BYO Guitar BONGO User manual

BONGO Bass Guitar Kit
Assembly
Instructions
www.byoguitar.com

Introduction
BONGO 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
BONGO bass Intro- 2 -
Contents
Contents....................................................................................................................................................- 2 -
1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................- 4 -
1.2 Material Check List....................................................................................................................- 5 -
1.3 Additional tools/materials required: ........................................................................................- 8 -
2.1 Wiring Harness..........................................................................................................................- 1 -
2.2 Check Guitar Body & Neck mounting holes..............................................................................- 2 -
2.2.1 Drilling the Mounting Holes in the Guitar Body................................................................- 2 -
2.3 Checking the Mounting Holes in the Neck................................................................................- 2 -
2.3.1 Drilling Mounting Holes in the Neck .................................................................................- 2 -
2.4 Attach the Neck to the Body....................................................................................................- 3 -
2.5 Fit Check & Alignment of the Pickguard (#2 on materials list) .................................................- 3 -
2.6 Fit Check the Bridge ..................................................................................................................- 3 -
2.6.1 Positioning and Alignment of the Bridge (Figure 2.6.1)....................................................- 3 -
2.6.2 Check for Bridge Ground Wire Channel............................................................................- 4 -
2.6.3 Drill Bridge Ground Wire Channel.....................................................................................- 4 -
2.7 Check Rear Access Panel (#9 on material list) ..........................................................................- 4 -
2.8 Check Strap Pins........................................................................................................................- 4 -
2.9 Check Tuner Alignment.............................................................................................................- 5 -
2.10 String Tee Position ....................................................................................................................- 5 -
2.11 Nut Check..................................................................................................................................- 5 -
2.12 Mockup and Fit Check complete! .............................................................................................- 5 -
3 Finish .................................................................................................................................................- 1 -
3.1 Finish Application Steps ............................................................................................................- 2 -
3.1.1 Solid Color finish: ..............................................................................................................- 2 -
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 -

Introduction
BONGO bass Intro- 3 -
3.2.5 Burst and Translucent finishes..........................................................................................- 4 -
3.2.6 Clear Top coats..................................................................................................................- 4 -
3.2.7 Buff finish ..........................................................................................................................- 4 -
4 Assembly ...........................................................................................................................................- 2 -
4.1 Assembling the Neck and Body.................................................................................................- 2 -
4.2 Installing the Tuners (Figure 4.2) ..............................................................................................- 2 -
4.3 Install the Pickguard..................................................................................................................- 2 -
4.4 Installation of the Electronic Components ...............................................................................- 2 -
4.4.1 Installing the Wiring Harness ............................................................................................- 3 -
4.4.2 Installing the Bridge and Neck Pickups .............................................................................- 3 -
4.4.3 Install Output Jack.............................................................................................................- 4 -
4.4.4 Connecting the dots –Soldering in the Components .......................................................- 4 -
4.5 Installing the Bridge ..................................................................................................................- 5 -
4.6 Install the Strings.......................................................................................................................- 5 -
4.7 Installing the Strap Pins.............................................................................................................- 6 -
4.8 Install the String Tee .................................................................................................................- 6 -
5 Initial setup .......................................................................................................................................- 1 -
5.1 Adjust the Guitar Neck: Truss Rod ............................................................................................- 2 -
5.1.1 Check the Neck..................................................................................................................- 2 -
5.1.2 Adjusting the Truss Rod ....................................................................................................- 2 -
5.2 String Lubrication......................................................................................................................- 2 -
5.3 Adjusting the Action..................................................................................................................- 3 -
5.3.1 The Nut..............................................................................................................................- 3 -
5.3.2 Bridge Saddle Adjustment.................................................................................................- 3 -
5.4 Pickup Height (Figure 5.4).........................................................................................................- 4 -
5.5 Intonation (Figure 5.5) ..............................................................................................................- 4 -
5.6 …Other Hints.............................................................................................................................- 5 -

