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I'm building a Gretsch style semi hollow-body electric and, like the Gretschs, the neck and fret board extend over the body and there is a gap between the underside of the neck extension and the top of the body, as shown in this picture.



Does anyone know how you would go about applying the lacquer to the underside of the neck extension and the part of the body top that is under it? How does Gretsch do it? The only way I can think of doing it is to apply the finish to these surfaces before glueing the neck on then tough up around the glue joint. I faced a similar problem with the finishing of an F-5 Style mandolin. I got some lacquer onto the underside of the neck extension but it was very rough. Fortunately, that was a dark finish and was not particularly noticeable.

Any advice would be appreciated.

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Richard

Look closely at one and you may well find the finish under there isn't what you think.... I know that is the case on Gibby models of the same design.

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Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

Thanks for that suggestion. I will look at one at a local guitar store.

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Richard

Brian,
I took your suggestion and looked at a Gretsch in a guitar shop (a Chet Atkins of some sort). As you suspected, there was no finish to speak of under the fretboard extension. The gap was very small so it was barely noticeable.

On my build, I might just do a quick few coats of color and lacquer with an air brush in these areas before I glue the neck on - just because I can.

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Richard