BYO Guitar J Bass User manual
www.byoguitar.com
J Bass
Guitar Kit Assembly
Instructions
Introduction
J Bass Intro - 1 -
Warning
These instructions assume that you are familiar with the safe operation and use of woodworking machinery
and woodworking tools, and understand the techniques used to assemble this project. If you do not qualify
for both of these criteria, STOP building this project for your own safety. Read and understand the owner’s
manual for the machinery you intend to use, take a woodworking class or visit your local library for more
information. Woodworking machinery and tools are inherently dangerous because they use sharp edges
that can and will cause serious personal injury including amputation and death. Do not underestimate the
ability of these tools and machinery to cause injury. Never operate any tool without all guards in place and
always wear approved safety glasses. For your own safety, please heed this warning.
Warning
Always wear safety glasses or goggles when operating equipment. Everyday glasses or reading glasses are
not safety glasses. Be certain the safety glasses you wear meet the appropriate standards of the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI). Because there are various ways to cut and join wood, you can make
substitutions for the methods stated in this manual. We try to suggest the easiest methods possible.
However, only you know your skills with each piece of machinery. Never compromise your safety by using
a cutting method with which you are not comfortable. Instead, find an alternative approach that will yield
the same result.
WARNING
Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains
chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Some examples of these chemicals are:
Lead from lead-based paints.
Crystalline silica from bricks, cement, and other masonry products.
Arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber.
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your
exposure to these chemicals: work in a well ventilated area, and work with approved safety equipment,
such as those dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.
Introduction
J Bass Intro - 2 -
Contents......................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................- 3 -
1.1 Material Check List....................................................................................................................- 5 -
1.2 Additional tools/materials required: ........................................................................................- 7 -
2Mockup and Fit Check ..................................................................................................................- 1 -
2.1 Check Guitar Body & Neck mounting holes......................................................................- 1 -
2.1.1 Drilling the Mounting Holes in the Guitar Body......................................................- 1 -
2.2 Checking the Mounting Holes in the Neck........................................................................- 2 -
2.2.1 Drilling Mounting Holes in the Neck .........................................................................- 2 -
2.3 Check the Neck to the Body Fit ...........................................................................................- 2 -
2.4 Fit check & alignment of the Pickguard and the Audio Controls (items 2 & 3 on
materials list).....................................................................................................................................- 3 -
2.5 Fit check the Bridge ..............................................................................................................- 3 -
2.6 Check Strap Pins....................................................................................................................- 4 -
2.7 Check Tuner Alignment .......................................................................................................- 4 -
2.8 String Tee Position................................................................................................................- 4 -
2.9 Mockup and Fit Check complete! .......................................................................................- 4 -
3 Finish .................................................................................................................................................- 1 -
3.1 Finish Application Steps ............................................................................................................- 1 -
3.1.1 Solid Color finish: ..............................................................................................................- 1 -
3.1.2 Pigmented Translucent, Gel stain or alcohol dye finish:...................................................- 2 -
3.1.3 Penetrating Stain or water based dye finish:....................................................................- 2 -
3.2 Explanation of Sequence Steps:................................................................................................- 2 -
3.2.1 Sanding the Body and Neck ..............................................................................................- 2 -
3.2.2 Appling Grain Filler............................................................................................................- 3 -
3.2.3 Applying Sanding Sealer....................................................................................................- 3 -
3.2.4 Solid Color Primer .............................................................................................................- 3 -
3.2.5 Burst and Translucent finishes..........................................................................................- 3 -
3.2.6 Clear Top coats..................................................................................................................- 4 -
3.2.7 Buff finish ..........................................................................................................................- 4 -
4.1 Attach the Neck to the Body.....................................................................................................- 1 -
4.2 Installing Component Wiring & Installation..............................................................................- 1 -
4.2.1 Preparation & Installation of the Pickups and Audio Panel..............................................- 2 -