Introduction
BONGO bass Intro- 4 -
Fig 1 Major Components in Your BONGO bass Guitar Kit
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.
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.
TIP: Get some finishing ideas by visiting BYOGuitar.com and BYO Guitar on Facebook
(http://www.byoguitar.com/gallery/index.html)

Introduction
BONGO bass Intro- 5 -
1.2 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.
BONGO bass Material List
Item
Component
Quantity
Description
1
 1 BONGO bass
Body
 1 BONGO bass
Neck
 Miscellaneous
materials (see
below)
BYO BONGO
bass Guitar
Kit
2
 1, white
BONGO bass
Pickguard
3
 2 black pickups
 6 mounting
screws, 1 ¼”
 6 springs
Pickups

Introduction
BONGO bass Intro- 6 -
4
 17 screws 1/2”+
spare
Mounting
screws for
Pickguard,
Bridge & Back
Plate
5
 1 harness w/ 4
potentiometers
 4 knobs
BONGO bass
Wiring
harness
6
 1 Bridge
Bridge
assembly
7
 4 top mount
 1 bottom mount
 5 tuner inserts
Tuning Pegs
8
 20 screws, 3/8”
Tuning Peg
screws
TIP: use small
interior packing box to
inventory and organize piece
parts

Introduction
BONGO bass Intro- 7 -
9
 1 plate
Electronics
cover
10
 Jack w/washer
Output Jack
11
 2 Holders
 2 plastic
washers
 2 screws, 1”
Strap Holder
materials
12
 4 screws, 1 ½”
 4 washers
Neck
Mounting
hardware
13
 1 string T
 1 screw, ¾”
String T
14
 5 strings
Strings

Introduction
BONGO bass Intro- 8 -
15
 Output Cable
 2 Allen
wrenches
Other
1.3 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
Clamps
Wrap (8”) or straw
String or fishing line
(36”)

Introduction
BONGO bass Intro- 9 -
The remainder of the assembly instruction 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
BONGO bass Section 2- 1 -
Section 2 Contents
2Mockup and Fit Check ..................................................................................................................- 1 -
2.1 Wiring Harness..........................................................................................................................- 1 -
2.2 Check Guitar Body & Neck mounting holes..............................................................................- 2 -
2.2.1 Drilling the Mounting Holes in the Guitar Body................................................................- 2 -
2.3 Checking the Mounting Holes in the Neck................................................................................- 2 -
2.3.1 Drilling Mounting Holes in the Neck .........................................................................- 2 -
2.4 Attach the Neck to the Body....................................................................................................- 3 -
2.5 Fit Check & Alignment of the Pickguard (#2 on materials list) .................................................- 3 -
2.6 Fit Check the Bridge ..................................................................................................................- 3 -
2.6.1 Positioning and Alignment of the Bridge (Figure 2.6.1)....................................................- 3 -
2.6.2 Check for Bridge Ground Wire Channel............................................................................- 4 -
2.6.3 Drill Bridge Ground Wire Channel.....................................................................................- 4 -
2.7 Check Rear Access Panel (#9 on material list) ..........................................................................- 4 -
2.8 Check Strap Pins........................................................................................................................- 4 -
2.9 Check Tuner Alignment.............................................................................................................- 5 -
2.10 String Tee Position ....................................................................................................................- 5 -
2.11 Nut Check..................................................................................................................................- 5 -
2.12 Mockup and Fit Check complete! .............................................................................................- 5 -
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 Wiring Harness
The wiring harness for the BONGO guitar is pre-wired and ready for installation. Check the harness for
lose or broken wires. Section 4 has a detailed wiring diagram if needed.
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
BONGO bass Section 2- 2 -
2.2 Check Guitar Body & Neck mounting holes
1. Check Neck cavity on the Body for pre-drilled (4) mounting holes (Figure 2.2);
2. Skip to 2.3 if the holes are pre-drilled.
2.2.1 Drilling the Mounting Holes in the Guitar Body
1. The back of the body should have four pre-
marked and counter sunk hole locations –if
the there are no hole markings, contact BYO
Guitar.
2. Center punch the four marks.
3. Drill the holes using a 3/16” drill bit.
2.3 Checking the Mounting Holes
in the Neck
1. Check the neck for pre-drilled (4)
mounting holes.
2. Skip to 2.4 if the holes are pre-drilled.
2.3.1 Drilling Mounting Holes in the Neck
1. 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 a neck mounting screw & washer (Item # 12 on the material list) through 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!
TIP…a piece of masking tape around the drill bit works great as a depth indicator.
Figure 2.2 Body Locations
TIP…if possible, use a drill press to
achieve the best results building your guitar

