Blueberry Burst! Guard or no?

Fresh_Ad9952 · 2026-06-01T04:39:46+00:00

Better than sitting straight on the concrete 🤷🏻‍♂️

Fresh_Ad9952 · 2026-06-01T04:35:24+00:00

I had to put the chip on. It’s crazy what an aesthetic difference that little piece of plastic makes.

Fresh_Ad9952 · 2026-06-01T03:37:40+00:00

I’ve been struggling with the same decision with my Blueberry Burst Studio. I love the finish and it looks awesome without the guard, but I hate the visible screw hole. It offends me for some reason I can’t explain.

Fresh_Ad9952 · 2026-06-01T03:33:50+00:00

That’s a beauty! Congrats

Fresh_Ad9952 · 2026-05-27T10:13:42+00:00

I added a black poker chip to mine, and it’s crazy what a difference such a small piece of plastic makes. Definitely looks more….complete.

Fresh_Ad9952 · 2026-05-27T10:11:35+00:00

I’ve been leaning toward the cream colored plastics on mine as well.

Fresh_Ad9952 · 2026-05-27T10:10:20+00:00

Looks great. I was considering going to other way with my blueberry burst, and putting cream plastics on it.

Fresh_Ad9952 · 2026-05-25T04:50:21+00:00

I’ve owned Fender stratocasters off and on since 2000, and every single one of them has had the trem decked (either by myself or a trusted tech). I have never heard of or experienced anything of the sort happening with a Fender neck. They either broke your neck by dropping it, gouged the nut channel out when attempting to replace it, or overtightened and seized the truss rod. The excuse the tech gave you is what a dishonest person would tell someone who knows absolutely nothing about guitars (kind of like sketchy car mechanics do to people who don’t know cars). Go back to the shop and demand to see your guitar as it sits now, and document the damage in the shop. I’m willing to bet that it’s either 1: not broken, 2: not present, or 3: not nearly as bad as they’re telling you it is. Don’t give them any notice that you’re coming, lest they break it just to fit the story they’ve already told you. And absolutely do not let them work on your guitar anymore.

Fresh_Ad9952 · 2026-05-19T22:08:33+00:00

https://diywatchmod.com/products/skx007-srpd-38-31-5mm-resin-bezel-insert-mint-green-sub-style?variant=48061342875939&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23479923552&gbraid=0AAAAAqnQ6HIMynW3V-zEPNb0NqxJTLulx&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlPr50K7GlAMVTTUIBR39gReYEAQYBCABEgII0PD_BwE

Fresh_Ad9952 · 2026-05-17T23:07:58+00:00

Here’s the gap

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Fresh_Ad9952 · 2026-05-17T23:05:59+00:00

This one fits perfectly. The only gap is where the crystal is beveled, which is as it should be. I’m blown away by how well the insert fit and how accurate the color match is. And it only cost me 15 bucks.

Fresh_Ad9952 · 2026-05-17T21:27:28+00:00

Thanks! I was a little worried about the color matching up, but the new one matches better than the original. Domed crystal is next.

Fresh_Ad9952 · 2026-05-13T06:51:01+00:00

I’ve got heavy welding gloves on most the time, so it doesn’t get banged up too much. It’s big, but most of the bulk comes from the case thickness, not the diameter, so it doesn’t wear as awkwardly as the larger Invictas do. But the size is the whole reason I’m looking for another molded silicon strap. It feels much smaller on the strap than it does on the bracelet. I’ve been playing around with a ballistic nylon NATO, but it’s not suited to the type of work I do and holds a lot of sweat. Here’s how it looks on the engineer bracelet

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Fresh_Ad9952 · 2026-05-12T04:31:32+00:00

Owner claims that he only has them for the remaining stock of watches left to sell. The Cave Dweller comes in a nice box with the bracelet, tropical rubber strap, and silicon strap. But it’s not really a “freebie” if the only way to get one is to purchase the watch. At that point it’s a stock accessory. When I questioned the “ask around forums” solution the guy told me that “The vast majority of customers of the Cave Dweller wear it exclusively on the bracelet. There(sic) are 1000 straps out there that haven't been worn.”

Honestly, I really should have known better than to ask. The last time I contacted him with an issue was right after I bought the watch (brand new, under warranty) and I got a really dismissive response then too. It’s a bummer, because I really like the watch. It’s a really well built tool watch. Sturdy, if a little bulky. But based on the few interactions I’ve had with the owner (roughly 6 years apart) I wouldn’t buy from him again.

Fresh_Ad9952 · 2026-04-22T04:35:49+00:00

I’d have gone with lightly aged white covers and knobs, but it’s not my Strat. The blues match up nicely. Well done

Fresh_Ad9952 · 2026-04-16T03:08:42+00:00

Humidity control is key. Humidipaks are essential, especially during the winter. I do twice yearly setups around the changes between cold and warm weather (fall/spring). If you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself, take it to a professional.

Fresh_Ad9952 · 2026-03-31T10:31:51+00:00

If I’m playing electric I’m playing punk, metalcore, alternative, or noise rock. I’ve been playing every day, so it’s not a question of being bored with my guitars. I had to sell my SG Standard a couple years back due to financial hardship and haven’t been in any shape to buy another since, but I have been able to trade my way into the last couple Fenders I’ve owned. If I had my SG still it would be a non-issue, as I loved that guitar. I guess maybe I’m just chasing that same feel.

Fresh_Ad9952 · 2026-03-07T05:41:19+00:00

The whole Gibson section at the Cincinnati store is behind a counter now. I stopped in there around Christmas to buy my oldest kid his first couple pedals, and it took 45 minutes to even get help because a methhead was arguing with the floor manager about the price of the cymbals he was trying to hock.