4.2.2 Bridge & Frame Ground Wire Installation ........................................................................- 3 -
4.3 Installing the Nut.......................................................................................................................- 3 -
Introduction
J Bass Intro - 3 -
4.4 Installing the Tuners..................................................................................................................- 4 -
4.5 Install the Strings.......................................................................................................................- 4 -
4.6 Installing the Strap Pins.............................................................................................................- 4 -
4.7 Installing the String Retainer.....................................................................................................- 5 -
5. Setup ................................................................................................................................................- 1 -
5.1 Adjust the Guitar Neck: Truss Rod............................................................................................- 2 -
5.1.1 Adjustment Check.............................................................................................................- 2 -
5.1.2 Adjustment........................................................................................................................- 2 -
5.2 Bridge Saddle ............................................................................................................................- 2 -
5.2.1 Checking String Height......................................................................................................- 3 -
5.2.2 Bridge Saddle Adjustment.................................................................................................- 3 -
5.3 Nut Action .................................................................................................................................- 3 -
5.3.1 Measurement....................................................................................................................- 3 -
5.3.2 Nut Adjustment.................................................................................................................- 3 -
5.4 Pickup Height ............................................................................................................................- 4 -
5.4.1 Treble (G string) adjustment: Neck pickup .......................................................................- 4 -
5.4.2 Bass (E string) adjustment: Neck pickup...........................................................................- 4 -
5.4.3 Adjustment of the Bridge Pickup ......................................................................................- 4 -
5.5 Intonation .................................................................................................................................- 4 -
5.6 String Lubrication......................................................................................................................- 5 -
5.7 …Other Hints.............................................................................................................................- 5 -
1Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a BYOGuitar.com guitar kit. This kit includes everything you need to build a
complete custom guitar. In addition to the construction of your guitar, you will need to consider the
finish –natural, solid color and possibly a design that will make your guitar unique. We suggest you do
some research to determine your finish preferences. Procuring the required finishing materials,
especially if they have to be ordered, will allow expedite your guitar project.
We carry a full line of finishing products that give you the beautiful finish you are looking for, whether a
clear natural finish or a bold, colorful finish. We also carry an instructional DVD made by Behlen that will
give you step by step instructions to help you achieve the look you want for your custom guitar.
TIP: Get some finishing ideas by visiting BYOGuitar.com and BYO Guitar on Facebook
(http://www.byoguitar.com/gallery/index.html)
Introduction
J Bass Intro - 4 -
Fig 1 Major Components in Your J Bass Guitar Kit
These instructions assume you are familiar with the anatomy of a guitar. Refer to Figure 1 for many of
the terms used in the assembly of your guitar.
Introduction
J Bass Intro - 5 -
1.1 Material Check List
In preparation for the building of your guitar, all required material should be checked both for type and
quantity. Use the following check list to ensure all piece parts are included. If you customized your
order (ex. different tuners), ensure that these parts are accounted for. Please contact BYOGuitar if there
are any discrepancies.
J Bass Material List
Item
Component
Quantity
Description
1
1 J Bass
Body
1 J Bass
Neck
Miscellaneous
materials (see
below)
BYO J Bass
Guitar Kit
2
1 Pickguard
with
mounting
screws for
Pickguard &
Audio Panel
J Bass
Pickguard
3
Partially wired
Audio Panel
w/output jack,
volume &
tone controls
J Bass
Audio Panel
TIP: use small interior packing
box to inventory and organize piece parts
Introduction
J Bass Intro - 6 -
4
4 mounting
screws, 1 ½”
4 springs
Pickguard
mounting
material
5
1 Neck pickup
1 Bridge
pickup
J Bass
pickups
6
Bridge
7 mounting
screws, 7/8”
Bridge
components
7
1 mounting
plate
1 plastic
mounting
gasket
4 screws, 1¾”
Neck
Mounting
material
8
4 Tuners
4 Tuner hole
collars/inserts
16 screws,
3/8”
Tuners
9
2 Holders
2 plastic
washers
2 screws, 1”
Strap
Holder
materials
Introduction
J Bass Intro - 7 -
10
1 String “Nut”
1 string tee
w/mounting
screw, ½”
String Nut &
Guide
11
4 strings
Strings
12
Output Cable
2 Allen
wrenches (1
for adjusting
bridge, 1 for
adjusting
neck)
Other
1.2 Additional tools/materials required:
Drill & drill bits
#1 & #2 Phillips
screwdriver
Wood glue
Masking/painters tape
Finishing/painting
material
Sand paper 220 &
320 grit
Guitar strap
Soap or candle
Feeler gauge
ruler
Introduction
J Bass Intro - 8 -
The remainder of the assembly instructions is divided into four sections:
Section 2 –Mockup & Fit check: in this section, all components will be checked for proper
alignment and ensure that all holes have been drilled.
