ABG - Best way to enlarge string guide holes in bridge

[edt844]

Can anyone suggest the best way to enlarge the string holes in an ABG bridge? In order to install a set of LaBella black nylon tapewounds I need to enlarge E & B string holes in the bridge.

The strings feed from the back of the bridge (not a pin bridge). The bridge is rosewood.

I bought a set of mini-reamers but they are not like larger reamers in that they don't have the chisel edge. Mine are just square. I'm concerned these reamers may split the bridge if I force the reamer.

The bass is a very nice used 5-string fretless acoustic bass guitar (Starfire) that is all solid wood.

[bassist4dalord]

I have a Fender BG-31 acoustic. To get the D'Addario Chromes through the bridge, I did a bad thing: I sort of hacked at it until the strings went through. Now they're on, and I'm never taking them off; I'm afraid ever trying to string it again may do even more permanent damage.

I realize that doesn't help. Just thought I'd tell you what NOT to do.

[HaMMerHeD]

A set of needle files may allow you to enlarge the hole without removing too much material. I'm not really seeing a mental image of what exactly the situation looks like, though.

[edt844]

Originally Posted by bassist4dalord

I have a Fender BG-31 acoustic. To get the D'Addario Chromes through the bridge, I did a bad thing: I sort of hacked at it until the strings went through. Now they're on, and I'm never taking them off; I'm afraid ever trying to string it again may do even more permanent damage.

I realize that doesn't help. Just thought I'd tell you what NOT to do.

Thanks. It does help because you remind me of my wrong moves and bad decisions - and to be cautious.

Ed S.

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

A chainsaw file will run you a couple of bucks at most hardware stores. I use one of those to work on the nut and bridge grooves on my upright.

[edt844]

Originally Posted by HaMMerHeD

A set of needle files may allow you to enlarge the hole without removing too much material. I'm not really seeing a mental image of what exactly the situation looks like, though.

The bridge is not like an acoustic guitar pin bridge. The strings are feed from the "back" edge of the bridge like a classical guitar bridge and an electric bass bridge (not string-thru-body).

Ed S.

[rdrr]

Can you post a picture of the bridge and holes in question?

[Musiclogic]

Tape off the bidy around the 2 holes, get a piece of 100 grit sandpaper and a piece of 220, roll a narrow rectangle into a tube and slowly sand the holes until the string fits, then switch to the 220 to smooth and you are ready to play.

[edt844]

Originally Posted by Musiclogic

Tape off the bidy around the 2 holes, get a piece of 100 grit sandpaper and a piece of 220, roll a narrow rectangle into a tube and slowly sand the holes until the string fits, then switch to the 220 to smooth and you are ready to play.

I like this approach! I'll try it after dinner and let you know how id works out.

[edt844]

To close the loop here's what I did. The small files I bought were very small but I wrapped some 150 grit sandpaper around a round file and carefully reshaped the E and B holes. The E-string hole was easy to enlarge. The B-string hole had to be made round and also slightly enlarged. The File plus file and sandpaper fixed the hole enough so I could safely use the mini-reamer.

After getting the strings through the bridge I then had to enlarge the nut grooves. The LaBella black nylon tapewounds are now on the bass and tuned up. They sound just right. I read so many comments about flats being thumpy and no treble but I get more than enough treble. And that thump is nice.

The cost of the Bass nut file set has been more than offset by the three Bass setups I've done myself. "Saved me a pantload."

Thank you for the advice which was very helpful by limiting my trial and error steps.

Regards and all that,

Ed S.