Sanding

[dingobass]

Also when sanding the sides, sand in the direction of the growth rings.
This will give you a much nicer finish.

[wazkelly]

Also when sanding the sides, sand in the direction of the growth rings.
This will give you a much nicer finish.

Good advice from DB but sometimes you have to sand in the direction of the machine cuts first to knock them down (probably using 80, 120 & 180 grit)and then switch to direction of the grain from 180 through 240 and up to 320. This is even more apparent on the edges, any tight curves, and on the shoulders of the neck pocket too.