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Thread: I've had a cloning relapse!

  1. #1
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    I've had a cloning relapse!

    Switching out the neck on my new Strat for the USACG neck has stirred the creative juices! I had two necks w/the same specs from Tommy: 7 1/2" radius, 6105s, braz fingerboards, EXTREME fatbacks. It was a little difficult to decide which one to use, so I was inspired to break out this body for the second neck:

    I painted this quite some time ago so it's definitely cured;)
    It got buffed out today & will assemble it this weekend if I can collect all the parts. If you can recall reading any of my earlier threads in the Clone Zone you'll know that I relic these out of necessity to cover up the flaws from painting outside in the driveway. More pics to come!

  2. #2
    Forum Member sabby's Avatar
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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    I just caught your replacement neck thread from years ago. Your a sick man, 7. I love the shop picture of the bodies just lined up. So how many have turned into guitars? :hee

    My Tele will get a Warmoth neck. I love their fat boatneck (like that 0.05" really matters :rolleyes: ) and their pyramid shaped SS frets (6115s). But they won't put a 9.5" radius on a 21 fret neck.

    No biggy, but I like Teles with 21 frets. On Strats I don't care. No reason really; that;s just that. USA doesn't offer the big SS frets. They're more important to me than the cosmetics. Besides, I couldn't reshape the necks like you do. I have netiher the tools or the skills.

    Maybe I just don't notice how much I use that high D. :rolleyes:
    Last edited by sabby; 10-22-2005 at 09:15 AM.

  3. #3
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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    Quote Originally Posted by sabby
    So how many have turned into guitars? :hee
    One, almost. I'll keep you posted :lol

  4. #4
    Forum Member BlueFrogs's Avatar
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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    Yo Cogs-
    Can you post some pics of the relic process as well? It would be cool to see.:)

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    Forum Member chuckocaster's Avatar
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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    that's a purty color! can't wait to see it assembled.

    i dug out the tool chest to fab up a custom plate to house an ASAT pup franky t sent me. i have to wait for the paint to dry til tommorow. but when it does it's going in the NY tele just for kicks.
    "don't worry, i'm a professional!"

  6. #6
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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    Quote Originally Posted by BlueFrogs
    Yo Cogs-
    Can you post some pics of the relic process as well? It would be cool to see.:)
    Might be too late for that :lol
    Basically, I buff out the body just as if it were a legit finishing job. Then I eyeball it closely for blems (dirt, bugs, lint... maybe a fisheye or two) & I excise them w/an exacto knife or I'll whack the spot w/a blunt object. Then I might sand a little more on the back contour & the forearm, just so the primer is peeking through. Then I buff it out all over again. Then I might put another chip or two in an inconspicuous place.
    If you ever get the chance to inspect a real vintage piece up close you'll notice that some chips have sharp edges & some have smooth edges. The older ones smooth out over time so they have a softer look. I think that is one problem I've seen on some of the Fender Relic guitars- ALL the dings look like they've been buffed out. It gives the guitar an artificial look.
    Last edited by Cogs; 10-21-2005 at 10:35 PM.

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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    chucko- that's Midnight Blue acrylic lacquer from the WalMart (shame!) automotive dept. I bought two cans, popped them w/an icepick to let the propellant out (SLOWLY, please) & then just cut the tops off & shot it in my panel gun.
    It looked to me like Lake Placid Blue but a shade or two deeper. What you are seeing in the picture is the guitar after a number of amber-tinted clearcoats have been applied. In person now it looks almost like a deep aqua where the very topcoats weren't sanded or buffed off. It looks, well... vintage!

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    Forum Member chuckocaster's Avatar
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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    i would have never of known had you not told me. but hey man, paint is paint, and if it looks good, let it roll man! looks good to me.
    "don't worry, i'm a professional!"

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    Forum Member sabby's Avatar
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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    Quote Originally Posted by 71818
    One, almost. I'll keep you posted :lol
    The bodies are curing.

  10. #10
    Forum Member chuckocaster's Avatar
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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    don't you mean "AGING"? just like fine wine.
    "don't worry, i'm a professional!"

