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Well, I just finished getting #1 set up. Got the action close to where I want it. Gonna let it settle in a lttle and see If it needs tweaking.

Just wanted to say thanks to all who've helped me through this process. I've been lurking here since before I started, and without this valuable resource, I don't know that I could've completed this project.

#1 is an unserviced kit from LMI.

Sitka top
EIR back and sides
Curly Maple bindings
Ebony FB, bridge, headplate, and bridge pins(not sure I like the ebony on ebony yet)
All inlays are paua abalone
Finish is FP, with Tru-oil neck

I won't apologize for the so so picture quality. Had to hide all those #1 oopsies somehow.
Sounds great to my untalented ear. I decided I could probably make 'em better than I can play 'em

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Rob

Way to go Rob!! Looks nice from here.

What are your thoughts on FP and it's technique?

Any plans for #2 yet?

Looks great! I was just a couple of weeks ahead of you. Isn't it cool playing your own guitar!!!

Good looking rosette. I'm trying to plan my 2nd. What did you think of working with the abalone? One novice to another, any advice?

Miek

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Mike Lindstrom

Nice guitar Rob. Great job! I like your rosette.

Thanks for showing me what my guitar will look like. I got a dread kit from LMI with the white plastic binding but decided not to use it. I just got the curly maple binding from them yesterday.
What color shellac did you use on the french polish?

Nice guitar, but I'd sure like to look at more pictures if you don't mind!

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"After forty-nine years of violin building, I have decided that the search for a varnish is similar to the fox hunt. The fun is in the hunt."
Jack Batts Maker and Repairer of Fine Violins

Great job Rob!!!!

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Ann Arbor Guitars

Rob,
What did you use for a pore filler?

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"After forty-nine years of violin building, I have decided that the search for a varnish is similar to the fox hunt. The fun is in the hunt."
Jack Batts Maker and Repairer of Fine Violins

Nice looking guitar, Rob. Good job!

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Very nicely done

Nice clean design.....Congrats!

Thanks for all the replies guys. Yes, it is a great feeling hearing music come out of something I've made.

Now, to answer the questions. I enjoyed doing the FP after I got the right materials. I tried with cotton ball type material first, and had some trouble. I switched to wool and it made a huge difference. I didn't practice on scraps first, but I found the Milburn tutorial to be a great resource, as well as previous posts from MichaelP and others(thanks guys). Shellac is really pretty easy to work with. A little alcohol will take it off if you need to, but I didn't have to. Be sure to stiff and spirit off.

I used Hock Extra blonde flakes.

For pore filling I used pumice on the body. I didn't seem to have to much trouble. I used Z-Poxy for the neck and found it really easy to work with. Next time I'll probably try the Z-Poxy on the body as well. It seems pretty easy to use.

As for #2, I'm thinking LP style electric. Always wanted one. I'm thinking tobacco burst on the top, with nat. mahogany back, and curly maple bindings. Probably finish it with Tru-Oil. That stuff is so easy to use, and gives a gorgeous, deep finish.

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Rob

Oh, the Abalone was pretty easy Miek. I got curved strips. After i routed the channel for them I put each piec in the channel, then used a straight edge form the center hole to mark each piece for the angle on the ends. A little work with the file and they fit up nicely.
The only tip I have is to be careful when leveling them with the top. I used a file to bring the pieces down after I glued them in, and it left some marks in the top that I had a heck of a time sanding out.

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Rob

Another Great 1st Guitar
Well done
Are you hooked???

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Andy Z.
http://www.lazydogguitars.com

I like it. Nothing nicer than good ol' Indian and OM's.

Excellent.

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http://www.dickeyguitars.com

Congratulations on finishing your first. Great job, Rob!!!

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Joe Breault
Merrimack, NH
Perpetual novice

Congratulations, beautiful first. Nothing like the feeling of finishing that first guitar.