Ethos Guitars - Workshop

Slime Dime

This is one of those quick makeovers that turned into an epic. This customer had waited patiently over a year for a limited edition Dean Slimeburst model. However, when he finally took delivery, he didn't like it. He had been to Ethos guitars before with a Washburn ML which had had a facelift, so he asked us if we could turn it into the guitar he wanted.

	Basically he wasn't keen on the figuring on the top, and didn't like the colour they had used. So we removed the cap (and the headstock facing) and searched for a suitable replacement. Here was the first problem, trying to find the right figure in a piece of wood big enough to cover the top. After nearly 2 months, and a couple of false alarms, we found a piece in North America.
	The top was then split in half to create the bookmatch effect, and cut to size. This was then glued to the top of the guitar, and the channel cut for the binding.
	Once the binding was fitted, the problem then was getting the colours just right. The first attempt for the basecoat is shown left. But when it was lacquered, it became too yellow. So it was stripped off and re-applied with a new mix. This was fine, but the problem then was finding just the right colour for the slime burst. After more months of searching, we did track down a translucent green with just the right shade. The problem then was getting the 'burst' just right.
	The first attempt was too 'sharp' so this too was stripped off, and finally the right contrast was found. This was achieved by applying 20 + really fine coats with an airbrush. The final result (before lacquer) can be seen on the left. The finished guitar can be seen on the right. Although it is difficult to reproduce the colour, it almost glows in strong light.
	Customer feedback:- I just wanted you to know how truly amazed and happy I am at the job you have done on the Deanslime....... I honestly was totally at a loss for words when I came to pick it up (and as I’m sure you know by now, that is a very rare occurrence for me!) I have purely been just studying and admiring the finish that you’ve managed to achieve and the extraordinary 3D-like colour effects that catch my eye by the second! Cheers, mate......I really appreciate your constant attention to detail, ensuring at all times I’m happy with the progressive outcomes. Also going back and starting again (if needed) without any ill feeling. I can honestly say that you’re a pure gent and a master at your art. Thanks for the last 11 months! Paul.