & body wood made the finish appear different on the backside … not too concerned over it though
Image

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Christopher C. Cordle
North Muskegon, MI

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Chris Pile
 Post subject: Re: Explorer Kit Build
PostPosted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 1:25 pm 
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First name: Chris
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Status: Professional
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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Chris Cordle
 Post subject: Re: Explorer Kit Build
PostPosted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 1:35 pm 
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Location: North Muskegon, MI
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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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Christopher C. Cordle
North Muskegon, MI

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Chris Pile
 Post subject: Re: Explorer Kit Build
PostPosted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 3:39 pm 
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My bad. I remembered something about a kit, and just went with it. Call it early onset Alzheimers.....

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Chris Cordle
 Post subject: Re: Explorer Kit Build
PostPosted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 3:51 pm 
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Location: North Muskegon, MI
Country: USA
Focus: Build
Status: Amateur
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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Christopher C. Cordle
North Muskegon, MI

http://www.yardsaleunderwear.com
http://www.facebook.com/christopher.cordle
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Chris Cordle
 Post subject: Re: Explorer Kit Build
PostPosted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 10:59 pm 
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Joined: Wed Apr 26, 2006 1:56 pm
Posts: 412
Location: North Muskegon, MI
Country: USA
Focus: Build
Status: Amateur
About ready for a test run!
Image
Setup is done, can't wait to try it out this weekend.
Image
Image
Overall I'm pretty happy with this project. It was not without a few minor setbacks, but I suppose that's how I progress.
Image

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Christopher C. Cordle
North Muskegon, MI

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Tony_in_NYC
 Post subject: Re: Explorer Kit Build
PostPosted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 11:33 pm 
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First name: Tony
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State: NY
Focus: Build
Status: Amateur
Great job! Love the veneer!

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theguitarwhisperer
 Post subject: Re: Explorer Kit Build
PostPosted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 11:58 pm 
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Posts: 2561
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Focus: Repair
Status: Professional
Can't argue with that. Great job!

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Chris Pile
 Post subject: Re: Explorer Kit Build
PostPosted: Fri Jan 27, 2012 12:17 am 
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Status: Professional
I'd be proud to own it.

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Mike Lindstrom
 Post subject: Re: Explorer Kit Build
PostPosted: Fri Jan 27, 2012 12:28 am 
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Man that looks great! Nice job.

mike

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Chris Cordle
 Post subject: Re: Explorer Kit Build
PostPosted: Fri Jan 27, 2012 8:10 am 
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Joined: Wed Apr 26, 2006 1:56 pm
Posts: 412
Location: North Muskegon, MI
Country: USA
Focus: Build
Status: Amateur
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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Christopher C. Cordle
North Muskegon, MI

http://www.yardsaleunderwear.com
http://www.facebook.com/christopher.cordle
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