The Precision Guitar Kits Les Paul Build (Part 1)

[@paulhudson2293]

I really appreciate how, even though you've made probably hundreds of guitar kits before, you still do the first stain, and realise that you've done something wrong and have to sand it back again and start again. Makes me feel better about the 5 times I sanded down my first kit.

[@BradAngove]

There’s nothing wrong with getting out the sandpaper and taking it back to a blank canvas.

[@andrewbrewer3050]

I like the final color but that green was probably the nicest green I've ever seen 😍 gave me ideas for when I get my precision kit

[@BradAngove]

I wonder what you’ll think of it after the amber, which takes it back to green a bit but reduces the contrast as well.

[@jjulch]

Yes Sir!!!! Finally the kit video I’ve been waiting for!

[@oddscholar]

Brad, your videos have been my Bible as I have started my first ever kit build. This series in particular was instrumental in deciding which way I wanted to go with the colour choices, but also I went with a cheaper Chinese kit because I couldn't afford a Precision kit, so many of your other videos have been super helpful as well with dealing with blemishes, neck alignment, hardware installation, etc. I can't tell you how much I have appreciated your videos and your presentation style as I test myself with this new adventure. Keep up the great work!

[@BradAngove]

Thank you; I’m glad to hear that you’re finding my stuff useful.

[@stu-j]

The joys of thinking something is sanded correctly! I've been using spirit first to see pigtailing in sanding before the stain and it saves on taking off the colour lol we have all been there Brad! 😄

[@BradAngove]

That’s a good idea Stu

[@gregmcnamara3126]

I'm hanging out to see Part 2 Brad!

[@BradAngove]

Should be up in less than an hour!

[@rhyskenny6429]

Very cool ocean effect with the mix of blue and green!

[@BradAngove]

Glad you like it

[@auguststvring9273]

That's one gorgeous guitar... Can't wait for part 2 (:

[@BradAngove]

Thank you

[@hollierthanthou83]

Loved that lime green!

[@docsiltanen]

That's going to look awesome...especially with the amber lacquer top-coat.... can't wait to see the next video !!!

[@BradAngove]

Cheers

[@briansimpson8116]

I can't wait to see the finished color. That flaming is beautiful. 🇨🇦👍🇨🇦👍

[@BradAngove]

Cheers Brian

[@b.cguitarcovers2347]

I like the color its different from what you'd normally see on a les Paul

[@BradAngove]

Thanks

[@patrickkeenan6331]

Looks beautiful! Thanks for these great videos!

[@BradAngove]

Thanks Patrick

[@grg-mpgmusic7247]

Well alright! I have been waiting for this. Looks like a real good kit so far.

[@BradAngove]

Yeah I’m very happy with it.

[@Mossy5150]

I've been cruising KZbin looking for videos of stained tops this color, and then BOOM Brad drops this banger on a Friday. KILLER! Super excited to see where this kit gets to in the end.

[@BradAngove]

Cheers Tim

[@BradAngove]

Haha ok Ben. All you have to do is look at the binding to see that it turned out awesome, but you’re certainly correct that there are many talented builders on KZbin.

[@corneliusharder3362]

Beautiful, in the future I will be making build kits too and I hope I can get you to do one of them on your channel

[@dfxrocko]

Love the color of the two mixed. I think you made the right choice.

[@BradAngove]

Thanks Zac

[@stevemaalt]

LOVE that color! The classic Les Paul burst colors are always great because they are exactly that - classic! However, colors that are more on the unique side look great too and have some great character! I think this build is going to come out awesome!

[@BradAngove]

Thanks Steve

[@murph9935]

I actually just got the 3-pickup LP kit from Solo and was gonna do a dye finish too, so this was perfect timing.

[@BradAngove]

Excellent

[@timscarrow9151]

Great looking, the quality seems worth the price. The Limba is so light and vibrates like no other wood I have played on. Nice Choice, Brad.

