software

So you press the TOM/TP studs into the body prior to finish? I think my LP was done this way (as is apparent by the finish over the studs) but my Mockingbird does not appear to have been built that way. Is there a right way to do it? I’d be concerned that pressing the studs in after finishing could damage the finish.

I'm trying to get one Warmoth project done so I can start another. Thanks in advance.

Trust me it's better to install them after the finish. If you don't need to mock up the guitar and make sure everything fits and is aligned before the finishing stage, then wait. Where your using warmoth parts you can probably take it for granted that the holes are correct. Put some cotton in the holes so that finish doesn't build up inside and make a too tight fit, possibky wrinkling the finish at the edges, when you drive the stud in. Put a little soap on the stud before driving it.

well i never built anything ith a TOM but every guitar i build with a floyd that has studs i put them in before i send it out for paint so if any damage somehow happens to the wood i can fix it before paint. if you chip paint while putting the studs in then your s**t outta luck. i don't know if there is a right or wrong way here, some may say there however either way works fine. if you put them in before paint just make sure to stuff a bit or rolled up tape into the threaded area and make sure it covers all the threads.

-Mike

Ack! Two opposing views.

I prefer to put them in before paint.. it´s much easier to scrape a bit of paint off an insert´s threads than it is to repair a finish chip

Before Paint.

It probably doesn't matter, but having done it both ways I think you get a more profesional look if you do it after.