First "build" and a question

droo46 · #1 04-10-2013, 12:41 PM

The other day, I acquired a Squier Affinity for $30. The seller told me it didn't work but it seemed to play okay so I took it home and tore it apart.

I've got all new electronics and pickups on the way and in the meantime I'll be refinishing the body. As you can see, some guy tried his best to carve some nonsense into the upper horn. The other issue is that the pickguard is a bit nasty and has a small crack near the input jack hole. It's almost unnoticeable. However, I do have a spare pickguard from a Classic Vibe Precision that I could use but the holes don't line up.

So here's my question: I'm already going to filling in some other stuff on the body so would it be worth it to fill in the existing holes and redrill or should I just clean up and repaint the stock guard?

ILLINOX · #2 04-10-2013, 11:12 PM

if the new pickguard covers the old holes, why spend time on filling the old holes? you'll have to wait to put your new guard, for the filler to dry, and sand the old holes first.
i would use a new pickguard; no crack, and same holes, and you can choose a color. some of these natural finish Fenders look nice with a black pickguard

droo46 · #3 04-10-2013, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILLINOX

if the new pickguard covers the old holes, why spend time on filling the old holes? you'll have to wait to put your new guard, for the filler to dry, and sand the old holes first.
i would use a new pickguard; no crack, and same holes, and you can choose a color. some of these natural finish Fenders look nice with a black pickguard

I'm not planning on keeping the finish the way it is because it's actually really an ugly piece of wood. Thanks for your input though.

Hopkins · #4 04-11-2013, 06:03 AM

Sounds like your going with a solid color, so you have no problems. The pick guard holes are easy enough. Get the smallest dowel you can find, and a drill bit of the same size. Drill the holes out and dowel them. Then you can sand them flush with a sanding block.

I would use bondo (plastic body filler) to fix that gouge. Under a solid color it will be unnoticeable. What color are you planning on painting it?

ILLINOX · #5 04-11-2013, 08:36 AM

And pics, please

droo46 · #6 04-12-2013, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hopkins

Sounds like your going with a solid color, so you have no problems. The pick guard holes are easy enough. Get the smallest dowel you can find, and a drill bit of the same size. Drill the holes out and dowel them. Then you can sand them flush with a sanding block.

I would use bondo (plastic body filler) to fix that gouge. Under a solid color it will be unnoticeable. What color are you planning on painting it?

Thanks for the advice. I'm not sure what color I'll be painting it. It kind of depends on what my dad has kicking around his shop. I'll know tomorrow when I get out to his place.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILLINOX

And pics, please

Well, here's an uninteresting one of the first layer of filler on the upper horn. More to come!

droo46 · #7 04-12-2013, 05:03 PM

I just finished sanding it down. The clear coat came off much easier than I had anticipated. I had originally planned on just scuffing it up enough to paint over it but I got it down to bare wood pretty quickly.

Our little artist's logo is set to disappear forever.

HaMMerHeD · #8 04-12-2013, 05:18 PM

Make sure you slather that thing with something like sanding sealer (I like Zinsser's dewaxed shellac), and then sand it smooth before you start painting. Otherwise, it is likely that the woodgrain will show through your finish.

droo46 · #9 04-12-2013, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HaMMerHeD

Make sure you slather that thing with something like sanding sealer (I like Zinsser's dewaxed shellac), and then sand it smooth before you start painting. Otherwise, it is likely that the woodgrain will show through your finish.

Too late...primer is on.

droo46 · #10 04-12-2013, 07:09 PM

Aaaaand the first coat of red. Don't fret, better pictures will come when I get it done. It's just easier to snap a photo with my phone.

ILLINOX · #11 04-13-2013, 08:13 AM

O course. Hmmm red... Get yourself a nice white satin sheet for the finished photo. Hehehe

droo46 · #12 04-13-2013, 06:11 PM

She's a bit rough still I'm liking the color. Nate Mendel anyone?

droo46 · #13 04-15-2013, 12:34 AM

I may have kind of forgotten that I had this miniature. Your word of the day is serendipitous.

droo46 · #14 04-17-2013, 01:18 AM

While I wait for my finish to cure, I've been rounding up parts. Bah! I hate waiting...I really want to hear what these American Standard pickups sound like in this thing.

droo46 · #15 04-20-2013, 05:08 PM

Soldering like a fool!

droo46 · #16 04-20-2013, 05:10 PM

Mostly assembled.

Aaaand it actually works.

http://youtu.be/mQddtaNwOsw

droo46 · #17 04-20-2013, 05:12 PM

You might be able to see that the pickguard isn't actually fastened down. As I feared, the holes don't line up very well. I'm not real happy with the finish, so I might sand it back down and try again. We'll see what I have time for. I am, however, thrilled that it works.

Ronbeast · #18 04-20-2013, 06:01 PM

Looks like the former owner's artwork is still visible

The bass looks nice, and I'm sure you'll get all of the little kinks worked out over time. Nice job!

droo46 · #19 04-20-2013, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronbeast

Looks like the former owner's artwork is still visible

The bass looks nice, and I'm sure you'll get all of the little kinks worked out over time. Nice job!

Yeah, that's another reason I want to try and repaint it.

Hopkins · #20 04-21-2013, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by droo46

Yeah, that's another reason I want to try and repaint it.

When you fill it again sand it down with a hard flat block, its the only way your going to get it level. You can apply the filer directly over the paint thats already on it, just scuff it first.

Don't bother sanding down to bare wood, just block sand the finish thats on it and spray one more coat over it.