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Super excited to start my first build. During the test fitting of everything I noticed a similar problem others have had with this kit. The neck heel had a bit of a curve to it. Also the end was not finished straight. After heaps of measuring and triple checking I've got that where it needs to be. Scale length checks out. Strings line up well. I'll see if I can upload some photos later as I'm on my mobile at the moment.
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Here are the photos of what I was talking about.
The neck actually rocked in the pocket and depending on that angle the strings hit the fretboard. All good now. Can't wait to continue with the build!
Well done! How'd you fix it?
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I saw some advice on another build given by frankenwashie on how to fix it. Marked a line on each side to see where to take the hump out. Also did heaps of measuring to make sure the scale length was correct when I straightened the end of the heel. Did another mock build after to check the strings cleared the fretboard and to see how well the neck sat in the pocket. Big thanks to Frankenwashie for that. I had just seen the post he made maybe a day or two before I started my build!
You are more than welcome. The forum is here for us to help each other out, glad my inane forum ramblings actually helped someone fix something!Quote:
Originally Posted by Dwhite2369
After my second mock build I have gone through the finishing process. I burnt the surface of the guitar to give it a more brown but not black charred look. And have done multiple coats of try oil. 12 coats and letting the final coat cure. That has to be the most patience trying part! Messing with pickup ideas in my head. Will post photos later. Also toying with the idea of adding a pickguard. Very excited to continue with the build!
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This was after the "burning"
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This is where I am now. Debating the pickguard etc. Really wishing I went for the locking tuner upgrade now!
That’s turned out well. Gutsy move to buy your first kit and burn it.
Thanks for that. I did practice on a couple pieces of mahogany first just to get an idea of how it would turn out. I wanted it a little bit darker but honestly was too scared to burn it any more than I did. Especially the neck. I was worried about the fretboard lifting so I did it very lightly on that.Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkMark
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Before starting the fret leveling I noticed an issue with a fret marker. Anybody have any ideas on a fix, or just replace the dot inlay? It's a very small chip out of the inlay. First time I've noticed it.
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Finished the fret leveling. First time i have done that. Very good learning experience!
Put the tuners on last night, hopefully I will be glueing the neck on tonight! It's almost a complete guitar!
The first time is a little scary, isn’t it?Quote:
Originally Posted by Dwhite2369
Fret levelling is definitely scary and tedious to begin with (or at least it was for me), but now is one of my favourite parts. It's just so satisfying having shiny clean level frets
I haven't ever done this, but I have seen chipped markers repaired by mixing some abalone dust with CA glue, filling the chip and sanding smooth. The dust is really bad for you though, and new marker dots are cheap, so probably easier, cheaper and safer to just replace it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dwhite2369
Others with more experience may have a better idea
I do feel like the fret leveling job was very satisfying.
I think I will just change the fret dot. Seems like the simplest thing to do and I like to not complicate things.
Glued the neck on Friday night. Left it clamped for 24 hours. Now have all the hardware installed and will just wait before starting the nut fitting. I bought a bone nut replacement and want to wait a few days or so before trying to put strings on to check nut height etc. It's coming along nicely so far!
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Neck glued on and most of the hardware installed!
Looking really good!
Thank you! Strung it up last night to start setting up the bone nut upgrade. Took a photo of it strung up. Will post it soon.
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All strung up for the first time!
Looks great! How does it sound/play?
Sounds pretty good so far. Have to do a proper setup on it but I'm pretty happy with it. I have a slight feeling I have a high fret around fret 17 but I'll try and work that out soon. I appreciate the nice comments! So far I would say the only thing I would do different on the next one is spending more time sanding! Lol
I think that is everyone's experience lolQuote:
Originally Posted by Dwhite2369
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Control cavity was a little too crowded for my liking with the 9v battery for the active pups. Decided to put a battery box in the back. Anyway here is a shot from behind!
I put mine in the bottom bout.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dwhite2369
I based my location more on the tools I had available to use, which was basically a basic dremel kit. Thought about the bottom but I figured I had more room for error on the back lol.