BYO Guitar Quilt Top User manual

Quilt Top
Guitar Kit
Assembly Instructions
www.byoguitar.com
2018-1010(-)

Introduction
Quilt Top Intro- 1 -
California requires the following notice:
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
Quilt Top Intro- 2 -
Contents
Contents ................................................................................................................................................. - 2 -
1 Introduction.................................................................................................................................... - 3 -
1.1 Material Check List.................................................................................................................. - 4 -
1.2 Additional tools/materials required:....................................................................................... - 7 -
2 Mockup and Fit Check..................................................................................................................... - 1 -
2.1 Checking the Mounting Holes in the Neck .............................................................................. - 1 -
2.1.1 Drilling Mounting Holes in the Neck (Fig 2.1) .................................................................. - 1 -
2.1.2 Mount the Neck on the Body .......................................................................................... - 1 -
2.2 The Bridge............................................................................................................................... - 2 -
2.3 Fit check & Alignment of the Neck and Bridge pickups........................................................... - 2 -
2.4 Check Tremolo Claw Alignment and Fit Check (item #5 on material list)................................ - 2 -
2.5 Fit check of the back covers (Fig 2.5.1) ................................................................................... - 3 -
2.5.1 Tremolo cover: ................................................................................................................ - 3 -
2.5.2 Volume & Switch Covers: ................................................................................................ - 3 -
2.6 Check Strap Pins...................................................................................................................... - 3 -
2.7 Check Tuner Alignment........................................................................................................... - 3 -
2.8 Check Output Jack................................................................................................................... - 3 -
2.9 Check String retainer............................................................................................................... - 4 -
2.10 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: ...................................... - 1 -
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..................................................................................................... - 2 -
3.2.3 Applying Sanding Sealer............................................................................................. - 3 -
3.2.4 Solid Color Primer....................................................................................................... - 3 -

Introduction
Quilt Top Intro- 3 -
3.2.5 Burst and Translucent finishes................................................................................. - 3 -
3.2.6 Clear Top coats............................................................................................................. - 3 -
3.2.7 Buff finish...................................................................................................................... - 3 -
4 Assembly......................................................................................................................................... - 1 -
4.1 Installing the tuners ................................................................................................................ - 1 -
4.2 Neck Installation ..................................................................................................................... - 1 -
4.3 Installing the Strap Pins........................................................................................................... - 1 -
4.4 Installing the Floyd Rose Tremolo ........................................................................................... - 1 -
4.5 Install the wiring harness & Pickups........................................................................................ - 2 -
4.5.1 Check the wiring harness (# 2 on the parts list): ............................................................. - 2 -
4.5.2 Install wiring harness....................................................................................................... - 2 -
4.5.3 Install Pickups.................................................................................................................. - 4 -
4.6 Install the Strings..................................................................................................................... - 4 -
4.7 Tremolo Claw Adjustment....................................................................................................... - 6 -
5 Initial setup ..................................................................................................................................... - 1 -
5.1 Adjust the Guitar Neck: Truss Rod .......................................................................................... - 1 -
5.1.1 Check the Neck................................................................................................................ - 1 -
5.1.2 Adjusting the Truss Rod................................................................................................... - 2 -
5.2 String Lubrication.................................................................................................................... - 2 -
5.3 Re-check the Bridge Alignment............................................................................................... - 2 -
5.4 Adjusting the Action (string height) (Figure 5.4) ..................................................................... - 3 -
5.5 Pickup Height (Figure 5.5) ....................................................................................................... - 3 -
5.6 Intonation (Figure 5.6) ........................................................................................................... - 4 -
5.7 …Other Hints........................................................................................................................... - 4 -
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
TIP: Get some finishing ideas by visiting BYOGuitar.com and BYO Guitar on Facebook
(http://www.byoguitar.com/gallery/index.html)

Introduction
Quilt Top Intro- 4 -
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 to 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.
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.
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.
Quilt Top Material List
Item
Component
Quantity
Description
Fig 1 Major Components in Your Quilt Top Guitar Kit

Introduction
Quilt Top Intro- 5 -
1
 1 Quilt Top
Body
 1 Quilt Top
Neck
 Miscellaneous
materials (see
below)
BYO Quilt Top
Guitar Kit
2
 1Selector
switch w/knob
 Volume pot
 Tone pot
 Knobs (2)
 Wire harness
 Mounting
hardware (3)
Audio Controls
3
 12 screws 3/8”
Mounting screws
Audio Jack &
Back Plates
4
 1
 2 mounting
inserts/screws
Quilt Top
Bridge/Tremblock
5
 Trem Claw
 Springs, 3
 Screws, 1 ½”,
2
Tremolo parts
6
 Arm
Whammy bar
TIP: use small interior packing
box to inventory and organize piece parts

