The Electra Forums

For those who don't remeber (and who could blame them), several years ago I bought a much abused carcass of an X310. Someone had used a screwdriver to gouge a recess for a Kahler and been a bit better at making a third pickup recess. The Kahler recess had been filled in with wood putty. The finish was a mess too. I sanded the finish, routed the Khahler recess square, and filled it with a block of maple. I carved the maple to the body contours and there she sat.............for years.

Today I made a paper template and cut some very nice quilted maple veneer. With all the fingers crossed that I didn't need for the job, I glued on the veneer. I don't have a vacuum system so I have a 40 lb. bag of potting soil weighing the veneer down. Wish me luck.

Best of luck and will be awaiting the pics. She will be a great player when you are done.

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Always give thanks for everyday, It may be your last so Rock On Semper Fi!!

Well yesterday I took the weight off and found a few spots were the glue hadn't taken. I re-glued them and let it sit till today. Today I trimmed the veneer and learned a valuable lesson - cut the veneer to as close to the final size as possible. Being afraid that I would cut it too small, I cut it from 1/4" to 1/2" over sized. 1/4" was OK but 1/2" was too much. The veneer is very brittle and wants to split along the grain. The split will continue even into a glued section.

I had to re-glue a few section again. Its not bad, but I wish it were better. I think almost all the flaws will disappear when I do the binding or will be under the pickup covers.

I haven't cleared the bridge and tailpiece post holes. I think I will use a wood block jig and a hand drill to minimize splitting. I am working on this in our house in Vermont (a NY City apartment is not conducive to wood work). I should be up here again next week. If all turns out well, I will post some pictures then.

I do recall the 'Hulk', would love to see any in-progress photos you care to post. Best of luck!

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