My Jackson Kelly refinish + build

mili9152 · 02-24-2012, 01:43 PM

Was playing guitar today and my D string broke. I took this as good motivation and an opportunity to finally redo my Kelly...

I want to put some sort of veneer on it and am thinking about staining the rest.
I'd like to direct mount the SH-5 I have in there and purchase graphite saddles and nut. I also want to put a new neck on it, any suggestions? Was thinking Warmoth because I'd like an ebony or maple fretboard this time.

Any input or suggestions? Thanks!

Konfyouzd · 02-24-2012, 01:52 PM

They don't have maple necks on Ebay that will fit a Kelly?

I think it might look cool sprayed in some kind of metallic or pearlescent color.

mili9152 · 02-24-2012, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Konfyouzd

They don't have maple necks on Ebay that will fit a Kelly?

I think it might look cool sprayed in some kind of metallic or pearlescent color.

Yes, I could find a maple neck, but as far as I know, the jackson maple fingerboards are from the models with FR and a locking nut. Also, those have sharkfin inlays, and I want either piranha inlays or nothing at all. The dkmgt necks are cool, but I don't want the reversed headstock. I'm thinking I'm going to have to go with Warmoth.

Thanks for the input, but I've been wanting a natural colored guitar for a while. Will probably go for a dark stain, but this will depend on how good my sanding job turns out.

Konfyouzd · 02-24-2012, 02:26 PM

What are those made of? Alder?

mili9152 · 02-24-2012, 02:31 PM

Yep, pretty sure it's alder.

Konfyouzd · 02-24-2012, 02:33 PM

What kinda veneer would you put on there if you put one on? I'm actually having a Kelly one-off built at the moment so this is really interesting to me. I'm going with a quilt top on mine.

And a blank maple board just like you!

mili9152 · 02-24-2012, 02:54 PM

I'm still shopping around for veneers. Don't think it's likely I'll find something local, so will probably ebay it. Not sure if I'm going ebony or maple fingerboard - will depend on the veneer as I want contrast.

Cool to hear about your build! Have a thread for it?

EDIT: just bought some bubinga veneer, hope it looks good! http://www.ebay.com/itm/150749672675...#ht_772wt_1035

drgordonfreeman · 02-24-2012, 10:07 PM

i don't think warmoth necks will fit a jackson neck joint, but i could be wrong about that.

definitely double check that, though, before you order.

mili9152 · 02-25-2012, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drgordonfreeman

i don't think warmoth necks will fit a jackson neck joint, but i could be wrong about that.

definitely double check that, though, before you order.

Thanks for the heads up.

Took the guitar apart yesterday and started sanding today. I revealed what looks to me like some sort of wood composite - cannot see the wood grain and does not look like alder. Don't think I'd want to stain this...

Konfyouzd · 02-25-2012, 11:07 AM

Ahh I was gonna ask ab that neck pup.

Konfyouzd · 02-25-2012, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mili9152

I'm still shopping around for veneers. Don't think it's likely I'll find something local, so will probably ebay it. Not sure if I'm going ebony or maple fingerboard - will depend on the veneer as I want contrast.

Cool to hear about your build! Have a thread for it?

EDIT: just bought some bubinga veneer, hope it looks good! eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

New Axe in the Making... (7 String Baritone Explorer Content)

djpharoah · 02-25-2012, 11:33 AM

It's alder but they put a top veneer for painting purposes because the alder doesn't paint too well. Usually it's a maple or basswood veneer on the top and bottom.

mili9152 · 02-25-2012, 02:14 PM

Ah okay, good to know.

I have to change my staining plans because whatever veneer is on there now, is not so good to look at. Will have to go darker than I originally wanted to go.

Pikka Bird · 02-25-2012, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djpharoah

It's alder but they put a top veneer for painting purposes because the alder doesn't paint too well. Usually it's a maple or basswood veneer on the top and bottom.

That's a little confusing... The old basswood RGs had veneers over the main body wood because basswood is thirsty, apparently. But all those burst-finished Strats are alder, right?

jarnozz · 02-25-2012, 05:21 PM

they use grain filler for that i thought xD can be wrong but makes kinda sense

Neil · 02-25-2012, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikka Bird

That's a little confusing... The old basswood RGs had veneers over the main body wood because basswood is thirsty, apparently. But all those burst-finished Strats are alder, right?

Ibanez add basswood veneers to Alder guitars,

http://ibanez.wikia.com/wiki/JEM7V

Quote:

A thin basswood veneer is applied to the top and back of the body to prevent the finish from settling into the alder wood grain making it appear through the finish.