Section 2 –Mockup and Fit Check
BONGO bass Section 2- 3 -
2.4 Attach the Neck to the Body
1. Insert the neck into the neck, aligning the mounting holes in the neck and body.
2. Attach the neck to the body using the supplied screws (4), item #12 on the material list –do not
over tighten!
2.5 Fit Check & Alignment of the Pickguard (#2 on materials list)
1. Temporarily place the pickguard into position around the neck.
2. Carefully slide the Pickguard under the neck and adjust the Pickguard so that it is snug against
the neck while centered/aligned with the pickup cavities (Figure 2.2).
3. Mark and pre-drill one mounting hole for the Pickguard –temporarily attach the pickguard using
3/8” screws (#4 on material list).
4. With the pickguard in place, recheck the pickguard and pickup cavity alignment to ensure proper
positioning. If incorrect, repeat step #2 & #3 using another pickguard hole.
5. Once confirmed, mark and pre-drill the remaining holes for the pickguard. Ensure all holes are
pre-drilled.
2.6 Fit Check the Bridge
1. Check the Bridge mounting area (yellow area in
Figure 2.2) for six Bridge mounting holes.
2. Skip to 2.6.2 if holes are pre-drilled.
2.6.1 Positioning and Alignment of the Bridge
(Figure 2.6.1)
1. Take the Bridge assembly (#6 on material list) and adjust the low saddle position to
a
p
p
r
o
x
i
m
a
t
e
l
y
TIP…rubbing the threads of the screw on a bar of soap or candle will help prevent the
wood from splitting
INFO…the “scale” of your BONGO
bass guitar is 34”. This is not a musical scale;
rather it is the length of the guitar strings as
measured from the nut to the low E saddle on
the Bridge. This section ensures that the Bridge
is positioned correctly.
Figure 2.6.1 Bridge Positioning

Section 2 –Mockup and Fit Check
BONGO bass Section 2- 4 -
½ of the threads of the adjustment screw –this is the reference point for the Bridge position.
2. Using painters or masking tape, tape off a 3” X 4” directly behind the Bridge cavity, then position
the bridge so that the low saddle is 34” from the inside of the Nut (Figure 2.6.1).
3. Square and center the Bridge on the pickup cavity/pickguard while ensuring that the Bridge
remains 34” from the Nut.
4. Mark and pre-drill one of the forward Bridge holes. Attach the bridge with supplied screw (#4
on material list).
5. Recheck Bridge position, square & center –mark and pre-drill the remaining 5 Bridge mounting
holes.
6. Remove the Bridge.
2.6.2 Check for Bridge Ground Wire Channel
1. Check the bridge mounting area (Figure 2.2) for the Bridge ground wire channel to the Bridge
pickup cavity.
2. Skip to 2.7 if there is a wire channel.
2.6.3 Drill Bridge Ground Wire Channel
1. Place a piece of painters tape between
the two forward mounting holes. Mark
a spot between the forward mounting
holes, 1/4” inside and 1/8” back from
the mounting screw hole nearest the
volume controls (Figure 2.6.3).
2. Keeping in mind that the objective is to
create a channel between the Bridge
and Bridge pickup cavity, use extreme
caution and drill a 3/16” hole from the
marker spot in the Bridge mounting
area to the Bridge pickup cavity, at an
angle of approximately 30 degrees, as
shown in Figure 2.6.3.
3. Using a piece of wire, ensure that the channel is clear.
2.7 Check Rear Access Panel (#9 on material list)
1. Check the fit of the rear access panel.
2. Skip to 2.8 if the holes are pre-drilled.
3. Mark and pre-drill the four access cover holes (Figure 2.7).
2.8 Check Strap Pins
1. Check for pre-drilled holes for the Strap Pins (item 11 on the
material list), reference Figure 2.2.
2. If the holes are pre-drilled, skip to 2.9.
Figure 2.6.3 Drill Bridge Ground wire
Figure 2.7 Access Panel Alignment
Access panel mounting screw locations:

