Need TGP help! Paint my new Heatley!

[smilefan]

Scott is in progress with my new Heatley Tradition.
It was originally planned as a P-90 loaded '56-style Goldtop.

Then Scott came up with a special piece of wood.
Old-growth Eastern Maple, big enough for a one piece
top. Here it is:

http://www.heatleyguitars.com/Richtrad2/top1.jpg .
.
The question is..... paint it Gibson gold, as originally planned, or something
else? It seems almost a shame to opaque finish such a rare top as this.
The birdseyeing in the center looks a bit ugly to me. If it were a light
burst that would show right thru.

I am looking for your opinions/ideas. If I read something that speaks to
me I will instruct Scott to finish it with one of your ideas.

Thanks for any help.

-Rich

[fretnot]

Some of the birds eye in the center might be removed anyway when the pickups and bridge are installed. If you really like the appearance of the wood, don't go gold. If you like the idea of the one piece top, but not its appearance, gold is cool. That's my opinion!

[paintguy]

The wood definitely has a old vibe to it. I think any old school burst or just one color trans would be very cool. A very faded tobacco burst or even a vintage ambered finish with no burst would probably be my choice.

I wouldn't cover it up paint, and I make my living selling paint.:jo ;)

[SW33THAND5]

i think that the grain is more interesting than pretty ...go gold!

[gassyndrome]

An amber or honey burst would like nice with those streaks and dots. Something like the Baker that was recently in the emporium - owned previously by Matte H or something I think?

[dkaplowitz]

I'd go for the gold, or silverburst, or metalic black cherry like that guy's Skyline Suhr that was posted recently. But that's just me. And I don't think the wood in that picture will be drop dead gorgeous like Scott's other tops, but I could be wrong --it's hard for me to tell at this stage.

Good luck either way. You'll be getting a great guitar regardless of what you do.

Dave

[slipbeer]

I'm thinking a translucent muted amber burst myself, maybe deep orange to light orange.

That looks like some old wood to me and old wood is cool.

[Thor]

Duane Burst, or maybe even a trans-black. Congrats on the new gtr.

Cheers,

Ed

[Gumby]

I'm thinking a translucent muted amber burst myself, maybe deep orange to light orange.

That looks like some old wood to me and old wood is cool.

+1

Exactly what I was thinking. play off on the old vibe, you could even throw it in a tumble dryer with a sack of pennies for about 30 min. for a nice "relic" look.

[koamarlin]

+1

Exactly what I was thinking. play off on the old vibe, you could even throw it in a tumble dryer with a sack of pennies for about 30 min. for a nice "relic" look.

Since most of the flames are more or less located near the edges of the body, the intended burst should not be too dark cause most of the grain would be covered with darker stain and thus not be visible.Maybe a double stain would be great (using a darker color and sand it off again, then stain the top again and use a "faded"orange.) (see below!)
That´ll bring out that old style color. Reliccing it afterwards would be an interesting idea!
Making a gold top out of this piece would be a pitty!





http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/1013/paulafadesj1.jpg

[mrfjones]

i like the way the old wood looks. I wouldn't really cover much up at all. I would go with a darker burst and if you are into that sort of thing a relic job on it would look pretty cool.

[enharmonic]

I'd gow with a natural finish, and a light tint around the edges...like a natural burst. :)

[Chiba]

Gold top. Classic, beautiful, and simple.

--chiba

[AnthonyL]

brockburst

[mavrick10_2000]

No paint! Stain only, maybe a medium burst like tobacco burst at most.

[TaronKeim]

If you're still going with P90's in it, I'd say go with a heritage cherry burst, faded, with cream binding and cream pick-up covers... for sure...

-TJK

[Stike]

Candy apple red of big assed silver metalfake!

[Reeek]

Scott is in progress with my new Heatley Tradition.
It was originally planned as a P-90 loaded '56-style Goldtop.

Then Scott came up with a special piece of wood.
Old-growth Eastern Maple, big enough for a one piece
top. Here it is:

http://www.heatleyguitars.com/Richtrad2/top1.jpg .
.
The question is..... paint it Gibson gold, as originally planned, or something
else? It seems almost a shame to opaque finish such a rare top as this.
The birdseyeing in the center looks a bit ugly to me. If it were a light
burst that would show right thru.

I am looking for your opinions/ideas. If I read something that speaks to
me I will instruct Scott to finish it with one of your ideas.

Thanks for any help.

-Rich

I don't mind some wood flaws and those birdseye spots may come out pretty but I'm not sure that dark wood around the birdseye dots won't be too dark after finishing and look like a big dark streak.

Another vote for Gold here. I'm just thinking that it's a Heatley and I'd hate to have such a fine guitar then regret not hiding that spot. Gold is VERY sweet and classy I think anyway.

It's going to sound great either way though :)

[smilefan]

Thanks for all replies. The decision as been made to
go with a traditional tobacco-burst finish. Just dark
enough on the edges to mute the dark-wood/birdseye
area on the center edge.

I dont want to obscure that fine highly-aged
one piece top. It does look "old wood" as many have
commented. A tobacco-burst will enhance its "old' vibe
and preserve the single piece top look.

I'll post pics when she's done. Creme cover Lollar P-90's
are waiting to be installed. Also, she's going to have
Anderson-style "heavy" stainless frets (my fav fretwire).
Can't wait!

Thanks again to all. You guys really helped me think this out.

[rickd]

If this hasn't been pointed out, the obvious :rolleyes: , spray paint it green and super-glue candy corn to it in the shape of a Mercedes symbol. Talk about classy.

[go7]

I was hoping my guitar from Scott would be next build.Beat me to it.Lucky dog!!

[slipbeer]

Think outside the box.

You can still superglue the candy corn to it after you get the tobacco sunburst done but I still think my suggestion for a finish is better.

And don't use that old "Order your own Heatley" argument on me;)

Seriously, as long as I get to see that wood through the finish, I'm good. You made a good choice.

[graydane]

I wouldn't even hesitate to cover it up and go with Gold as you first wanted to. I don't think the 1 piece is that rare. Although it is somewhat interesting go with your first choice.

[paintguy]

Thanks for all replies. The decision as been made to
go with a traditional tobacco-burst finish. Just dark
enough on the edges to mute the dark-wood/birdseye
area on the center edge.

I dont want to obscure that fine highly-aged
one piece top. It does look "old wood" as many have
commented. A tobacco-burst will enhance its "old' vibe
and preserve the single piece top look.

I'll post pics when she's done. Creme cover Lollar P-90's
are waiting to be installed. Also, she's going to have
Anderson-style "heavy" stainless frets (my fav fretwire).
Can't wait!

Thanks again to all. You guys really helped me think this out.

Right-on.:AOK Wise decision in my mind. Should look killer with cream appointments.