[@BradAngove]

Thanks Tim

[@stevesstrings5243]

I like the color!

[@BradAngove]

Glad to hear it

[@benpowersguitar]

Great color Brad. Definitely want to see how this kit comes out.

[@BradAngove]

Thanks Ben

[@chillpillology]

i’m going to be hooked on this project

[@hkguitar1984]

Beautiful Color Brad. I place the Precision Guitar Kits in the "Heirloom" quality class. The materials and workmanship of these kits are truly worthy of becoming a multigenerational instrument.

[@BradAngove]

Thank you. I agree these certainly have that potential.

[@hkguitar1984]

@@BradAngove I've been waiting for an in-depth review of one of these kits. Icing on the cake when I found out you were building one, thanks for your great content Sir.

[@musicisfree91]

The color came out beautiful.

[@BradAngove]

Thanks Jason

[@sam127001]

this is looking good - i've been impressed with the Precision Guitar kits quality !

[@BradAngove]

Yeah they’re great

[@enriquemireles8947]

Brad I been watching your videos for a few months. I didn’t know you’ve been doing this for a while. Hey you don’t age .

[@BradAngove]

Haha well if you look at my hair it’s a lot more grey than it used to be.

[@andrewroberts7966]

Been waiting for this one Brad! Top job👍. Waiting for the next instalment already.

[@BradAngove]

Thanks Andrew!

[@knightyyz]

i love how PGK does the neck pockets

[@BradAngove]

Me too

[@zodak9999b]

I think it looks great, Brad! Can't wait to see what it looks like with finish over it.

[@BradAngove]

Cheers Pete

[@brettgl21]

I have built 3 of their guitars an all are awesome.

[@BradAngove]

Glad to hear it

[@vintagestrings6]

Hey Brad, I finished dying a tele and using wipe on poly gloss. I got busy so it sat around for about a month before I hand rubbed with some McGuire's and used some Carnuba Turtle Wax. It came out really nice humbucker single coil humbucker plus I put an old Gibson Chet Atkins classical bridge on there with a LR bags Piezo which don't sound bad actually took it out the other night and just used it through the acoustic side. Still got to wire it up. After watching you the last couple of years I decided to take it upon myself and try to finish a guitar. Keep up the good work Bud.

[@BradAngove]

Sounds like it went well. I’m glad to hear it.

[@rodpederson4566]

Nice build so far. The green/blue colour is often referred to as Teal. l have it on one of my LP kitsl and my (artist) wife loves it. Great choice.

[@BradAngove]

Thanks Rod

[@velocelt]

GREEN FLAME (maple)!! How many cross-over Acquistions, Inc. fans do we have here? Nobody? Just me? Figures. Great color choice by the way!

[@BradAngove]

Thank you

[@TheDuffpaddy]

I like the color nice mix. Im sure it will,pop with the clear coat.

[@BradAngove]

Thanks

[@murpsman]

Ive planned on giving the Precision kits a shot. This video is very timely.

[@BradAngove]

They’re quite nice

[@BradAngove]

They’re quite nice

[@Voartist]

I like that you completely covered it with the blue and didn't burst it. Cool idea on the binding. Looking forward to seeing how you complete that. It doesn't matter how hard I press the tape down, it always leaks. But I haven't tried pinstriping tape yet.

[@BradAngove]

You can also try sealing it or scraping it after.

[@sysdoc4806]

Green is my favorite color but would have loved to see the blue-to-green burst. But the green is great too!

[@BradAngove]

The transition on the burst would have probably been better sprayed (at least with me doing it).

[@rauschguitars]

Nice colour choice! That should look incredible when the finish goes on.

[@BradAngove]

I’m glad you like it

[@canucklehead0]

Great colour choice! I used to play with Japanese powder dyes from Lee Valley and liked the finish and the colour they gave, but you may have convinced me to look at this process, it certainly brings out the flame, right to where it thins out towards the edges. Very nice!

