Thanks for the help everyone - Shaky, that's EXACTLY what I was looking for; a starting point to develop a technique.

Mojo - thanks for the info on the baster technique. I've since changed my mind how I was going to finish the rod. I want to apply a few coats to the bare bamboo BEFORE I apply any wraps so I'll probably do the baster technique just to the rod, then do the wraps, apply a couple coats of thinned varnish to seal the threads then do the baster again a few times on the ENTIRE rod with the guides applied.

At least that's the plan.

Thanks again.