Section 3 –Finishing the Body and Neck: after fit check, the components are removed from the
neck & body to allow the selected finish to be applied. This will allow you to customize your guitars’
color(s). As the finishing will likely require several coats with sanding between each coat, ensure that
the finish is completely dry.
Section 4 –Assembly: the final assembly is the next step - once the finish has been applied and
completely dried. In this section, all of the components are installed, internal wiring connected and
strings attached –your guitar will ready to go!
Section 5 –Setup: in this section, initial adjustments are made to your guitar, such as the height
of the pickups.
Again, we thank you for your purchase of a BYO Guitar and we look forward to seeing pictures of your
unique guitar! We also look forward to providing you with the guitar for your next project from our
Custom Shop where you can select the wood for the body and neck as well as customizing all of the
other components.
Let us know if your music, school, church or scouting organization would like to undertake a group
project –BYO Guitar can supply multiple kits or custom guitars.
Some Ideas for Finishing Your Guitar and Examples of Our Custom Shop Products
Section 2 –Mockup and Fit Check
J Bass Section 2 - 1 -
Section 2 Contents
2Mockup and Fit Check ..................................................................................................................- 1 -
2.1 Check Guitar Body & Neck mounting holes......................................................................- 1 -
1. 2.1.1 Drilling the Mounting Holes in the Guitar Body......................................................- 1 -
2.2 Checking the Mounting Holes in the Neck........................................................................- 2 -
2. 2.2.1 Drilling Mounting Holes in the Neck .........................................................................- 2 -
2.3 Check the Neck to the Body Fit ...........................................................................................- 2 -
2.4 Fit check & alignment of the Pickguard and the Audio Controls (items 2 & 3 on
materials list).....................................................................................................................................- 3 -
2.5 Fit check the Bridge ..............................................................................................................- 3 -
2.6 Check Strap Pins....................................................................................................................- 4 -
2.7 Check Tuner Alignment .......................................................................................................- 4 -
2.8 String Tee Position................................................................................................................- 4 -
2.9 Mockup and Fit Check complete! .......................................................................................- 4 -
2Mockup and Fit Check
The following steps will ensure that the base, neck, tuners, pickups, etc. are properly aligned and that all
screw holes have been drilled.
2.1 Check Guitar Body & Neck mounting holes
1. Check Neck pocket on the Body for pre-drilled
(4) mounting holes (Figure 2.1);
2. Skip to 2.2 if the holes are pre-drilled.
2.1.1 Drilling the Mounting Holes in the Guitar
Body
1. Use the neck plate as a template (#7 on material
list) to locate the mounting holes in the neck
pocket. The simplest way is to place the neck
plate into the pocket and properly position it so
it is centered in the pocket.
Figure 2.1 Body Locations
TIP…use the large cover of the shipping box as a work area that can be easily stored
when you’re done working
Section 2 –Mockup and Fit Check
J Bass Section 2 - 2 -
2. Mark the holes, center punch your marks.
3. Drill the holes using a 3/16” drill bit.
2.2 Checking the Mounting Holes in the Neck
1. Check neck for pre-drilled (4) mounting holes.
2. Skip to 2.3 if the holes are pre-drilled.
2.2.1 Drilling Mounting Holes in the Neck
3. Place the neck in the pocket (…you should be able to fit the neck in the neck pocket by hand).
a. Carefully clamp the neck in place –frets damage easily.
b. Using the same drill bit you drilled the holes in the body, place the bit in the hole
through the body and tap it a few times to make a mark on the neck.
2. Remove the neck from the body.
3. Determine the neck mounting hole depth.
a. Place one of the neck mounting screws through the neck plate and body into the neck
pocket.
b. Measure the amount of the mounting screw that extends up into the neck pocket, and
mark your drill bit.
c. Double check the depth by holding the marked drill bit to the side of the neck and be
certain the drill won’t go through the fingerboard.
