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I'm working on a Tele build out of Chinaberry.
Unfortunately I had to use several planks to get up to 1-3/4" thickness.
I'm not sure how to go about "hiding" the seam where the two boards meet.
I could leave as-is and apply a very dark dye.
I think a transition strip of banding would be best, but I don't know how to cut the groove. The edge of the body where it meets the neck has small 1/4" radius.
Perhaps I can make a scraper tool?
Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan

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You didn't say how or what your finishing plans were, but you could always paint the sides a solid color.

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

Thanks Chris,
I'm using transtint dye. I reckon I can make the side nearly opaque and fade it on the top.
Kind of a single color burst.
This may be my best option, since I will have to do some major filling on the end grain.
Also, the grain between the upper and lower planks is so mismatched that covering it may be best.
I think this is the way I'll go.
Dan

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What you're "supposed" to do is put a contrasting laminate strip between the two layers before glue up, like on a George Harrison style Rosewood tele.



I don't have a solution. I had a similar problem once. But for what it's worth, I like it the way it is now. It looks interesting. Kind of psychedelic.

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David Morris

Yep, that would have been a good idea.

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Well, I used the material I had to get the thickness up to 1-3/4".
I'll have to ask my sawmill to cut me some thick slabs the next time he saws a Chinaberry log if I ever plan to make another thick guitar.

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