Konfyouzd · 02-25-2012, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mili9152

Ah okay, good to know.

I have to change my staining plans because whatever veneer is on there now, is not so good to look at. Will have to go darker than I originally wanted to go.

Why not get rid of the veneer?

xeonblade · 02-26-2012, 03:52 AM

ebony veneer 11 @ 4 x 21 [6325 | eBay

OR something like this?

Pikka Bird · 02-26-2012, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

Ibanez add basswood veneers to Alder guitars,

JEM7V - Ibanez Wiki

I see... But then what's the veneer that lots of people are sanding down their 7420s? (or is it the 7620s? I forget.)

sk3ks1s · 02-26-2012, 12:22 PM

Nine chances out of ten, if you're sanding through the sealer, you will also sand through a veneer. Especially around the neck pocket, pick ups, and edges. They're paper thin. And if it's basswood, it's butter soft.

Pikka Bird · 02-26-2012, 02:23 PM

^That's for sure... When I stripped my Cort I couldn't keep the veneer intact, no matter how careful I was.

mili9152 · 02-26-2012, 07:07 PM

Got some 3m heavy duty 60 grit and went to town:

Tomorrow, I'll re-epoxy the neck pickup cavity, as I did a poor job last time. Hopefully I'll finish the sides too. Sanding takes lots of patience...and I don't want to half-ass this one like I've done in the past.

Not sure what I'll do with the current veneer yet. I read that I can use a heatgun and scraper to remove it, but I don't want to go that route. I might just tung oil everything, including my bubinga veneer that should come in the mail this week:

mili9152 · 02-27-2012, 01:45 PM

Re-epoxied and sanded. When sanding the edges, I finally saw some BEAUTIFUL wood!! I don't even want to stain it...maybe just tung oil it!

Konfyouzd · 02-27-2012, 02:12 PM

Bubinga! Brilliant, sir. Absolutely brilliant. Can't wait to see this.

BlackMastodon · 02-27-2012, 03:58 PM

I think you should oil it natural and leave the bevels black.

	sevenstring guitars		sevenstring registry		photo gallery		subscription		spy

02-24-2012, 01:43 PM	#1
mili9152 SS.org Regular Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 106 Thanked: 3 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	My Jackson Kelly refinish + build Was playing guitar today and my D string broke. I took this as good motivation and an opportunity to finally redo my Kelly... I want to put some sort of veneer on it and am thinking about staining the rest. I'd like to direct mount the SH-5 I have in there and purchase graphite saddles and nut. I also want to put a new neck on it, any suggestions? Was thinking Warmoth because I'd like an ebony or maple fretboard this time. Any input or suggestions? Thanks!

02-24-2012, 01:52 PM	#2
Konfyouzd Dread-I Master Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mars Posts: 15,501 Thanked: 191 Feedback Score: 4 reviews	They don't have maple necks on Ebay that will fit a Kelly? I think it might look cool sprayed in some kind of metallic or pearlescent color. "... and on either side of the river was the tree of life. The leaves of this tree were for the healing of nations." "He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle and the herb for the service of man." "Lifes too short to hate Floyd Roses."

02-24-2012, 02:26 PM	#4
Konfyouzd Dread-I Master Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mars Posts: 15,501 Thanked: 191 Feedback Score: 4 reviews	What are those made of? Alder? "... and on either side of the river was the tree of life. The leaves of this tree were for the healing of nations." "He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle and the herb for the service of man." "Lifes too short to hate Floyd Roses."

02-24-2012, 02:31 PM	#5
mili9152 SS.org Regular Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 106 Thanked: 3 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Yep, pretty sure it's alder. Konfyouzd likes this.

Today
Seven String	Sponsored Links __________________ This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members. Register your free account today and become a member on Sevenstring.org

02-24-2012, 02:33 PM	#6
Konfyouzd Dread-I Master Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mars Posts: 15,501 Thanked: 191 Feedback Score: 4 reviews	What kinda veneer would you put on there if you put one on? I'm actually having a Kelly one-off built at the moment so this is really interesting to me. I'm going with a quilt top on mine. And a blank maple board just like you! "... and on either side of the river was the tree of life. The leaves of this tree were for the healing of nations." "He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle and the herb for the service of man." "Lifes too short to hate Floyd Roses."

