How to Drill Six Holes... (Strat Trem Content)

[Silence Kid]

I have researched, but still: any helpful tips on drilling for a vintage-style Strat bridge? My present plan of attack (subject to alteration based on feedback...)

-Measure position of six holes carefully upon determination of body centerline and necessary distance from trem route; mark hole locations

-Use a punch to be totally sure my drill press won't wander

-Drill pilot holes with drill press; progress to correct-sized bit to finish it off

Or... Am I better off using a jig, or using any other means to ensure I don't **** it up? The body is Paulownia (soft) so I'd rather not have to try again in the swiss cheese I create...

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: How to Drill Six Holes... (Strat Trem Content)

Measure twice, drill once. And have some putty handy.

 

[Mincer]

Re: How to Drill Six Holes... (Strat Trem Content)

Use a template. Or make one. That is the only way to get this right.

 

[AlexR]

Re: How to Drill Six Holes... (Strat Trem Content)

In Paulownia I would be drilling 1 size smaller hole than 'normal'.

Although I'd say anything else but a hardtail strat in Paulownia is perhaps asking for trouble.

I have several guitars where the bridge I drilled ended up being not quite central....or the saddle spacing was a bit too wide for the neck width. In these cases a simple notch in the saddle has meant the guitar is aligned correctly and the string stays in place.

 

[Bodeanicus]

Re: How to Drill Six Holes... (Strat Trem Content)

StewMac probably has a jig for this purpose.

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[Silence Kid]

Re: How to Drill Six Holes... (Strat Trem Content)

I have made a jig; i just need to do a practice run on it with some scrap, and decide if it's useable. Otherwise I'll purchase the Stewmac.

 

[AlexR]

Re: How to Drill Six Holes... (Strat Trem Content)

Its really not that difficult. If you have any amount of competence with a drill then it is really simple.

Fit the bridge in the rout and make sure its central to the neck alignment. Mark the two outer holes using a nail or something that will mark the surface to allow the drilllbit to anchor. If you are worried, just pilot with a tiny bit and enlarge. Do the 2 outer screws first and install them....the inner 4 are easy to get right as you have the jig you need installed.
There is no issue with being fractions of a mm out. The 6-point bridge has bigger operational issues than slight misalignment.

 

[DavidRavenMoon]

Re: How to Drill Six Holes... (Strat Trem Content)

Use the bridge plate as a drill guide. Get the two outside holes drilled. Then screw the bridge down with those two screws and drill the rest. Use a drill press, and take your time.


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