[@BradAngove]

Thanks

[@mattliebenau9083]

Looking good. I’ve actually been having to make myself do some other colors because I tend to default to blue or green. Looking forward to seeing the results.

[@BradAngove]

Cheers Matt

[@nicokarsen6131]

So ready!

[@GL64]

I think it looks great. I think I would prefer the blue-to-green burst but it sure looks awesome as is too. Nice work!

[@BradAngove]

Thanks. I think I would have wanted to spray if I were doing that burst.

[@thseed7]

Going to be awesome.

[@tome7369]

Go with the flow, its looking good

[@BradAngove]

Thanks

[@TheDevnul]

Maybe I’ll like it more after the hardware goes on 😁. But that flame top is killer! Wow.

[@BradAngove]

I guess that’ll depend on how you like gold hardware haha.

[@anonjr]

Definitely going to follow the paint/finish work on this one. I've got a LP kit from Fretwire with a spalted maple cap that's been sitting around waiting for me to work on it. Now that I'm on short-term disability I've definitely got the time... I know I want to coffee stain the top, I want to make sure the spalting really sticks out though - and that's the part I'm not sure what to do, or if it's just the standard "dye black, sand back". Also need to figure out what stain or paint I want to use on the mahogany body. Love the work you do, looking forward to the next video. 🙂

[@BradAngove]

You should check with fretwire to make sure it isn’t sealed first. Most spalted top kits are, which limits the ability to dye or stain them. I have a series on a spalted top Les Paul from solo.

[@OnTheFritz602]

I think it looks great! Certainly is a nice maple cap. Has to be a good feeling knowing it's not a paper thin veneer you can barely touch with sandpaper.

[@BradAngove]

Yeah it’s pretty awesome working with a full cap.

[@glarrymoreme]

I like it, its like the Slash Anaconda burst!

[@BradAngove]

Thank you

[@bigkahuna100]

To be honest man, as long as YOU love it, who cares! I can't wait to see the continuation of this, and see that gold hardware on it! Cheers!!!!!

[@BradAngove]

Thanks man

[@leftyo9589]

ended up almost a sea foam green. could look very cool once finished.

[@BradAngove]

Let’s hope so haha

[@chrispygingerpie]

Cool colour, could be a little more green, however with the Amber I’m definitely invested.

[@BradAngove]

The amber turns it back a bit more green, but also reduces the contrast somewhat.

[@JohnSmith-ym4sl]

It reminds me of “trampas green” colour from prs it’s gonna look amazing after the lacquer!

[@BradAngove]

Thanks John

[@kellypeterson2625]

Nice color. Very cool.

[@BradAngove]

Thanks Kelly

[@davidfinn5029]

Well Brad I love it. I still reckon a vintage amber hue clear coat would set that right off. But hey my opinion. Your guitar your choice. Can not wait to see this puppy finished.... hope the pups you have chosen will do it justice.

[@BradAngove]

Thanks David.

[@_Yep_Yep_]

Brad Angove! Do you have any ideas how i could get a kit with a strat body or telecaster body that would be routed for the humbuckers, switches, knobs, hardware you would use to make a Les Paul sounding/playing kit built guitar? Im after the sound of my guitar heros, but...i sorta hate the bad behavior of Gibson so much that i would feel like i was supporting them if i was using something that looks like a Gibson.

[@BradAngove]

I suspect Warmoth would make you something like that.

[@Tony-oc2ox]

On precision’s website which top for the body is this? Eastern flame maple, etc ?

[@BradAngove]

I ordered it on the basis of them providing whichever flamed maple top they want, so I’m not sure what exactly it ended ip being.

[@jimmyjoe1871]

I just finished building the Explorer of my dreams from one of their kits. Easily rivals my custom shop guitars. The neck was flamed from one end to the other. (Korina)

[@BradAngove]

Awesome; that sounds like a really cool project.

