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Ok, so My #1 build (archtop) is bound and basically ready to have the neck glued in. The neck has been final shaped and the neck joint fitted and ready to go. The neck has the frets mounted and the ends trimmed flush and slightly chamferd. What is your thoughts on the final steps:

1) Do you guys level the frets and dress the ends before or after the neck is attached and before or after the finish?

2) Do you guys cut and install the nut before or after the finish? (do you partially finish over the nut end like gibson?)

3) Do you guys drill all the holes for tuners, endpins, stap buttons and tail pieces before or after the finish?

4) for raised pickguards, do you make and install the hardware before finish to check for fit?

And last but not least: Any reason to really string up a guitar in the "white"?

I'll probably start the finishing process this weekend, but want to know what you guys collectively feel the final steps are before going into the finishing procecess.

Thanks,

Joe

_________________
Joe

Joe,
see my answers below in your text.

1) Do you guys level the frets and dress the ends before or after the neck is attached and before or after the finish? I install the frets beforehand but do all fret work after the neck is attached and the finish is done.

2) Do you guys cut and install the nut before or after the finish? After (do you partially finish over the nut end like gibson?) No

3) Do you guys drill all the holes for tuners yes, endpins yes, stap buttons no and tail pieces before or after the finish?

4) for raised pickguards, do you make and install the hardware before finish to check for fit? Never used a raised pick guard

And last but not least: Any reason to really string up a guitar in the "white"? Some guys do because they can "tweak" things before the finish goes on. I, however, choose not to string up in the white but rather in the buff.
Being a fair skinned Irish boy I guess you could say I do string up in the white!

Here is how I prepare an archtop for finishing. I'm sure others have their own variation.[quote="JRE Productions"]

1) Do you guys level the frets and dress the ends before or after the neck is attached and before or after the finish?
I level and dress frets after all finishing, but you can do it before if you prefer.

2) Do you guys cut and install the nut before or after the finish? (do you partially finish over the nut end like gibson?)
Before.

3) Do you guys drill all the holes for tuners, endpins, stap buttons and tail pieces before or after the finish?
Before.

4) for raised pickguards, do you make and install the hardware before finish to check for fit?
Make it and check fit before, then remove during finishing.

And last but not least: Any reason to really string up a guitar in the "white"?
I don't do this.

I'll probably start the finishing process this weekend, but want to know what you guys collectively feel the final steps are before going into the finishing procecess.

Thanks,

Joe[/quote]

1) Do you guys level the frets and dress the ends before or after the neck is attached and before or after the finish?

I do not even final level the fretboard till the neck is attached just in case I goof an get any kind of hump at the joint. So ny answer is no.

2) Do you guys cut and install the nut before or after the finish? (do you partially finish over the nut end like gibson?

I fit the nut to the neck prior to finish but do not glue in till after installing the frets which is after final fretboard leveling Final nut height and radius is fitted prior to gluing in place but after basic fret leveling.

3) Do you guys drill all the holes for tuners, endpins, stap buttons and tail pieces before or after the finish?

I drill my tuner holes right after I finish laminating the peghead veneer and shaping, binding and inlaying the peghead. I drill my end pins prior to finish. I plug tuner and end pin holes with soft ear plugs prior to finishing.

4) for raised pickguards, do you make and install the hardware before finish to check for fit?

Not applicable to my acoustic guitars

And last but not least: Any reason to really string up a guitar in the "white"?

I don’t because of my neck installation process but there are advantages on an acoustic for doing so. I am not sure I see much advantage on an acoustic other than pre setting relief.

My answers to your specific questions were answered by the others but I wanted to add something.

I fit/floss the bridge on the top prior to finishing and be sure to note the exact RH in your shop. After finishing before I glue the fitted bridge on I let the guitar and bridge acclimate to the same RH that the bridge was fitted in for several days before gluing.