Sanding block for finishing

[Bob Steinarsson]

Hi, I have sprayed an old Melody Maker with several coats (almost four aerosol boxes) of NC. Which material should I use for sanding block for the finishing sanding?

BS

[Hesh Breakstone]

Lots of ways to do this but I like 2" square blocks, approx. 1/2" thick of hard rubber or felt.  They are great for leveling but still have a minimal amount of flex for less than flat surfaces.

[Paul Verticchio]

Hi Bob.

I use a 1" x 3" maple block with a 1/8" thick piece of cork adhered to one side.  It serves the same purpose as Hesh's blocks.  It's just another flavor of vanilla(:

Those old MM's are some very cool guitars. They're probably the best 'utility' solidbody ever made.

Best of luck and enjoy your guitar,

Paul (-:

[Ned Knepp]

OK, Paul, how "old" does a Melody Maker need to be to qualify as "very cool".  Remember that I'm really just starting to seriously study on electric guitars so I assume that, given your opinion of recent Gibson offerings, you wouldn't feel that way about a new MM.

[Paul Verticchio]

Ned,

Thanks for asking.

Although I believe that every instrument should be judged on its individual merits, generally, they were still made VERY well through the mid-1960's. They are the ultimate 'upgrade platform' guitar.  HQ light weight mahogany body & neck, BzR FB, sturdy as a brick, great frets, etc.  Upgrade a vintage MM with a P-90 pup and you essentially have a LP Jr.  Not bad for an 'under $1k vintage instrument' vs a $5K+ collectors piece.

The MM reissues I've seen are made from extremely porous & soft mahogany.  This is common to all the "satin finished' new Gibsons I've checked out.  Their finishes are pretty basic as very little pore filler was used.  They look & feel cheap....not 'inexpensive' but cheap. You can spend their approx. $500 street price on a MUCH BETTER import.

Vintage MM's are almost exclusively "rocker" guitars.  If you ever get the chance to play one upgraded with a P-90 or HB pup through a cranked 50 watt Marshall, you'll know why(:

Did that help you out?

Best regards,

Paul  (-:

[Ned Knepp]

Thanks Paul. It all helps. I think it was you that mentioned before that this is like starting over again. It's fun to learn about but the subject seems so much more complex than acoustic guitars.

Thanks again.

[Paul Verticchio]

You bet Ned. 

I've either owned or played just about every kind of electric out there since 1964.

Feel free to hit me up with your questions about electrics any time you need info or assistance. They are a different breed than acoustics & I love each equally.

Have a great weekend,

Paul (: