My Ibanez Project

[MikeS]

Here’s a few pics of the Ibanez project I’ve been working on. This is a 1997 Ibanez RG170… a cheapo right off the shelf. I’m going for the proverbial “from chicken **** to chicken soup.” Almost done with it, just need to repair a couple “oopsies” from the bridge routing and prep for shooting clear.

1997 Ibanez RG170 (H-S-H)

-original finish stripped to bare wood.
-middle pickup rout filled
-zebrawood veneer top applied
-bridge rout reworked for Wilkinson 2 pt. bridge
-5 way blade rout filled & rerouted for LP style switch.
-back & sides purposely left untreated before stain to achieve an uneven finish
-veneer applied to headstock
-Guitar will feature Sperzel tuners, graphite nut, Wilkinson bridge, and all new electronics. Pickups are EMG60 (neck) and EMG81 (bridge).

 

[taphappy]

Re: My Ibanez Project

I'm also working on an Ibanez project. As of right now my favorite tone is Vai's, so I'm converting it into a Swirled Jem.

 

[YJM_Rocks]

Re: My Ibanez Project

Awesome! Looking good.

 

[wixomwhat]

Re: My Ibanez Project

Looks good, nice job!

how did you remove the original finish? with sandpaper or paint remover?

 

[FretFire]

Re: My Ibanez Project

I always liked the looks of that axe from your avatar, nice to see some more shots of it. Looks like it's coming right along .

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: My Ibanez Project

Personally I don't like the look of zebrawood (reminds me of the ugly wall covering some people put in their basements), but it looks like you've done a great job so far. Please post some pics when it's done!

 

[MikeS]

Re: My Ibanez Project

Thanks guys.

Looks good, nice job!

how did you remove the original finish? with sandpaper or paint remover?

60 grit on a belt sander, 80 grit on a recipricating palm sander, and 80 grit on a drum sander for the sides. Not even the heavy-duty stripper would touch that original poly finish (it was like a plastic shell).

ratherdashing:

I agree, that it isn't the most striking piece of zebra wood I've ever seen... but, since most of the great figures are reserved for thicker pieces, I picked the best veneer piece I could find. I also didn't have access to a planer, so I had no way to take 1/8" off the top anyway. I still really like it, though.