Ibanez 7-string Mod Project Part 4: Applying Veneer

[@MilianMalivukMusic]

Thanks for all the constructive critique and tips guys. I really felt ashamed of this since I always try my best to get mint results and this just didn't go well at all. I'm sure you'll dig the final result anyway!

[@kostas4758]

No reason to be ashamed. You can cover your mistakes by creating something unique! Btw I already ordered some abalone inlays for my ibanez guitar , will follow your instructions ! Looking forward to the next part

[@ericlebeau1604]

We all learn. Everyday, a new idea, a little knowledge, techniques. You can't learn these things as profoundly without making mistakes, having swear-o-thons.

[@jasonanderson8102]

Dude, you have my sympathies. When I put my walnut veneer on my RG project, I had the same issues with the arm bevel. I cut tiny holes for the bubbles and because the veneer was a burl, I could “fill in” little slices of veneer where the holes were too big and it looks ok. I think the only way to veneer anything with a radius or some rounding is with s vacuum bag/process. I probably should have warned you, but assumed you would be doing that.

[@cloudrun654]

@@jasonanderson8102 I appreciate it because it prompted people to reply with helpful insights!

[@RLDWEBER]

The positive side is that others can learn from your mistakes

[@witeshade]

Honestly I am incredibly glad you posted this. Most of the time on KZbin we see these perfect, polished, everything-is-exactly-right the first time projects and it makes it seem like everything should just work every time. In this case we can see where it didn't work, we learned a lot of valuable lessons, and honesty i bet it's gonna turn out looking interesting and cool in one way or another, even if it isn't exactly what you wanted. This is great.

[@Zack561444]

You used waaay too much glue, thats why you ended up with a "wobbly" top. Great video as always though, looking forward to the next one :p

[@randyeppyt]

Yeah, way too much glue. Use an old credit/debit card to scrape the glue around. Maybe use like 25% of that amount of glue?

[@lisentzudir1087]

True🤣🤣

[@johnv1684]

Your mistake was that you applied a veneer as if it was a wood cap. The proper method is to use contact cement or veneer epoxy on the body and very carefully align and place the veneer. Then you get a plastic squeegee with a rounded edge and you level the veneer pushing along the grain. When you’re done you let it set overnight (preferably in a warm room) and you’re done. Trimming and cleaning up the edges should be left for last.

[@TomasAhlroos]

I second this. Contact cement is the way to go.

[@paulcrouser2898]

Third this to help get this dude's comment more traction. Avoid water based glues like the plague with veneer.

[@Worgram]

It´s funny because watching your video is just one half of learning. Reading all these comments here really helps! Thank you all, guys :)

[@jellovator]

Hello! I just applied a veneer to an Ibanez after watching your video. I used less glue, but still had the issue of the veneer not being completely flat on the arm contour. I found a method of using a clothing iron to iron out the bubbles and it worked really well. Thank you for making this video!

[@wea69420]

A great way to clamp irregular/round shapes together is with rubber bands. Ideally you want something rather wide and long, cutting strips from bicycle tire tubes is easy and pretty cheap. Also you can bend veneer sheets to shape with a clothes iron, and try to use, like, a third of the glue you were using.

[@cosigi]

When I applied my first veneer I gave up and out of spite used a clothes iron, it was almost miraculous

[@e.h.5849]

Don't worry about mistakes done too much, you have learned so much from them. You can never really learn from mistakes of others, this is way more authentic and enlightening when it comes to knowing how materials react and so on. I did a project that took me a long time since I had many breaks, I had been working on a restoration of a flamenco vintage guitar - a very expensive master instrument of a famous Granada based master luthier.. It was in a sad sad condition, but I have given it a new life. over 30 small and large cracks, removing fingerboard and placing a new ebony one which I carefully hand-crafted, making a new saddle from a rosewood plank, some sanding, filling in the whole left after some of the former owners diletante job - I also did many mistakes, neck needed readjustment of the angle and even the action of strings up, so part was done with a bit thicker fingerboard, but the biggest concern was to stay within the proper geometry and evenness. As a matter of fact, I didn't screw that part up, but nefore I got there, I had to disattach the old fingerboard I had p[laced a piece of wood under to elevate the fingerboard, but it didn't work, sound was terrible and it looked realle bad. I hope to make a video about it and mention all fundamental truths I have learned. But all I'm left with is approx 300 photos, partially covering the steps. It was an interesting project for sure and the guitar plays really well - sounds so much better than her beaten up and nearly destroyed former self. I have learned so much about restorations and partially about construction of flamenco guitars that I'm sure I wouldn't by just theorizing about it or beaing afraid to even start. Surely, I have spent years of theoretical studies and learning about flamenco guitars, I play the guitar myself and back in the day, that purchase was crucial to me, since I desperately wanted to own the ''real deal'' (even if damaged). Frankly, I hadn't got spare 8 grand to afford a new one. ;) It was really interesting to watch your learning process. Be well, and rock on.

