Preview — This is an early look at the Relay Guitar Platform. Content and specs may change before launch.

Bonding

The Relay body is printed in sections and bonded together with G/Flex 650 epoxy into a single complete structure. This is distinct from hardware installation (mounting the bridge, tuners, and neck) — the body has to be solid and fully cured before any of that begins. Take your time here. Bonds are permanent and alignment errors compound through every subsequent step.

Before you start

  • You know which Relay model you are building toward and have skimmed its page — see Voicings if you have not
  • All parts should be fully cooled and dimensionally stable — at least 24 hours off the bed
  • Check all mating surfaces for flatness. Sand with 120-grit if needed — you want full surface contact
  • Do a dry fit of all parts before mixing any epoxy

Bonding sequence

The primary bond is Cap to Body — the front face bonds to the main body structure to form a single complete piece. Bond and fully cure this joint before doing anything else. Accessories parts (pickup rings and similar) bond after the main structure is cured.

[TODO: describe the exact bonding order as you work through it — which surfaces get epoxy, how much, whether you use a spreader. Include photos from your build.]

Alignment

The neck pocket angle and the bridge mount position are the two critical alignments. Both need to be correct before the epoxy cures.

  • Neck pocket: Check with a straight edge that the pocket is flat and square. Any twist or rock here will affect neck angle.
  • Bridge mount: Check that the bridge mount area is flat. High spots will prevent the bridge from seating flush.

[TODO: describe the string-line alignment check — how to stretch a string from nut to bridge position and verify centering during dry fit.]

Clamping

Apply even pressure across the full bond surface. Clamp and do not disturb the joint for a minimum of 24 hours. Do not load the body with hardware or string tension until the epoxy has reached full cure per the G/Flex spec.

[TODO: describe what clamping setup works — what fixtures or improvised clamps you use, how many points of pressure, any cauls or pads to protect the surface.]

After bonding

Once fully cured, inspect all joints. Small gaps can be filled with a second epoxy application. Large gaps indicate a fit problem — address it before proceeding.

  • Sand any squeeze-out flush with the surrounding surface
  • Check the neck pocket with a straight edge — flat and square
  • Check the bridge mount area — flat, no high spots

See Finishing for surface prep before hardware installation.