Joe Strummer Partscaster Build

[Myeek]

Originally Posted by JimmyJam

Looking good.
About the red-gold-green thing. I believe it to be a sticker. And yes, it would be Red-Gold-Green.. if it were black gold and red, wouldn't that be a German flag?
I would imagine you can find a few Rastafarian type stickers that would fit the bill.
My concern is that if you use electrical tape. it might curl up or become trashed too easily, unless you could cover the seams between them.

"Midnight to six man... For the first time from Jamaica"

I hear ya JimmyJam about the curl.

I could clear coat it. Was thinking about locking down "the final look" with a satin clear. I could also laminate the three stripes of tape over aluminum foil tape, which is think, stable and sticky. Then I could glue the foil side down to the guitar.

The Rasta stickers I am seeing a bright green. I might need some help finding one with a dark green stripe.

Thanks,
-Mike

[JimmyJam]

Originally Posted by Myeek

I hear ya JimmyJam about the curl.

I could clear coat it. Was thinking about locking down "the final look" with a satin clear. I could also laminate the three stripes of tape over aluminum foil tape, which is think, stable and sticky. Then I could glue the foil side down to the guitar.

The Rasta stickers I am seeing a bright green. I might need some help finding one with a dark green stripe.

Thanks,
-Mike

You are correct sir. The sticker Joe had is a darker color green indeed.
I didn't touch upon that subject.
I wonder if his sticker was just some really underground sticker or just a bad rendition of one...
Who knows why he chose that sticker... maybe had some political connotations that he couldn't find elsewhere. nevertheless, it makes it challenging in duplicating that look.

[Myeek]

Originally Posted by JimmyJam

You are correct sir. The sticker Joe had is a darker color green indeed.
I didn't touch upon that subject.
I wonder if his sticker was just some really underground sticker or just a bad rendition of one...
Who knows why he chose that sticker... maybe had some political connotations that he couldn't find elsewhere. nevertheless, it makes it challenging in duplicating that look.

Well, I better get searching :) . The best thing about this is it's on the pick guard. So if I screw that up, I can buy another guard.I also can do work on the pick guard after the setup. Bad news is, like you said the sticker is a variant. Also finding a dark green variant, with the same stripe dimensions might be a challenge. I'd love to know the story you found out it was a sticker. It could definitely explain the white strike line from Joe's pic. As some stickers have a white base.

Interesting stuff. Maybe I need to farm it out.

Thanks for these ideas.

-Mike

[JimmyJam]

Myeek,
To be honest, I had no idea it was a sticker until others had contributed to this thread.
I really like The Clash, but I have not studied their gear much.

[Myeek]

Originally Posted by JimmyJam

Myeek,
To be honest, I had no idea it was a sticker until others had contributed to this thread.
I really like The Clash, but I have not studied their gear much.

Hi Jimmy Jam,
The sticker idea is completely feasible too.
(but)
I was waiting for you tell me about the time in 1978 where Joe crashed at your place and told you about the guitar, while you helped him upgrade his bridge and tuners.

o- I love the idea about electrical tape, because you know it was in the tool box. I also remember using it for a number plate on my BMX bike. I remember seeing the dark green, yellow and red. Will keep looking for it.

o- The Rasta sticker makes sense b/c of the white.
- Two things I am trying. One I put out a help wanted thread looking for a sticker maker on my prop forum. Found a guy willing to give it a whack in Australia. Also, I ordered inkjet vinyl sticker base, and shiny clear coat sheets, and will try that independently.

o- Paint would be too easy. Couldn't be paint

We'll see how it goes.

Mike

[Groovey Records]

How's the rest of it coming along

More photo's???

How about a little more music...

[Myeek]

Today before work I went to Kinko's with a fist full of nickels and a ruler, and my pick guard.

I increased the percentage 1 percent at a time until I got it as close as possible. Then it hit me like a brick. The perspective is off probably to avoid glare. We'll this messes up the text, with a wider bottom, and skinner top and shorter letters. (not good, but I am not giving up). I must confess I don't have photoshop skills, but I believe I remember that photoshop has the ability to transform a trapezoid into a square or rectangle. My other brother confirms photoshop can do this. So even knowing this and having access to photoshop, I feel like a total klutz and cannot get it to "transform" for me. I'll see if I can sweet talk him into helping me out.

In the mean time, I understand photography a little. So I tilted & twisted my laptop to approximate. This is a really junky photo of my attempt.

See the edge of my screen on the left? That's the angle I am working with.



So while I am figuring out the best way to correct the perspective, I am beginning the neck finishing piece.

Used blue masking take to create a hard edge I could butt the green tape on the rosewood fretboard. Is it a great idea? Probably not, but I have a lot of tape.

[Ben Harmless]

I've just got to throw in my $.02.