[@arthylordoftheshlags6046]

Yay ! Finally a new episode ! I love these videos, ahah !

[@beandog100]

Well played mate. It takes a big man to admit their mistakes and a bigger one to film them for KZbin. This vid is MUCH more valuable than so many on KZbin, where, as someone mentioned below, everything always turns out perfect 🤔

[@MegaMrCool09]

Dude it looks awesome as it is. You have a truly unique guitar. Who can say that they applied their own veneer? Don't worry about the mistakes, no-one became an expert on the first try. I think the cuts give it a cool look, very metal!

[@ZephyrDavid]

You soaked the veneer because use too much glue.

[@ericlebeau1604]

If you only glue the flat section first, after it's dry, it's a simple matter to fold and glue the veneer over the arm bevel. The excess glue doesn't squeeze out. It soak into the veneer.

[@ValKitsakis]

It looks very complicated and precise! You should be proud of yourself! You did a great job!

[@krzysztofswiderski3705]

I could be wrong, but I've seen somewhere a video from guitar manufacture where a guy used an iron to get a proper shape of body top. Keep going, don't give up, this content is pure gold! Cheers Man!

[@pimsmise]

Keep your head up, you will never learn anything if you don't make mistakes. And there's always a way to turn those mistakes into a good outcome ! Good luck man

[@JeffBarberDigideus]

cool stuff. never be afraid to make mistakes. the only way to learn is to get it wrong and correct it! you can flatten veneer and make it more plyable by dampening it with a mix of water and vegitable glycerin. I put them in a spray bottle together mixed 50/50 and dampen (not soak) the veneer with it, then I let it soak in for an hour and then clamp it between some plywood for a day to flatten it. The plywood will absorb a lot of moisture, but it takes DAYS to go completely dry. While its still damp, you can glue it onto the body and use a vacuum bag to make it adhere to the body shape more closely. I wouldn't try to veneer the back of a guitar myself but its an interesting idea, but its far easier to just route out a binding channel around the top once the veneer is glued on and then use binding to tidy up the edge, that way you dont have to remove the paint off the rear of the guitar. cool series tho! im enjoying it a lot

[@jaimericardodiazposada8931]

You're the man for that. Greetings from the Lamb of God in Colombia in South America.

[@fuzzmaayn29]

Super inspiring to see the mistakes. I still think you did really well dude. Cant wait to try this myself!

[@drzainnas]

There is a best way which is a vacuum bag attached to a pump under a certain pressure and way is adding a foam block which can Ben at certain areas looking to hear from you soon thank you mate

[@Jimwal67]

Brilliant video mate :) . Looks great don't be harsh on yourself. I'm in the same position and when I KZbind what I was stuck on, a few of your videos popped up :) . I've never done any form of woodwork before so I'm wondering if I've made a mistake! 🤣🤣 I'm making a plywood body and I'm torn between a veneer,wood effect vinyl or just a stain straight onto the wood. Probably edging towards a veneer,as it means I don't have to bevel much 😅. Also I know how much of a nightmare vinyl is to fit when you have curves. I know you were pissed off about it but it's actually nice to watch a video that shows your mistakes. Firstly it's a great reference point for you to know how far you've come. Secondly for me it's nice to see someone making the same mistakes as yourself,it's really really inspired me and made me believe I can finish my build. So I just want to say thank you for the motivation and great job on your guitar :)

[@88drumking]

I do not think I have ever used that much glue even on my art projects. Brave man.

[@pal7316]

This must have been the hardest video you've ever made, good luck with the next parts 👍🏻

[@bigsteve9291]

Don't beat yourself up over it you did the best you could with the tools you had we have to make mistakes to learn things your doing a grand job am sure it will turn out fine and play brilliantly

[@alecsneed5835]

Can’t wait for the next one!

