To cut or not to cut, that is the question...

[Snake Aces]

Have to weigh the time driving to the tech and back..twice vs how much time the job takes yourself.

Marks from steaming hot solder blobs can be sanded and buffed out of clear coats. Usually.

I just tape a piece of paper on the right side of the cavity in case there is a drip. But that so rarely happens. Tin the parts, never carry a blob of solder on the iron tip.

Lol. Do you just like to bug people who do not have a DIY mentality? I choose to let a luthier deal with it now. I am happy with my decision. Period.