Grade 1 Course Work
Requirements:
You MUST be a Member of the following Facebook Groups:
The Amateur Luthier
Kit Guitar Builders
Guitar Finishing
In these Groups you will be able to ask questions and get help from many experienced Luthiers. Remember to search the Group before posting as your question may already have been answered.
Many "files" have also been posted in the Groups so take a look at them as well.
If you really get stuck on something join the Mentor Scheme in each Group where you will be paired up with a mentor on a "one to one" basis. They will help with your problem and guide you on your way.
DO NOT USE A MENTOR FOR GENERAL HELP, USE THE GROUPS
PRINT OUT THE CHECKLIST. CLICK HERE.
You MUST be a Member of the following Facebook Groups:
The Amateur Luthier
Kit Guitar Builders
Guitar Finishing
In these Groups you will be able to ask questions and get help from many experienced Luthiers. Remember to search the Group before posting as your question may already have been answered.
Many "files" have also been posted in the Groups so take a look at them as well.
If you really get stuck on something join the Mentor Scheme in each Group where you will be paired up with a mentor on a "one to one" basis. They will help with your problem and guide you on your way.
DO NOT USE A MENTOR FOR GENERAL HELP, USE THE GROUPS
PRINT OUT THE CHECKLIST. CLICK HERE.
GRADE 1
This requires the building of a Kit Guitar from preparation, finishing, assembly, installing electrics and Hardware and setting up and playing. Use the Facebook Groups above for any help that you require.
We will be concentrating on a basic pre wired Telecaster Kit in this Course.
Start a Worksheet - a simple jot pad will do or if you can and have a computer start a Word document for this - and note down each section as you complete it. Make brief notes on how you completed the section and take some pictures on your Smartphone as you go. This information will be needed at the end of the build.
Specific instructions for the Stages in the Grade can be obtained from the Facebook Groups - items such as: how to sand, how to Grain fill, how to stain/spray etc.
This is not a comprehensive list and there are other areas you will need to undertake as you progress your build especially and problem solving. Again help can be obtained via the Facebook Groups.
The following MUST be completed and proof will be required when you are ready to submit your Guitar for assessing.
Before you start it is suggested you will need the following. Power tools are suggested but not necessary as most work can be done by hand. It is not a comprehensive list and other items may be needed as well:
Most Kits will include the following:
To aid completing Notes, Thesis etc. it is suggested you have access to:
This requires the building of a Kit Guitar from preparation, finishing, assembly, installing electrics and Hardware and setting up and playing. Use the Facebook Groups above for any help that you require.
We will be concentrating on a basic pre wired Telecaster Kit in this Course.
Start a Worksheet - a simple jot pad will do or if you can and have a computer start a Word document for this - and note down each section as you complete it. Make brief notes on how you completed the section and take some pictures on your Smartphone as you go. This information will be needed at the end of the build.
Specific instructions for the Stages in the Grade can be obtained from the Facebook Groups - items such as: how to sand, how to Grain fill, how to stain/spray etc.
This is not a comprehensive list and there are other areas you will need to undertake as you progress your build especially and problem solving. Again help can be obtained via the Facebook Groups.
The following MUST be completed and proof will be required when you are ready to submit your Guitar for assessing.
Before you start it is suggested you will need the following. Power tools are suggested but not necessary as most work can be done by hand. It is not a comprehensive list and other items may be needed as well:
- Phillips Screwdrivers
- Flat Head Screwdrivers
- Chisels
- Tape measure
- Metal Ruler
- Straight Edge
- Power Drill
- Jigsaw
- Router
- Router Bits
- Grain Filler
- Sanding Sealer
- Sandpaper - Various Grades
- Wet and Dry paper - Various Grades
- Sanding Blocks
- Orbital (Bobbin) Sander - Optional
- Drill Press - Optional
- Thicknesser - Optional
- Drill Bits
- Rattle Can sprays - if required
- Stain and Oil - if required
- Rags
- Guitar Templates
Most Kits will include the following:
- Guitar Body
- Guitar Neck
- Loaded Pickguard
- Bridge
- Scratch Plate
- Tuning Pegs
- Strings
- Ferrules
- Jack Socket
- Strap Buttons
- Fixings
To aid completing Notes, Thesis etc. it is suggested you have access to:
- Computer
- Digital Camera or Smartphone
- Word or similar word processing software
PREPARATION
1.1 Purchase a basic, pre-wired Kit Guitar.
Do not be too ambitious.
