Combine Newsletter - July 2023
June's Guitar of the Month Winner!
We’re pleased to announce that Mike F. is the latest winner of our Guitar of the Month contest! This headless guitar is built using Combine's 7-String Multiscale DIY Guitar Kit. Here is his story:
"I've been interested in headless guitars for a few years now and had been eyeing some of the more cost effective options on the market; however, none of them fit what I was after in terms of design, finish, or features, and certainly not at a reasonable price point. I stumbled across Combine and knew that I'd found what I was looking for immediately, despite lacking any experience in putting together a kit before. I also liked that this is a Canadian company, and was happy to be able to support an up and coming local business.
As soon as this kit was back in stock, I placed my order and not-so-patiently waited for it to arrive 3 days later. Everything came exactly as described and with no damage to the body, neck, or any of the painted components. I took some time to research various finishing methods and decided to go with a beginner friendly combo of a water based stain (Keda dye to be exact) and wipe on polyurethane (Minwax gloss) clear coat on the body, and boiled linseed oil on the neck.
To finish the body, I started by applying a coat of black stain to the top, then gently sanding it back by hand with 220 grit sandpaper to reveal the flame pattern (avoided a power sander to limit the risk of sanding through the veneer). I then applied a few coats of purple to achieve the final colouring on top. For the back and sides, I sanded with 220 grit by hand and with an orbital sander (after wiping the surface with a damp cloth to raise the grain). Once sanded, I darkened the purple that I used on the front and applied a few coats in order to achieve the final colour.
Once the staining was complete, I moved on to the polyurethane. Google had taught me that thin coats were the key to achieving a nice wipe on finish, so I proceeded to apply about 15 coats using this method: wipe the poly on using a cotton rag (old t-shirt), wait 5 mins, wipe off the poly using a clean cotton rag. After about 7 coats and before the final coat, I wiped on the poly, immediately sanded it extremely lightly using 1000 grit sandpaper, then wiped off. Once the clear coat had cured for about 2 weeks, I took 0000 steel wool dipped in soapy water to the whole body to smooth the finish and sheen out.
For the neck, I hand sanded with 220, 1000 and 1500 grit to prep the surface. I then applied a coat of boiled linseed oil with a rag, immediately sanded it with 1500 grit, then wiped off the excess. One coat was all I did there and it feels very nice.
The electronics, pickups (direct mounted using 3/4" #4 wood screws), bridge and neck all went together without a hitch thankfully. I did have to file the nut slots quite a bit, since they were cut extremely shallow (I used welding tip cleaners as files since they are far cheaper). I didn't really need to, but I also polished the frets with 0000 steel wool and oiled the fretboard with lemon oil prior to stringing it up.
Overall I'm really pleased with how it turned out, and how great it feels to play an instrument that I've put so much time into (~30 hrs).
Thanks to Connors for the great product and his amazing support during the build process!" - Mike F.
Mike's win has earned him 50% off the base price of his next DIY Guitar Kit, and his build has been shared on our website and social media!
JULY SPECIAL OFFER
10% off Multiscale Headless 8-String Kits
Use code MultiscaleEight at checkout, or click the link below to automatically apply the discount to your order.
Offer valid until August 1st, 2023
July's Guitar of the Month Contest
We know you're all busy working away on your builds, and we expect some of you will complete them in time to enter July's Guitar of the Month contest! The winner will receive 50% off the base price of their next DIY Guitar Kit, and their build will be shared on our website and social media.