[@MrTfuzz]

Did something similar to this..I guess.. Essentially I used veneer to make an oversized pick guard on my bass.. Ended up looking sweet.. Made the thing look way more expensive than it actually was lol.. Not bad for your first try though.. That was a ton of glue..I made the same mistake but you have to screw up to learn right? Good video

[@JeremyBeut]

Hey man, don't give up ! It's best to fail now and not repeat your mistakes in the future ! It's a cool project anyway, thanks for sharing :)

[@murphyto69]

in my land they say - that ain't no metter the way You start but it's metter the way You finish! Greets!

[@kemalardaayar]

It's great to see guitarists do the modifications themselves. I know some people can't even change the strings or doing basic maintenance of their guitars. I did some mods to my own gutiar too but not this much hardcore. Great job man! And i must say we have the same taste of guitar cosmetics. I would do the same mods if i had skills to do it.

[@slashednoodles]

Watching new years eve!

[@MilianMalivukMusic]

Happy New Year!

[@v3dantsharma]

I was waiting for this since so long 😍

[@awonderingoneil206]

For future reference, vacuum packing the body when you apply the veneer removes the bubbles and helps deal with the curves. Still add weight to help with the curves, overall it's faster and cleaner. For your first time doing this though I reckon it turned out really well in the end, it's unique.

[@FEBRIZIOtv]

Where did you get that flame maple veneer? I ordered some and it came and looks not nearly as flamed and patterned as that

[@MilianMalivukMusic]

I found it on eBay, I was able to choose exactly the sheets I like to buy.

[@FEBRIZIOtv]

Soulhenge nice, I got some on Etsy for super cheap last night. I’m doing the same project on my ibanez rg7 gio. I will try to follow this video series in it and not use as much glue ;)

[@EggsiLog22]

I've seen the final result of this beast. Keep it up brother ! :)

[@tiamatsungmetsubo]

Love your videos.. can't wait for the next one🤘

[@lamajcx]

You can tape the arm cut down to act as clamp while gluing. And also use large tape to put half on the body and half on the veneer, this will prevent the veneer to move around whileclamping and also, get you a tighter joint in the center

[@IceGene]

was vacuum forming out of the question for this build? I thought that's the way people put on veneers. Was thinking of trying it out myself.

[@Waggel86]

Yes, in most cases a vacuum table is used. Those aren't really an option for a hobbyist though.

[@Jagvillboienhatt]

@@Waggel86 Shouldn't this do it though? www.roarockit.com/skateboard-building/thin-air-press/tap-kits/thin-air-press-kit-36x52/

[@gaus96]

Can you link the veneer you used? Im on a similar project and I liked it.

[@CDgrorg]

Nice work, I think if you spread the glue a bit more evenly and thinly, perhaps with a brush, the veneer might not have had bubbles later on. But you kept a secret: How did you find the holes after applying the veneer, e.g. for the bridge posts, the switch blade etc?

[@benpettit4281]

I have been wanting to do a similar project i was thinking about using sand bags to apply the veneer since it will mold to the body

[@KeEM4499]

Im looking forward to the next video part 5!! from japan

[@avielkharrat5788]

Super thumbs up for this episode. The important thing is that you learn. More over, posting this "failed" video is really brave. +1 sub, younger man !

[@austinoak9912]

The 2 places I used to work with we did a few guitars for people when they wanted to do veneer you would be surprised by how little glue you need and how much moisture should really be in that veneer to keep it more pliable

[@TobyKBTY]

Have you done an in depth review of the guitarmory pickups yet? Coz there are WAY too few on KZbin and your levels of tone wouln give us all a great idea as to how they sound. Can’t wait to hear them in the final product!

[@jojojjojjo1]

Next one you build try using contact adhesive instead of PVA glue. It grabs better and you don't get the problem of the veneer getting damp. Looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

[@kmw5100]

Always less glue than you might think, and if you end up needing more before placing the top on, then go from there, but it should really just a be a pretty thin layer of the glue that will do the trick, and it will slide the veneer around less. Also if you intend to do more of this in the future, look into using a vacuum sealer for clamping, it gives a much more uniform result even around curved edges. What you do there is pre cut the veneer in roughly the shape of the guitar, but a little oversized, place in the bag, and just make sure it holds strong suction.

[@raffdoc]

Hi, awesome videos from you. Where did you got that flamed maple veneer?

[@matthewsalyersjr4965]

My 1st guitar build I used the same Veneer you did! And your right! That shi* was a “NIGHTMARE” to work with.. for that type of veneer you need a vacuum press and of course like “you” I didn’t have one so I did the same thing you did, just piled up a bunch of heavy stuff to press it down it did work a little better then Yours did but it’s because that arm rest , mine was completely flat.. but your guitar still turned out bada** bro so be proud of it lol.

