Installing a bridge on a new body

[Rickenhofner45]

Hey everyone. Wasn't sure if I should post this here or in the Luthier section, but here I go...

I am building a p-bass for a friend, and the body came without the bridge mounting holes drilled.
What should I do for placement? I know approximately where to put it, but I'd like to know how to put it exactly where it needs to be.

Thanks for the help!

[202dy]

East-West

1. Determine centerline of body.
2. Mark body centerline on body.
3. Determine centerline on bridge.
4. Mark centerline on bridge.

North-South

1. Attach neck.
2. Measure distance from nut to fret twelve.
3. Measure same distance from fret twelve on to body.
4. Add 1/8" to 1/4" depending on bridge saddle travel.
5. Mark this point on centerline.

Locate the bridge.

1. Place saddles in center of travel.
2. Measure distance from center of saddle to neck end of bridge.
3. Mark this difference on the neck side of the centerline mark.
4. This is the front edge of the bridge.

Mount the bridge.

1. Line up front of bridge with mark on centerline.
2. Mark screw holes.*
3. Center punch mark.
4. Remove bridge.
5. Bore holes with appropriate bit.**
6. Mount bridge.

*Care must be taken to mark and punch the start in the dead center of the mounting hole.

**Mounting hole must be bored perfectly perpendicular to the body.

[Rickenhofner45]

Originally Posted by 202dy

East-West
[*]Determine centerline of body.[*]Mark body centerline on body.[*]Determine centerline on bridge.[*]Mark centerline on bridge.


North-South

[*]Attach neck.[*]Measure distance from nut to fret twelve.[*]Measure same distance from fret twelve on to body.[*]Add 1/8" to 1/4" depending on bridge saddle travel.[*]Mark this point on centerline.


Locate the bridge.

[*]Place saddles in center of travel.[*]Measure distance from center of saddle to neck end of bridge.[*]Mark this difference on the neck side of the centerline mark.[*]This is the front edge of the bridge.


Mount the bridge.

[*]Line up front of bridge with mark on centerline.[*]Mark screw holes.*[*]Center punch mark.[*]Remove bridge.[*]Bore holes with appropriate bit.**[*]Mount bridge.


*Care must be taken to mark and punch the start in the dead center of the mounting hole.

**Mounting hole must be bored perfectly perpendicular to the body.

Thanks! I'll give it a go this week when I can make it over to my other buddy's wood shop