Alrighty there guitar building fans...
I've just purchased myself the spalted maple single-cut (Les Paul) kit, and it's my first time for a few things...
I've assembled a strat-copy (bolt-on neck) before from a friends half-started project - I'm happy enough with how it plays for a bunky - but it's time to step up.
I've got no issue with the electronics side (I work in electrical engineering) but I'm pretty thin on the ground when it comes to the physical stuff e.g. gluing necks, setting up action, woodwork finishing etc.
The spalted maple veneer on the kit looks amazing, but I want to stain it silvery-grey.. has anyone had any experience with how maple accepts that kind of colour? I've googled around quite a bit, but it's really hit-n-miss what's out there.
I've attached a concept photo of something similar to what I'm trying to achieve, and a couple of intro shots of the guitar kit.
My first real question tho, how hard should the bridge/saddle anchors need to be banged in? I mean, I get it that they have to be tight, but I'm worried that the pre-drilled holes are actually a little too snug, and I really don't want to have to smash the anchors down and potentially damage the wood. Obviously I haven't hit them all the way into place for the test fit, but is it common to need to sand out the holes slightly to get them to fit a little easier?
Thanks in advance good people, look forward to barraging you all with a constant stream of questions!
Cheers,
Tbo.