Continued from page one »

After the 30 day cure cycle I sand the fretboard level with the precision radius sanding block.

As soon as I finish that I lay out the top dots (if ordered), drill and install them.

Next comes the layout, drilling and installation of the side dots. I use a pin vise to drill the side dots by hand. I can be a lot more accurate that way.

After I install the dots, I do the final fretboard truing with the precision block. Now it’s time to fret.

After fretting, I clean up the fret edges with a fine mill file. I rasp, file and sand the neck to its final shape and dimension, working down to 400 grit paper. Just before I finish sanding I glue the nut in so it can be final sanded to fit.

When I think it’s ready I sign and date the neck… and it’s just about done!

I prefer to not have any stain or lacquer get on the fretboard, so I mask it off.

Eddie wanted a vintage tint to the neck, so I wiped it down with some Golden Oak Watco and let it cure for three days, then I sprayed a couple of coats of sealer and tint on it. After it dried for two days, I applied the serial number and peghead logo transfers.

After the logo was applied, 001 went back into the paint room for the final top coats. It’s going to cure for another couple of weeks before I sand and buff it.

Whew! Man… that was a lot of pics and writing. No wonder it takes me so long to get these things done! In my next installment I’ll complete the guitar, sanding, buffing, assembly, etc. I hope you come back and see how she turns out!

Have a great 2008 everyone, and I hope I haven’t bored you too much with this series! Be happy and well.

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