Nevada Les Paul revamp - Checkerboard?

WezV · August 2023

A mate asked me to look at bringing his guitar back to life, which I am always happy to do, even when they are not the most glamorous of brands.

If you are not familiar these are very low budget guitars, bringing the worst 70's fake LP construction right into the 90's. We are talking bolt on neck and a ply top pressed into shape over blocks of wood... although somehow still being heavier than a black hole.... but i've worked on a few of these before and they can generally be made pretty playable if you don't expect greatness

We got discussing a checkerboard finish option at the weekend, which makes it a bit more interesting and worthy of a thread.

My first thought for this is to try making a vinyl wrap or sticker. If that doesn't work I will attempt it in paint

Funkfingers · August 2023

WezV said:

We got discussing a checkerboard finish

That would be a Cheap Trick.

WezV · August 2023

I will say it was rather Rancid from bad storage

JayGee · August 2023

Would the laser cutter (running in low power mode as an engraver) be an option for the chequer board effect?

WezV · August 2023

I did consider that. Taking the top back to wood or painting it white and engraving the checkerboard would certainly work

Jez6345789 · August 2023

Not done much with laser but would it cut the vinyl or even a mask for a re spray tagging along.

WezV · August 2023

That's one option, but apparently the vinyl can give off some harmful gasses when lasercut that can harm the laser.

I'm keeping it straightforward for the first option, just vinyl wrapping the top. If that looks terrible I will explore more paint options but some kind of laser cut masks would be high on the list

WezV · August 2023

Some vinyl turned up. 10 minutes later I have this

There are a few bubbles in that so I think I will redo, but it's a promising start

paulnb57 · August 2023

Looks good though, are you able to share what to buy and how to apply?

WezV · August 2023

Sure. I got 3m of this
https://www.vinyldepot.co.uk/collections/decor/products/d-c-fix-self-adhesive-vinyl-chequered-large-450mm-m

Plenty to have another go.

Its adhesive, but you can peel and restick if you get it wrong. You just need a squeegy to smooth it out and a very sharp knife to trim it back. You can also use heat to help it conform to the shapes. I need to do better with the heat though. A heat gun was a bit much for this so may switch to a hairdryer.

WezV · September 2023

I didn't show this finished, but I was fairly happy with it for a quick re-vamp of a cheap guitar.

I had to replace a few frets where the guitar apparently had a fight with a cymbal - and the wiring all got replaced after my 3rd attempt trying to rescue the existing parts

It now plays pretty well, even if it still sounds like an angry banjo

paulnb57 · September 2023

Turned out well, I like it

elstoof · September 2023

Perfect for playing in a ska band

hollywoodrox · September 2023

That’s ace , reminds me of Dave Kilmisters late 80s early 90s shred guitar which I can’t find a pic of

Howdy, Stranger!

Categories

In this Discussion

Become a Subscriber!

Nevada Les Paul revamp - Checkerboard?

Comments