[@vanshankguitars]

It's very nice Brad!

[@BradAngove]

Thank you!

[@marksmith-hs9li]

Looks cool to me , great guitar body.

[@BradAngove]

Cheers Mark

[@Johnny.D]

I recently acquired some Mohawk instrument lacquer and vinyl sealer. Just wondering if I should do sealer before dying or after? Also have you ever used Rit dyes? I thought it might be interesting. I haven't done much staining on my builds, usually go with natural finishes.

[@BradAngove]

I actually have a dedicated video on whether you should seal before staining, and another dedicated video on Rit dyes.

[@danandratis]

Thanks for the video Brad - but myself I would have done the blue first sanded back then went with the green - Cheers (really like the limba!!!)

[@BradAngove]

Interesting. I may have to try that order next time.

[@Anthony-di5xl]

That looks awesome!

[@BradAngove]

Cheers Anthony

[@johngrant5749]

I personally use a vacuum for dust rather than blowing it into the air although my workshop is small and would soon cover everything.

[@BradAngove]

Vacuum is fine, especially if you combine it with your hand. This shop is quite big so the compressor works well.

[@stuartbarker9373]

The colour's great, but I think your original bright green would have turned out even better.

[@BradAngove]

I wonder what you with think of the amber when it goes on. It brings it back to more of a green, but also lessens the contrast somewhat.

[@brandonvarnado4216]

I have a question. Early in the video you mention that normally when doing a natural binding you seal a binder with a lacquer to keep the stain from seeping into the grain. I’m wanting to try a natural binding on a kit I’m building. My question, is there a sealer for that kind of binder that you prefer or that you thinks works best? Thanks!

[@BradAngove]

I generally just use some lacquer.

[@brandonvarnado4216]

@@BradAngove thanks

[@grg-mpgmusic7247]

Brad, can you give the fine details of your order? I have looked and there are a ton of combinations. I am curious as to what your final order contained. I love black limba and I have liked the wingate that Bonehead Guitars uses so I am hooked on this build.

[@BradAngove]

Here you go: AX Carved Top Custom Right handed Body wood: Black Limbs 2 pc Chambering: non-chambered Carved top cap wood: Flamed or quilted maple (whichever you want to show off) Pick-up Arrangement: Double Humbucker Control Cavity: Standard 59 CT Cavities Bridge Setup: Standard TOM & Stop Tail Body Binding: None Neck wood: black limba Fretboard wood: Macassar ebony Position Markers: none - side dots only Tuner Holes: 10MM Modern Bushings Fret Wire: Medium Jumbo - Jescar 45100 Neck Binding: None Headstock Shape: Precision Guitar Kits Neck Profile: 60’s Slim Headstock Overlay: Flame Maple Headstock Binding: None

[@paulcowart3174]

Watching but want to ask if the neck angle is proper so you don't have a severe break angle behind the bridge like most Gibson's I like to screw the tailpiece all the way down and not top wrap Thanks

[@BradAngove]

Neck angle is about 3 degrees I believe. Similar to Gibson.

[@PikkaBird]

Dude, did you write "ANGROVE" in the neck rout? Where'd the 'R' come from?

[@BradAngove]

I didn’t write that haha.

[@tfrost33elkhunter]

Been thinking about doing a double P90 special style from them. Do you have any videos or advice on how to do TV Yellow? Not just any TV Yellow. I am looking to get an effect like Mathew Scott’s (here on KZbin). He has a vintage one that looks incredible.

[@BradAngove]

I’d talk to the folks at Oxford supply about getting the right color. Then it’s just a matter of following the nitrocellulose lacquer application procedure.

[@tfrost33elkhunter]

@@BradAngove thanks for the tip!

[@Doug_Seidlitz]

So far so good.