I'm gonna have to go with a sticker for the Rasta stripes. As a young punk rocker, I had lots of e-tape on my guitars, (no more - leaves a really unpleasant residue) and it never, ever stuck well enough to get worn away before the whole strip peeled off from humidity and general moisture - which was in no short supply as evidenced by the rust on the metal hardware. Electrical tape adhesive just isn't that solid.

BTW, I worked up this Ignore Alien Orders design that is as close as I think anyone will ever get to the original sticker. I matched the typeface as closely as possible. I can't remember what it is off the top of my head, and I think the original had some funny kerning, but I matched it anyway. I've got it in an .eps vector file, or can save it at whatever resolution you'd want. Feel free to ask for whatever you need. The board is doing some funky resizing. Clicky for the real thing.

[bossaholic]

Correct Alien stickers can be had here:

http://www.axetremecreations.com/index.php?prod_id=82

[Myeek]

Great work Ben!
I might hit you up for some photoshop help, if I can't sweet talk my little bro.

- edit just want to say that blue is beautiful!

The second tip from Bossaholic (love that name) was to give me that link. They are foil stickers and are awesome, and the vendor is super professional a-z. I ordered 3. He also has the "Trash City" sticker, although I didn't buy it because I knew it's not the version I am working on. Looks awesome tho.

http://www.axetremecreations.com/index.php?prod_id=81

Thanks,
-Mike

[Groovey Records]

Fujiama Mama - Police On My Back - White Riot

[bossaholic]

Not sure if this was discussed, but check out the "Rock the Casbah" video, more specifically at 1:32.....the heel of Joe's Tele is white......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAkfH...eature=related

[Groovey Records]

at 2:03 the alien sticker looks metalic

[Myeek]

Two coats of clear on the neck, and OI I am high as a kite. Oh yea an open window would be nice.

Found this "Joe Strummer Telecaster is on Facebook"
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joe-St...er/42591267396

LANGUAGE WARNING - MAY NOT WORK OR FAMILY APPROPRIATE:
The Clash - Complete Control (Misheard Lyrics)


and make sure to check the facebook page for a youtube video of..
Joe Strummer - White Man in Hammersmith Palais
This turns real weird, but I love it. Hearing Joe starting off with his Tele at the beginning is fantastic. Also, love how he cares about his audience.

Not sure why the band plays on. I think they should have stopped when Joe stopped, and let Joe make his point.

-Mike

[Groovey Records]

[Myeek]

Isn't that the greatest Groovy? I love that.


Don't think this one can be embedded, but it's worth it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTNajHbsUEk&feature=fvw

Third coat drying..

Gnite guys.
-Mike

[Groovey Records]

Click this a second time to go to you tube FANTASTIC

[Myeek]

Thanks Groovey. I think the video owner disabled embedding. Not sure why.

Continuing with the neck today, and am on my 5th coat. I am using reranch supplies, which was yet another handy tip from Bossaholic.

The Behlen's finishing video I have is a great starting point for finishing, but I bet the application, guitar handling, and final product would make a real luthier squirm. The concepts are there, which I think is the point, and that's enough.

-Mike

[Sidney Vicious]

Thanks for the link Groovey - great perfomance of a great song.

[a wobblin]

could I throw this one in:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bco8...eature=related

[Myeek]

Originally Posted by a wobblin

could I throw this one in:

Absolutely, and love hearing Joe. Man he's fast.

update:
I have 6 coats of clear on the neck, and plan to sandwich a couple of coats of fender amber (reranch) in the middle. So after feeling the raw clear coats a bit, think I should knock the burrs (bubbles?) down a bit. I've picked up some Behlen's wool lube and fine grit paper and will level it out tonight and start shooting amber.

-Mike

[bossaholic]

Mike, go really really easy with the amber.

I threw some on my Springsteen neck last night and it darkens up really quick.

I would also lay a thin coat of lacquer first and let it get tacky then spray the amber to give it something to cling too, otherwise it will run.

I also don't know if I would smooth it out. I don't know what back of Joe's neck looks like, but I imagine it's rubbed through.

[Groovey Records]

some dilute the amber with clear

[Myeek]

Originally Posted by bossaholic

Mike, go really really easy with the amber.

I threw some on my Springsteen neck last night and it darkens up really quick.

I would also lay a thin coat of lacquer first and let it get tacky then spray the amber to give it something to cling too, otherwise it will run.

I also don't know if I would smooth it out. I don't know what back of Joe's neck looks like, but I imagine it's rubbed through.

Thanks man!

I have a couple of scraps, I'll test that.

Mail came.


L-R
White Strat tips.
Wolfmother *
Wolfmother
Stew-Mac's Jack Plate tool. Hoping it will allow me to move my plate back to accept the vintage style jack cup.


