the Fly Clone Project

Cheers Vj.

I've stripped the guitar of hardware, think I've come to a decision on the re-finish colour-scheme, so going to start looking for the correct paints, and get on with that side of things first as I know the curing process takes so long when not using something like 2K (I'm going to be using an acrylic- based finish from cans).

Oh, better get the fret leveling and recrown done first actually... don't want any accidents in a new, soft finish!

While the curing process is under way, I'll be making a new scratchplate, and acquiring a few new pieces of hardware.

All good fun!

Excited and looking forward to all project updates.

Hey @ddraig—I saw this listing and thought of you:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/FISHMAN-PARKER ... 632-2357-0

That’s your bridge, correct? Did you end up getting a replacement from Fishman?

Hi VJ,

Sorry for late reply, been away...

Yeah, that's the one. Doesn't ship to the UK unfortunately

I've been lazy on the Fishman bridge front, BUT..... very busy on the refinishing front! She's a sunbust no longer....

I bought the P-38 as a project as I had an image in my head of what i'd like. Well, the colour is on and is just about to get the clear coating. I'm no expert painter, but i'm not too bad either, so fingers crossed!

That’s great, @ddraig! Would love to see some photos of your work if that’s convenient/possible.

Congrats!

Certainly.

Here we go..

A few, showing the various colour stages.

It's primer, course silver metallic base coat, candy burnt orange, and next is clear.

I've also drilled out the 'spoke holes' in the truss rod nut to accept a slightly larger implement for adjustment. Plus, drilled them through so I can get more purchase on it.
New machine heads ordered.
Scratchplate material delivered yesterday, so need to get onto making a new one once i'm done with the clear coating. Pickup choice is still up in the air atm. It was HSS. I like the idea of at least one single coil in there. Not a huge fan of middle position sounds, more of a HH fan, but my Fly has that, so might mix it up a bit. Would love a sustainer in the neck position, but money won't stretch that far unfortinately. Maybe a P90 at the neck? Hmm....

Loving the updates. I intend to get into a similar project once the weather warms enough to permit drying a painted Fly in my unattached garage; so please keep sharing details.

Clear coats went on yesterday. Pretty good.

I've had a lesson in the use of 2K clear mind you... Mostly how dangerous it is! I spend a bit of money on a good mask with the correct filters which was great. Couldn't smell a thing in it. Not sure where they're sold in the world (wherever you are), but it's a JSP Force 8, with JSP Force 8 Press-to-Check Combination Cartridges ABEK1P3.

I made sure to hang clean plastic sheeting to make the area of my workshop as small as needed.
I set up a pedestal fan with a cardboard shroud to draw as much outside as possible. Worked surprisingly well!
Long chemical gloves, goggles and I was ready for anything!

I'll get some photos up after work tonight hopefully.

This is great!!

Here we go.

Obviously, this is just done, so pre-flatting and polishing.

The design in my head was this colour, with a matte black puckguard, and probably EMGs.

Stand back in pure awe at my patented 'don't die by fumes' device... worked really well actually!

I’m in pure awe!!!

Awesome!

Breathtaking isn't it? No expense spared.... note the optional fan motor cover. Cardboard and tape aplenty.

Onto pickguard making next.

Pickup selection is still up in the air. Budget is tight... I already have spare EMGs so they might go in. I wonder if anyone's fitted them into one of these?