Sami's first DIY kit (novice warning!)

[Samibox]

Finally I put together the basic parts of my RC1 to strum the first chords out of it (The kit received in early January)



Notions:

+ Very soft touch, even though the strings are still pretty high
+ I like the neck profile
+ Parts fit together well, careful work.
- The 1st fret is too low, all strings buzz when pressed. No problems with other frets. This I can fix.
- Bridge slightly too high at lowest position. Will sand the neck slightly to change the angle.
- The bottom of the pot cavity is only 2.5 mm (0.1 in) which I think is too thin. Light shines through.
A sharp hit from backside and it will crack. Trying to think of a smart way to reinforce it.
Same problem anyone? Solution?

[Samibox]

The bottom of the pot cavity is only 2.5 mm (0.1 in) which I think is too thin. Light shines through.



Trying to think of a smart way to reinforce it:
I'm thinking of glueing a cavity shaped plate to the bottom. Could be wood/veneer/aluminium.
It might be easier to make in smaller pieces and add higher "beams" between pieces to give some extra strength.

I don't think it's an issue with the "f-hole", it's a smaller surface.

[Sonic Mountain]

Interesting. I have a custom order one of these on the way, but the mahogany body version.

Does seem a bit thin - but I guess acoustic guitars aren't much thicker in the body. Using a bit of aluminium sheet might be a good idea as you could tie it into some cavity shielding. Plus its nice and light.

[Andyxlh]

This looks like a very nice kit.
I agree with the aluminium plate for reinforcement, rough up one side and stick it down with decent contact glue...

[FrankenWashie]

Welcome to the forum Sami, it’s a great looking kit!

You could always lay down a layer of fibreglass or epoxy resin. The aluminium is a good idea, though I guess it depends on your ability to get it cut and shaped.

[Andyxlh]

That's a good idea. Even epoxy car body filler would do it, or builders bog. Aluminium plate can be bought from the big green shed at various thicknesses I think.

[FrankenWashie]

That's a good idea. Even epoxy car body filler would do it, or builders bog. Aluminium plate can be bought from the big green shed at various thicknesses I think.

Not sure you’ll find a BGS in Tampere, Finland Andy. Lovely place though.

[corsair]

I used a piece of thin 3-ply shaped to the cavity bottom to strengthen the very, very thin top deck of an Aria Pro II control cavity; 3-ply because it is cheap, easily workable on a kitchen table and PVA glue will do an admirable job in affixing it!

[king casey]

I guess it depends on your ability to get it cut and shaped.

You could try and scrounge a used offset plate from a local Printer/Print shop.

You can cut them with a pair of scissors.

cheers, Mark.

[Samibox]

Fiberglass and epoxy are great ideas too. My chances to cut are limited but I've got something to try with.