Solo Music Gear DSGK-10 User manual

Copyright © 2011 Solo Music Gear. All rights reserved
Solo SG Style DIY
Electric Double Neck
Guitar Kit
Assembly Manual
DSGK-10
V 1.02

Solo SG Style DIY Electric Double Neck Guitar Kit
Copyright © 2011 Solo Music Gear. All rights reserved | v1.02
1

Solo SG Style DIY Electric Double Neck Guitar Kit
Copyright © 2011 Solo Music Gear. All rights reserved | v1.02
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Materials List
1a - Threaded hex bushings for 12-string neck (12 flat washers included) - 12 pcs
1b - Tuning machines for 6-string neck (6 mounting screws included) - 6 pcs
1c - Threaded hex bushings for 6-sstring neck (6 flat washers included) - 6 pcs
1d - Tuning machines for 6-sstring neck (6 mounting screws included) - 6 pcs
2a & 2b - - Truss Rod Covers (6 mounting screws included) - 2 pcs
3a - 12-string Neck - 1 pc
3b - 6-string Neck - 1 pc
4a - Strings - 12 string set - 1 pc
4b - Strings - 6 string set - 1 pc
5a - 12 -string Neck Pickup on a mounting ring (4 mounting screws included) - 1 pc
5b -6-string Neck Pickup on a mounting ring (4 mounting screws included) - 1 pc
6a -12 -string Bridge Pickup on a mounting ring (4 mounting screws included) - 1 pc
6b -6-string Bridge Pickup on a mounting ring (4 mounting screws included) - 1 pc
7a - 12-string Tune-o-matic Bridge with 2 threaded thumbwheel studs and 2bushings - 1 pc
7b - 6-string Tune-o-matic Bridge with 2 threaded thumbwheel studs and 2bushings - 1 pc
8a - 12-string Stop Bar Tailpiece with 2 height-adjustable threaded mounting studs and 2 knurled
bushings - 1 pc
8b - 6-string Stop Bar Tailpiece with 2 height-adjustable threaded mounting studs and 2 knurled
bushings - 1 pc
9 - Hex Wrench - - 1 pc
10 -Control Cavity Cover Plate ( 2 mounting screws included)
11 - Strap Buttons (mounting screws included) - 2 pcs
12a - 12-string Neck Plate (4 mounting screws included)
12b - 6-string Neck Plate (4 mounting screws included)
13 - Body
14 - Switch Plate
15 - 12-string 3-Way Pickup Selector Toggle Switch (includes mounting nut and flat washer)
16 - 3-Way Toggle Neck Selector Switch
17 -Pickguard (3 mounting screw included)
18 - 6-string 3-Way Pickup Selector Toggle Switch (includes mounting nut and flat washer)
19 - Control Knobs
20 - Control Pots (4 pcs, 2 capacitors included for Tone Pots)
21 - Jack Plate with an Output Jack (4 mounting screws included)
22 - Cord
23 - Wires
Show Off Your Custom Built Guitar!
W hen you have your guitar finished, please take a few pictures and send them to us.
Post your photos to our Facebook page
http://Facebook.com/SoloMusicGear
Post your photos to The Solo Café
http://TheSoloCafe.com
Remember, you can always find us online at http://SoloMusicGear.com to upgrade your parts, try a new kit, or ask us a
question.

