A few pointers for guitar kit builders
Glue in Guitar Necks
There are a number of things that may go wrong when setting the neck on electric guitar kits. Most kits like saga guitars are of the bolt on variety and this is going to help you stay clear of difficulty generally (although you do still want to make certain your alignment is set correctly). But if your neck is a glue in model you want to get your scale length correct and ensure you are using a appropriate glue. Scale length is very important, we wont go into detail here re: getting the scale length correct but needless to say if you are unsure of how to set scale length you should research the topic further.
As far as an acceptable glue to set your electric guitar kit neck stick to Titebond or something of a similar nature and make sure you use timber blocks when clamping to avoid damaging the neck. Dependent on the glue you use you should let the neck sit for no less than 12-24 hours and don't forget to only use as much glue as you need. If you use too much glue there's a strong chance you'll have residual glue between the neck and cavity which can impact your sustain, you should be aiming towards neck against body timber.
Manually cutting the headstock
Start with the end in mind. E.g. Have a template ready to go and transfer the shape you desire onto the electric guitar kit headstock before cutting the timber using something non permanent e.g. Carpenters pencil. Make sure when you do begin cutting that you stay well and truly on the exterior of the marking as it is always simpler to adjust inwards than mend a cut made too close to the edge.
Once happy with your shape start sanding back employing a coarse gauge sandpaper or file and work your way down to a light gauge sand paper. Show patience and consider your contours not simply the edge of the headstock and you'll finish up with a great result.
There are a number of things that may go wrong when setting the neck on electric guitar kits. Most kits like saga guitars are of the bolt on variety and this is going to help you stay clear of difficulty generally (although you do still want to make certain your alignment is set correctly). But if your neck is a glue in model you want to get your scale length correct and ensure you are using a appropriate glue. Scale length is very important, we wont go into detail here re: getting the scale length correct but needless to say if you are unsure of how to set scale length you should research the topic further.
As far as an acceptable glue to set your electric guitar kit neck stick to Titebond or something of a similar nature and make sure you use timber blocks when clamping to avoid damaging the neck. Dependent on the glue you use you should let the neck sit for no less than 12-24 hours and don't forget to only use as much glue as you need. If you use too much glue there's a strong chance you'll have residual glue between the neck and cavity which can impact your sustain, you should be aiming towards neck against body timber.
Manually cutting the headstock
Start with the end in mind. E.g. Have a template ready to go and transfer the shape you desire onto the electric guitar kit headstock before cutting the timber using something non permanent e.g. Carpenters pencil. Make sure when you do begin cutting that you stay well and truly on the exterior of the marking as it is always simpler to adjust inwards than mend a cut made too close to the edge.
Once happy with your shape start sanding back employing a coarse gauge sandpaper or file and work your way down to a light gauge sand paper. Show patience and consider your contours not simply the edge of the headstock and you'll finish up with a great result.
About the Author:
We cover every aspect of electric guitar kits at eguitarkits.com. Click here for more tips on assembling guitar kits and some comprehensive resources for staining and painting the finished product.
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