G2220 Mods – Part 2
Slowly working on mods to my Gretsch Junior Jet II G2220. Posted Part 1 here
G2220 Mods - Part 1
- Replace knobs (complete)
- Replace tuning machines (compete in Part 1)
- Replace pickups
- Print new truss rod cover (complete)
- Print new pick guard (compete)
- Replace bridge
- Install flat wound strings (compete in Part 1)
- refinish body (complete here in Part 2)
- rewire to VVT
- change to all black hardware?
- Add Straploks (complete)
While waiting for parts to come in, I figured I would complete the body work. The slab body was just too slabby for me to be comfortable playing it. Decided to add an arm relief.
Apologies in advance for any pain I may cause to real luthiers and woodworkers with my skills.
Was quite surprised to find that there is a darker (mahogany) veneer on top of the basswood. Decided to keep that as an accent layer. Took some time to try and figure out the right curves for the relief edge to look good with the rest of the body. Traced the lower edge, flipped the template over, and tried to mirror the curve across.
Then taped off the main body and started sanding with blocks and sponges.
Once I got the profile and curve the way I liked it, tried to figure out the stain. I first tried a red mahogany color. Too brown. Then bought a Cabernet. Too red. So decided to test out some mixtures to get a red-brown that complemented the body stain and knobs. Didn’t want to be too close so that I looked like I tried to match, and then missed. I wanted it to blend.
Once it all dried, I thought it looked pretty good. So then put 3 decent coats of wipe-on poly. Going to let that cure while I go on vacation for a few weeks. Will sand/polish it when I get back.
Slowly working on mods to my Gretsch Junior Jet II G2220. Posted Part 1 here
G2220 Mods - Part 1
- Replace knobs (complete)
- Replace tuning machines (compete in Part 1)
- Replace pickups
- Print new truss rod cover (complete)
- Print new pick guard (compete)
- Replace bridge
- Install flat wound strings (compete in Part 1)
- refinish body (complete here in Part 2)
- rewire to VVT
- change to all black hardware?
- Add Straploks (complete)
While waiting for parts to come in, I figured I would complete the body work. The slab body was just too slabby for me to be comfortable playing it. Decided to add an arm relief.
Apologies in advance for any pain I may cause to real luthiers and woodworkers with my skills.
Was quite surprised to find that there is a darker (mahogany) veneer on top of the basswood. Decided to keep that as an accent layer. Took some time to try and figure out the right curves for the relief edge to look good with the rest of the body. Traced the lower edge, flipped the template over, and tried to mirror the curve across.
Then taped off the main body and started sanding with blocks and sponges.
Once I got the profile and curve the way I liked it, tried to figure out the stain. I first tried a red mahogany color. Too brown. Then bought a Cabernet. Too red. So decided to test out some mixtures to get a red-brown that complemented the body stain and knobs. Didn’t want to be too close so that I looked like I tried to match, and then missed. I wanted it to blend.
Once it all dried, I thought it looked pretty good. So then put 3 decent coats of wipe-on poly. Going to let that cure while I go on vacation for a few weeks. Will sand/polish it when I get back.
