work just fine. Apply the glue and allow it to cure closely following the manufacturer’s
instructions. If you are using a metal clamp be very careful not to damage the wood of your
guitar – use some pieces of wood on both sides to protect it.
STEP 3 – There are many different ways to apply finish to your guitar. Do a little research to
decide which type of finish you want to use. One good starting point is to review tutorials at the
Project Guitar website: http://www.projectguitar.com/tut/tutorial5.htm
STEP 4 - For any type of spraying finish (lacquer or paint) you will need to mask two areas with
masking tape: neck’s fingerboard and truss rod nut. Press the tape tightly to the wood, not
allowing any gaps at the edges, to completely prevent the finish leaking to these areas.
STEP 5 - You will also need to make a hanger for both your guitar (if you want to apply
any spraying finish). Make them from a strong metal wire (wire dress/coat hanger can be used for
it).
STEP 6 – Apply the finish by following the manufacturer instructions. Remember that spraying the
finish is not an easy process as it requires certain skill and experience – you might want to
practice first on some scrap wood. Always remember your safety – work only in a well ventilated
area, away from any open fire and wear a respirator mask and safety glasses.
STEP 7 – Final polishing for high gloss finishes can be done manually or using a power drill with
a foam polishing pad. The finishing tools and materials are readily available in many
automotive/hardware supplies stores.
TIP: Consider an oil rubbed finish (sometimes called “wipe-on oil finish”) as a good and safe
alternative. Tru-Oil® (known as a “Gun Stock Finish”, based on Linseed Oil) or Waterlox®
(Processed Tung Oil) is highly recommended. Oil finishing takes longer, but it is very safe and
easy to apply and a high quality finish can be achieved, even by a novice.
5. ASSEMBLY
STEP 1 – Install the Machine Heads and on the neck’s headstock. Use the threaded hex
bushings with washers - initially tightening them with your fingers only.
Align each machine head to match the holes for mounting screws and use the screws to secure
the heads. Finally, tighten the hex bushings with a socket wrench (or regular hex wrench).
STEP 2 – Install the mounting bushings for the bridges and the tailpiece. Before pressing in the
mounting bushings, you must insert the ground wire into the small angled hole on the inside wall of
the hole for a tailpiece bushing (the one closer to the controls cavity). Strip the end of the wire (up to
an inch long), wrap it around the bottom of the tailpiece bushing and tap the bushing tightly into the
hole - don’t forget to separate the mounting studs first! For tapping, you can use either a plastic
headed hammer, or a regular hammer, by placing a small peace of wood on the top of a bushing to
prevent any potential damage. Tap the other tailpiece bushing and then the separated bushings for
the bridge. Now screw in the mounting studs.
STEP 4 – Install the pickups. Neck pickup is mounted on a thinner mounting ring. Bridge pickup is
mounted on a taller ring.
First, insert the neck pickup wires into the hole in the wall of the pickup cavity and push them to the
bridge pickup cavity, then all the way through to the control cavity. Now, insert the bridge pickup
wires into the same hole leading to the control cavity. Properly align each mounting ring and secure
it with 4 screws. Do not over tighten the screws as it can crack the rings (be also careful with other
plastic parts to be screwed down).
STEP 5 – Wire all electronics. For wiring instructions, use the diagram on the last page of this