[@BradAngove]

Cheers

[@JPibbs2198]

Hey Brad, you mentioned that if you wanted to do a natural binding, you would seal it with lacquer so the dye wouldn't get in. Should you do this as well if the guitar has real binding installed to avoiding dyeing it? Or would you be able to scrape dye off the binding without sealing it first?

[@BradAngove]

On the plastic bindings there’s no reason to seal them first. You can just tape and/or scrape.

[@gil_evans]

What type of maple is that? Eastern or Western (sugar or Bigleaf)?

[@BradAngove]

I’d guess western, but really I have no idea.

[@oqsy]

Awesome project!

[@BradAngove]

Thank you

[@edwardprete]

Cool color. Nice work. Is it a full maple cap? Veneer top or thick maple? Been thinking of ordering one.

[@BradAngove]

It’s a full maple cap. Probably 1/4” think in the middle.

[@markpell8979]

I first thought the green was enough color and wanted you to quit there but have to admit the blue over it looks good and did not kill the green. Amber tint lacquer over this will probably green it back up a little anyway and this should even get better as the wood underneath it all slowly ages photochemically over time.

[@georgereed3109]

I like it buddy I have exactly the same thing going on and I started with green but didn't know if I was going to like it or not so I stopped and I've been wondering what to do I'm afraid of sanding through the flame Maple because it's water-based stain I don't know how deep it goes but I'm just going to have to go for it I think

[@BradAngove]

Try wiping it with acetone. That may remove some of it. Just don’t soak it too much - don’t want to impact the glue.

[@georgereed3109]

@@BradAngove great idea man! Cuz I've been scared to even touch it with 600 sandpaper but I bet that would at least dull it enough to be able to blend something over and send it back perfect. So when we go ever going to get to meet.? Remember I'm 60 and I ain't getting no damn younger I'm still handsome and the women keep flocking around me but you can help me take care of that LOL

[@georgereed3109]

Oh yeah I wanted to tell you that the kid I have is exactly identical to the kit you have I had bought it for the great guitar build off for a couple years ago but I had some bad physical problems I was going through at a time but I've been wanting to get it out and blow the dust off of it is still in the box I think I finished this one up it's it's the next.

[@BradAngove]

60? Spring chicken haha.

[@georgereed3109]

@@BradAngove I have been wanting to ask you, did you draw on the walls when you were little with different kinds of crayons to see which ones were the best? Hahaha

[@harleywood9588]

This is going to be fun to watch. Please tell me why you didn’t raise the grain first. Just wanting to learn

[@BradAngove]

Thanks Harley. I’ve never found it all that helpful raising the grain on flamed maple. Also, I was always planning on sanding back after the first coat of dye.

[@eddiestephens5213]

Love it!

[@Mrjrich37055]

I dig it

[@rturney]

I like the color over the flame top! I hope you leave the edge (binding?) natural.

[@BradAngove]

That is indeed the plan

[@bkmeahan]

Do you know of a kit that has a neck that will work in a G&L tribute?

[@BradAngove]

I’m not sure what the specs are on those.

[@mrnobodyinvr9762]

You're in Canada, Brad? Whats the best kit with the least shipping for us up here?

[@BradAngove]

Solo guitars is in Ontario near Toronto and Precision Guitar Kits is in BC near Vancouver. Have a look at my video on who makes the best guitar kits.

[@JPMac23]

Love the dye color, but I do have a complaint. Dial the brightness back a bit in post. It's washing out the woodgrain on that beautiful guitar.

[@BradAngove]

Thanks Jim

[@ceruleanguitars6281]

Color is very nice...... you should do the headstock the same color. Think this will turn out well. Carry on.....

[@BradAngove]

Thanks; I did the headstock the same.

[@maxwellcohen2917]

May have came out with more pop if you applied a purple first, sanded it back a wee bit, then applied green over it. Over vice versa with the blue. Still dope wood. Can't go wrong with a PGK guitar.

[@jeffreyeagen4896]

Looks good so far, but then I liked the green by itself too. Where did you get that hand sanding pad? That looks very useful.