1.2 On receipt of your Kit check all contents and that there is no damage. Liaise with the Company you purchased from if any problems.
1.3 Read through the instructions on how to build the Kit carefully and several times.
1.4 Check you have the necessary tools and materials for the job and that your Work Area is sufficient.
Check the Neck fits the Body. Use a straight edge to ensure the neck lines up perfectly with the centre line of the body and the Bridge hardware. If any problems contact your supplier.
1.1 Purchase a basic, pre-wired Kit Guitar.
Do not be too ambitious.
1.2 On receipt of your Kit check all contents and that there is no damage. Liaise with the Company you purchased from if any problems.
1.3 Read through the instructions on how to build the Kit carefully and several times.
1.4 Check you have the necessary tools and materials for the job and that your Work Area is sufficient.
Check the Neck fits the Body. Use a straight edge to ensure the neck lines up perfectly with the centre line of the body and the Bridge hardware. If any problems contact your supplier.
BODY & NECK
2.0 It is well worth spending some time on the following as work done here will influence the final finish of your Guitar.
You must decide now what finish you are after solid colour spraying or stain and oil.
We recommend for your first build using stain and oil. We also recommend using the Neck that came with the kit "as is" as they normally are perfect for a simple kit.
The procedure here will refer to a spray finish. Whilst stain and oil is suggested for a novice it is more labour intensive. If preferred though details can be found in the Facebook Groups.
Check the Facebook Groups for help or ask your questions.
Loosely fit the neck to the body and place the Hardware in situ to ensure everything fits correctly.
Use your Straight edge and Ruler to determine the centre line of the body and the neck and make sure that all line up correctly on this dry fit. If you are unsure on how to do this the Facebook Groups will help. Any problems resolve with your supplier.
2.1 Sand the Body and the Neck going through various grades of sandpaper until perfectly smooth. Concentrate on the Body.
2.2 To ensure a smooth finish for spraying you may need to fill the grain to create the finish. Check if it needs grain filling and if so undertake this as per the instructions for your Grain Filler.
If using stain and oil you may want to show the grain and so no need to grain fill.
2.0 It is well worth spending some time on the following as work done here will influence the final finish of your Guitar.
You must decide now what finish you are after solid colour spraying or stain and oil.
We recommend for your first build using stain and oil. We also recommend using the Neck that came with the kit "as is" as they normally are perfect for a simple kit.
The procedure here will refer to a spray finish. Whilst stain and oil is suggested for a novice it is more labour intensive. If preferred though details can be found in the Facebook Groups.
Check the Facebook Groups for help or ask your questions.
Loosely fit the neck to the body and place the Hardware in situ to ensure everything fits correctly.
Use your Straight edge and Ruler to determine the centre line of the body and the neck and make sure that all line up correctly on this dry fit. If you are unsure on how to do this the Facebook Groups will help. Any problems resolve with your supplier.
2.1 Sand the Body and the Neck going through various grades of sandpaper until perfectly smooth. Concentrate on the Body.
2.2 To ensure a smooth finish for spraying you may need to fill the grain to create the finish. Check if it needs grain filling and if so undertake this as per the instructions for your Grain Filler.
If using stain and oil you may want to show the grain and so no need to grain fill.
FINISH
3.0 Make sure holes are drilled for the Strap. You do not want to drill through the finish later if possible.
3.1 Sand the body and neck with 220 sandpaper, then 320. If you are spraying a flat finish grain fill the body. Use a natural coloured filler unless you have a body of a darker colour.
3.2 Repeat after an hour and let dry over night.
3.3 Re-sand with 220 sandpaper to a smooth finish. Now apply Sanding Sealer.
3.4 Apply Primer as per manufacturers instructions. Spray two coats. Sand again with 320 sandpaper.
3.5 Spray another coat of Primer and re-sand. If perfectly smooth now ready for finish colour. If still rough apply another coat of primer and sand again with 320 sandpaper.
3.6 Apply solid colour and clear coats as per manufacturers recommendations. Details of spray finishing can be found in the Facebook Groups. Note: allow plenty of time for this section - possibly many days. Do not rush otherwise you will be starting all over again. Polish to required shine.
3.7 On Maple neck apply clear finish removing same from frets. If the neck has a Rosewood or Ebony fingerboard tape off the fingerboard before applying the finish.
