Pantera X350MA Restore

[sarcaster]

I figured I would name this topic Restore since the last 350 I got has a questionable crack in the finish at the neck join. The only way to know for sure is to either apply pressure and see if there is a space there, or sand it down. I know Gibsons often get this headstock crack due to a lame design where they have a one piece mahagony neck. All the grain is in one direction and it's thinnest point is the neck join (which is why I have never owned a Gibson). The 350 has a 5 piece neck which is nicer looking and much stronger. But I have my doubts on this crack and want to know for sure.


My next project was to build a guitar from scratch, but since I am saving for a wedding I cannot afford to buy the couple of tools I need to get started.

So, I hate to say to the purists out there I need to keep a project going then this one has stepped into first place.

I am going to take down the finish on my 350MA (the one with the BMD bridge) down to bare wood. If I find a crack, I will repair it. If it is only a crack in the finish, then I think I will refinish it in a different color.

I understand the rarity of such guitar, and never plan on selling it, so I think I can sleep at night with this decision.

I will still have a stock 350MA, but think that this one may end up being really cool.

As Always I will document the progress and as some know, it takes me a long time to complete a project ( the 12 string took me 10 months?)



I imagine anyone would like to see a 350 sanded down and naked - what a great design, and I promise to make the finish on this like it came out of a pro shop. I undestand how cool, rare, and awesome this thing is, and will do my best to make this my best project yet.

Wish me luck folks.

[Westbone]

Post a picture of your crack.

Seems alot of work for what?????

[corsair]

Go hard, mate!! I, too, have an itch with the Urchin being over halfway finished but am heading in the direction of a twin neck....

[sarcaster]

Post a picture of your crack.

Seems alot of work for what?????

For self gratification I guess. I think I can make this old 350 look better than it currently looks. I think I can make it look very cool. I know it is blasphemous to the die hards, but I am not a die hard guy. I know it is a great guitar, and in my opinon I will will make it better.

I'm thinking green stain, maybe blue over the flame?

[sarcaster]

Go hard, mate!! I, too, have an itch with the Urchin being over halfway finished but am heading in the direction of a twin neck....

You going to make a twin neck?

[corsair]

A big +1 to green stain, and yeah.... A 12/6.....

[Sgt. Vimes]

Post a picture of your crack.

this is not the time or the place for that kind of shenanigans!

[Iceman]

Post a picture of your crack.

…THERE IS NEVER A time or A place for that kind of shenanigans!

Fixed!!

[Westbone]

You've a one track mind and that's a dirt track.

[Iceman]

Black(or Charcoal) Burst out of the question then, Pat?

[Sgt. Vimes]

Post a picture of your crack.

…THERE IS NEVER A time or A place for that kind of shenanigans!

Fixed!!

not even in college? wow

[Iceman]

[beavis]

Wow guys, off topic in so little time! Impressive.


Sounds like a good idea to me, but I'm no purist. Looking forward to the pictures. I am sure this crack is going to open the way to a better understanding of things for me.

[grogg]

Sarcaster, I knew as soon as you got this you wouldnt be able to resist doing some stuff to it. Sorry, boringly back on topic.

My twopennorth, the shape of the guitar is very organic, whatever you do needs to complement that.

[Sgt. Vimes]

I for one, would love to see it stripped down naked, waxed and unstained

[Barry]

Wow guys, off topic in so little time! Impressive...

Yeah, and for once it wasn't me who started it.

Black burst eh? Hmmm....

[sarcaster]

Black(or Charcoal) Burst out of the question then, Pat?

Haven't tried a burst before, so I think I'll hold off on making this the first

[sarcaster]

Go hard, mate!! I, too, have an itch with the Urchin being over halfway finished but am heading in the direction of a twin neck....

Building one???

[sarcaster]

Sarcaster, I knew as soon as you got this you wouldnt be able to resist doing some stuff to it. Sorry, boringly back on topic.

My twopennorth, the shape of the guitar is very organic, whatever you do needs to complement that.

you sound like someone who has known me awhile - I always take good and make it better or mess it up trying

[hobster]

I for one am looking forward to this project, i'd love to see one stripped down. Sounds like you have some cool ideas Sarc, i'm sure she'll turn out great.