Solo SG Style DIY Electric Double Neck Guitar Kit
Copyright © 2011 Solo Music Gear. All rights reserved | v1.02
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Thank you for purchasing a Solo DIY guitar kit. This unfinished guitar kit has everything for building an
electric guitar –you will need only some basic tools and finishing supplies. All challenging wood cutting,
drilling and shaping is already professionally done, as well as fret leveling and dressing.
1. CHECKLIST
Before you start working on your DIY guitar project, please check all the parts received in this kit.
2. TOOLS AND MATERIALS NEEDED
You will need the following tools and materials:
1. Sand Paper (180, 240 and 320 grit)
2. Sanding Block
3. Soldering Iron & Solder
4. Masking Tape
5. Finishing Supplies
6. Screwdrivers
3. SAFETY MEASURES
Some woodworking skills are required to complete this project. Always be aware of the necessary safety
precautions and follow them –be sure to use safety glasses and a dust mask when you are working with any
tools. If you are a novice, you should look for help and guidance of a more experienced friend. And never
forget that it’s always better safe than sorry.
4. FINISHING THE BODY AND NECKS
Before you start finishing the neck, please inspect the frets and the fingerboard. Even though all wood is kiln-
dried it may still shrink a little so you may get sharp fret edges.
In this case you need to use a fine needle file (Emory boards for finger nails can be used instead) to remove all
sharp edges: first make all fret edges flat with the fretboard edges on both sides, than use masking tape on
the top of the fretboard to protect it, and work on each fret’s edge to smooth it by slightly rounding it. Before
removing the masking tape, consider polishing the frets with fine steel wool.
STEP 1 –The body and neck have been coated with a poly resin sealant. They need to be sanded before
finishing. DO NOT SAND THE FINGERBOARD.
For sanding both neck and body, use a flat sanding block for all flat surfaces and by hand for edges and

Solo SG Style DIY Electric Double Neck Guitar Kit
Copyright © 2011 Solo Music Gear. All rights reserved | v1.02
4
rounded/curved surfaces. Start with 180 grit sandpaper, continue with 240 and finish with 320, always
moving along the grain only. Before the final sanding, wipe the wood with a damp cloth and let it dry to raise
the wood grain.
STEP 2 –There are many different ways to apply finish to your guitar. Do a little research to decide which
type of finish you want to use. One good starting point is to review tutorials at the Project Guitar website:
http://www.projectguitar.com/tut/tutorial5.htm
STEP 3 - For any type of spraying finish (lacquer or paint) you will need to mask three areas with masking
tape: neck pocket on the body, neck’s fingerboard and truss rod nut. Press the tape tightly to the wood, not
allowing any gaps at the edges, to completely prevent the finish leaking to these areas.
STEP 4 - You will also need to make hangers for both the body and neck (if you want to apply
any spraying finish). Make them from a strong metal wire (wire dress/coat hanger can be used for it).
STEP 5 –Apply the finish by following the manufacturer instructions. Remember that spraying the finish is not
an easy process as it requires certain skill and experience –you might want to practice first on some scrap
wood. Always remember your safety –work only in a well ventilated area, away from any open fire and wear
a respirator mask and safety glasses.
STEP 6 –Final polishing for high gloss finishes can be done manually or using a power drill with a foam
polishing pad. The finishing tools and materials are readily available in many automotive/hardware supplies
stores.
TIP: Consider an oil rubbed finish (sometimes called “wipe-on oil finish”) as a good and safe alternative.
Tru-Oil® (known as a “Gun Stock Finish”, based on Linseed Oil) or Waterlox® (Processed Tung Oil) is highly
recommended. Oil finishing takes longer, but it is very safe and easy to apply and a high quality finish can
be achieved, even by a novice.
5. ASSEMBLY
Notes: Before you start assembling the DSGK-10, make sure of a couple things...this is physically a much
larger instrument, and although it seems obvious, make sure your work table is large enough to
accommodate the body/necks with extra space for parts! It is too easy to start and then end up scratching
the finish because you are cramped for space! Also, make sure the table top is covered with a cushion
blanket to protect your finish!
STEP 1 –Install the Machine Heads on both headstocks. Use the threaded hex peghead bushings with
washers - initially tightening them with your fingers only. Align each machine head to match the holes for
mounting screws and use the screws to secure the heads. Finally, tighten the hex bushings with a socket
wrench (or regular hex wrench). Don’t install truss rod covers for now – you may need to adjust the truss
rods –leave it for the very last step of your project.