3.0 Make sure holes are drilled for the Strap. You do not want to drill through the finish later if possible.
3.1 Sand the body and neck with 220 sandpaper, then 320. If you are spraying a flat finish grain fill the body. Use a natural coloured filler unless you have a body of a darker colour.
3.2 Repeat after an hour and let dry over night.
3.3 Re-sand with 220 sandpaper to a smooth finish. Now apply Sanding Sealer.
3.4 Apply Primer as per manufacturers instructions. Spray two coats. Sand again with 320 sandpaper.
3.5 Spray another coat of Primer and re-sand. If perfectly smooth now ready for finish colour. If still rough apply another coat of primer and sand again with 320 sandpaper.
3.6 Apply solid colour and clear coats as per manufacturers recommendations. Details of spray finishing can be found in the Facebook Groups. Note: allow plenty of time for this section - possibly many days. Do not rush otherwise you will be starting all over again. Polish to required shine.
3.7 On Maple neck apply clear finish removing same from frets. If the neck has a Rosewood or Ebony fingerboard tape off the fingerboard before applying the finish.
HARDWARE & ELECTRICS
4.0 Ensure your Guitar is perfectly dry and the finish has hardened. Allow several weeks if possible.
4.1 Install the Pickguard Pickup if not already installed.
4.2 Push the Pickguard Pickup wires through the hole from the Pickguard cavity to the Control cavity
4.3 Push the Bridge Pickup wires through the hole between the Bridge cavity and the Control cavity.
4.4 Ensure the Bridge grounding wire from the Control cavity is pushed through the hole between the Control and Bridge cavities.
4.5 Run the ground wire through the hole to the Bridge mounting screw holes and strip approx 1/2' of insulation from the wire.
4.6 Install the Bridge ensuring that the bridge grounding wire is wrapped around a Bridge mounting screw.
4.7 Insert the Output Jack wiring through the hole between the Control cavity and the Jack hole.
4.8 Solder the signal and ground wires to the jack.
4.9 Fix the Jack mounting plate to the body.
IF PICKGUARD COMES WITH CONNECTORS FOR THE WIRING PUSH FIT THE CONNECTORS AS PER MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS. If no connectors proceed as follows:
4.10 Solder the Bridge and Pickguard pickup ground wires to the case of the Volume Control.
4.11 Solder the Bridge Signal wire to the selector switch, pins 1 & 2 (pins 1&2 are normally closest to the neck).
4.12 Solder the Pickguard/pickup Signal wire to the selector switch.
4.13 Install the Control Panel
4.14 Insert tuners into the Neck Headstock. Ensure that the Tuner shafts are perpendicular to the Headstock.
4.15 Fix Strap Buttons.
4.16 Install String Tees if present.
4.17 Install Strings and tune Guitar.
4.0 Ensure your Guitar is perfectly dry and the finish has hardened. Allow several weeks if possible.
4.1 Install the Pickguard Pickup if not already installed.
4.2 Push the Pickguard Pickup wires through the hole from the Pickguard cavity to the Control cavity
4.3 Push the Bridge Pickup wires through the hole between the Bridge cavity and the Control cavity.
4.4 Ensure the Bridge grounding wire from the Control cavity is pushed through the hole between the Control and Bridge cavities.
4.5 Run the ground wire through the hole to the Bridge mounting screw holes and strip approx 1/2' of insulation from the wire.
4.6 Install the Bridge ensuring that the bridge grounding wire is wrapped around a Bridge mounting screw.
4.7 Insert the Output Jack wiring through the hole between the Control cavity and the Jack hole.
4.8 Solder the signal and ground wires to the jack.
4.9 Fix the Jack mounting plate to the body.
IF PICKGUARD COMES WITH CONNECTORS FOR THE WIRING PUSH FIT THE CONNECTORS AS PER MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS. If no connectors proceed as follows:
4.10 Solder the Bridge and Pickguard pickup ground wires to the case of the Volume Control.
4.11 Solder the Bridge Signal wire to the selector switch, pins 1 & 2 (pins 1&2 are normally closest to the neck).
4.12 Solder the Pickguard/pickup Signal wire to the selector switch.
4.13 Install the Control Panel
4.14 Insert tuners into the Neck Headstock. Ensure that the Tuner shafts are perpendicular to the Headstock.
4.15 Fix Strap Buttons.
4.16 Install String Tees if present.
4.17 Install Strings and tune Guitar.
