Recent content by decibel

Yeah I mix my own shellac fresh as well. Do you think sealing the guitar with shellac only, and then staining over that with a light brown would create the effect on that Strat? I'm doing this in a small garage and can't spray, which is a main reason I'm going to use shellac and preferably a...

Any idea how to do that if my only option is shellac? Would I mix some stain into the shellac, or shellac first to seal it and then stain over that? It almost looks as if he played the guitar so much he just gouged that raw area. It might have had stain at some point and he just went deeper.

NM all good thanks

Okay, I'm just going to sand it down really well and then use the water dye. I've built two other guitars with this dye, and it gives a trans finish/shows the grain. I used alder on those, though, but after reading this thread I think it should turn out fine if I don't fill the grain on this...

Thanks, all. So my big takeaway is that if I'm using water based dye for the color and shellac as the final finish, filling the grain isn't that important. Would you say that's accurate? If I could skip it entirely that would be great.

Thanks. I'm going to finish it in a blue water dye and shellac. The water dye will allow the grain to still show through the blue. I should have mentioned that. Does this change anything you wrote?

I'm going to be making my first Tele this Spring. The body is Swamp Ash. This needs a grain filler, right? If so, can I sand some material off the body into Danish oil and then fill the pours with that? Is there a specific technique to this in terms of ratios or application? Thanks!

Awesome, thanks everyone for the suggestions. I went with the Glendale in nickel after considering all variables.

It's a vintage spec body.

Is Wilkinson considered good stuff? I've seen a lot of their stuff selling on Amazon for cheap, and it made me assume it's not high quality.

Hey all, Building a new tele. What is considered the best bridge these days? Maybe give a few choices if possible. Thanks!

Edit: NM Found the answer!

Yes, very true, but I don't have to support their labor and government on top of their materials... But I think some US makers (spitfire?) use their own materials even, as well. Thanks for all the great recommendations, everyone.

There's some legitimate evidence we're in the Matrix that's being run by advanced civilizations. Given there is likely infinite space, I'd say the odds are close to 100% there's other life somewhere.

Hey guys, I am looking for a made in USA pickguard that's vintage correct for both a tele and strat that I'm building. I'm not necessarily looking to spend more money than I should, but I'd simply rather not support China or poor workmanship/materials. Any recommendations for a sweet spot in...