[@TotallyNerds]

You can remove the fail veneer with a heating Iron. The one you use for clothes. And then when you want to reaplay the veneer again on the top use taitbond and a heating iron on a low heat than get a huge bag of sand to put on top of it.

[@MilianMalivukMusic]

TotallyNerds unfortunately I don't have any more veneer left to redo it...

[@kmw5100]

using vacuum clamping though, you have to repeatedly vacuum the air out for good results, so only use this method if you have a lot of time on your hands.

[@matthewkuhns7303]

I'm building my first ever guitar kit in a week or two and I am picking out a beautiful piece of burled camphor from south east asia (75 dollars) and I'm doing that on a les paul kit from the fretwire which will have some seymour duncan mayems and stuff like that. The thing I am terrified about doing is putting the top on. It's an actual thick top, so I will have to scale it down to size and cut it thin enough so it could be maybe a quarter inch thick of this top. However, it already has a decent flamed veneer, but I want to step outside the box and have a classy looking metal machine that I built myself! I'm going to do the same thing he's doing with the veneering of the control cavities and headstock.

[@tomadamik]

You should wait until the glue is like 50 - 75% dry on both pieces (on the body and veneer too), before putting it together. At least I would´ve done it this way. Excited how this will turn out in the end, so far like your effort and videos. Keep it up!

[@BenanAYDIN]

Nice going dude. I used vacuum bag for clamping veneer on to my guitar 3 years ago. Much better from your method, but you need to use special glue for veneers. Water content of the normal products warp the veneer and you need to clamp harder for it to flatten out veneer.

[@chinnarciso]

I dont know if this would work but have you thought about using the heat gun to bend the veneer?

[@bedroomrocker8729]

Goethe's Faust - awesome :)

[@rodrigo329]

Takes guts to admit your mistakes. Awesome video!

[@jeffsternon5062]

I like this because it shows how things go in real life, not some perfect dreamy video where all the crap has been edited out (can you tell similar things happened to me too ?). Anyways, you sir have just won my subscription

[@jaredwalter418]

You have so much patience it's unbelievable 😅

[@pukemonkey16]

Where did I get the veneer? I can't find the manufacturer you mentioned in the video

[@dustynbeasley891]

Main tip would be get a router bit with a bearing at the bottom with the dremel and a router base for the dremel. It'll make those cutouts and trimming ALOT FASTER amd ALOT CLEANER.

[@deceitlessband8281]

What if u sand a lil more that part and apply a second layer of the paper thing?? And yeah... use less glue...

[@denislavdenchev2572]

Here's an idea for the arm bevel - make a wooden jig/spacer block with the shape of the bevel so you can use clamps to clamp it so the back side of the body.

[@MilianMalivukMusic]

Not bad, mine would be: build a body from scratch😆

[@Bonsamu]

What's the advantage of doing the top veneer in two parts ? Wouldn't it be simpler to make it with one bigger piece like the back ?

[@MilianMalivukMusic]

I wanted to have a bookmatched top like most guitars have.

[@bdaquatics7584]

Duuuuuude!! I've been waiting for this!! Hey man, what bridge did you get from hipshot and do you have to do any drilling??

[@MilianMalivukMusic]

Roger Rosas I got the flat plate one that looks just like the one from Ibanez but is much better quality. It's a direct fit, no drilling needed!

[@Scorhos]

How did you knew where the holes was?

[@wildwindguitars]

Brother I feel your pain. Everytime I think I'm getting near done with a step I jack something up and have to start over.

[@bryand.5240]

Can't watch till later so leaving a like

[@rickstout5524]

You really need to use cold press glue, a vac bag setup (which is available with a hand pump for about 60.00 US) and prep the veneer with a glycerin mix which makes it flat and very flexible.

[@andi_wuast]

Wait, but how did you find the holes after you put on the veneer? Like for the switch and such.

[@MilianMalivukMusic]

Anton Kleiner just punch a little hole from the other side through ;) same for the string through holes!

[@747ALAIN]

another luxembourg guitar builder ...nice

[@jongillard3991]

where did you purchase that veneer?

[@itstom6093]

Würdest du sagen das es möglich ist ein Furnier auf ne PRS zu bekommen? Hätte seehr viele Schraubzwingen aber bin mir unsicher

[@MilianMalivukMusic]

Nein unmöglich würde ich sagen...