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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    Buft:


    The aging on this one is a little more dramatic IMO.
    The holes for the neck bolt are a little hogged out, but hey- this thing cost me about $25 bucks in materials! Maybe less!
    w00t
    Last edited by Cogs; 10-22-2005 at 09:37 PM.

  12. #12
    Forum Member Plugger's Avatar
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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    I think Leo used to use auto paint on his guitars at some stage in 50's... not sure where I read this, tho.

    -Mark

  13. #13
    Forum Member sabby's Avatar
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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    Mint green guard and cream plastic!

  14. #14
    Forum Member sabby's Avatar
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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    Wait, you're going to go with one of these, aren't you? :hee


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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    Sabby, tell me more about that 'guard! Not for my Strat, but I have a Musicmaster on the deck waiting for assembly.

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    Forum Member Kap'n's Avatar
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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    Quote Originally Posted by sabby
    Wait, you're going to go with one of these, aren't you? :hee

    On the right guitar, that would be killer.
    Several guitars in different colors
    Things to make them fuzzy
    Things to make them louder
    orange picks

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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    Quote Originally Posted by Kap'n
    On the right guitar, that would be killer.
    Yup. There is so much going on w/that pickguard that you could use almost ANY color for the body- Shell Pink, Daphne Blue, Surf Green... even a plain Oly White would be happinin'.

  18. #18
    Forum Member sabby's Avatar
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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    I dig it too. I still want one on shell pink since 7 suggested it back when. They can be found here.

  19. #19
    Forum Member Strummin' Ronin's Avatar
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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    Quote Originally Posted by 71818
    More pics to come!
    when do we get to see the pics?

    P.S. This cloning bug is contageous!

  20. #20
    fezz parka
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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    That's a great color, Robert.

    Dirt , bugs ,lint and fisheyes. For great ingredients for a kickass relic job.:hee

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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    I'm working on it :wail2

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    Forum Member Strummin' Ronin's Avatar
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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    Thanks - very lovely colour, by the way. Can't wait to see the finished item :yay

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    Re:w00t!

    *edit* The Pearloid guard is just what I had on hand. I think I'm going to end up w/a trad Mint Green '60s MIM off eBay.

    Last edited by Cogs; 11-04-2005 at 07:52 PM.

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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    To Mark phtwbrma (if you read this): notice the potted plant reflected in the finish on the back of the guitar? Buffing results w/a hand-drill attachment.

  25. #25
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    The full monty:


    Not much figure visible from this angle, but the neck is flamed:

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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    Here's a biggie:

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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    Checking detail:

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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    Wow, looks great! Dig the checking!

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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    Quote Originally Posted by fezz parka
    That's a great color, Robert.

    Dirt , bugs ,lint and fisheyes. For great ingredients for a kickass relic job.:hee
    My own special process... I should patent it!:lol

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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    Put it in the freezer? Freon? (I knew some guys doing "vintage" guitars)

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    Forum Member sabby's Avatar
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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    I'm in love -- just be sure to put cream plastic on that ming guard. ;)

    :yay :yay

  32. #32
    Forum Member Strummin' Ronin's Avatar
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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    :wav :yay very nice.... (drool....)

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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    Quote Originally Posted by JAM
    Put it in the freezer? Freon? (I knew some guys doing "vintage" guitars)
    Actually I did use freon on this one. I don't usually do that since I don't like the way it turns out most of the time. With this one I used a more controlled method by starting some cracks & "chasing" them w/the spray. Better results than just covering the guitar w/the spray & ending up w/random spiderweb-like checking.

  34. #34
    Forum Member Marcondo's Avatar
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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    I like the extra deep contours on that blue body.

    Did you do that yourself or was the body already cut that deep??

  35. #35
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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    That body started out as a slab of alder that I bought from Crosscut Lumber in Seattle, so yes, I did do that myself. Just a Sawzall & a steady grip;)

  36. #36
    Moderator PatentAppliedFor's Avatar
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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    nice mon!

  37. #37
    Forum Member SMOKINDEVILLE's Avatar
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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    So, would that be what is considered a vintage contour? I'm building a 60's clone of my own and have never really understood what that meant.

  38. #38
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    Re: I've had a cloning relapse!

    Yes. "Vintage contours" are pretty deep.

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