Introduction
Quilt Top Intro- 6 -
7
 4 ferrules
 4 screws, 13/4”
Neck mounting
materials
8
 4 Tuning
Pegs, ,LT
 2 Tuning
Pegs, RT
 6 Washers
 6 Nuts
 6 screws, 3/8”
Tuning Peg
materials
9
 Jack
 Mounting
screws 5/8”
Output Jack
10
 2 Holders
 2 plastic
washers
 2 screws, 1”
Strap Holder
materials
11
 Pickups (2)
 8 screws, ¾”
Pickups, Bridge
& Neck
12
 Tremolo claw
cover
 Switch cover
 Audio cover
Body (back)
Access Covers
13
 Retainer
 Mounting
screws (2)
String retainer

Introduction
Quilt Top Intro- 7 -
14
 6 strings
Strings
15
 Output Cable
 3 Allen
wrenches
Other
1.2 Additional tools/materials required:
Drill & drill bits
#1 & #2 Phillips
screwdriver
Soldering iron/solder
Masking/painters tape
Finishing/painting
material
Sand paper 220 &
320 grit
Guitar strap
Soap or candle
Feeler gauge
ruler
Wood glue

Introduction
Quilt Top 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 –Construction: 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, 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.
Examples of Our Custom Shop Products

Section 2 –Mockup and Fit Check
Quilt Top Section 2 - 1 -
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 Checking the Mounting Holes in the Neck
1. Check the neck for pre-drilled (4) mounting holes;
2. Skip to 2.1.2 if the holes are pre-drilled.
2.1.1 Drilling Mounting Holes in the Neck (Fig 2.1)
1. Place the neck in the pocket (…you should be able to
fit the neck in the neck pocket by hand):
a. Make sure the neck is aligned properly with
the pickup pockets;
b. Carefully clamp the neck in place –frets
damage easily;
c. Using the 3/32 drill bit, place the bit in the
hole through the body and tap it a few times
to make a mark on the neck;
d. Remove the neck from the body.
2. Determine the neck mounting hole depth:
a. Place one of the neck mounting screws with ferrule (item
#7 on material list) through the 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.
3. Drill the holes in the neck with a 1/8” drill bit. Make sure you don’t drill through the
fingerboard!
2.1.2 Mount the Neck on the Body
Temporarily attach the neck. 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 aligning the mounting holes
in the neck and body;
2. Fasten the Neck & Body with 4 x 1 3/8” screws and ferrules (item
#7 on material list), but do not over tighten them.
Figure 2.1 Body Pocket Locations
TIP…a
piece of masking tape
around the drill bit
works great as a depth
indicator.
TIP…to
reduce the chances of
the wood splitting, use
soap or wax on screw
threads

Section 2 –Mockup and Fit Check
Quilt Top Section 2 - 2 -
2.2 The Bridge
Mounting the Bridge assembly (item 4 on material list) utilizes two inserts in the Bridge Pocket (Fig 2.1).
1. Remove the adjustment bolts from the inserts;
2. Using a small block of wood, gently tap the inserts
into the Body being cautious that the block does
not contact the Body as it might leave small dents
that will require sanding when you finish your
guitar. When finishing the Body (Section 3), be
careful not to allow finish material into the insert
holes.
2.3 Fit check & Alignment of the Neck and
Bridge pickups
The humbucker pickups for your guitar may appear the be
the same but there is a subtle difference: each pickup has
a taper (slope) from back to front but the Bridge pickup
has the larger taper (Fig. 2.3-1). Note the mounting:
1. The taper faces the Neck;
2. The Neck Pickup is closest to the Neck.
Using these differences as a reference:
1. From the front of the Body, carefully run the Neck
Pickup shielded pickup wire through the tunnel
between the Neck pocket and the Switch pocket
(Fig. 2.3-2), ensuring that the pickup is flush against the Body;
2. Align and center the pickup over the pocket;
3. Mark the 4 holes and drill starter holes with 1/16 drill bit;
4. Repeat steps 1-3 using the Bridge pickup and the Bridge pocket.
The wiring of the pickups and other components will be covered in Section 4.
2.4 Check Tremolo Claw Alignment and
Fit Check (item #5 on material list)
Place the Tremolo claw in the back pocket of the Body
(Fig 2.4) ensuring the claw is centered in the pocket.
1. In order to make the assembly process easier,
pre-tin the claw ground point (raised tab in the
center of the claw);
2. Using the claw as a template, mark the hole
positions and pre-drill 2 holes;
Figure 2.4 Tremolo claw Alignment
Figure 2.3-1 Pickup Taper
Figure 2.3-2 Body Tunnels

