How to Drill and Install Ashtray / Pickup Cover?

Dub56 · #1 11-17-2010, 03:32 PM

Hey all,

Just before I jump into it myself, I was just wondering the best and safest way to drill into my bass to install a pickup cover.

I'm putting a Jazz bass pickup cover on my Lakland, and I know I should use tape to line it up where it should be, but I'm more concerned with HOW to drill the holes.

Should I just drill the screws straight in?

Or should I use a drill bit and THEN screw the screws into that?

Thanks!

C.Linton · #2 11-17-2010, 03:33 PM

Drill holes first. Keep the tape on so you don't eff up your finish.

Dub56 · #3 11-17-2010, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C.Linton

Drill holes first. Keep the tape on so you don't eff up your finish.

How deep should I go? Just estimate the length of the screw?

And how much smaller of a bit should I use than the screw?

JLS · #4 11-17-2010, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dub56

How deep should I go? Just estimate the length of the screw?

And how much smaller of a bit should I use than the screw?

This is one of those, "If you have to ask, take it to a pro", situations, IMO.

MiniMoose234 · #5 11-17-2010, 03:50 PM

I did it without much thought and really regret it even though it doesn't make the bass play/sound any different. THey aren't perfect, and i messed up a bit on the pick guard drilling and so theirs some extra holes and bleh but you cant tell at all because it's a red tort. So it's ok.

C.Linton · #6 11-17-2010, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dub56

How deep should I go? Just estimate the length of the screw?

Don't estimate anything. Measure the length of the screw from the point to the bottom of the head, add maybe a 1/16th of an inch as a "buffer zone" to that and place a piece of masking tape on the drill bit at that point as a depth guide.

And how much smaller of a bit should I use than the screw?

The drill bit should be about the same diameter as the shaft minus the threads.

One other tip : Check the underside of the screwholes on the cover for burrs that can scratch up your finish. Easily removed with a coarse emery board.
One other thing - careful measuring is key here. Another tip, use small pieces of double sided sticky tape (the non-permanent kind) on the underside of the cover's mounting flanges so you can mark where to drill the holes without the cover sliding around , then lift it off, check the alignment, if need be, you can try it again.

Dub56 · #7 11-17-2010, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C.Linton

One other tip : Check the underside of the screwholes on the cover for burrs that can scratch up your finish. Easily removed with a coarse emery board.

Great advice, thanks so much.

Once I get the cover, I'll look things over to see if I feel like it's a job I can do myself. If not, I will definitely take to a professional.

I was just hoping to save myself some time and $$$ and learn something in the process.

C.Linton · #8 11-17-2010, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dub56

Great advice, thanks so much.

Once I get the cover, I'll look things over to see if I feel like it's a job I can do myself. If not, I will definitely take to a professional.

I was just hoping to save myself some time and $$$ and learn something in the process.

Just be careful and take your time, and again, measure carefully, You should be fine. To paraphrase that old carpenter's advice - "Measure twice, 'drill' once."
And as you say, having a pro do it is another option if you're not all that sure. I'm sure it wouldn't be outrageously expensive.

49sfine · #9 11-17-2010, 04:25 PM

Well, being a hands-on kind of a guy, I would just drill it myself - and indeed I have done just that. Make sure the diameter of the drill bit is the size of the screw's shaft, not the size of the threads or anything in between. I like to screw my holes just a tiny bit shy of the screw's penetrating length so that the tip of the screw and at least one row of thread gets a chance to really bite into the wood. Once I have determined that distance you can wrap a thin strip of masking or duct tape around the shaft of the drill bit to create a stopping point. Or, you can simply use a Sharpie and mark the bit and you'll see your stop line as the bit spins. If it were me I would put blue painter's tape on the back side of the ashtray so you can freely move it around on the body of the guitar without fear of marring the finish. I would then use a combination of just eyeballing the desired position (and then marking the holes with one color of Sharpie), and then double checking the relationship of those holes with the ashtray out of the way. If your measuring results in a slight difference in position, I would use a second color of Sharpie to mark those holes. Then put the ashtray back into this final position and just look at it to see how it strikes your eyes. Re-adjust as many times as needed. A drop of denatured alcohol on a Q-tip with remove any unwanted Sharpie marks. When you drill make sure your drill bit is plumb to your bass body so your holes will not be slanted. If you have a drill press, then use that, but be sure to pad the deck of the press and get help holding the bass into position while drilling. If you're worried about the bit slipping while drilling, then mask off the bass around the bridge and mark your holes right on the tape - might be tuff to get a good visual on it though with the tape in your way. I would measure many times and then drill! Hope this helps and good luck!

jumbodbassman · #10 11-17-2010, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 49sfine

Well, being a hands-on kind of a guy, I would just drill it myself - and indeed I have done just that. Make sure the diameter of the drill bit is the size of the screw's shaft, not the size of the threads or anything in between. I like to screw my holes just a tiny bit shy of the screw's penetrating length so that the tip of the screw and at least one row of thread gets a chance to really bite into the wood. Once I have determined that distance you can wrap a thin strip of masking or duct tape around the shaft of the drill bit to create a stopping point. Or, you can simply use a Sharpie and mark the bit and you'll see your stop line as the bit spins. If it were me I would put blue painter' tape on the back side of the ashtray so you can freely move it around on the body of the guitar without fear of marring the finish. I would then use a combination of just eyeballing the desired position (and then marking the holes with one color of Sharpie), and then double checking the relationship of those holes with the ashtray out of the way. If your measuring results in a slight difference in position, I would use a second color of Sharpie to mark those holes. Then put the ashtray back into this final position and just look at it to see how it strikes your eyes. Readjust as many times as needed. A drop of denatured alcohol on a Q-tip with remove any unwanted Sharpie marks. When you drill make sure your drill bit is plumb to your bass body so your holes will not be slanted. If you have a drill press, then use that, but be sure to pad the deck of the press and get help holding the bass into position while drilling. If you're worried about the bit slipping while drilling, then mask off the bass around the bridge and mark your holes right on the tape - might be tuff to get a good visual on it though with the tape in your way. Hope this helps and good luck!

listen to the man he knows. he can get wishbasses to play

seriously - this is right on. one other thing to consider. i have used those little green felt circle things on bottoms of covers i have installed to prevent any indent when screwing in tight...