1963 Stratocaster forensic color analysis

[latestarter]

I'm not meaning to bump the thread, but far out, the wait is killing me. I even got the 1000 grit, water and towel ready tonight, and then came to my senses.

The refret is going well. I'm using StewMac #0152. I like that wire for Fenders. The added height means I can go without leveling the board too much...only the rises at the fret edges (those who've done a number of 70's lacquered boards know where I'm at here). And I use liquid hide glue (Titebond) to seat the fret. There's a lot of negative press about this product on the web, but I have found it to be excellent. It dries rock hard, crunchy, crystalline like. Just like normal hot hide glue...but with the extra work time it's a no brainer (and I live in a "moist" part of the world so if it's going to fail, it will here!). I just can't bring myself to use aliphatic on the very old guitars....hide glue it must be.

So, I'll go back to my 2014 El Seque, and waiting for my aged guard to arrive, for the lacquer to cure, for the frets to dry out another day....sigh

 

[Kris Ford]

I'm not meaning to bump the thread, but far out, the wait is killing me. I even got the 1000 grit, water and towel ready tonight, and then came to my senses.

The refret is going well. I'm using StewMac #0152. I like that wire for Fenders. The added height means I can go without leveling the board too much...only the rises at the fret edges (those who've done a number of 70's lacquered boards know where I'm at here). And I use liquid hide glue (Titebond) to seat the fret. There's a lot of negative press about this product on the web, but I have found it to be excellent. It dries rock hard, crunchy, crystalline like. Just like normal hot hide glue...but with the extra work time it's a no brainer (and I live in a "moist" part of the world so if it's going to fail, it will here!). I just can't bring myself to use aliphatic on the very old guitars....hide glue it must be.

So, I'll go back to my 2014 El Seque, and waiting for my aged guard to arrive, for the lacquer to cure, for the frets to dry out another day....sigh

It'll be worth the wait Grant..you don't want to muck up THAT finish!eace2

 

[latestarter]

It'll be worth the wait Grant..you don't want to muck up THAT finish!eace2

You're right Kris!

But did I say a month? I meant two weeks:teeth

Very bright and shiny...now comes the somewhat heartbreaking task of subtle relic.

 

[Unbound Dot Neck]

Love it !
sweet , wow

 

[Cody]

Coming along beautifully!
Relic the hell out of it!

:dude:

 

[sikoniko]

sexy!

 

[Maxmc]

You're right Kris!

But did I say a month? I meant two weeks:teeth

Very bright and shiny...now comes the somewhat heartbreaking task of subtle relic.

The key word here is "subtle". I'd be very subtle. Almost "under the bed" subtle if you know what I mean.

 

[J.D.]

The overall patina of the body ideally should be consistent with that of the neck finish and hardware IMHO.

 

[latestarter]

The overall patina of the body ideally should be consistent with that of the neck finish and hardware IMHO.

Max, JD, agreed...the rest of the guitar is in very good condition. If you imagine CD's Strat he posted a little back ('65 with large frets, also Fiesta Red), that's the vibe. Nicks and dings, nothing major.

 

[latestarter]

 

[Maxmc]

A stunner! One question: why do a lot of these old strats develop a break in the scratchplate at the neck pickup adjustment screw ?

 

[Anje]

I would guess it comes with combined effect of classic pickguard shrinkage + neck PU adjustment screw pressure + initial design/structural weakness in that position due to the small amount of material between the neck PU hole and side of the pickguard.

Nice refin latestarter!

 

[J.D.]

Results look fantastic. I'd be very proud of that job :jim

 

[latestarter]

Results look fantastic. I'd be very proud of that job :jim

Thanks J.D.

It sounds great bar the neck pickup being too high because of the guard crack. Can't lower it anymore. Waiting for an appropriately coloured replacement.

For those interested - I used StewMac's Z File for the crowning work on the frets. Normally I use a 3 sided file. All I can say is WOW. Pricey, but worth it. I got the Z File Original.

 

[thin sissy]

Oh god, more pictures please! Maybe a shot of the back ?

 

[Kris Ford]

Grant sent me these teaser pics of his relic job: :spabout

:hee

 

[Kris Ford]

Lookin good Grant!:wow

Not quite there yet...:hmm
:laugh2::laugh2::laugh2::laugh2::laugh2::laugh2::laugh2:

 

[sikoniko]

I'm impressed that the alder relic'd so much it turned into ash...

 

[Kris Ford]

I'm impressed that the alder relic'd so much it turned into ash...

He is THAT good!:laugh2:

On a serious note..I'd just play the bejeezus out of it and let it happen naturally myself.:salude

 

[latestarter]

Too funny Kris.

I've done a few marks on it already, just enough to give it a hint of credibility...but yes, the rest will occur naturally. I'll post some more pics in a few weeks. I am very happy with the colour...

Beautiful dark board, clean hardware, nice case including original key, trem arm etc....sounds great to top it off. V happy.