How to obscure a hole on strat top?

[Chistopher]

So I accidentally drilled a hole in my number one Stratocaster. It's centered exactly a half inch under the tremolo bar and 1/8" in diameter. This is a sentimental piece, but is still only a MIM so I don't want to drop any money in painting over it. It sounds really nice and plays almost perfectly, but to be honest I'm being a bit of a baby over this aesthetic issue. Does anyone know anything that doesn't look cheesy (i.e. stickers) I could cover it with? I based the look of my grandfather's Corvette and want to maintain that appearance. Here's a picture (This isn't his actual one, none of my pictures will upload):

 

[AlexR]

Re: How to obscure a hole on strat top?

You can always try something like a metal disc.....or flat button or similar.

I had a paint issue on the back of a Tele, which I covered in the same sort of fashion. To make it look more deliberate I did 2 so they looked matched.

 

[Chistopher]

Re: How to obscure a hole on strat top?

I was considering that, but it just looks odd so close to the bridge. Like I tried to put a stop bar on it.
Edit: I'm sure you probably noticed this at one point or another, but all your guitars are backwards. I just wanted to let you know, I can't imagine how embarrassing it would be to get up on stage only to realize your guitar is upside-down.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: How to obscure a hole on strat top?

Take a 10 24 machine shop screw
Paint the head the same color
Or leave it chrome

 

[Obsessive Compulsive]

Re: How to obscure a hole on strat top?

Easy. Wood putty or very tiny dowel. Then cover it with amount of paint of the same color.

 

[Mincer]

Re: How to obscure a hole on strat top?

Maybe some pearl or abalone to cover the hole? A good luthier can make it look like it belongs there.

 

[VinceT]

Re: How to obscure a hole on strat top?

Christopher - I see a pic of the car but not the guitar - do you have one you can share?


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[ehdwuld]

Re: How to obscure a hole on strat top?

Abalone star for Grandpa

 

[AlexR]

Re: How to obscure a hole on strat top?

I was considering that, but it just looks odd so close to the bridge. Like I tried to put a stop bar on it.
Edit: I'm sure you probably noticed this at one point or another, but all your guitars are backwards. I just wanted to let you know, I can't imagine how embarrassing it would be to get up on stage only to realize your guitar is upside-down.

Coming from the land down under, we're all a bit like that anyhow.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: How to obscure a hole on strat top?

Coming from the land down under, we're all a bit like that anyhow.

yall play them things with yer naughty parts dont cha

 

[Chistopher]

Re: How to obscure a hole on strat top?

Originally Posted by AlexR
Coming from the land down under, we're all a bit like that anyhow.

Makes sense. But anyway, here's the picture:

 

[Mincer]

Re: How to obscure a hole on strat top?

I'd just have something inlaid in there. It will look better than trying to match the color.

 

[Chistopher]

Re: How to obscure a hole on strat top?

Like what for example? That's what I'm stuck on.

 

[nevermind]

Re: How to obscure a hole on strat top?

Like what for example? That's what I'm stuck on.

You could get a polished stainless, chrome or even plastic 2-3" long and 1/4" wide strap with two holes in it and place it behind the trem. Balance it with the existing hole by creating a matching hole on the other side of the guitar body.

 

[thebowl]

Re: How to obscure a hole on strat top?

My smart-alec response is that you should not go near your guitar with any type of hand-tool (or the 'Vette). My more serious response is that you should drop fill that. Some wood putty, some mixable powder colors, and some super glue.

 

[Chistopher]

Re: How to obscure a hole on strat top?

Where would I get ice blue metallic powder in a small enough size? And what would be the proper procedure for the operation?

 

[d1dsj]

Re: How to obscure a hole on strat top?

Get a sapphire or diamond jewel inset into it. Or maybe an earring stud, trim the pin to suit the depth of the hole.

 

[metalchurch79]

Re: How to obscure a hole on strat top?

Got a little crazy with the trembar it looks like..
I'd glue some tooth pics in there and then putty and a dab of paint. That's relatively minor compared to some holes I've seen.

Edit:
You can chip some paint from an area on the guitar to use to fill that, like maybe the trem or control cavity...
Since its such a small piece you would be working with, you can try to dilute it with thinner in a bottle cap, table spoon, or small container to make it "wet" again, and then use a small brush to dab it on.
If the paint allows that.

Also I'd put a piece of masking tape over the area first and simply poke a hole in it for your work area. That will protect the rest of the area around it until you're done.
Use nail clippers to clip the tooth pic flush, then a small Allen wrench to push it down below the surface ever so slightly, then a dab of superglue to seal the wood of the tooth pic so it doesn't soak up your paint since it will be precious.

 

[Wattage]

Re: How to obscure a hole on strat top?

take it with you to a hobby store and see if they have any model paints that are close

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: How to obscure a hole on strat top?

costume jewelry at walmart should do it

Ice it