ES kit when to glue the neck

[fimonsaury]

Hello everyone,
quick question, but for some reason I cannot find the answer yet.

When should I glue the neck to the body for an ES build?
I plan on staining the guitar with a water stain and then finish with a lacquer.

Should I glue the neck first and then stain or vice versa.

thanks!

[Sonic Mountain]

You can do it either way. If you fit it before finishing it’s just a bit more awkward to handle, but you will have a more continuous finish. If you do it separately, it’s easier to work on, just note where you will be glueing and don’t stain or finish that part of the heel/pocket.