Jazz control plate holes are too small

EagleMoon · #1 10-06-2007, 08:48 PM

Bought a new one for my Geddy Lee bass and the pot holes are too small. Is it worth trying to make them bigger (somehow?) or am I wasting my time and should buy a new one?

Trevorus · #2 10-06-2007, 08:50 PM

It wouldn't hurt to make them bigger if you do it right. Use a uni-bit. They are the best for drilling in a plate of metal.

EagleMoon · #3 10-06-2007, 10:54 PM

I thought about using a drill bit but I wasn't sure what kind, or if that was the right way. I also thought about using some kind of file. They're not THAT much too small, just a little.

FanOfAlice · #4 10-06-2007, 10:56 PM

a file and some elbow grease would work if its only a little bit to take off.

Trevorus · #5 10-06-2007, 10:57 PM

These are great for this sort of thing: http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/...l?brand=Unibit

Thangfish · #6 10-06-2007, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EagleMoon

I thought about using a drill bit but I wasn't sure what kind, or if that was the right way. I also thought about using some kind of file. They're not THAT much too small, just a little.

I'll wager that once you start filing, you'll decide very quickly that they really are THAT much too small.

I got one the same way.

Really... take Trevor's advice and buy a Unibit. They ain't cheap, but you'll likely use it again. They have them at Lowe's and places like that. I think 3 different sizes. Each one will drill several different size holes.

If you try to use a regular drill bit, you'll have to figure a way to clamp the thing to a piece of wood or something, because the bit will snag and snatch it out of your hand. Also have to clamp it without scratching the finish. Do-able no doubt, but quicker and simpler with a nicer hole if you use a Unibit.

good luck

lowendgenerator · #7 10-07-2007, 08:29 AM

I think that Unibit might be a bit of overkill. A tapered reamer would do the same thing, for a bit less dinero. Or better yet, measure the diameter of the pot shaft, then go spend 2 bucks at the hardware store on a cheap bit.

John Wentzien · #8 10-07-2007, 08:47 AM

I used a dremel tool on mine.

EagleMoon · #9 10-07-2007, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thangfish

Really... take Trevor's advice and buy a Unibit. They ain't cheap, but you'll likely use it again. They have them at Lowe's and places like that. I think 3 different sizes. Each one will drill several different size holes.

I could buy several new control plates for what that costs!

Not sure what I'd ever use it for again. I have drill in my basement that's 20 years old and been used maybe 4 times?

I think maybe the dremel or file would be the better option, considering. Thanks for all the replies!

ducatiman · #10 10-07-2007, 11:46 AM

+1 tapered reamer, invaluable tool to have, costs what $10 ??? and it'll do the job for YOU , eaglemoon.

theshadow2001 · #11 10-07-2007, 11:57 AM

Just buy the correct size drill bit. Clamp it down and drill it. The one thing I would say is to really ease the drill bit into the hole. drill it like your only taking a tiny piece off at a time. don't push in hard with the drill.

HMZ · #12 10-07-2007, 03:59 PM

Whats wrong with the old plate?

EagleMoon · #13 10-07-2007, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HMZ

Whats wrong with the old plate?

Apparently the guy who owned this bass before me bent the input jack, which bent the plate. It's not bad, but the edges stick up a tiny bit, and I thought I'd replace it. Who knew control plates had different sized holes? I obviously didn't.