Solo SG Style DIY Electric Double Neck Guitar Kit
Copyright © 2011 Solo Music Gear. All rights reserved | v1.02
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STEP 2 - Attach the necks to the body each using 4 screws, a neckplate and a setter. This step can be
performed later as you may find it easier to assemble the body without the necks.
STEP 3 –Install the mounting bushings for both bridges and tailpieces. Before pressing in the mounting
bushings, you must insert ground wires into the small angled holes on the inside walls of the 2 holes for
tailpiece bushings (they are marked on the illustration of the kit). Strip the end of the wire (up to an inch
long), wrap it around the bottom of the tailpiece bushing and tap the bushing tightly into the hole - don’t
forget to separate the mounting studs first! For tapping, you can use either a plastic headed hammer, or a
regular hammer, by placing a small piece of wood on the top of a bushing to prevent any potential damage.
Tap the other two tailpiece bushings and then the separated bushings for the bridges. Now screw in the
mounting studs.
STEP 4 –Install all pickups. Neck pickups are mounted on thinner mounting rings and have wires in
yellow insulation. Bridge pickups are mounted on thicker rings and have wires in red insulation.
First, insert the pickup wires into the holes at the pickup cavities and push them all the way through to
the corresponding control cavities: 12-string pickups into the central control cavity and 6-string pickups
into the round cavity on the bottom horn of the body. Properly align each mounting ring and secure it
with 4 screws. Do not over tighten the screws as it can crack the rings (be also careful with other plastic
parts to be screwed down).
STEP 5 –Mount 3 toggle switches –two on the switch plate and one on the Pickguard. Pre-wire
volume and tone pots and install them into the control cavity on the back of the body, then complete
the wiring by using the diagram on the last page of this manual. Wire all pickups, switches, pots,
ground wires and output jack. Install Switch Plate, Pickguard, Jack Plate and Control Cavity Cover with
mounting screws, but before doing so check out the electronics: plug it in with a cable into the amp
and see if all switches and pots are working properly by slightly tapping the magnetic poles of each
pickup with a screwdriver.
STEP 6 –Before stringing your guitar apply some oil to the Rosewood fingerboards to protect them from possible
shrinking and cracking. . Tung oil or Linseed oil work well, or it’s OK to use Walnut or Olive oil. One thin layer is
enough. Wipe the fingerboard thoroughly with a clean cloth.
STEP 7 –Install bridges and tailpieces on the mounting studs and then install the strings by inserting them
through the holes on the back of the tailpieces and over the bridge saddles. There are a few different ways
to wrap the strings around the post of a tuning head. When threading the string through the post hole, bring
it tight before wrapping it in the opposite direction of the threading, under and then back over the string
and around the post, holding it tight as you tighten to pitch. Wrapping each string around two-three times
should be enough

Solo SG Style DIY Electric Double Neck Guitar Kit
Copyright © 2011 Solo Music Gear. All rights reserved | v1.02
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6. TUNING AND SETUP
Tuning a 6-string guitar:
The open strings of a guitar, from the thickest to thinnest, in standard tuning are:
•E (2nd octave) –the thickest (or lowest sounding) string - is the 6th string
•A (2nd octave) –is the 5th
•D (3rd octave) –is the 4th
•G (3rd octave) –is the 3rd
•B (3rd octave) –is the 2nd
•E (4th octave) –the thinnest (or highest sounding) is the 1st string.
Standard tuning of a 12-string guitar:
The open strings are tuned in pairs as follows:
•2 E strings (2nd octave and 3rd octave
•2 A strings (2nd octave and 3rd octave)
•2 D strings (3rd octave and 4th octave)
•2 G strings (3rd octave and 4th octave)
•2 B strings (3rd octave)
•2 E strings (4th octave)
There are different methods to tune a guitar. Using a digital tuner is the easiest way. However, it is good
to learn tuning (and checking the accuracy of tuning) by ear with natural harmonics, unisons, octaves etc.
Guitar playability and intonation depends on its setup, so you may want to spend some time mastering
the necessary skills –be persistent in finding the optimal action (string height), neck relief and intonation
throughout the entire neck.

