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Explorer Kit Build
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Author:  Chris Cordle [ Tue Jan 03, 2012 9:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Explorer Kit Build

Part One:
I received this as a gift from my wife for Christmas this year. This is the Guitar Fetish Explorer kit with poplar body and maple neck.
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This is the third Explorer I have built-up. I've also built 5 acoustics from scratch as well as 5 Bull Dog LP kits. For this one I wanted to try some things I had never done on an electric build before. My idea was to add a Flamed Maple veneer top and binding on the top edge.
Here's a look at the veneer I picked up.
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… and after a rough trim to size
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Author:  Chris Cordle [ Tue Jan 03, 2012 9:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Explorer Kit Build

Part Two:
Here I have one half of the veneer glued and am routing for pickups, neck pocket, etc., with a flush-trim router bit.
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… half-way there!
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Here's a shot with the veneer fully installed, routed flush and one coat of Z-poxy as a sealer coat before binding routing. I was a little worried about tear-out but had no such experience.
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Author:  Chris Cordle [ Tue Jan 03, 2012 9:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Explorer Kit Build

Part Three:
Here the binding is being installed and taped into place while the glue dries.
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This was also my first experience with StewMac's plastic binding which is very easy to work with.
I chose to use the blue TransTints for the top and a red mahogany on the back, sides and neck. Here the body sits after bindings are scraped free of excess stain & dye.
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Next was the glue and clamping of the neck.
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I will let this sit overnight before removing clamps and cauls.
That's it for now …. I'll be back with more soon

Author:  Chris Pile [ Tue Jan 03, 2012 11:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Explorer Kit Build

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the blue!

Author:  Chris Cordle [ Wed Jan 04, 2012 8:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Explorer Kit Build

Chris Pile wrote:
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the blue!


Thank you, Sir.

Author:  Chris Cordle [ Tue Jan 24, 2012 1:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Explorer Kit Build

Just got it back from my buddy who sprays my clear … really couldn't be happier!
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Here's a side-shot … I'm hoping to have it assembled & set-up in time for this weekend's shows … we'll see
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My "Gitsum" logo that I designed … I think it's funny
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The difference in the neck & body wood made the finish appear different on the backside … not too concerned over it though
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Author:  Chris Pile [ Tue Jan 24, 2012 1:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Explorer Kit Build

He did a good job. Are you doing anything to personalize or customize it, or just painting by numbers - as it were?

Author:  Chris Cordle [ Tue Jan 24, 2012 1:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Explorer Kit Build

Chris Pile wrote:
He did a good job. Are you doing anything to personalize or customize it, or just painting by numbers - as it were?


Hmmm ... not sure what you mean. Did you see I added the flame maple top, the binding & the custom headstock logo?

Author:  Chris Pile [ Tue Jan 24, 2012 3:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Explorer Kit Build

My bad. I remembered something about a kit, and just went with it. Call it early onset Alzheimers.....

Author:  Chris Cordle [ Tue Jan 24, 2012 3:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Explorer Kit Build

Chris Pile wrote:
My bad. I remembered something about a kit, and just went with it. Call it early onset Alzheimers.....


HaHa ... No problem!
This has been fun ...

Author:  Chris Cordle [ Thu Jan 26, 2012 10:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Explorer Kit Build

About ready for a test run!
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Setup is done, can't wait to try it out this weekend.
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Overall I'm pretty happy with this project. It was not without a few minor setbacks, but I suppose that's how I progress.
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Author:  Tony_in_NYC [ Thu Jan 26, 2012 11:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Explorer Kit Build

Great job! Love the veneer!

Author:  theguitarwhisperer [ Thu Jan 26, 2012 11:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Explorer Kit Build

Can't argue with that. Great job!

Author:  Chris Pile [ Fri Jan 27, 2012 12:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Explorer Kit Build

I'd be proud to own it.

Author:  Mike Lindstrom [ Fri Jan 27, 2012 12:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Explorer Kit Build

Man that looks great! Nice job.

mike

Author:  Chris Cordle [ Fri Jan 27, 2012 8:10 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Explorer Kit Build

Thanks. I'm pretty pleased with it. There's a few things I'd like a do-over on, but happy for the most part.

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