[@BradAngove]

I picked that up on Amazon. I recall it being relatively difficult to find actually.

[@jeffreyeagen4896]

@@BradAngove yeah, I've been looking for one since I first saw you using it!

[@BradAngove]

Amazon 5” hook and look round sanding block.

[@makikogi]

I dig it!

[@BradAngove]

Cheers Mark

[@frostedhead]

Have you ever did a vid on the PVX guitar kits?

[@BradAngove]

No, I’ve never worked with one.

[@cripplehisguitar2798]

Hey Brad just wondering if you’ve ever done a Warmoth kit and how it compares to Precision? Thanks

[@BradAngove]

I’ve never worked in a warmoth kit, but I hear they’re awesome.

[@cripplehisguitar2798]

@@BradAngove As long as you do all the finishing work like you’re doing on the Precision kit the price is about the same. The only difference is you have more options with Warmoth. It would be great if you did one of their kits. Thanks Charlie

[@rindred]

I'm almost surprised you didn't put down a black dye first and sand it back to give the grain figuring that extra pop. But still, it looks pretty darned nice; I'm looking forward to seeing how the amber seal looks over that blue-green.

[@BradAngove]

I don’t use black on the really nice flamed pieces. It adds contrast but gets rid of the chatoyance. It’s certainly an option for a more dramatic stripe effect.

[@chiphargis2419]

dude do a layer of black and then sand it down. it makes the grain pop better. world of difference

[@BradAngove]

The black sand back has its merits. That’s not quite the effect I was going for on this one though.

[@brucemartinez5343]

As much as I like blue, I liked the green better. I plan to do a guitar out of sugar maple and I will do a test patch and let you see it. with a black walnut fretboard.

[@BradAngove]

Nice. That’s sounds like an awesome build.

[@russellesimonetta9071]

Uhhh, BYOG also make high quality kits BUT ordered through the custom shop. Pick what you want but price wise about the same as Precision.

[@BradAngove]

Intriguing

[@smokepeddler]

PGS makes a good product. But, man they sure nail you on extra add ons. Like stainless frets.

[@BradAngove]

Fair enough. I generally wouldn’t get stainless frets. They are very hard to do any work on, and should definitely cost more (especially if you ever need them leveled, crowned, etc.)

[@Terry3Gs]

Kinda looks like crayon .. LOL BUT again ... once you put a sealer ontop of it it may improve it more as you mentioned about doing a amber tinting ontop of it. I believe otherwise you have the basis of that 1 popular PRS color finish. Looks good !! :)

[@BradAngove]

Thanks Terry

[@pops71]

I’m not a fan of the “sand back” finish generally but your accidental guide coat dye job looks outstanding. Amber tinted clear I bet will really pop the flames. Amber clear also is a great choice for black Limba.

[@BradAngove]

The amber doesn’t really add much pop, it just bring the green hue back a bit and adds a bit more color layering.

[@rkoblues24]

Great c

[@clint.87]

Hopefully not getting personal just I have always wondered about the workshop.. is it you're own personal shop or business for guitars? ( looks like in background that other things that get done there too) Hopefully in a future video you can talk about it about that we cool , Apologies if there's an old video about it just always been curious

[@BradAngove]

It’s a manufacturing shop that I used to work at. I’m the only one there who works on guitars really, and I’m only there on the weekends since I don’t actually work there anymore.

[@clint.87]

@@BradAngove close friends with owner/old boss I guess

[@BradAngove]

Yeah, I still do the occasional thing for him. I worked there for ages though, so we have a good thing going.

[@clint.87]

@@BradAngove ok. Thank you 👍👍

[@johngeddes7894]

This obviously would go in the hundreds of thousands at auction. Be ready.

[@BradAngove]

Hahaha

[@johngeddes7894]

“He wisely saw the humor of this poster’s comment”