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Headstocks are easily cut with a jigsaw.Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
Cut the headstock to the desired shape using a jigsaw. Guitar kits come with an over-sized headstock that allows the builder to cut it down to a specific shape. Sand the cut edges, starting with 120-grit sandpaper. Continue sanding with 320-grit sandpaper until the edges are as smooth as the rest of the neck. - 2
Packaging tape can be substituted for painter's masking tape.PhotoObjects.net/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
Prepare the body for finishing. Use painter's masking tape to mask the fret board. Run the tape along the binding, on both sides of the fret board. Completely cover the fret board with masking tape. - 3
A sanding block can be used for those hard-to-reach areas on the guitar's body.Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
Sand the body and neck. Use an electric palm sander with 400-grit sandpaper. Sand the body and neck until both are smooth to the touch. Switch to 600-grit sandpaper, repeating the sanding process. Wipe the body and neck down with a clean cotton rag before applying the finish. - 4
Wood tints come in a variety of interesting colors.Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
Apply wood stain or tint to the guitar's body. Use a clean cotton rag. Wad up the rag into a ball and dip it into an open can of stain or tint. Let the excess liquid drip off the rag, back into the can. Rub the stain or tint onto the guitar's body, parallel with the wood's grain. Apply the stain or tint until the desired color is achieved. Wipe off the excess stain or tint. Allow 24 hours for drying. - 5). Spray the guitar's body and neck with clear-coat lacquer. Hold the can about 10-inches above the surface of the wood. Spray in the direction of the wood grain, making quick left to right passes. Allow 12 hours for drying. Sand the lacquered surfaces with 800-grit sandpaper. Wipe the guitar and neck down with a clean cotton rag to remove any sanding debris. Repeat the process until four coats of lacquer have been applied, sanding and wiping the guitar and neck in between each coat. Remove the masking tape from the fret board.
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A wooden shim is used to align the guitar's neck and body.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Attach the neck to the body. Assemble the bridge, saddle and tuners. String the guitar to test its playability. Set the string height to the desired level. Make height adjustments at the bridge. The strings will not buzz if the neck and body are aligned correctly. If the strings buzz, raise the bridge up. If the strings still buzz, remove them, loosen the neck's screws and place a small wooden shim between the neck and the guitar's body. Tighten the neck screws, restring the guitar and retest. - 7). Mount the electronics. Saga guitar kits come with all of the electronics already soldered together. The electronics are mounted using a small crescent wrench and Phillips head screwdriver.
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