4. Drill the holes in the neck with a 1/8” drill bit. Make sure you don’t drill through the
fingerboard!
2.3 Check the Neck to the Body Fit
Attach the neck so you can locate the pickguard. Use caution, the last thing you want to do is snap the
screw off in the hole!
1. Insert the neck into the neck pocket and place the neck plate (with counter sunk holes facing
out) & plastic base on the body.
2. Align the mounting holes in the neck and body
TIP…a piece of masking tape around the drill bit works great as a depth indicator.
TIP…rubbing the threads of the screw on a bar of soap or candle will help prevent the
wood from splitting
Section 2 –Mockup and Fit Check
J Bass Section 2 - 3 -
3. Fasten the 4 #7 x 1 3/8” screws, but do not finial tighten them.
2.4 Fit check & alignment of the
Pickguard and the Audio Controls
(items 2 & 3 on materials list)
1. Temporarily place the pickguard into
position around the neck.
2. Insert the Audio Control Panel into the
Audio Control cavity ensuring that the
wires are inside the cavity.
3. Carefully adjust the Pickguard and the
Control Panel so that the contour of the
Pickguard and Control Panel are aligned
with the contour of the Body.
4. Mark and pre-drill 2 mounting holes for
the Pickguard –temporarily attach the
pickguard.
5. With the pickguard in place, recheck the alignment of the Audio Control Panel, pickguard and
guitar contour to ensure proper positioning. Also note the junction of the pickguard and control
panel - they should be snug and centered on each other (Figure 2.4).
6. Once aligned, mark and pre-drill the remaining holes for the pickguard and audio control panel.
Ensure all holes are pre-drilled.
7. Using 3/8” screws (item 2 on Material list), temporarily attach the pickguard and audio control
panel to the body. Confirm contour alignment as you attach the components.
8. Remove the pickguard and audio control panel.
2.5 Fit check the Bridge
1. Ensure that the tunnel for the Bridge ground wire is
clear by inserting a small wire into the hole in the
center of the top of the Body (reference Fig. 2.1)
until it enters the Bridge Cavity.
2. Insert the Bridge (material list item #6) onto the
Body (reference Figure 2.1), using the supplies 7
screws.
Figure 2.6 Strap Pins
Figure 2.4 Pickup & Audio Panel Alignment
Section 2 –Mockup and Fit Check
J Bass Section 2 - 4 -
2.6 Check Strap Pins
1. Check for pre-drilled holes for the Strap Pins (item 9 on the material list), reference Figure 2.6.
2. If the holes are pre-drilled, skip to 2.7.
a. Mark the rear Strap Pin hole so that it is centered on the Neck/Bridge and the forward
Pin on the most forward point on the top of the Body (see Figure 2.6).
b. Drill starter holes with a 1/16 drill bit.
2.7 Check Tuner Alignment
Each tuner assembly consists of the tuner and hole collar. The tuners are attached to the headstock with
small wood screws (#8 on list of materials).
1. Insert tuners (item #8 on Material List) into the
Neck Headstock from the back. Insert hole collar
the over the tuner shaft from the front. The
collars will be glued in place during assembly.
2. Ensure that the Tuner shafts are perpendicular to
the Headstock (Fig.2.8).
3. Check alignment of set screw holes (4) and tuner
base.
4. If alignment is incorrect or holes are not drilled,
mark hole locations and drill starter holes with
1/16 drill bit.
5. Repeat for the remaining 3 tuners.
2.8 String Tee Position
The hole required for the installation of String Tee will be made during the guitar final assembly.
2.9 Mockup and Fit Check complete!
Carefully disassemble the Mockup and move on to the next step: applying the finish to your guitar!
