Sami's first DIY kit (novice warning!)

Finally I put together the basic parts of my RC1 to strum the first chords out of it :D (The kit received in early January)

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Notions:

+ Very soft touch, even though the strings are still pretty high
+ I like the neck profile
+ Parts fit together well, careful work.
- The 1st fret is too low, all strings buzz when pressed. No problems with other frets. This I can fix.
- Bridge slightly too high at lowest position. Will sand the neck slightly to change the angle.
- The bottom of the pot cavity is only 2.5 mm (0.1 in) which I think is too thin. Light shines through.
A sharp hit from backside and it will crack. Trying to think of a smart way to reinforce it.
Same problem anyone? Solution?

The bottom of the pot cavity is only 2.5 mm (0.1 in) which I think is too thin. Light shines through.

Attachment 25754

Trying to think of a smart way to reinforce it:
I'm thinking of glueing a cavity shaped plate to the bottom. Could be wood/veneer/aluminium.
It might be easier to make in smaller pieces and add higher "beams" between pieces to give some extra strength.

I don't think it's an issue with the "f-hole", it's a smaller surface.

Interesting. I have a custom order one of these on the way, but the mahogany body version.

Does seem a bit thin - but I guess acoustic guitars aren't much thicker in the body. Using a bit of aluminium sheet might be a good idea as you could tie it into some cavity shielding. Plus its nice and light.

This looks like a very nice kit.
I agree with the aluminium plate for reinforcement, rough up one side and stick it down with decent contact glue...

Welcome to the forum Sami, it’s a great looking kit!

You could always lay down a layer of fibreglass or epoxy resin. The aluminium is a good idea, though I guess it depends on your ability to get it cut and shaped.

That's a good idea. Even epoxy car body filler would do it, or builders bog. Aluminium plate can be bought from the big green shed at various thicknesses I think.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Andyxlh

That's a good idea. Even epoxy car body filler would do it, or builders bog. Aluminium plate can be bought from the big green shed at various thicknesses I think.

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Not sure you’ll find a BGS in Tampere, Finland Andy. Lovely place though.

I used a piece of thin 3-ply shaped to the cavity bottom to strengthen the very, very thin top deck of an Aria Pro II control cavity; 3-ply because it is cheap, easily workable on a kitchen table and PVA glue will do an admirable job in affixing it!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FrankenWashie

I guess it depends on your ability to get it cut and shaped.

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You could try and scrounge a used offset plate from a local Printer/Print shop.

You can cut them with a pair of scissors.

cheers, Mark.

Fiberglass and epoxy are great ideas too. My chances to cut are limited but I've got something to try with.

Thank you guys! You are most helpful :-)

Today I tested the pickups by connecting a cable directly to the wires. Sounds good. Me likey!

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