Poly based finishes are tough and there's no need to worry about a "sand-through" when using wet/dry 1200 and up grit. Just go light with no pressure until the shine goes away. Try to sand with small round motions.
000 steelwool is fine too.
IMO, a better option is to use a rubbing paste (the maroon colored one - not polishing or wax pastes) which is the same stuff used for car finish (guitar and car finishes are the same to begin with anyway...). Same process as above.
In both cases, there's no need to do the "7X24" thing.... just do a single pass with light round motions and you're done.
You'll need to repeat this frequently because the result will feel the same as the factory matte finish but it's actually not exactly the same.... The original finish process for the necks is using a matte finish which, when dry, develops a very light texture as a chemical reaction between the paint/lacquer particles.
Now, by sanding the same finish after it got "flattened" you create light scratches which simulate the same look and feel but will not keep holding as long as the original finish. No big deal, because you can repeat this simple process easily.
All poly based matte finishes will shine eventually as a result of playing, this is normal. The only way to create a matte feel that lasts is to NOT use poly or any other kind of lacquer. Instead, a hand applied oil/wax finish can be used on the bare neck wood (Stingray).
Maybe this should become a standard option on Bongo's ?!?
I know I would prefer it this way for sure.