Figure 2.8 Tuner Alignment
TIP… the holes may need to be widened with a peghead reamer or a round file. DO NOT
widen the holes too much—the tuners should fit snug
Section 3 - Finishing Your Guitar
J Bass Section 3 - 1 -
Section 3 Contents
3 Finish .................................................................................................................................................- 1 -
3.1 Finish Application Steps ............................................................................................................- 1 -
3.1.1 Solid Color finish: ..............................................................................................................- 1 -
3.1.2 Pigmented Translucent, Gel stain or alcohol dye finish:...................................................- 2 -
3.1.3 Penetrating Stain or water based dye finish:....................................................................- 2 -
3.2 Explanation of Sequence Steps:................................................................................................- 2 -
3.2.1 Sanding the Body and Neck ..............................................................................................- 2 -
3.2.2 Appling Grain Filler............................................................................................................- 3 -
3.2.3 Applying Sanding Sealer....................................................................................................- 3 -
3.2.4 Solid Color Primer .............................................................................................................- 3 -
3.2.5 Burst and Translucent finishes..........................................................................................- 3 -
3.2.6 Clear Top coats..................................................................................................................- 4 -
3.2.7 Buff finish ..........................................................................................................................- 4 -
3Finish
Before starting the finish make sure all holes are drilled for any remaining hardware (pickguard, jack
plate, strap pins etc.). This section will cover the application of several finish types, including;
1. Solid color
2. Pigmented translucent, gel stain or alcohol dye
3. Penetrating stain or water based dye
The guitar body was sanded at the factory and coated with one coat of sand and sealer. To get a good
finish, the body should be sanded with a series of sandpaper grits up to #320 grit. Apply a solid color
finish, a pigmented translucent finish (Bursts, toners, Blonde, Butterscotch Blonde etc), a gel based stain
or an alcohol based dye finish over the sanding sealer. If you plan on using a penetrating stain or water
based dye, the sanding sealer must be removed.
How you proceed will depend on the finish you would like on your guitar.
The following paragraphs outline several finishing processes, starting with the sequence for a finish type
(paragraph 3.1) followed by detailed explanation of each sequence step (paragraph 3.2).
3.1 Finish Application Steps
3.1.1 Solid Color finish:
1. Sand the body and neck
2. Apply grain filler if desired.
3. Apply 2 coats of sand and sealer
Section 3 - Finishing Your Guitar
J Bass Section 3 - 2 -
4. Sand to 320 grit
5. Apply primer
6. Sand the primer
7. Apply color coats
8. Apply clear top coats
9. Buff finish
3.1.2 Pigmented Translucent, Gel stain or alcohol dye finish:
1. Sand the body and neck
2. Apply grain filler if desired.
3. Apply 2 coats of sand and sealer
4. Sand to 320 grit
5. Apply stain or dye
6. Apply clear top coats
7. Buff finish
3.1.3 Penetrating Stain or water based dye finish:
1. Sand the body and neck to bare wood
2. Apply grain filler if desired.
3. Apply stain or dye
4. Apply 2 coats of sand and sealer
5. Sand to 320 grit
6. Apply clear top coats
7. Buff finish
3.2 Explanation of Sequence Steps:
3.2.1 Sanding the Body and Neck
1. Wear a NIOSH-approved respirator and ANSI-approved safety glasses when sanding wood!
2. Before starting the finish on the neck mask off the surface of the fingerboard.
3. Use a flexible sanding block with #150 grit aluminum-oxide sanding paper to sand the guitar
body until there is a consistent scratch pattern on the entire surface. Note: DO NOT round over
the neck pocket or the body cavities. When hand sanding, always sand in the same direction as
the wood grain.
4. Re-sand the entire guitar body and neck with #220 grit sanding paper and lightly round over the
outside edges of the body.
TIP… re-open any of the screw holes in the body. Use a toothpick or small drill held between
your fingers to clean out any filler in the holes.
Section 3 - Finishing Your Guitar
J Bass Section 3 - 3 -
5. Wipe the guitar body and neck with a damp cloth to “raise" the wood grain.
6. Wait until the wood is dry and re-sand with #220 grit sandpaper to sand the “raised" grain
smooth.
(Note: On a maple fingerboard you can apply a clear finish to the entire neck and fingerboard. Apply
several coats and remove buildup on the frets between coats. An easy way to remove the finish buildup
on the frets is to take a nail and file a half round slot in the head about the same size as the frets. You
can then use this to easily scrape any finish build up.
