Thanks everyone. UkeforJC, it is not any harder to apply the finsh with the bridge on, I just mask the bridge off. The problem is trying to rub out and buff the finish with the bridge on. That like many aspects of building, is a compromise. I prefer to attach the neck and bridge before finishing and know that those glue joints are as good as I can make them, and deal with the cosmetic issues later. I have tried Bob Gleason's method of using a hot chisel to remove lacquer and found that a little too exciting for me.
Brad
