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I'm working on a Blues Creek kit, a 00-18 12 fret, using Bill Corey's book as a guide. I'm ready to begin inletting the braces and have reached a snag. Bill says to use the factory alignment pins, which my top does not have, nor does it have an outline drawn on the inside. I should be able to calculate the distance from the soundhole edge to the neck block, and align from there, but I don't have that measurement. Any advice would be appreciated.

If you know your scale length, you can use a fret slot calculator to determine the distance from the 12 fret (body join fret) to the soundhole. For instance, if you are using the Martin short scale (24.82") and the soundhole edge is at the 19th fret position, the distance from the 12th fret to the 19th fret is 4.127". So 4 1/8" is close enough. Use this measurement to locate the soundboard neck-to-tail. Use the soundboard join line to center the soundboard side-to-side.

One it's located and clamped in place. you could drill your own alignment holes into the neck block.

Hmmm....good idea. I believe that will work!

you can use the fretboard. There is a drawing under the top on the brace layout. That should work also

Good suggestion John! You already have a pre-made measuring stick! <smile>