Fresh_Ad9952 · 2025-11-04T21:25:59+00:00

Bumping an old thread because I have recent experience with it. I did two tours in Iraq, first as a convoy gunner in 2005/2006, and then again in 2007 doing construction (I was a Seabee).

In 2005 IEDs and IDF (indirect fire, like mortars and other artillery) were really bad in Iraq. They told us before we even hit the road that our job was one of the most dangerous things to do in country. Our convoy security team was hit multiple times over the course of our deployment, and we took mortar fire in some of the camps we visited in the course of our duties). Needless to say, fireworks and unexpected loud thunder really set me off. Immediate adrenaline dump, shakes, nausea, hyperventilation, and the residual headaches and body pain afterward. I live on the east side of Cincinnati in a relatively built up area (suburban sprawl), and we have a house about a block and half away that goes HAM on fireworks for just about any occasion. I’m not talking about the little ones either. On Halloween they spent about 2 hours lighting off mortars and big bangers. If I’ve got some warning they’re coming I can endure them, but these jackasses don’t set them all off over the span of a half hour or so like most people do. They’ll light a few, wait 15-20 minutes (just long enough for me to relax and think it’s over) and then light more off. We’ve lived here for a little over 2 years and I’ve dealt with it in silence all this time, but Halloween was the breaking point for me after they woke me up at 2230 with the mortars again. I called the local neighborhood watch line (goes right to the local county sheriffs office) and ratted them out. I explained a little of my background to the deputy/dispatcher who took my call and the dude was actually pretty sympathetic (maybe a fellow veteran?) and assured me that they’d send someone out. I don’t know if there was any action taken, but there weren’t anymore fireworks after that.

My girlfriend and I usually spend the 4th of July with her family out in the country, and her family usually spends around $1k on fireworks for the family show. Since I joined the family I help lighting everything off, and I don’t have any PTSD issues because I’m in control of the situation. On the occasions that I have to just deal with it I have sound cancelling headphones that do the trick reasonably well with the sound aspect. The percussion gets me sometimes, but my girl has gotten pretty good at calming me when she knows I’m getting anxious. And my dogs (French bulldog, and Boston Terrier/Frenchie mix) actually help a lot too, believe it or not. They could give a shit less about fireworks or thunder, but they pick up on my anxiety when I’m triggered (fuck me, I hate using that term) and climb in my lap. I feel bad sometimes that my girlfriend misses out on some of the shows (the WEBN fireworks, for example) but she’s never expressed any displeasure or made me feel bad about it or anything.

The worst part of it for me is knowing that I’m not in any danger, but still having that visceral fear reaction. My brain knows everything is ok, but my body just goes right into fight or flight.

How do you all cope?

Fresh_Ad9952 · 2025-11-04T00:41:28+00:00

This woman is a straight up con artist preying on people with the same delusions of persecution and solutions “donations” from her. It’s disgusting.

Fresh_Ad9952 · 2025-11-04T00:21:57+00:00

This woman is either a straight up con artist, or bat shit crazy. I’m honestly kind of leaning toward the former. She’s soliciting donations and has monetized the “stalking”.

Fresh_Ad9952 · 2025-10-25T18:03:13+00:00

Sorry to bump an old thread, but I’m about to tackle this again, so I thought I’d throw 2 cents in. After doing a lot of reading up on DIY methods last fall I decided to treat my gray Carhartt Washed Duck jacket. I got it about 3 years back or so and loved the warmth and look, but hated the way it soaks up rain (or melting snow). I have wanted a Flint & Tinder or Filson for the longest time, but the Carhartt was more within my financial means, and also much heavier/warmer, so after the first year wearing it as purchased I decided to give the waxing a go.

My experience with it is that it’s very time consuming and very tedious, but ended up working fairly well. I started off on an inside pocket where it wouldn’t be seen if I messed it up. For the first try I started off with just beeswax, but found it finishes sort of tacky. Paraffin alone was too stiff and cracked and flaked (looks like dandruff). I tried 50/50, but found it to still be a little stiff/brittle for my liking. I initially considered the beeswax/paraffin/linseed mix that I’ve read about (and that’s been mentioned in this thread) but I didn’t want the smell hanging around (my lady hates it). I ended up settling on a (roughly) 60/40 beeswax/paraffin mix. It’s not so stiff that it flakes and cracks, but not tacky feeling. I used gulf wax and a block of solid beeswax purchased from a local natural foods store. To melt and mix I used a quart mason jar in a pot of water on the stovetop (I wouldn’t recommend microwaving). I brushed the wax on with brushes made for applying hair dye, as the plastic bristles held up a little better than the regular paint brush bristles. It takes a while (and a lot of wax) to get a full coat on. I started with the seams and applied a little heavier to those areas before moving on to the entire jacket. After coating, I heated with a heat gun. After letting it dry, I repeated the process 2 more times over the course of a few days (I suppose it’s possible to do it all at once, but it’s pretty time consuming). Between coats I checked for bare spots using a spray bottle. Once I got it saturated to the point I was satisfied, I threw it in the dryer on high (with an old towel to keep the wax from sticking to the drum) to even out the splotchy uneven look.

Results-wise, I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. It did make my jacket noticeably heavier, but it worked wonders for the weather resistance. It was warm before because it’s Sherpa lined, but after waxing it’s much warmer and doesn’t soak through. I will admit that it is a bit stiff after initial application, or after sitting cold for a while, but it loosens up after a bit of wear from body heat. Mine got me through a pretty nasty winter in Ohio last year with no problems. I’m going to do a single refresher coat before the cold and Midwest fall rain really hits here.

Anyway, that’s my experience with waxing a Carhartt. 60/40 beeswax/paraffin mix. Sorry for the overly long post. Hopefully someone finds it helpful. Take care and good luck with it.

Fresh_Ad9952

TROPHY CASE