garymilitia Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 Hello, I'm just in the middle of converting an old p bass into a PJ bass. Has anyone ever route out the hole for the pickup before. My dad is the one with the tool and know how for using the router but is a bit worried that the hole isnt going to look tidy. Has anyone got any tips for doing this? Thanks Gary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 Mark it out, use a sharp chisel and go slow is my advice. Unless you're dead set on using a router. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Heeley Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 Make a good clean template first then use that as the guide, stuck to the top of the bass body with good double sided tape. Use a router bit with a guide bearing collar, then you will get a nice clean rout. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymilitia Posted June 10, 2011 Author Share Posted June 10, 2011 What would be the best way chisel or router? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommorichards Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 Well, ive routed a few holes with a router, but because on my inexperience, the first was rubbish, second, only slightly better, third, bit more better. Id go for the chisel route if you have time, and can be patient, otherwise, have an immovable template for the jazz hole, and stick to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Heeley Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 If you've not used a router before to do this, then stick to chisel! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Protium Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 (edited) Router + template = easy PS I am aware that is not a jazz pickup, but same method Edited June 10, 2011 by Protium Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hubrad Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 I tried a chisel the first time I had a go at this.. it's way easier to make a good job with a router, but it's also way easier to make a complete f''kup as well. I'd go for the router, but practice a few times on spare wood first! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ou7shined Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 Use both. Rout out a rough hole then tidy it up with a chisel. IMHO you can't better the accuracy and crispness of a chiselled piece with standard power tools. Up to now I've done purely chisel work but to keep my rates down (router is way faster) I'm now implementing my new toy.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lettsguitars Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 the easiest way is to get hold of a scratch plate and use the pickup hole in that + router to create your template. you'll have to drill out the corners first to achieve the correct corner radius, a 6-7mm drill bit should work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommorichards Posted June 11, 2011 Share Posted June 11, 2011 [quote name='lettsguitars' post='1264150' date='Jun 10 2011, 05:09 PM']the easiest way is to get hold of a scratch plate and use the pickup hole in that + router to create your template. you'll have to drill out the corners first to achieve the correct corner radius, a 6-7mm drill bit should work.[/quote] This isnt a bad idea. It would seem as if once these are done, it would be a lot easier to route the rest out. I may implement this in a future rout. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mybass Posted June 11, 2011 Share Posted June 11, 2011 [quote name='big25g' post='1263658' date='Jun 10 2011, 10:01 AM']Hello, I'm just in the middle of converting an old p bass into a PJ bass. Has anyone ever route out the hole for the pickup before. My dad is the one with the tool and know how for using the router but is a bit worried that the hole isnt going to look tidy. Has anyone got any tips for doing this? Thanks Gary[/quote] If it is a colour spray/varnish finish, go carefully with a router initially, you may chip the finish. For the corners you will likely need a 3/8" router cutter (1/2" deep blade) with a bearing upper guide, ie, the bearing above the cutter as it plunges to follow the template. A 1/4" router machine will take the 3/8" router cutter bit and they cost about £25 from Trend. Now I guess the chisel seems more cost effective! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymilitia Posted June 11, 2011 Author Share Posted June 11, 2011 Te body is currently sanded back to the wood, so no worries in chipping te paint. The p pickup holes are already routed so can't really use the scratch plate. I'm going to make up a template once I've picked up some wood. I think that seems te best way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ou7shined Posted June 11, 2011 Share Posted June 11, 2011 [quote name='lettsguitars' post='1264150' date='Jun 10 2011, 05:09 PM']the easiest way is to get hold of a scratch plate and use the pickup hole in that + router to create your template. you'll have to drill out the corners first to achieve the correct corner radius, a 6-7mm drill bit should work.[/quote] The downside to that of course is that jazz neck pups aren't always the same size as the bridge one and you could end up wasting time routing out a lovely neat cavity that's too tight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymilitia Posted June 20, 2011 Author Share Posted June 20, 2011 I went with the router and came out ok, a little off at the top end of the pick up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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