Custom Guitar Build

[tlandauer]

Dana, this is simply buautiful! Love it!

[dana]

Dana, do you use a template to get the fret spacing, or is there a formula? And how do you radius the fretboard? I've wondered about these things in the past. What an informative post - I'm thoroughly impressed. Good looking job, Dewd!

My first guitars I just measured using a known scale of measurments. I've since bought a template that makes it easier. As far as radius, I also bought a sanding block with 12 degree radius machined into it, being that I like 12 the best. Another way would be to sand it in manually and constantly check with a radius gauge, which I also purchased, but in the beginning I would just make paper radius gauges by using a 12 inch string pinned at one point and a pencil at the other. A giant compass basically, then draw the line and cut it. There's the radius. Thanks again guys!

[dana]

well its just about ready for paint. i routed the body cavity, did some shaping with hand files and laminated carbon fiber onto the headstock. just a final sand, then time to start the dyeIMG_3156.jpgIMG_3160.jpgIMG_3159.jpgIMG_3170.jpgIMG_3171.jpg

[tlandauer]

This is so unbelieveably beautiful! I have so much admiration and respect for the workmanship and knowledge you have! Loving it!

[dana]

Hey dude thanks for the interest -) much appreciated bro

[egneg]

CF on the headstock is a great idea.

[dana]

Thanks man. Something a little different, and gotta love the strenth it adds

[dana]

back at it today. got it all sanded down to 220 grit paper, then applied the first coat of green dye. here it is IMG_3180.jpgIMG_3181.jpgIMG_3179.jpgIMG_3182.jpgIMG_3177.jpg

[detox]

That maple is purdy. What clear is most durable?

[dana]

In the past I've used several different urethane clears, but for this one I'm going with a nitrocellulose lacquer. Seems like the nitro is very durable, just takes much longer to cure

[srislash]

Looks good Dana,nice job.

[dana]

Thanks Shawn

[dana]

ive got the color done and now im onto clearcoats of nitrocellulose. ill do 8-10 topcoats on top of the 4 tinted color coats ive done already. got my logo onto the headstock as well
IMG_3198.jpgIMG_3204.jpgIMG_3205.jpgIMG_3208.jpgIMG_3224.jpg

[dana]

IMG_3216.jpgIMG_3212.jpgi used tinted lacquer to make back really dark, help makes the front really pop, then i fogged in the edged of the front for a smooth transition

[detox]

I like the Green tiger maple next to the dark rosewood...very nice work. I hope it sounds just as wicked as it looks.