BUILDING A SAGA T-STYLE

Note the ingenious paint rig!

December 2006

After much research, I had decided I wanted to build a guitar. I spent quite a bit of time searching for cheap parts, when I came across Saga kits, and the GuitarAttack Saga Sagas.

So I ordered my kit off of the internet through Timber Ridge Custom Shop on eBay and waited.

The kit arrived, and I opened it, and was very impressed with everything.  I ordered some cheap Ping sealed tuners to replace the stock, and I believe that was an easy $20 well spent.

Since I have never finished anything in my entire life, I thought it would be best to go with some cheap DupliColor paint. I bought some primer, paint, and clear coat, and started working. I pretty much learned what NOT to do as I worked (and as a result, I had to sand down and restart at an early stage). I did your basic automotive finish, nothing special. I cut the headstock into a somewhat Fender style, though it's not that smooth. I had originally decided to finish the neck with gunstock oil, but due to my impatience, left it with just the sealer. I may go back and change this. I assembled everything normally (the tuner holes had already been reamed out for the new tuners) and it all went together smoothly, though the snap together connections were pretty annoying. I strung it up, and it was ready to go in no time! My only concern is that there is the smallest of gaps between the neck and the body. I'm not quite sure whether this is due to crooked screws or an uneven neck pocket, but I will look into it next time I restring. It really doesn't seem to effect the tone that much. I figured I would submit this Saga saga, as this is how the average Saga kit is finished. Nothing special, just automotive paint, new tuners, and everything else stock.

It came out as a very nice guitar, and something I can be very proud of!
Also, I thought I did a great job, as I'm only 14.  The only problem I have is the bridge; one of the tiny allen screws to adjust the action on the low E string always comes loose and begins to unscrew itself, and begins buzzing against the bridgeplate. It's a rather minor problem, and I'll fix it soon enough. The guitar is astonishing for about $100 though, miles ahead of any Squier I've ever had to play in that price range.

I would like to add though, that these kits have one major problem. By the time you finish them, you're already wanting to make another.
And that is my Saga saga.

rafarquhar11@gmail.com
 

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