page 7
Before you can bolt the neck on to check its fit, you must pre-
pare the metal body. First, find the centerline of the body.
From scrap wood make a “centering stick” measuring 9-5/8"
long and 1-1/16" tall. Round the ends so that the stick drops
into the soundwell flush with the top, and centered in the
well
(10)
. Once you mark its center, you will have an impor-
tant reference point to find the top’s centerline.
To mark the centerline at various points on the metal body,
put masking tape on the guitar. This will provide a temporary
surface to mark on. Place the masking tape at three points on
the guitar top: 1) above the neck opening in the sides at the
front shoulders; 2) between the large circles of the F-holes
closest to the soundwell; 3) the “centering stick” in the
soundwell. Lay a straightedge along these points
(11)
, and
mark the centerline on the masking tape.
Put masking tape on the metal sides at the tail block end of
the body and transfer the centerline onto the tape there
(12)
. Using the tailpiece as a template, mark its mounting
hole on the tape — then centerpunch and drill a 5/32" hole
through the metal.
Also on the centerline, mark, centerpunch, and drill two
9/64" holes in the soundwell lip for the screws which fasten
the fretboard extension support stick. These holes should be
3/8" away from the soundwell side wall
(13)
to guarantee
that the outer edge of the cone will not come into contact
with them.
Bevel and radius the ends of the tail block so that it fits into
the radiused corners of the body, and snugs up tight to the
metal. Locate the tail block in the body (it will be snug), mark
it through the 5/32" clearance hole, and drill a 1/16" hole into
Preparing the body for the neck
10.
From scrap wood make a “centering stick” 9-5/8" x 1-1/16".
11.
With a straightedge, mark the centerline on masking tape.
12.
Place a piece of masking tape on the sides at the tail block end
of the body and transfer the centerline onto the metal sides there.
13.
Drill screw holes for fastening the fretboard extension support
stick 3/8" away from the soundwell side wall.
