finish body after *all* woodwork done?

[flatfive]

Hello all. I bought an unfinished tele body that is missing
only a few minor things like the holes through the body
for the strings and the pickguard mounting screw holes.

Should I finish before or after these holes are drilled?
Finishing before seems a good idea because it's easiest
to finish a plain piece of wood. But finishing after seems
a good idea because I don't worry about chipping when
drilling. Also, some might say it's better to not finish
directly under the bridge.

Thanks for any advice you can provide.

[drgonzo2]

I'd suggest drilling the holes for the string-thru and bridge mounting before finishing, the holes to mount the pickguard after. That way, the visible holes for the string ferrules are less likely to chip, especially if you use the soldering iron trick to seat the ferrules. The pg mounting holes are less of a worry because they're under the pg, and therefore won't be seen anyway...

... G

[flatfive]

Thanks very much for the suggestion -- that sounds a good idea.

Still, I wonder about finish under the bridge. From what
I understand, acoustic builders will definitely avoid finish
under the bridge.

[surfoverb]

Originally Posted by flatfive

Thanks very much for the suggestion -- that sounds a good idea.

Still, I wonder about finish under the bridge. From what
I understand, acoustic builders will definitely avoid finish
under the bridge.

Ive never heard anyone not finish under the bridge. I wouldn't go by what acoustic builders do.

[dan1952]

Originally Posted by flatfive

Thanks very much for the suggestion -- that sounds a good idea.

Still, I wonder about finish under the bridge. From what
I understand, acoustic builders will definitely avoid finish
under the bridge.

You're right about acoustic guitars not having finish (most builders, anyway). That's because the bridge is glued on, and the bare wood makes a much more secure bond than finished wood.

[Lathem]

Originally Posted by dans music

You're right about acoustic guitars not having finish (most builders, anyway). That's because the bridge is glued on, and the bare wood makes a much more secure bond than finished wood.

Exactly.

[JasonRobert]

I usually do a dry fit of everything to make sure it all lines up, and I havent made any **** ups... then I take it to bits again and finish it.