If the neck has a Rosewood or Ebony fingerboard, be sure to tape off the fingerboard before applying
the finish. Behlen’s Fingerboard Oil is a great product for your fingerboard.)
3.2.2 Appling Grain Filler
Grain filler will fill in the grain and create flat surface. This is essential if you are trying to get a high gloss
finish. Oil based grain filler is recommended. We recommend using Behlen PORE-O-PAC grain filler. For
most finishes use natural colored filler. The dyes used in darker fillers may over time find their way
through the color coat.
Apply the filler by wiping across the grain. You can use a course cloth or your fingers to wipe the grain in.
After it has dried about ten to twenty minutes the excess can be removed with a cloth dampened with
mineral spirits. After about an hour repeat the process and let dry overnight. If you have removed most
of the excess with mineral spirits the remaining filler on the field of the wood can be sanded off (use
#220 again) in a few minutes. It is also a good idea at this time to reopen any of the screw holes in the
body. Use a toothpick or small drill held between your fingers to clean out any filler in the holes. The
body is now ready for a sand and sealer coating.
3.2.3 Applying Sanding Sealer
Sand and sealer is used to give the final coat a level base. It is also helpful in filling scratches which are
too deep to sand out. We recommend using Behlen Vinyl Sealer. This comes in aerosol cans and can
easily be sprayed on.
3.2.4 Solid Color Primer
The last step before applying the color coats is to apply a white primer coat. We recommend using Ohio
Valley Nitro Primer. The white background will also let you apply an opaque color coat with less paint.
Spray on two coats. When dry you may notice that the surface feels rough. Sand off the roughness with
#320 dry and respray. Sand again. If the surface now appears smooth and all grain is opaqued you are
ready for the color coat.
3.2.5 Burst and Translucent finishes
Bursts and Translucent finishes can be applied using aerosol cans of lacquer toner. Ohio Valley Nitro
and Behlen have a full line of Nitrocellulose Lacquer Toners to achieve these finishes.
Section 3 - Finishing Your Guitar
J Bass Section 3 - 4 -
3.2.6 Clear Top coats
Apply several thin coats of the finish, following the manufacturer's instructions. Multiple thin coats
usually produce a better quality finish than one heavy coat. Dry sand the entire body with #400 grit
wet/dry sandpaper after at least three coats of finish have been applied. DO NOT sand through the
finish, be careful on the edges. Use a tack cloth to remove sanding residue. Apply more finish, sanding
between coats, until the finish is the desired thickness.
3.2.7 Buff finish
When the final coat has dried at least a week, preferably a month, remove the masking. Wet sand the
finish using #600 grit wet/dry sandpaper with a sanding block, followed with #1000 grit wet/dry
sandpaper. Use a clean, absorbent rag to remove excess water. Let the guitar dry completely, then use
a tack cloth to remove all residue. Buff the finish by hand or with a buffer, starting with a medium polish
and working up to a high gloss polish.
Note: If you use a buffing machine, be careful to avoid going through the finish, especially on the edges.
Section 4 - Assembly
J Bass Section 4 - 1 -
Section 4 Contents
4. Assembly.........................................................................................................................................- 1 -
4.1 Attach the Neck to the Body.....................................................................................................- 1 -
4.2 Installing Component Wiring & Installation..............................................................................- 1 -
4.2.1 Preparation & Installation of the Pickups and Audio Panel..............................................- 2 -
4.2.2 Bridge & Frame Ground Wire Installation ........................................................................- 3 -
4.3 Installing the Nut.......................................................................................................................- 3 -
4.4 Installing the Tuners..................................................................................................................- 4 -
4.5 Install the Strings.......................................................................................................................- 4 -
4.6 Installing the Strap Pins.............................................................................................................- 4 -
4.7 Installing the String Retainer.....................................................................................................- 5 -
4Assembly
After your finish has been applied and thoroughly dried, we can now assemble your guitar. In this
section we will permanently install all of the components and the wiring for the bridge and pickguard.