Section 2 –Mockup and Fit Check
BONGO bass Section 2- 5 -
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.
b. Drill starter holes with a 1/16 drill bit.
2.9 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 #7 on Material List) into the Neck
Headstock from the back. There are two types of tuners: four
for top mount and one for bottom mount –they are not
interchangeable.
2. Insert hole collar the over each tuner shaft from the front of
the Headstock. The collars are used for alignment and need
not be fully inserted in the Headstock –they will be glued in
place during assembly.
3. As the Headstock is curved, ensure that the Tuner shaft
alignment follows the curvature Headstock (Fig. 2.9).
4. Check alignment of set screw holes (4) and tuner base.
5. If alignment is incorrect or holes are not drilled, mark a single
hole location, drill a starter hole with 1/16 drill bit: recheck the alignment then mark and drill
the remaining holes.
6. Repeat step #3-5 for the remaining 4 tuners.
2.10 String Tee Position
The hole required for the installation of String Tee will be made during the guitar final assembly.
2.11 Nut Check
No, there is no error here! The Neck should have the Nut installed –check for the nut at the junction of
the Headstock and the Neck –please contact BYO Guitar if you are short a Nut!
2.12 Mockup and Fit Check complete!
Carefully disassemble the Mockup and move on to the next step: applying the finish to your guitar!
Figure 2.9 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
BONGO bass Section 3- 1 -
Section 3 Contents
3Finish .................................................................................................................................................- 1 -
3.1 Finish Application Steps ............................................................................................................- 2 -
3.1.1 Solid Color finish: ..............................................................................................................- 2 -
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..........................................................................................- 4 -
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.
Caution: … ensure that the
Neck and Body mating surfaces are
taped off to prevent the finish
interfering with the final fit.

Section 3 –Finishing Your Guitar
BONGO bass Section 3- 2 -
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
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.
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
BONGO bass Section 3- 3 -
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.
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.

Section 3 –Finishing Your Guitar
BONGO bass Section 3- 4 -
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 –Assembly
BONGO bass Section 4 - 1 -
Section 4 Contents:
4Contents
4 Assembly ...........................................................................................................................................- 2 -
4.1 Assembling the Neck and Body.................................................................................................- 2 -
4.2 Installing the Tuners (Figure 4.2) ..............................................................................................- 2 -
4.3 Install the Pickguard..................................................................................................................- 2 -
4.4 Installation of the Electronic Components ...............................................................................- 2 -
4.4.1 Installing the Wiring Harness ............................................................................................- 3 -
4.4.2 Installing the Bridge and Neck Pickups .............................................................................- 3 -
4.4.3 Install Output Jack.............................................................................................................- 4 -
4.4.4 Connecting the dots –Soldering in the Components .......................................................- 4 -
4.5 Installing the Bridge ..................................................................................................................- 5 -
4.6 Install the Strings.......................................................................................................................- 5 -
4.7 Installing the Strap Pins.............................................................................................................- 6 -
4.8 Install the String Tee .................................................................................................................- 6 -