Posted by statorvane (152.163.252.5) on June 10, 2003 at 21:07:42:
In Reply to: Newbie questions posted by Elizabeth on June 10, 2003 at 18:52:14:
: Should I put the kit together, see how it fits or if it needs screw holes filled/re-drilled (since it seems people say these kits aren't too acurrate, but you get what you pay for)? Because I would hate to paint it all up and take so long working on it, only to have it not work out.
Well, I am unfamiliar with these kits. I built mine from raw lumber. I think it is an excellent idea to check the alignment of the neck and bridge prior to apply sealer, paint, etc. I mounted the bridge, and clamped the neck in position. Then ran some thread from the outer bridge saddles to a temporarily fixed nut, to check the alignment. Had to add a very thin shim to one keep it straight.
: Secondly, about said screw holes... I have read the ReRanch 101 and from what I remember, it didn't mention what to do about the screw holes. Is it ok just to paint over them? Because I should be able to find them later, if I did a pre-assembly on the body.
You won't have any problem finding them. You want to be sure that when you insert your screws, you don't chip the finish. I think I read on this forum, or RR101 that a drill bit inserted and hand twisted backwards will remove any paint in the hole, without chipping the finish.
: Thirdly, about the big holes. I am new to guitar, and have no experience with the inner workings (hence part of the joy of this project), so I mean the big routed-out holes the pickups/electronics go into. Should I mask these off or what?
I think the Saga kits are sealed there. If that is the case, it won't hurt to mask them off. I think you may want to apply some shielding after you are done with the paint/finishing anyway.
: Fourth: Equipment. I have seen the ReRanch aerosols offered here, but I think I want wilder colors (ie, I don't want a classic color, I want something more personalised than that), so does anyone have any experience with an airbrush or a Preval spray unit?
: My aunt has an airbrush/compressor she will let me borrow... is this the way to go?
: I suppose you need to know what paint I will use and what not, but I haven't yet decided.
: I kind of would like to go all fancy and try a burst of some sort.
If you are going for a solid color, and can work around the orange peel the preval units will offer better coverage than an airbrush. The airbrush is excellent for applying bursts. A small automotive type touch-up sprayer is about the best for applying paint to large areas, provided your compressor is big enough (bigger than an airbrush compressor).
: Fifth: Not about painting, but does anyone know a good brand of tuners to use? I don't like the looks of these cheapo tuners that came with the kit. I just need some brand names so I can do some research, like I said I am new to guitars and don't know too much.
Measure the diameter of the holes, and buy tuners that will fit. Otherwise you may have to ream them out if the tuners are too large, or plug and re-drill them if they are too small. Grover and Gotoh are pretty ecent tuners - check Stew Mac or Warmoth.
: Finally: You guys (and gals, if there are any other women here!) are great! I love the ReRanch site with all of it's massive info. And I appreciate how everyone here is ready to answer questions for random strangers. Thanks.
Yes, this is a great forum. I have learned many things here. Hat's off to Bill for setting this up.