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Be sure the gluing surface of the neck is clean, smooth, and
free of epoxy from the reinforcement bar . Spread Titebond
glue, align the fingerboard with the penciled nut line, and
wrap the board firmly to the neck using the supplied rubber
strip . A rubber strip is a “self-centering” clamp which allows
a little wiggling into position before the glue sets .
Install the fretboard
Follow the same procedure to fit the back brace into the
kerfing that you did with the top: clamp it in place, locate
the notches and cut them, trim the brace ends, and glue the
brace on the back using clamps or weights .
Fit and glue the back on
Use a razor knife to cut and remove the cardboard inner
mold .
Remove the cardboard mold
When the fretboard has dried, use a half-round bastard file
or a sanding block to smooth the shape of the neck and
make the fretboard edges flush . Block-sand the neck with
150-grit, then 220-grit sandpaper .
Where the neck meets the peghead there is a carved “V”
shape called the volute . This shape is not essential to the
strength of the neck, whether you leave it or remove it is
just a matter of the style you prefer . We have pictured both
options to help you decide .
Shape the neck
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