Section 2 –Mockup and Fit Check
Quilt Top Section 2 - 3 -
3. Start the mounting screws approximately ½” into the Body – ensure they are centered (Figure
2.4).
2.5 Fit check of the back covers (Fig 2.5.1)
2.5.1 Tremolo cover:
1. Carefully align the rectangular cover over the
pocket, ensuring that there is room for the round
cover directly below (item 12 in material list);
2. Mark the holes and drill starter holes with 1/16
drill bit.
2.5.2 Audio & Switch Covers:
1. Place covers over the remaining pockets, so the
counter sunk mounting holes faceup (item 12 in
material list);
2. Mark the holes and drill starter holes with 1/16
drill bit.
2.6 Check Strap Pins
1. Check for pre-drilled holes for the Strap Pins (item 10 on the material list), reference Figure 1.0.
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 1.0);
b. Drill starter holes with a 1/16 drill bit.
2.7 Check Tuner Alignment
Each tuner consists of the tuner, washer, and a threaded
bushing (item #8 on material list). There are 4 tuners that are
mounted on the upper section of the Headstock and 2 that
are mounted on the bottom.
1. Insert tuners, 6 each (item #8 on Material List), into
the Neck Headstock. Ensure that the Tuner shafts are
perpendicular to the Headstock (Fig. 2.7);
2. Check alignment of set screw holes and tuner base;
3. If alignment is incorrect or holes are not drilled, mark
hole locations and drill starter holes with 1/16 “ drill
bit being careful not to drill through the headstock.
2.8 Check Output Jack
1. Align the Output Jack (#9 on the material list) in the hole in the back of the Body (Figure 1).
2. Mark and drill the 4 mounting holes with 1/16” drill.
Figure 2.7 Tuner Alignment
Figure 2.5.1 Back Body Cover Alignment

Section 2 –Mockup and Fit Check
Quilt Top Section 2 - 4 -
2.9 Check String retainer
1. Align/center the String retainer with the Nut and positioned 3/8” from the Nut toward the end
of the Neck;
2. Mark and drill 2 mounting holes with 1/16” drill.
2.10 Mockup and Fit Check complete!
Carefully disassemble the Mockup and move on to the next step: applying the finish to your guitar!

Section 3 - Finishing Your Guitar
Quilt Top Section 3 - 1 -
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).
Caution: if you remove the nut/string tie down from the headstock in preparation for finishing the neck,
tape/cover the mounting area on the neck as to avoid material build-up that might influence the tuning
of your guitar.
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
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

Section 3 - Finishing Your Guitar
Quilt Top Section 3 - 2 -
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.
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.
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
Quilt Top Section 3 - 3 -
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 sprits. 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.
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 - Assembling Your Guitar
Quilt Top Section 4 - 1 -
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, as well as solder the wiring for the Bridge &
Neck pickups and Audio components.
4.1 Installing the tuners
Each tuner consists of the tuner, washer, and a threaded bushing. The tuners are attached to the
headstock with 3/8” wood screws (refer to Section 2.7).
1. Place the six tuners (4 mount on top, 2 on the bottom) into the holes on the back of the
headstock;
2. Slide a washer over the tuner shaft and secure the threaded bushing onto the tuner –do not
tighten yet;
3. Secure the tuners to the guitar headstock with the supplied screws - tighten the threaded
bushings. Remove the protective film if necessary.
4.2 Neck Installation
1. Insert the neck into the neck pocket, aligning the mounting holes in the neck and body;
2. Fasten the Neck & Body with 4 #7 x 1 3/8” screws – do not over tighten.
4.3 Installing the Strap Pins
Secure each strap pins (2) in the pre-drilled holes with the
supplied screws (2ea, 1”).
4.4 Installing the Floyd Rose Tremolo
Unlike hard mounted brides, the Floyd Rose style utilizes a
floating bridge base that allows the tremolo to pivot
forward and backward. The floating bridge is balanced
(positioned) between the tension of the strings and the
tension of the springs in the back pocket in the body of
your guitar. This type of system requires several iterations
of the string & spring tension adjustment to optimize your
style of playing.
1. Remove the adjustment screws from the Bridge mounting inserts (item #4 on the material list)
and gently tap the insert into place (ref. Fig 2.1) using a piece of wood on top of the insert so
you don’t damage the insert or the Body;
TIP… use a blanket or large towel on your work area to protect your guitars’ finish
Figure 4.4-1 Tremolo Claw Installation