[@vladimirpavlovic9488]

Speaking of Bea, you can do something similiar to his relic looking ml3 bea signature guitar..keep doing this, you are very cool.and brave and I am sure you are learning a lot. Cheers

[@itstom6093]

Hey, coole Sache. Was für ein Öl hast du verwendet nachdem du das Furnier angebracht hattest?

[@MilianMalivukMusic]

Tung Öl

[@itstom6093]

@@MilianMalivukMusic Danke für die schnelle Antwort

[@USAlien234]

I think you did a really great job dude. It was your first atempt, dont be so hard on yourself. The purpose of making mistakes is so that you can learn from them. Next time possibly use less glue I think that's what made it bubble like that. Also Im not sure but maybe if you took the paint finish off the guitar first it might have bonded better. Im thinking wood to wood ummm would adhere nicer 😆. Liked and subbed. Keep moving forward brother I cant wait to see some more videos ! ✌ 😆 🎸

[@xSilentPandorum]

Can adding the veneer on top of the body affect the tone/sound? Or is it purely cosmetic?

[@JhOtheGuitarist]

Waiting...

[@marekmarooo3398]

I like your videos :) waiting for next part

[@russwilson2305]

Get another veneer and go right over the top again?

[@SLiMCHiCKeN5150]

You should have rented a vacuum machine to suck it to the body. Nice job! 🤟

[@NeilDjents]

Cool video as always and may I give you some contrive tips: You used way to much glue and that is why it is "soaked". Veneer is really really thin. I have never done anything that involves building guitar but I remember my hard tech teacher in school telling me that using too much glue to glue on thin wood is DEADLY. On guitar hardware part, I strongly suggest you to swap the tuner knobs to the barrel tuners, like the ones on the Schecter km7 mk3. They looks awesome! For bridge, I would suggest you to use the Hipshot string thru bridge, the one that is on many Maynes Duvell!

[@moonmoonaddi691]

How to instal veneer on guitar prs? Bcause top body isn't flat

[@Cicaguns]

Big thumb up for Porsche legends and Franz Kafka :)

[@moonmoonaddi691]

If the top is not flat,how to veneering?

[@geoili]

Just a tip. Next time use a cornered file, to cut the edges of the wood sheet, instead of a scorpel. Place in on the edge of the wood and push it foreward while moving it across. The wood should curl out a lot more easier and you should not have to use sand paper on the edges. ;)

[@ChrisBailey-gg2qb]

I'm no expert, but a roller would help in the glue application to get a more even coat, and a vacuum bag to apply your lam.

[@Jackson1959.]

Hey man what if i apply it with super glue on my lespaul instead of wood glue?. Any problem?

[@MilianMalivukMusic]

Shahzeb Khan please don't do that

[@nasapayrollsystem8701]

Use a vacuum bag, and a small roller for even glue application

[@Bflatest]

you need a vacuum bag idea

[@ccchicken8889]

Veneering mistakes are so easy to make, I know lol. Many good comments about what to fix. You can always try again if it really upsets you...or maybe sand the body down further and do a full maple cap.

[@GHETTO8068]

You should have used a hair dryer to shape the wood, so that thin layer should be attached to the guitar body. Nice video.

[@AlexAlexandrov]

Cheers for pushing through anyway ;)

[@DerHoernschi]

Das Furnier hat sich gewellt weil es zu trocken war. Beim nächsten Mal probier mal die Leimaufgabe mit einer Rolle. So hast du genug Leimauftrag und verhinderst den Durchschlag des Leims durch das Furnier. Desweiteren wird es sich dann auch nicht so stark wellen. Normalerweise verbindet man auch die beiden Furnierblätter mit Furnierband, das macht das verarbeiten einfacher. Könnte auch mit Klebeband funktionieren, hab ich aber selber nicht getestet.

[@MilianMalivukMusic]

Danke für den Tipp, leider ist man immer erst im Nachhinein schlauer...

[@ranman58635]

I'm laughing so hard, the way you say, sheet! 😆

[@nomorebs]

Use heavy sandbags for clamps

[@gaddebeli]

Damn, that's a lot of glue! Also, if you wanted to glue it all at once you should use A LOT heavier bags of sand on that arm rest. Rip it off and start again :D

[@leltraco1983]

The next video will be uploaded on the next month xD

[@jacobhurt3821]

were did u get the veneer

[@MilianMalivukMusic]

I bought it over eBay.

[@jacobhurt3821]

@@MilianMalivukMusic ok

[@amadeusrydensjo9552]

finalllyyyy

[@mettall1981]

If you wish to replace of the top get a heat gun to heat it up which will melt the glue and you can scrape it off