Fake Binding and Hole Patching

1197 Views 22 Replies 8 Participants Last post by THRobinson, Oct 27, 2017

THRobinson

Discussion Starter · Oct 24, 2017

Had a couple of "quick" questions... minor things I was debating on for a couple of guitars.

First... Squier headstock tree removal. Not a fan of the dual trees, upgrading to staggered tuners so wanted to lose a tree and keep the other. Problem is, the hole left behind. Plan was to get a thin maple dowel and some glue and tap it in, sand the headstock down (putting a partscaster decal on) and clearcoat it. Only thing I can think of. Anyone try this? How'd it look? Mainly concerned with how well it will or will not blend in.

Second... Les Paul custom binding, like around the headstock, has that nice alternating black/white striping. Can you buy that as a stick on, like pin-striping for a car? Guitar has binding, but just cream/white. Sides are fine, but be nice to go around the top edge with the multi-stripe versus cutting out the binding and redoing it all.

1 - 20 of 23 Posts

greco

· #2 · Oct 24, 2017

THRobinson said:
Plan was to get a thin maple dowel and some glue and tap it in, sand the headstock down (putting a partscaster decal on) and clearcoat it.

You might find that the end grain of the dowel soaks up more clear coat and will look darker. Wait for others to comment/confirm.

THRobinson

Discussion Starter · #3 · Oct 24, 2017

That was my concern... side grain vs end grain. Better than an open hole but not ideal. Hoping maybe a 'trick' to it. I guess fill in the hole, but not level to the top, then very carefully with an xacto cut a small circle/plug for the top and try to match the grain?

Lot of work, but rather do a lot of work and have it blend in than be lazy about it and not look too great. I'm stripping off the clear coat so at least that gives a few extra options.

Side question... anyone know what these Squiers use for a clear? Acrylic Lacquer? I've seen some recommendations in another forum I posted in (Squier forum) but no one seems to know what is currently on the neck. I only plan to sand the headstock face, want to grab a small rattle can of clear, but what's on it now is matte and not sure what.

greco

· #4 · Oct 24, 2017

THRobinson said:
I guess fill in the hole, but not level to the top, then very carefully with an xacto cut a small circle/plug for the top and try to match the grain?

That sounds like a good plan. Trying to match the grain (apart from the obvious direction) might be a challenging task.

Good Luck with it!

THRobinson

Discussion Starter · #5 · Oct 24, 2017

Well upside is it's maple... good deal of it's not really 'grainy'. Also a downside... at least with darker wood with lots of grain, the option to use a diluted stain and 000 brush is there, can blend it in a bit.

I think main issue will be edges. Would need to make the plug thin and very thin at the edges.

It'll be an interesting afternoon project I guess, that will either work out well, or aggravate the heck outta me.

Reactions: 1

G

· #6 · Oct 24, 2017

THRobinson said:
putting a partscaster decal on

If you're making a custom decal, glue in toothpicks for the screw holes, cut off, sand to level then apply your decal to cover up.
Another option; get a piece of maple veneer and cover the entire headstock face?
This way you can find something with a nice grain pattern.

WannabeGood

· #7 · Oct 24, 2017

Was also going to suggest a veneer on the entire headstock. That would be my approach.

Regards,

Tarbender

· #8 · Oct 24, 2017

Buy a small block of maple and cut your own toothpick with the grain going in the right direction. Did this on my walnut guitar to hide the pick guard screw holes.

Ayr Guitars

· #9 · Oct 24, 2017

If you want it to match, cut your own plug - which you can cut from the face of a board. That way there is no exposed end grain. Plug cutters from Lee Valley work very well. You need a drill press to use them.

If it’s being covered by a decal, does it matter?

G

· #10 · Oct 24, 2017

Tarbender said:
Buy a small block of maple and cut your own toothpick with the grain going in the right direction.

For some reason, this old cartoon popped into my head.

THRobinson

Discussion Starter · #11 · Oct 24, 2017

You guys must use some big decals.

No... decal won't cover where the string trees are, It'll be the same size/shape as the Squire logo.

Veneer on the top I don't want to do, because what grain the headstock currently has is near the logo and end of the headstock and actually pretty nice. Just happens to be open and kinda plain right where the trees are and will show the most.

I'll see about making a plug with the face on the end.

Anyone know about Question #2?

G

· #12 · Oct 24, 2017

THRobinson said:
Anyone know about Question #2?

I think your best bet is as you first stated.
Go to a custom car shop and inquire about the pinstriping tape.
You'll probably only need a foot, so they may just cut a strip off and give it to you.

G

· #13 · Oct 24, 2017

Put some diamonds in the holes.

THRobinson

Discussion Starter · #14 · Oct 24, 2017

I don't think auto shops have the black/white pattern of a Gibson... looks good on a Gibson, can't imagine anyone wanting it on a car.

I can find decal/sticker type binding of abalone... but not the black/white stripes.

G

· #15 · Oct 24, 2017

Get 1 very thin white and 1 very thin black?

THRobinson

Discussion Starter · #16 · Oct 24, 2017

Player99 said:
Put some diamonds in the holes.

Gasp! I could be a rhinestone cowboy!

G

· #17 · Oct 25, 2017

I remember a punk blues guy in Toronto in the early '90's that had diamonds in his teeth.

THRobinson

Discussion Starter · #18 · Oct 25, 2017

Player99 said:
I remember a punk blues guy in Toronto in the early '90's that had diamonds in his teeth.

Ya, or about every single Rapper from 1995-2005.

cboutilier

· #19 · Oct 25, 2017

THRobinson said:
Ya, or about every single Rapper from 1995-2005.

It's made its return with the new era of mumble rappers

G

· #20 · Oct 25, 2017 (Edited)

I agree.

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