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Place masking tape on the top across the tail block so you
can mark the centerline on it with a pencil . When applying
tape to the top, keep in mind that some tapes have very
aggressive adhesive, and can pull out wood fibers when the
tape is removed . Use a low-tack tape, or press the tape to
your shirt prior to use so that it is less tacky .
Lightly install the neck, using the washer and bolt, and then
gently clamp the fretboard extension down onto the top .
Make the neck just finger-tight at this stage so that if you
need to shift its position, a tap will do it . The neck bolt can
be reached with a 3/8" socket turned by a flat-blade screw-
driver, but don’t overtighten it at this stage .
Lay a straightedge against the fretboard, extending over the
tape at the tail block . Measure from the straightedge to the
centerline, and then do the same on the opposite side . If the
measurements are not equal, the neck is not centered . Gently
push or tap the neck to correct any misalignment . Once the
neck is aligned, tighten the neck bolt more snugly (at this
point, finger pressure should still be all that’s needed) .
If the neck won’t align with the center, use a rat-tail file to
enlarge the mounting hole slightly so that the neck can move
further to that side .
Fit the neck to the body
Aline the tailpiece of your choice (not included) and its
mounting holes on the center seam at the end block .
Centerpunch the holes, and drill them with a 1/16" bit .
Install the screws .
Install the tailpiece
With 150-grit sandpaper laid on a flat surface, sand the blank
nut blank until it is uniformly 3/16" thick . Check with a square
to be sure that the surface that faces the fretboard is square
to the bottom of the nut .
Fit the nut
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