Witto's rc-1 project (first time builder)

[wcieslik]

Hi,
Finally got around to starting my rc-1.
First ever build. (Have a Mosie ordered as well).

So far I have only shaped the head and started sanding.
I have read lots and lots of advice and hints etc.. and tried a couple of test fits with the neck and saddle in place.
Which brings me to my query!

Scale length...
I'm a little unsure if I need to cut about 4mm off the heel plate on the neck.

My neck measures 312mm from nut to fret #12, but it's 316mm from fret #12 to the center line of the saddle (at the high E) ... so even further off the mark for the low E.

ie: longer distance from saddle to #12, than from #12 to nut.

Do those measurements sound right, or should I bite the bullet and cut 4mm off the heel plate ?
Has anyone else had to do similar on this or any other kit ?

Trimming a little off would actually make fitting the neck a little easier. I think the wood has swollen slightly since the kit arrived. My fist test fit had the neck slot into place without too much jiggling, and just a little play. Now it's as tight as !

Best regards,
(I'm still sanding ... yeah yeah yeah ..)

[wcieslik]

I may have just answered my own question ...

Scale length for this kit is 24.75 inches (628mm).

312 + 316 = 628mm spot on ! (do not cut 4mm off the heel plate !)

[FrankenWashie]

Welcome, you’ve reasoned through your first hurdle well, look forward to seeing your build progress.

[wcieslik]

Decided to bite the bullet and go back to bare wood and start the finishing process again...
It's all experimental at this stage.

In the meantime I'm still ruminating about the fit of the neck into the neck pocket.
It *really* tight !
So tight I can't push it all the way home, and I still want to check the alignment properly before glueing.

I think it will 'go' if I use clamps to apply a bit more force, but then I'm worried it wont come out again. (At least not without damage).

I could sand a bit off the neck sides. (so I can test fit, check alignment etc, and then glue later, when ready).
I could just apply glue and then clamp now, and hope for the best. (and finish the guitar with neck installed)
I could wait till I've finished the body and then clamp and glue (hoping for the best).
or then sand a bit off the neck sides to fit.

It's good typing this stuff out ... Kinda clears the head...
I'm going to (start again and) finish the body, and then cross the bridge about neck fit and alignment later ...

[FrankenWashie]

When you say you can't push it all the way home, do you mean it won't seat properly in the bottom of the rout, or that it doesnt go all the way back into the rear of the rout?
If you can post up photos then it makes it a bit clearer for providing guidance.

[wcieslik]

Hi Frank,
I'm worried that if I apply enough pressure to force the neck heel down, to seat all the way to the bottom of the route, then I won't be able to get it out again.

It butts up hard against the rear of the rout OK.

Initially I thought that could be part of the problem.
Taking a mill off the end would allow the neck to sit (well I guess a mill) further forward, and due to the taper of the neck, have a little more freedom at the pinch point on the body.

It wasn't this tight when the kit first arrived. I did a mock build then, and the neck did fit (with a good push) all the way down.
It's only become difficult after all the rain we had a month or so back... (Sydney).

I'll take a photo tonight.
Thanks again for your interest !

Cheers,
Witto.

[FrankenWashie]

Sounds like it’s sucked up a wee bit of moisture and gotten a wee bit swollen.

[Wayne.Mumford]

Good luck with your first build Witto, take your time and ask plenary of questions and all should be good.
Wayno.

[wcieslik]

Thanks guys,
I have decoded not to lose any sleep over the neck fit at present. Plenty of time for that later on ;-)

I've re-sanded the body back to bare and started the finish process again.
Feeling pretty happy with the progress. I'm in no rush.

[Andyxlh]

Not rushing is the key to a good result!