My RCA-4 Build :-)

[Gary B]

Took the bold step of un-clamping the neck and it didn't fall off!
This small gap between the end of the neck and the back of the pocket bothered me.



It must be better for the neck to make contact with the pocket as it is less likely to lift once under string tension is what I am thinking.
So made a shim to fill the gap. Started with a piece as at the rear of the pic and ended up with the piece at the front.



A coating of glue on both sides and in it went. Feeling happier with that.



And couldn't resist fitting a few bits of hardware.



Must admit to feeling a bit down now I am getting towards the end of the build. A little bit of soldering to do then it is just screwing a few bits on. Plenty of setting up to do and hopefully enjoy playing it after that. But then what? How to cure the post guitar kit blues?
I think I know the answer

[rook]

Dude the grain pops so beautifully on your build. It's like you are seeing into the wood. I love the look.

[king casey]

How to cure the post guitar kit blues?

You can do what I do. Take out the sand-paper and start all over again.

BTW I was sure you must have used Ebony Timbermate on that finish but there was no mention of it.
Probably a GOTM winner (unless somebody goes and enters an ES-3).

cheers, Mark

[Gary B]

You can do what I do. Take out the sand-paper and start all over again.

Ha that would be a bit drastic but I did that with the Tele I built previously :-)

[Gary B]

BTW I was sure you must have used Ebony Timbermate on that finish but there was no mention of it.

I did think about starting with a dark stain to bring out the grain but didn't in the end, just used the Wudtone deep colour coat then base and clear coats