First steps - i.e., what to do when you first open the box

[Brendan]

So - you're first kit has arrived and you want to get straight into things 'eh?

Then you turn to the instructions and it says to do a mock build and check everything's there?

Not sure what to do?

Hopefully this will give some tips on what I do... I'll step through what I do with an SGB-34 kit - one of the new kits this March (2016).

So #1 - crack open the box - have a look around - check that the box hasn't been damaged in transit and damaged any of the parts. The boxes are pretty robust and won't be shipped damaged, but, things happen.

#2 - Check the obvious things about the kit are right - you've got a body and neck and you've got all the parts. You should have the right number of pickups, tuners, a bridge, scratchplate, control cavity covers (where part of the kit), etc. Check the description if you are not sure. It's rare that there is anything missing - but best to check things out early.

#3 - Give the tuners a crank, check the bridge is doing it's thing, switches click, etc. You don't need to be too involved here - we're looking for anything obvious.