4.1 Attach the Neck to the Body
1. Insert the Neck in the neck pocket. The Neck should fit snuggly into the Body neck pocket –if
there is more resistance than when the Neck and Body were fit-checked in section 2, check for
finish material build up. Carefully sand the components with fine sandpaper as required.
2. Mount the Neck plate and plastic base with 1 ¾” screws (#7 on the material list – 4 ea.),
ensuring that the plate has the counter-sunk holes facing out.
3. Carefully tighten the screws –over tightening can damage the neck.
4.2 Installing Component Wiring & Installation
TIP… use a blanket or large towel on your work area to protect your guitars’ finish
Reminder TIP…rubbing the threads of the screw on a bar of soap or candle will help
prevent the wood from splitting
Section 4 - Assembly
J Bass Section 4 - 2 -
All of the electrical components are installed on the Audio Control Panel and pre-wired for installation
with the exception of the Bridge ground wire and connecting the pickups. Figure 4.1 details the physical
and interconnection of the Tone & Volume adjustments, as well as the Pickups and Output jack. Refer
to Figure 4.2 if there are any issues with the component wiring. (Note: wiring colors are typical and may
vary).
4.2.1 P
rep
ara
tio
n &
Ins
tall
ati
on
of
the
Pic
ku
ps
and
Au
dio
Pa
nel
1. I
nstall the pickguard in place with 2 screws –do not
tighten.
2. Insert the wiring from the Neck pickup (item #5 on
material list: with “N” on the back & black/white wire
colors) through the pickguard & the tunnel that
connects the Neck cavity and Audio Control cavity
(reference Fig. 4.2.1).
3. Insert the wiring from the Bridge pickup (item #5 on
material list: with “B” on the back & black/red wire
colors) through the tunnel that connects the Bridge
cavity and Audio Control cavity (reference Fig. 4.2.1).
4. Solder the white wire (from the Neck pickup) to the center post on the neck volume control
(closest to the neck); solder the black wire to the case of the same control.
Figure 4.2 Audio Control Panel & Output Reference Wiring Diagram
Figure 4.2.1 Bridge Ground Tunnel Location
Section 4 - Assembly
J Bass Section 4 - 3 -
5. Solder the red wire (from the Bridge pickup) to the center post on the Bridge volume control
(center control on the Audio panel); solder the black wire to the case of the same control.
6. Run the black Bridge ground wire through the tunnel from the Audio cavity to the Bridge cavity,
continuing to the Bridge via the Bridge cavity to Bridge tunnel (Fig 4.2.1). (Note: put the Audio
panel in place before running the wire to the Bridge to ensure enough length).
7. Install/tighten all screws in the pickguard
and audio control panel.
8. Insert the screws in each of the pickups,
securing the springs using a small piece of
tape to hold them in place while inserting
the pickup (Fig. 4.2.2).
9. Insert the Neck pickup into the Pickguard,
removing the tape once the screws are
perpendicular to the Body. Start and
tighten the 4 screws approximately ¼”.
Ensure the pickup has a spring action in at
all 4 screws.
10. Insert the Bridge pickup into the Bridge
cavity, removing the tape once the screws are perpendicular to the Body. Start and tighten the
4 screws approximately ¼”. Ensure the pickup has a spring action in at all 4 screws. The pickups
will be adjusted in the Assembly section.
4.2.2 Bridge & Frame Ground Wire Installation
1. Strip approximately 1/2” of insulation from the Bridge
ground wire.
2. Install the Bridge with ¾” screws (#6 on the material
list –7 ea.), ensuring that the bridge grounding wire is
wrapped around one of the mounting screws –push
excess wire back into the tunnel.
4.3 Installing the Nut
The nut holds the strings at the headstock the correct distance above the frets. It is not necessary to cut
the string notches in the nut that comes with this kit.
1. If necessary, use a chisel or razor blade to scrape any finish out of the nut slot. DO NOT remove
any wood from the nut slot.
2. Spread a thin layer of wood glue in the nut slot and center the nut in the nut slot –let dry. If
necessary, use a small clamp to ensure the nut is held in place.
TIP… remove the clear
protective film from the
Pickguard & pickups
TIP… wipe away the excess glue before it sets up - allow the glue to thoroughly dry
4.2.2 Pickup Preparation
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