Enlarging a pickup cavity... which tool ?

Inconnu · #1 08-03-2010, 06:08 AM

Hi !

I'm changing the pickups of my MIM Jazz bass (old version, original pickups are the same size) and I'll need to slightly enlarge (1/16 of an inch) the cavity. What tool do you suggest I use in order prevent paint chips around the cavity ? I'm sure some of you already done this... A Dremel maybe ?

Smokin' Toaster · #2 08-03-2010, 07:21 AM

..or a router. Tape off the top of the bass and remove anything that will intefere with the base of the router. use a sharp bit (preferably new, if you really like your bass), use a sharpie to mark what you need to take off, and don't try to get it all at once. Shave off a tiny bit at a time. You can always take off more wood... putting any back is quite difficult. A router will make a nice clean surface, it's harder to get it smooth and clean with a dremel.

deekay911 · #3 08-03-2010, 07:30 AM

hand held Dremel is very tricky. You really need something in a stand for better control

Pilgrim · #4 08-03-2010, 09:27 AM

Depends on the hand holding it, and the patience of the user. I have no hesitation about using a Dremel with a drum sanding bit on it for small jobs like this. One slip with a router will do a LOT more damage.

202dy · #5 08-03-2010, 09:40 AM

Does the cavity need to be deeper? Or does it need to be longer or wider?

The answer is the same if you have the proper tooling. A small router or laminate trimmer with a top bearing straight bit will quickly and easily do the job of making the hole deeper. The same bit would be used with a template to change the width or length of the existing hole. In all cases, this will do the superior job.

Some will recommend easing the edge of the hole with a file to prevent chipping. If that sounds good then have at it. However, with a good template tightly mounted to the body finish chips should be minimal or non-existent.

JLS · #6 08-03-2010, 10:30 AM

If you have to ask, you probably shouldn't be doing this yourself. Especially if you're concerned about cosmetics.

Philonius · #7 08-03-2010, 01:27 PM

+1 on what Pilgrim said. Freehand enlarging a hole with a router has a high degree of uncertainty. Cutting bits can grab and then things happen VERY FAST. You could do a lot of damage- hopefully just to your beautiful bass and not to your bass playin' fingers. I wouldn't try this without a template and guide.

Pilgrim · #8 08-03-2010, 03:29 PM

I assumed a freehand approach - if I had a template it would be a different decision.

Inconnu · #9 08-04-2010, 05:26 AM

Thanks for your replies. The cavity needs to be slightly enlarged (width) and I haven't removed the original pickup to see if it needs to get deeper. It really needs a very slight enlargement, that's why I thought of a smaller tool for the job. Some people actually force new pickups inside the original cavity and get away with it... I want to preserve the adjustability of the pickup height, so I'll need to do it... I don't have access to a fixed router...

202dy · #10 08-04-2010, 08:43 AM

The most important question to ask is, "What tool will give the best results"? (Here's a hint: What tool would a pro choose?) In this instance, a router and template are the obvious choice. The amount of material to be removed is only one of the factors governing tool choice. There are a number of things to consider. More important than the amount is the the type and properties of material being removed. Another consideration is the time involved to do the work, more often than not is more important to those who make their living from the craft.

A Dremel tool mounted on a router bass will also work. The important part to remember is some kind of guidance system (straight edges, template, etc.) needs to be used with the Dremel. Rather than a sanding bit, a router bit should be used. A sixteenth of an inch doesn't look like much when you're framing a house, but it is a ton of material on a guitar body.

FunkMetalBass · #11 08-04-2010, 09:20 AM

I had the same issue. I grabbed a file and sanded it on each side. Took me about 20 minutes, but I got a nice, tight fit with no paint chipping.

Otherwise, a Dremel will work well if you're any good with it.

Pilgrim · #12 08-04-2010, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 202dy

A Dremel tool mounted on a router bass will also work. The important part to remember is some kind of guidance system (straight edges, template, etc.) needs to be used with the Dremel. Rather than a sanding bit, a router bit should be used. A sixteenth of an inch doesn't look like much when you're framing a house, but it is a ton of material on a guitar body.

You just helped ME out, too. Thanks.