RC-1 Custom 25.5 Scale Bolt on Neck

[aido78]

This is a customised RC-1 kit - it has a bolt on 25.5 maple neck, everything else is standard.

I've kicked off my build diary by checking how the neck sits in the neck pocket. There are some gaps there although no show stoppers. Hopefully this will disappear once the neck is screwed on?

Unfortunately, I can't use the trapeze bridge as the bridge holes are located further back on the guitar body. Therefore, I'm going to source a stop tail wrap around at this stage.

[I’ll give it a go]

This is going to be a good build to watch.


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[aido78]

Hi. I know it's common to do a mock up build. However, I was thinking of going a step further and do some additional steps to get the guitar playing through an amp; that way I can determine if the pickups are worth keeping and get an overall idea of quality.

Anyone done this?

[FrankenWashie]

It’s quite common. There are a number that build that way.
I would counsel you to stick with the kit gear until you are 100% sure you want to upgrade. Most of the pickups I’ve had are decent, there has only been one set that didn’t do it for me, those were from a different factory and the electrics package was suspect from the get go. Body and neck were fabulous though.

[king casey]

Anyone done this?

Yep. I like to make sure the guitar is a top player before considering how to finish it.
I would hate to have a showroom finish and discover some hardware issue that slipped under the radar ( a fairly common occurrence for me).

cheers, Mark.

[aido78]

great thanks for the feedback!

[aido78]

Hi. Stop tail bridge is on it's way...However, I could also mount the strings through the body? What is everyone's opinion on this?

I think it would look cleaner? How hard a job is it to mount the strings through the body?

What's your opinion on string thru vs stop tail?

[Fretworn]

The issue with string throughs is getting the six holes aligned, both top and bottom. This is very difficult without access to a good drillpress. Even then it can be hard.

[aido78]

Hi. Yes, good point! No room or budget for acquiring a drill press so I've gone with a stop tail design.

Mock build completed with good results.

So my build will kick off this week.

[aido78]

Headstock shaping completed. Surprise, I've gone for a pseudo ricky look.
I also did a full fret level with 400 grit...next is fret crowning