Harley Benton E-Guitar Kit LP-Style
4
Body finish
Thefirstconsiderationtobemadebeforeassemblingistochoosethepreferredfinishoftheguitarbody.
The basswood body of the guitar is sealed and prepared for various types of lacquer coating. A wide variety of
finishescanbeprocuredfromDIY,timberandautomotiveoutletsinaerosolcansmakingfinishingstraightfor
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ward without requiring specialist skills. The use of a dust mask is essential when spraying.
Thefirststepistocheckthefitofthebodytotheneckjoint.Thebassguitarismachinedfromhigh-gradetone
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woods to ensure optimum alignment. But all woods have a natural propensity to change the shape very slightly
overtime.Ifthefitistootight,agentleadjustmentusingasharpchiselorsandpapermayberequired.Please
rememberthatthecoatingoflacquerwillmaketheneckfitalittlemoretightlyintothecutout.
Before coating the body, ensure that all surfaces are clean and free of dirt and dust. Conduct all coating proc-
esses in a well-aired, dust-free environment. Slow and patient progress is the key to a good quality of the body
finishanditisrecommendedtotestthecolourandtechniqueonasparepieceofwoodfirst.
A hole is drilled in the neck cutout so that it can be suspended by a hook for spraying and drying or alterna-
tively, a spare length of wood can be screwed in place of the neck in the cutout as a handle.
Sprayontheedgesofthebodyfirstandallowthecoattobecometouchdry.Oncetheedgesaredry,continue
ontherearandthenonthefrontofthebody.Gradualandsmoothpasseswillensureanevencoat.Ifthereare
anyimperfections,allowfortobecomefullydryandthensandoutwithfinegrade(e.g.800+grit)beforere-
spraying. Apply three or more coats for full coverage.
Neck finish
Theneckoftheguitarissuppliedsealedwithalightcoatofmattelacquerandisreadytouse.Ifpreferred,the
neckcanbefinishedwithacolourorglosslacquer.Ifso,dothefollowing.
Therosewoodfingerboarddoesnotneedcoatingwithlacquer,soitisimportanttomaskofftheexposedrose
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wood and frets prior to spraying. Ensure all parts to be sprayed are free from dirt and dust and that the envi-
ronment is dust-free and well-aired. The use of a dust mask is essential when spraying.
Choose a good quality, clear or lightly tinted wood lacquer aerosol for the neck and begin at the front and sides
oftheheadstock.Startwithagradual,evenpasstoapplyathincoat,allowdrying(tobetouchable)andrepeat
thistwoorthreetimes.Takecarenottoapplytoomuch,whichmaycauseruns.Ifthishappens,sanddown
the area and re-apply evenly.
Aftertheheadstockhasbecomedry,turntheneckoverandlayitdownonitsfingerboard.Repeattheabove
processfortherestoftheexposedmaple.
Allow two to three days for the lacquer to fully harden and then, if desired, polish the lacquered surfaces to get
a suitable shine.
Summary of Contents for FV DIY-KIT
Page 1: ...Owner s Manual E Guitar Kit LP Style...
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