Solo SG Style DIY Electric Double Neck Guitar Kit
Copyright © 2011 Solo Music Gear. All rights reserved | v1.02
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Adjusting Strings Height:
TString height is adjusted by the bridge saddle screws (use included Allen key). Since the fretboard has a radius
(12”), the heights of all strings should also match it. Thicker strings need more room for vibration without
“buzzing” (touching frets) and must be set up higher than thinner strings. Low action allows easier fretting and
faster playing. Recommended measurements for electric guitar with low action:
For the 1st String (the thinnest) –height at the 1st fret: 0.01” – 0.016” (0.25 – 0.4mm); at the 12th fret:
.063” –
.078” (1.6 - 2mm).
For the 6th String (the thickest) –height at the 1st fret: 0.016” – 0.024” (0.4 – 0.6mm); at the 12th fret:
.078” –
.01” (2 – 2.5mm).
The height at the first fret can be adjusted by cutting deeper slots for strings at the nut. However, it needs a
very precise job not to spoil the nut. If you are not sure that you can do it properly, stay with a factory pre-cut
nut.
A higher string action makes the guitar harder to play, yet some musicians may prefer it.
Adjusting Neck Relief:
The truss rod compensates for string tension and allows adjusting the neck relief. You may need such
adjustment due to changes of humidity and temperature (or if you switch strings to a different gauge).
Lay a straight edge on the frets of a properly tuned guitar and measure the clearance at the 8th fret
(alternatively you can put a capo on the first fret and press down 6th string at 16th fret –then the height
of the string at the 8th fret will show you the clearance). Optimal relief for an electric guitar neck must
be very small –around .001”- 002” (0.25 - 0.5mm). Turning the truss rod nut (with the included Allen
key) clockwise will reduce neck relief and turning it counterclockwise will increase the relief. Be very
careful with truss rod adjustments and never turn the nut more than ¼ of a turn at a time.
Adjusting Intonation:
The “speaking length” (or “working length”) of each string can be adjusted by turning the saddle position
adjustment screw. The best intonation can be achieved when the string fretted at the 12 fret sounds
precisely an octave higher than the open string. If the fretted strin g sounds sharper you need to increase
the working length of the string by moving the saddle away from the neck. If it sounds flat, you need to
shorten the working length of the string by moving the saddle towards the neck. The alternative way to
intonate your guitar is to compare a natural octave harmonic of the open string (you can get it by
touching the string exactly above the 12th and picking it) to the pitch of the string fretted at the 12th fret
and adjusting the saddle position so that they sound the same. This method is less accurate because the
fretted string sounds a bit sharper due to the height of the string, and the higher the action, the sharper
it gets.

Solo SG Style DIY Electric Double Neck Guitar Kit
Copyright © 2011 Solo Music Gear. All rights reserved | v1.02
8
Adjusting Pickup Height:
Before adjusting the pickup height, make sure that both the volume and tone controls on you guitar are set to the full
(“10”) position. Get your amp set to a medium/low volume and all tone controls to the middle. You will get a better
picture of the pickup’s tone change during its height adjustment with a clear sound.
There is no universal “optimal” pickup height position in a setup – it depends on playing style and personal preferences
of a guitarist. Remember: bringing a pickup closer to the strings makes it sound brighter, but bringing it too close will
make the magnetic field of the pickup interfere with the vibration of a string which will, not only result in reduced
sustain, but may also cause complex harmonics sound rather unpleasant. Moving a pickup too far from the strings will
result in loss of its output signal and some higher frequencies. It’s not necessary to maintain an even height of the
pickup –you may find it more satisfactory sounding by setting it somewhat angled, depending on what you are looking
for in the output sound.
There are a few mm of real usable range where you can find the pickup tone that you’ll like the best.
Recommended Books
1. Melvyn Hiscock. Make Your Own Electric Guitar. NBS Publications, 2003. ISBN: 0953104907
2. Dennis Waring. Make your own Electric Guitar & Bass. Sterling/Tamos, 2001, ISBN: 1895569702
3. Martin Koch. Building Electric Guitars: How to Make Solid-Body, Hollow-Body and Semi- Acoustic Electric Guitars
nd Bass Guitars. Koch Verlag; 2001, ISBN: 3901314075

Solo SG Style DIY Electric Double Neck Guitar Kit
Copyright © 2011 Solo Music Gear. All rights reserved | v1.02
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DSGK-10 Wiring Diagram