1st Build DST-1

[kell4now]

Hi All,

Just started work on my DST-1 kit today. I've done my mock build and can see that my neck is out of alignment. I started to sand the pocket on the top side, but as I was progressing I realised that the pocket, heal of the neck and the bridge all have pre-drilled holes.

If all that is pre-drilled, I'm not sure how to do much to change the alignment. If I keep sanding out part of the pocket, it's just going to give me a bigger gap between the neck and the body because it's the pre-drilled holes that will determine exactly where the neck sits.

Any tips on how to adjust the neck or bridge to get the alignment right would be appreciated!

[wazkelly]

Might be easier to plug & re-drill bridge holes plus ensure that it is properly located for scale length & intonation.

Cheers Waz

Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk

[McCreed]

It's hard to identify where the issue is by just that one photo.
It would be good to have more photos showing the entire neck so we can see the string alignment from the nut, as well as the relationship between the bridge, neck pocket, neck, nut etc. This could be a really simple fix or more complex.

What is shown there could be just a matter of moving the headstock end of the neck "upward" which is a very standard adjustment with a screw-fixed neck, or it could be a misplaced bridge, or off-centre nut or a combination of all three, which is not shown.

I would not sand anymore until the source of the problem is identified and we can offer more appropriate advice.

[kell4now]

McCreed, I think you're right - moving the headstock will probably do the trick, but probably downward?

Whatever the case, here's a bunch for photos:-

You can see where I was sanding out the top of the pocket. Glad I stopped when I did :/

[kell4now]

And some photos of the bridge

[McCreed]

McCreed, I think you're right - moving the headstock will probably do the trick, but probably downward?

YES!!!
My bad, got it backwards. Headstock downwards to move the low E string in from the fretboard edge.

Based on the other photos, everything seems to line up nicely. I can't say if the sanding you've already done will create an significant gap between the pocket and heel, but there are way of dealing with that if it comes to it. See how you go and it is a problem let us know.

A tiny gap at one side or the other of the pocket is not uncommon, and you can even find that on factory produced guitars if you look closely at enough of them.

[kell4now]

McCreed - How do I go about moving the headstock downwards?

The gap between the pocket and the heal isn't too bad. I guess I deal with that after staining/sealing?

[McCreed]

McCreed - How do I go about moving the headstock downwards?

Rather than writing a whole tutorial here just go to Youtube HERE.

It's easier to see than explain verbally. It not a great video, but he covers the basic principles well enough that you should get it.
I just grabbed the first vid that popped up.