Polished up Bubba. . .

[thearabianmage]

I finally waited for the lacquer to set so I could polish Bubba up.

Whoa! I tell you what, it ain't no where near perfect in many respects (a fair few runs and some dips where I used plastic wood on the vines and stuff) but it's got a near-mirror shine to it! I didn't think it would, but p800, p1200, rubbing compound, and good 'ol elbow grease sorted it out.

There's a few bits that shine more than others, but all-in-all, for my first paint-job and lacquer, etc. it's not terrible. It could've been a lot worse, especially when it came to carving the vines in the body and 'Bubba' in the headstock and stuff.

I will get some clips posted of it, but I'll do that in another thread, because I want to do a 'review' of the Chromacaster - two birds with one stone, sorta thing.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2893863...7606955601397/

After having played this guitar for about a month, and now being able to play it after it's been polished up, I really, really like it.

Despite all of its aesthetic flaws, it's got bucket-loads of character. The dude who used to own it had a go on it - rather inebriated, as Scotsmen get - and he said it was 'A s---hole before, but now it's gorgeous.' I was really chuffed to have gotten his approval, he's a hard nut to please. He's got that patriotic 'If it ain't made in Scotland, it's got a lot of makin' up to do' kind of attitude, which is cool.

Everyone who's played it has liked the feel of it, which I'm proud of. But it also sounds great, especially with the Chromacaster. I used these cheapish pickups by a company called Artec (ceramic magnet, around 10kohm, completely encased, rwrp middle) and they actually sound quite nice. Well, I think they do, but as I said, I'll get some clips up.

Cheers,

Joe

[warren0728]

very cool joe!

looking forward to hearing some clips! :

ww

[bigoldron]

Bubba's looking real good, Joe! Not bad for a first time paint job. The vines look real good too! Can't wait to hear him! :

[thearabianmage]

Thanks y'all!

[BluesHowler]

Nice geetar! What the heck color is that? I think I like it and I'd paint one of mine just like that

[thearabianmage]

Nice geetar! What the heck color is that? I think I like it and I'd paint one of mine just like that

Cheers! I used a spraypaint by a company called Molotow, who specialize in graffiti spray-paint (they can't admit it, legally, but they do)

It is a transparent 'traffic red' colour. Apparently. It looked a little orange until I polished it up (using clear gloss lacquer from the same company), then it started to show as red.

You don't have to use transparent, though, I just wanted mine to show the vines I carved into the body.

[Katastrophe]

The guitar looks great, mage! Can't wait to hear a clip or two...:

[marnold***]

Looks like it turned out great and you learned a lot in the process. Hard to beat that!

[Jimi75]

Oh yeah man I like that look!

Good job!

[thearabianmage]

Cheers!

[tot_Ou_tard]

I was coarsely afeared to click on a thread titled "Polished up Bubba..." as there might be pictures.

There were, but what a relief to see that they're of a sweet guitar.

[Bloozcat]

Cool beans...

Feels pretty good to have done it yourself, eh Joe....:

[M29]

Great job: What a great feeling when you put it all together and it looks great. Very nice indeed!!!

M29

[thearabianmage]

Thanks everybody! Yep, I'm well chuffed - it feels extra special being 'my creation'.

And the next time I attempt something like this, I'll have that little bit more experience. Good times!