* I went to see Neil Young's Bridge School Benefit Concert which was acoustic. Having never seen or heard of Wolfmother (I need to get out more, yes.), I laughed at their ridiculous name. Up until their turn, it was stereo typical sit down on a barstool with an acoustical guitar, and then these guys came on and kicked serious butt in front of several thousand people. I am now a big fan. Maybe it was the beer, we'll see.


-Mike

[Myeek]

Originally Posted by Groovey Records

some dilute the amber with clear

Groovey,
I am using cans, so I couldn't cut it at the spray gun scenario. So like Bossaholic is saying, and you are saying about dilution, should I try misting 50/50ish?

I have a book on 6 Decades of Fenders, which seems to have excellent color reference, which I aiming for. Plan to make it look new and then if I need to age it, which I will a bit, will do that after.

Regarding colors getting darker after drying:
It doesn't appear to be drying down on my test scraps, guys do you know if this should be a what you see is what you get with reranch?

Thanks,
-Mike

[Groovey Records]

I defer to other experts on that


Try buck o caster , tdowns or preeb by PM

or make a seperate post Help shooting neck with amber.

[Myeek]

Originally Posted by Groovey Records

I defer to other experts on that

Try buck o caster , tdowns or preeb by PM

or make a seperate post Help shooting neck with amber.

Roger.

-Mike

[bossaholic]

Believe me, with the cans from Reranch, the only way to dilute is to go easy.

It darkens with each pass.

You need to stay about 18 inches above the neck and let the Amber fall onto in a mist. Any thing closer and you won't have any control.

[Myeek]

Originally Posted by bossaholic

Believe me, with the cans from Reranch, the only way to dilute is to go easy.

It darkens with each pass.

You need to stay about 18 inches above the neck and let the Amber fall onto in a mist. Any thing closer and you won't have any control.

Will stick to the light mist and 18inches. On my sample, it gets buttery colored really fast.

Mock'd it up with the white Strat tip, and IAO sticker. Looking great. I'll get a teaser pic when my camera battery is charged.

Thanks again Bossaholic.
Mike

[Myeek]

I mentioned I have hardware for 1977 and 1978 configs. I am trying out the 1977 config. Also wanted to show the metallic sticker Bossaholic pointed me to. The metallic sticker, has two protective layers before you apply it. The normal bottom layer, and a frosty top clear layer which allows you to register it when placing it.





Notice the switch in the correct JS position.

- Mike

[bossaholic]

wow, I'm kinda diggin the flat black look.....

Hmmmm....

[Myeek]

Originally Posted by bossaholic

wow, I'm kinda diggin the flat black look.....

Hmmmm....

Mar-Hyde Brand - Black Satin Automotive Trim Paint.

- has a sheen to it. Marketed for bumpers and trim.

-Mike

[Myeek]

This is what the neck looks like at the 7th coat. Color seen is pretty accurate. Doesn't look like it would need hardly any amber. Lots of dimples. I see the work ahead.









-Mike

[Groovey Records]

Your sort of remind me of Preeb's 1950 Double Esquire with the flat black dope paint job. He is stressing every detail like you Myeek

This is an excellent build thread if anyone wants to see an artist at work

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-home...ire-build.html

[bossaholic]

Mike, what kind of spray lacquer are you using?

I am using Watco and it lays down pretty good with minimal orange peel.

[Myeek]

Originally Posted by Groovey Records

Your sort of remind me of Preeb's 1950 Double Esquire with the flat black dope paint job.

Preeb is a true master builder. It's an amazing thread, which I'll need to spend some serious time reading.

Thanks,
-Mike

[Myeek]

Updating, I used the wool lube I purchased earlier this morning and wetsand to "help" level the orange peel mayhem I created. Not perfect, but I stopped when starting to break through to wood.





Mike

[Groovey Records]

Back up about 2 feet

Less is more

just very light mist coats

you know easy does it

[Myeek]

My younger brother is in town, and he has rolled up his photoshop sleeves to help me try to straighten the original NOISE reference pic. We took a close similar, but not quite shot of my tele and he created layers which would help guide the proportions

Here is a composite of his work when we decided to call it a day.



Although my Tele is dead on, I can see the tops of the knobs. The original reference show the bottom of Joe's guitar, and the guitar is angled.

Big thanks Pete!

-Mike

[Groovey Records]

Thanks to Boris Bubbanov for these details

Originally Posted by boris bubbanov

Very important IMO to lay down some wet clear coats first, so when you mist on the toner or amber, there's existing wet lacquer for the mist to soak into and assimilate. If you spray the mist onto a hard surface, the surface tension of the lacquer might cause it to bead up into individual, easy to see freckles. Bad news.

I hear what Rodeo Tex is saying, except in my cases they were tiny nicks and scratches but the net result was the same. Looked funny. So I try to intersperse the toner mist all through the various layers and I am not seeking as big a color shift because losing the finish back down to whatever base you had is a cruel thing if you try to tone too much.
Another reason why I grain fill with some tinted filler to give the maple a "head start" on color.