If your after ease, I'd use the PBG bridge and just string it from the bridge. It'll be faster and less work and less risk. You can always modify and create the string through later. Not sure if the tone difference is that much anyway.

I don't use orbital sanders all my sanding done by hand. My goal is 30 days of sanding at 20 mins per day usually does the job. If I have days off I can reduce the days.

Good luck with the decals