Anyone ever try one of those guitar kits?

[partytrain]

I've been a little curious about those guitar kits that you can buy. They look pretty easy. Usually all the holes are drilled, and the electronics are already hooked up with the pickguard. Anyone ever try one of these? I've been looking at the Carvin set. It seems like it would be pretty fun to try, and it might even be a little educational on the inner workings of a guitar. I don't really know too much about electronics, and I don't have the equipment to do my own wood carving, so this is probably the closest I would ever come to building a guitar. Any thoughts?

[Elgreco]

I've heard that the Carvin kits are pretty good. One of the guitar magazines did a review a few years ago. The Saga kits that are sold on Ebay are not as good, but for $100.00 might not bad just for fun.

[merkenball]

I have heard that Carvin kits are great. I just haven't gotten around to getting one. The only thing about them is that paint job. I don't know where I would get that done or how I could do it (i.e. equipment, skill, etc)??? Any suggestions?

[Elgreco]

I would just go with a light stain and then some clear matte overcoat. Or tung oil would be good too. The less finish the more the guitar will resonate.

[Shovelhead]

I have heard that Carvin kits are great. I just haven't gotten around to getting one. The only thing about them is that paint job. I don't know where I would get that done or how I could do it (i.e. equipment, skill, etc)??? Any suggestions?
I know someone who does paint on the side... :D

[Erik]

I know someone who does paint on the side... :D

...and better than most custom shops!!!

[Shovelhead]

...and better than most custom shops!!!
Thanks so much! I just finished up another Tele yesterday, and have a Strat in the works. I love the smell of paint fumes in the morning!

;)

[Josh Koropchak]

Thanks so much! I just finished up another Tele yesterday, and have a Strat in the works. I love the smell of paint fumes in the morning!

;)
You ever finish the Les Paul? Would love to see some pics!

[Craig Walker]

He did.....it looks great !!

[Shovelhead]

You ever finish the Les Paul? Would love to see some pics!
Yup. Here you go!

http://www.members.aol.com/dimasicabs/grf3.jpg
http://www.members.aol.com/dimasicabs/grf2.jpg

[Josh Koropchak]

Wow that looks better than the original finish! Where did you get your refinishing supplies (stain, clearcoat, etc).

[Shovelhead]

Wow that looks better than the original finish! Where did you get your refinishing supplies (stain, clearcoat, etc).
Thank you!

I used sealer from Reranch, colortone liquid dyes from Stewart MacDonald, and Behlen's stringed instrument nitro lacquer for the clear coat. That and some Clorox bleach to clean the residue from the old goldtop finish out of the grain!

[Doug Lewis]

Shovelhead that is absolutely gorgous!! Great job!

[Peter]

Just saw this thread. And yes, i did try one of those kits - the Strat on www.torresengineering.com. Pretty nice guitar for $100. Everything fits, the hardware is good - not great - what do you expect for 100?
I used car paint, and had a great time spraying it. Just get the supplier to put it in a can for you, build a little spray booth from a cardboard box, and apply as many coats as you can stand, wetsanding with fine-grit paper. I think I used 1000, eventually.
Do color coats, then tons of clear coat.
I'm at the stage where I'm contemplating putting better pickups in it, so I like the body and neck enough to consider that. Funny to think the pickups will cost more than the guitar did.

[Goober]

Hey PartyTrain!!

I would highly reccommend the Carvin kit. Their necks are pretty kickin'
for the price. (the same applies to just about everything they sell) I
have already built a neck-through-the-body 7 string using one of the
necks they sell. OUTSTANDING Shovelhead!!! The lester looks KILLER.
As far as the finishing, do you have any friends at autobody shops??
You could do everything up to the clear coat, then send it to an auto
body shop for a THIN coat of urethane. Urethane is the modern day
car finish and is incredibly durable, and is very easy to wet sand and
buff to a mirror finish. Let me know if I can help.

Thanks,
Dana (goober)
singinsal@cablespeed.com