02-24-2012, 02:54 PM	#7
mili9152 SS.org Regular Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 106 Thanked: 3 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	I'm still shopping around for veneers. Don't think it's likely I'll find something local, so will probably ebay it. Not sure if I'm going ebony or maple fingerboard - will depend on the veneer as I want contrast. Cool to hear about your build! Have a thread for it? EDIT: just bought some bubinga veneer, hope it looks good! http://www.ebay.com/itm/150749672675...#ht_772wt_1035

02-24-2012, 10:07 PM	#8
drgordonfreeman Slave to the grind Join Date: May 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 441 Thanked: 14 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	i don't think warmoth necks will fit a jackson neck joint, but i could be wrong about that. definitely double check that, though, before you order.

02-25-2012, 11:07 AM	#10
Konfyouzd Dread-I Master Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mars Posts: 15,501 Thanked: 191 Feedback Score: 4 reviews	Ahh I was gonna ask ab that neck pup. "... and on either side of the river was the tree of life. The leaves of this tree were for the healing of nations." "He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle and the herb for the service of man." "Lifes too short to hate Floyd Roses."

02-25-2012, 11:33 AM	#12
djpharoah Awwww Yeaaaah • Super Moderator • Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Cali' Posts: 13,175 Thanked: 320 Feedback Score: 117 reviews	It's alder but they put a top veneer for painting purposes because the alder doesn't paint too well. Usually it's a maple or basswood veneer on the top and bottom. Konfyouzd and skeels like this.

02-25-2012, 02:14 PM	#13
mili9152 SS.org Regular Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 106 Thanked: 3 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Ah okay, good to know. I have to change my staining plans because whatever veneer is on there now, is not so good to look at. Will have to go darker than I originally wanted to go.

02-25-2012, 05:21 PM	#15
jarnozz Let´s Get Wasted! Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: maasbracht, netherlands Posts: 733 Thanked: 15 Feedback Score: 3 reviews	they use grain filler for that i thought xD can be wrong but makes kinda sense heaven's closed, hell's sold out. So I walk on the earth.

02-26-2012, 03:52 AM	#18
xeonblade SS.org Regular Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Serbia, Europe, Earth Posts: 732 Thanked: 9 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	ebony veneer 11 @ 4 x 21 [6325 \| eBay OR something like this?

02-26-2012, 12:22 PM	#20
sk3ks1s Djeff Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: St. John's, NL Posts: 720 Thanked: 10 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Nine chances out of ten, if you're sanding through the sealer, you will also sand through a veneer. Especially around the neck pocket, pick ups, and edges. They're paper thin. And if it's basswood, it's butter soft.

02-26-2012, 02:23 PM	#21
Pikka Bird SS.org Regular Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Odense; Denmark Posts: 1,106 Thanked: 5 / 1 Feedback Score: 5 reviews	^That's for sure... When I stripped my Cort I couldn't keep the veneer intact, no matter how careful I was.

02-26-2012, 07:07 PM	#22
mili9152 SS.org Regular Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 106 Thanked: 3 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Got some 3m heavy duty 60 grit and went to town: Tomorrow, I'll re-epoxy the neck pickup cavity, as I did a poor job last time. Hopefully I'll finish the sides too. Sanding takes lots of patience...and I don't want to half-ass this one like I've done in the past. Not sure what I'll do with the current veneer yet. I read that I can use a heatgun and scraper to remove it, but I don't want to go that route. I might just tung oil everything, including my bubinga veneer that should come in the mail this week:

02-27-2012, 01:45 PM	#23
mili9152 SS.org Regular Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 106 Thanked: 3 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Re-epoxied and sanded. When sanding the edges, I finally saw some BEAUTIFUL wood!! I don't even want to stain it...maybe just tung oil it! ThePhilosopher likes this.

02-27-2012, 02:12 PM	#24
Konfyouzd Dread-I Master Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mars Posts: 15,501 Thanked: 191 Feedback Score: 4 reviews	Bubinga! Brilliant, sir. Absolutely brilliant. Can't wait to see this. "... and on either side of the river was the tree of life. The leaves of this tree were for the healing of nations." "He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle and the herb for the service of man." "Lifes too short to hate Floyd Roses."

02-27-2012, 03:58 PM	#25
BlackMastodon \m/ (ﾟДﾟ) \m/ Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Windsor, ON Posts: 3,163 Thanked: 12 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I think you should oil it natural and leave the bevels black. Hollowway, The Norsemen, Razzy and 3 others like this. "Metal is for Vikings; if you're not a Viking, get off the boat." - The Beard "He doesn't even like Metallica, that's how metal he is." - My friend describing my musical tastes to her friends.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode