throwoff Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 Hey guys, I am seriously considering making my Jap P string Thru body. There is no chance this one will ever be sold and as for future value it already has an odd placed thumbrest and aftermarket pickup and bridge cover. I plan to buy a USA Fender Deluxe bridge which will fit and then either drill through myself or pay a luthier to do it. Has anyone done this themselves? Were there any unforseen issues? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adledman Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 hi throwoff, its quite easy to do if you have a set of good drill bits and nice to use a pillar drill if poss. i personally would not bother doing it again to any of mine as never noticed a difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soopercrip Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 Pack the underneath of the body onto timber to prevent breakout when you drill through. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
throwoff Posted November 21, 2011 Author Share Posted November 21, 2011 Good thinking, I was wondering about that! What are peoples opinions on the guides? Just put the bridge on and use the holes on that to guide? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ou7shined Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 It's very hard to get them to line up neatly on the reverse. If anything you should try and do it from the rear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 [quote name='Ou7shined' timestamp='1321898821' post='1444223'] If anything you should try and do it from the rear. [/quote] I agree, it's usually safer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soopercrip Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 (edited) Alternatively, a very small pilot hole and drill halfway from both side with a correct size drill. Andy Edited November 21, 2011 by soopercrip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ou7shined Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1321899001' post='1444228'] I agree, it's usually safer. [/quote] That's what I keep saying to the Mrs anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soopercrip Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 [attachment=93510:fam.jpg] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neepheid Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 Use a drill press. It's the only way to guarantee as far as possible that the holes will line up. With the press I have done this using the bridge plate as a guide, the thin holes for the strings through from the top first, then take the plate off, flip it round and drill the holes for the ferrules using the thin holes. Using the press it's easy to guide the drill to the exact spot, you can do a slow, controlled bore and you have a depth stop (or mark the depth with tape). Remember to put some scrap wood under the body when drilling through to prevent splintering/lacquer cracking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daz Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 [quote name='neepheid' timestamp='1321911733' post='1444433'] Use a drill press. It's the only way to guarantee as far as possible that the holes will line up. With the press I have done this using the bridge plate as a guide, the thin holes for the strings through from the top first, then take the plate off, flip it round and drill the holes for the ferrules using the thin holes. Using the press it's easy to guide the drill to the exact spot, you can do a slow, controlled bore and you have a depth stop (or mark the depth with tape). Remember to put some scrap wood under the body when drilling through to prevent splintering/lacquer cracking. [/quote] a big + 1 on this. A drill press is the only way to go for a straight drilled hole. But also make sure that your bass is clamped down firmly but on a flat level. If you dont then even the worlds top of the range drill press wont make the holes come out aligned and straight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRBboy Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 I agree with all of the above, you really need to use a pillar drill to get it as good as you can. I always use masking tape if I'm doing any sort of drilling on a guitar; It's nice to mark up on, helps to stop the drill bit slipping, and can help reduce the risk of splitting out/chipping/cracking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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