Logical Order for 1st Setup of New Strat Build?

[Gtr65]

Hey everyone,

I've built my 1st Warmoth Strat (a basic Gilmour-worship model); the only concern I have before I string it up for its first setup is the frets (Stainless 6105's)---I didn't realize that Warmoth would lacquer over them and that I'd have to remove it from the frets. I'm a bit worried that my first attempt to do so, using 320-grit sandpaper stuck to a long, radiused sanding bar, might have screwed them up. I'm hoping that it didn't. It hardly even removed much of the lacquer.
A small sanding stick with 320-grit paper did a much better job, and I finished off the frets by polishing them with 0000 steel wool.
  My question is about the next step. At this point, everything is done except for stringing up the locking Schallers and doing the setup. Also, I haven't drilled the pickguard holes yet and have the pickguard attached to the body with painters tape so I can align the pole pieces with the strings. I'm just not sure about the order of the steps to take for a 1st setup on a new build.
  Do I need to adjust the tremolo spring tension before putting on the strings? Should I raise the saddles slightly to approximate my neck radius bedore stringing up?
  I am going with the assumption that the nut was cut right; I'm using .10s and would like to avoid filing the nut myself.
  Any suggestions on what steps in what order to take next would be really helpful.
  I'm thinking:  1)  String up  2)  Adjust trem spring tension so bridge is about 1/16" gap from bottom rear to the body  3) Make approximate string height adjustments at saddles  4)  Check neck relief and adjust truss rod if necessary  4) Check for dead spots and any notes that fret out and tweak string height  5) Set intonation  6) Pass out

  Thanks.

 

[AprioriMark]

A few things:

1) Just scrape the frets, sandpaper could cause too much collateral damage.  Some people swear by a slotted nail... I've used everything from my thumbnail to the backside of a pair of pliers.  The finish WANTS to come off of the frets.
2) Your order of assembly seems right.  You may have to repeat a couple steps as the trem, neck wood and magic juju all have their way with it.
3) I invite you to look through these forums a bit.  There are many posts on these subjects, as well as related ones from amateurs and professionals alike that will make you feel better about your (potential) mistakes.
4) That being said, no matter what grumpy old men might say, questions are what we're all here for... well, that and showing off our pretties.

Welcome!

-Mark

 

[Gtr65]

A few things:

1) Just scrape the frets, sandpaper could cause too much collateral damage.  Some people swear by a slotted nail... I've used everything from my thumbnail to the backside of a pair of pliers.  The finish WANTS to come off of the frets.
2) Your order of assembly seems right.  You may have to repeat a couple steps as the trem, neck wood and magic juju all have their way with it.
3) I invite you to look through these forums a bit.  There are many posts on these subjects, as well as related ones from amateurs and professionals alike that will make you feel better about your (potential) mistakes.
4) That being said, no matter what grumpy old men might say, questions are what we're all here for... well, that and showing off our pretties.

Welcome!

-Mark

Thanks, Mark.  I really wish that I knew of the scraping suggestion before I tried sanding. I searched but only found instructions on sanding the finish off, except for someone who did it with a razor blade. I wish I'd known beforehand. I also wish Warmoth would offer a premium service wherein they would mask off the frets and then finish the neck. I would have paid extra for that.

 

[AprioriMark]

I used to feel the same way, but after having scraped my own a few times, I'd rather do it myself.

-Mark

 

[anorakDan]

This series on YouTube, that I found in a thread here, is worth your time:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqLfllURlo8&NR=1&feature=fvwp

I've been going back to it from time to time because it's better than re-runs on the boob tube.

 

[Gtr65]

Yeah, I saw his videos (there's like over 30 of them!), they were helpful.

Well, I went ahead with doing the setup myself, a first for me in 27 years of playing. Everything is fine, except for what I was worried about---the frets. When I bend a string, I can feel it scratching against the fret. It happens all over the neck. It looks like I'm going to need them professionally crowned and polished. Kinda sucks.

 

[anorakDan]

Yeah, but once the frets have been professionally dressed, you'll most likely be very glad you spent the money. Once those stainless frets are smooth, they'll be good for life!

 

[Cagey]

Well, I went ahead with doing the setup myself, a first for me in 27 years of playing. Everything is fine, except for what I was worried about---the frets. When I bend a string, I can feel it scratching against the fret. It happens all over the neck. It looks like I'm going to need them professionally crowned and polished. Kinda sucks.

Unless you tore them up cleaning off the finish or didn't clean them thoroughly enough, stainless frets are smooth as glass, even brand-new unpolished ones. You'll not be able to do the immediate intro to "Purple Haze" because of it - fret zing just doesn't happen. The only time they really need polishing is if you have them levelled, crowned and dressed. Then, it's as anorakDan says - they stay that way for a long time. It's one of the joys of stainless frets. Makes bending and vibrato much easier.

On the plus side, for what it'll cost to have all that done, it'll take any finish residue off, they'll get even glassier and it'll be more comfortable to play. You only have to do it once. It's not like it's an on-going maintenance headache or cost. Bite the bullet. It'll only hurt for a minute, and it's good for you. You'll be much happier.