Section 4 - Assembling Your Guitar
Quilt Top Section 4 - 2 -
2. Install the Trem claw in the front of the bottom Pocket (Fig 4.4-1), ensuring it is
centered in the Pocket, so that about ½ of the screw threads are exposed. This allows you to
adjust the tension of the springs;
3. Insert the adjustment screws into the inserts –final
height adjustment will be made when the strings are
installed;
4. Prior to installing the trem block, set the Fine
Adjustment screws to mid-range (Fig. 4.4-2) and
loosen the string locking bolts so they can be hand
tightened. Should the saddle blocks (small black
inserts behind the string saddle) fall out, ensure that
the indention faces the locking bolt when you
replace them;
5. Insert the trem block in the front of the Body and attach the springs using pliers to stretch the
springs into position. Use the center and each end
tab on the claw to attach the 3 springs (Fig 4.4-3).
Caution: if you lose grip of a spring it can fly and
cause injury as well as damage to the paint on the
body. Tighten the screws on the spring claw so there
is a little play in the block. The block still needs to be
able to move if you plan on using a whammy bar.
4.5 Install the wiring harness & Pickups
4.5.1 Check the wiring harness (# 2 on the parts list):
If the Selector switch is not soldered to the
harness, skip to 4.5.2.
1. Label the wires that are connected
to the switch (reference Figure
4.5.1) (note that pins 2 & 3 are
connected);
2. Unsolder the wires to the switch.
4.5.2 Install wiring harness
Figure 4.4-3 Tremolo Claw Installation
Figure 4.4-2 Bridge Adjustments
Figure 4.5.1 Selector Switch Wiring

Section 4 - Assembling Your Guitar
Quilt Top Section 4 - 3 -
Using Figure 4.5.2-1 wiring diagram as a reference, label the wires that are attached to
the Selector switch: 1 for the pickup signal and 1 for the switch ground.
1. Starting in the Audio pocket and referencing Figure 4.5.2-2 for tunnel locations, run the two
wires to the Bridge pocket;
2. …continuing through the Bridge pocket to the Neck pocket;
3. ...continuing through the Neck pocket to the Switch pocket;
Figure 4.5.2-2 Body Wiring Tunnels
Figure 4.5.2-1 Quilt Top Wiring Diagram

Section 4 - Assembling Your Guitar
Quilt Top Section 4 - 4 -
4. Ensure that the wires have slack as they run through the pickup pockets - the
pickups sit into the pockets;
5. Solder the two wires to the Selector switch and install the switch in the Body with supplied
hardware ensuring pins 2&3 are connected –put cover over switch shaft;
6. Install the Volume and Tone control potentiometers into the Body with supplied hardware;
7. Run the Audio signal and ground wires through the tunnel to the Audio Jack;
8. Run the Trem ground wire through the tunnel to the Trem Pocket –solder to Trem claw;
9. Solder the Audio signal (red)/ground wires to the Jack (Figure 4.5.2-3), # 9 on the parts list;
10. Install the Audio Jack into the Body.
4.5.3 Install Pickups
Recall the difference in pickup tapers (Figure 2.3-1) –the Neck pickup having the smaller taper.
1. Run the shielded Bridge pickup wire through the tunnel (Fig. 4.5.2-1) to the Neck pocket,
continuing to the Switch pocket, leaving slack in the Neck pocket as the Neck pickup is seated
down into the pocket;
2. Carefully secure the to the Body with supplied screws;
3. Repeat 2 with the Neck pickup, after running the pickup wire through the tunnel to the Switch
pocket.
4. Solder the Neck pickup signal to pin 4 of the selector switch and the wire shield to the switch
ground (reference Figure 4.5.1);
5. Solder the Neck pickup signal to pin 1 of the selector switch and the wire shield to the switch
ground;
6. Carefully inspect the wiring harness and all solder joints to ensure wiring integrity.
4.6 Install the Strings
Like most projects, there often several tricks that will make the assembly easier and your guitar better.
Properly stringing your guitar is just one of those tricks. Please review the following videos:
reminder…remove the protective film from the back covers, tuners & pickups
Figure 4.5.2-3 Output Jack Wiring Tunnels