First Build - EX4

[Marty]

So it's here. Had it out of the box and done a quick mock build. Only complaint is a couple of little dings in the body. Worst is on the lower horn under the neck. Should be easy to fill and sand back to get them smooth.

Not too worried about them showing up as it's going to be a solid white body, bevel the edges and have them black. Neck will be white as well and the headstock the same as the body.

Only concern is the butt of the neck doesn't sit flush to the body by a few mm. The contours on the end of the neck doesn't quite match up the the neck pocket. I guess I'll need to get the bridge on and measure the scale to see if its needs some work?

And now it's goes back in the box for me to open again on Xmas day 🙄

[Rabbit]

You're off to a good start! Your kit was shipped and arrived! I'm hoping they ship mine this week. Leaving it till Xmass is probably a good idea, it will give the timber a chance to stabilise and you can then see if the neck is still a good fit in the pocket or if it needs some shims.The inlays look nice

[Marty]

Thanks Rabbit. The neck fits nice and snug in the pocket, no wiggle. Just a bit concerned about the gap at the butt of the neck in the 3rd picture. I'm sure I'll work it out.

[Rabbit]

Just a bit concerned about the gap at the butt of the neck in the 3rd picture. I'm sure I'll work it out.

Yeh, as you mentioned, you probably want to check the bridge to nut length to see if its a fraction long. You may have to round the heel of the neck at the end to match the neck route of the body. From the photo it looks to me that they have different radii.

[wazkelly]

Agree that you will need to check scale length first before contemplating any mods.

Otherwise, good lick with the build. The 3 point bridge seems to be the only weakness to keep an eye on and you will really need to make sure rear 2 posts are jammed in very, very tight to stop back edge gradually lifting up off the body.

Cheers, Waz

[Rabbit]

Otherwise, good lick with the build. The 3 point bridge seems to be the only weakness to keep an eye on and you will really need to make sure rear 2 posts are jammed in very, very tight to stop back edge gradually lifting up off the body.

I have read that the trick with the 3 post bridges is to have the front a little higher than the back so that it has a slight backwards angle. I'll be using a Baicz bridge with mine, I don't know if that will make a differnce?

[wazkelly]

If it is still 3 point anchored you probably want front as flat as possible to help get a low action.

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[Marty]

Thanks for the help guys.

It's gone to Santa's workshop for the time being, I'll get it back on Xmas day.

[Rabbit]

<bouncehopspin!!!!!> My kit came today (on a Sunday can you believe it?) Mine too had the same fitment issue with the neck pocket. This stems from the pocket being routed, and the corners of the neck heel apparently being sanded by eye. Checking with the bridge, there is enough adjustment there to allow for either fettle the heel to match the route radii, or leave it as is. The choice is yours .

[Marty]

Glad it finally tuned up!

And glad it's not just me with the neck pocket issue. Have to wait until Xmas day to get my kit back, hoping I'll be able to leave as it if there's enough adjustment on the bridge. Could be a bit of a ball ache otherwise.