How Do I Create the Zebra Finish

[ChuckE99]

Ala the Ibbie strat pictured below. If I'm starting with a plain Ash body, stripped to the wood, what would I need to do to get the grain to pop like in the one below? Bake it in an oven? Hit it with a torch? Is there some kind of stain that would work? Inquiring and borderline destructive minds want to know!

BTW, the one below is on the bay: Ebay Item Number #290248894621

The second pic below combines the zebra body from the 2655ZB with the rest of an Ash 2375ASH. If I do it right, that's what I'll end up with, since my pickguard is white and I have the TRC.

[nnickusa]

Hey Chuck,

As a sometime furniture maker, I would try using a dark stain---maybe walnut---, well cut with thinners, or turps, depending on the solvent used--check the clean up directions on the tin--using a few washes wiping off the overage quickly.  As the different layers of grain in the wood will absorb the stain at different rates, you should see that effect in the timber.  I would try a few combinations, and dilution strengths to get the desired effect.....But please. please. pleeeeease get an offcut of the same or similar timber try it out on before you hit the git.  I would love to see how it comes up, and maybe post a shot of your trial piece before you try the guitar.

Cheers,
Nick

[Roland_G303]

Here's a link on a few different ways to finish guitars...

http://www.projectguitar.com/tut/tutorial5.htm

I think Nick's idea sounds like the best way to do it.

Patrick

[ChuckE99]

I was really hoping for a method that would involve a blow torch or other means of combustion!  Burn, baby, burn!

[nnickusa]

Then you would be "relic-ing"!  In my book, ruining!  Can't see why anyone would trash a perectly good git--Joe Strummer notwithstanding!  We do love The Clash or what's left of them. 

Seriously, the torch thing would burn out the softer layers in the grain, and you'd end up with a lumpy horrible mess!  come finish time.

Also, you could sand between coats to bring up the harder(lighter) sections of grain between coats.

Let us know how you go!

[porkpie]

How about lighter fluid:) http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/2305236/Jimi-Hendrix-burnt-guitar-set-to-fetch-andpound500,000-at-auction.html

[nnickusa]

That was my next thought.  IF FLAMES ARE REQUIRED!!!!!  Just do it outside, and for the rest of you.......Don't try this at home! 

[ChuckE99]

Stripping off the black overcoat revealed a lovely sunburst finish. I'm keeping that, not going down to the wood. Also, it's plywood, so would not get that burnt ash finish anyway.

[nnickusa]

Pity.  I was about to send a tin of Ronson lighter fluid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BCy2k]

You could always go for that burnt Jimi strat look

Like the original Zappa owned.

[nnickusa]

Well,  That's what Hendrix used at Monterey, wasn't it?

[BCy2k]

Well,  That's what Hendrix used at Monterey, wasn't it?

I'm pretty sure. Seems like he (Zappa) posed with it on the cover of Guitar Player many years ago. I guess he acquired from the Hendrix Estate.

[nnickusa]

With or without the pygmy pony?

[BCy2k]

With or without the pygmy pony?

Poor thing passed away. I heard tell of it choking on dental floss or something.

[nnickusa]

Well, it would have been pretty long in the tooth by now.  @!## Montana!   OOPS... no offense to the state........of being?..............


It is Zappa after all!