Build #2: Postponed

I don't want to slam a company or their product, but in this case, I have no choice.

The Albatross Explorer DIY kit that I purchased turned out to be a bust.  The neck pocket was routed like garbage... a waste of $150.  Judging by the review that popped up on amazon after I purchased, it doesn't seem this was a one off situation.

To see how crappy it was, see the photos below (the red lines represent what the proper pocket angle should be).

Build #1: First coat of primer

So, finally, got to lay a coat of paint down.   This post is going to be all photos.  Enjoy!

My ghetto suspension hooks

Build #1: Baby steps of progress and build plan changes

So, I have sealed the guitar, sanded it down, and it was still rough, so I've been going back over it with 400 grit.   I am now covered in white powder [insert cocaine joke here].  Here are some photos of the progress:

After sealer applied 

75% sanded

Once the sanding is done, I'll be able to tape it up, paint it, and finish assembling it.

To finish it, I have made a build plan change.

Originally I purchased MetalWorks pickups to put in this guitar, however, I have decided that the black chrome would look out of place with the solid black hardware, so I am going to put traditional H4 and H4A pickups in this guitar, and use the MetalWorks pickups in Build #2 since they'll match the black chrome hardware I purchased for it.

The new pickups going in this guitar look a little like this:

Build #2: Beginning Phase

So, as I finish up the first build (I'm crossing my fingers that it will be this weekend), I already have a plan for the next build.

The guitar:  An Explorer style guitar (Gibson style, not ESP)

The plan:

Paint:  Flat Black
Pickguard: Black Diamond Plate
Hardware: Black nickle bridge and tuning machines
Pickups:  EMG MetalWorks H4 & H4A Black Chrome (I'm going to use standard H4 and H4A in the Les Paul instead, since the black matches the solid black hardware better)

This is going to be a black on black guitar... It'll look pretty sweet when all is said and done.

It'll look something like this:

Build #1: Sanding commenced.

Well, I have begun sanding and filling on the Les Paul.

I've gone over it with 220 grit, going to hit it with 320 and 400 grit, then apply grain filler, sand again with 400 and spray the primer coat.

Once the primer is painted, I'll paint the back of the guitar with the satin black.

This will be followed with spraying the front with the orange.

Once the black and orange paints are dry, I'll hit it with clearcoat, buff it and finish assembly.

Getting closer and closer, its getting exciting.

In the mean time, here are a couple of new songs to hold you over:

"Brave this Storm" - Trivium

"Strife" - Trivium