First post, simple question.

[dylanroop]

Hey im brand new here and im making a Jazz bass replica. I want it to look very natural, just a simple shine on the wood with a white pearl pick-guard. but here is my question..

After the router cavities are made, how do you make the "tunnel" connecting the pickup cavities to the control cavity? I bought a book but it hasn't come in yet

btw the forum is a great place so far

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Welcome to TalkBass dylandroop.

When I was active in instrument building a few decades ago, I either pre-routed and/or drilled the channels before gluing the body on multi piece bodies.

On one piece bodies (LP) I used a DIY 40cm drill bit. Nowadays those kind of drill bits are readily available so DIY isn't necessary.

Regards
Sam

[dylanroop]

cool, so do you have a link to where i could buy the tools needed?

[bassteban]

Guessing that all you need is a long drill bit(not sure of the technical term- it's just an extra-long bit), they should be available in your local hardware store.

[jworrellbass]

Go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy a 12"x 1/4" drill bit. Or something similar. Just be carful of your angle when you drill, I'd hate to see you mess something up.

[mikeyswood]

^ What John said. I put a McDonalds straw over the bit and rest it on the cavity as I drill. A long bit, low angle, and that straw will give you a clean pass.

For Explorer or Les Paul basses you will need to do some plumbing before gluing but with a Jazz you just need a bit and a straw.

[dylanroop]

Originally Posted by mikeyswood

^ What John said. I put a McDonalds straw over the bit and rest it on the cavity as I drill. A long bit, low angle, and that straw will give you a clean pass.

For Explorer or Les Paul basses you will need to do some plumbing before gluing but with a Jazz you just need a bit and a straw.

i guess im not too bright, what do you mean?

[vbasscustom]

the straw is just so the bit wont scratch or dent the edge of cavity when drilling at a very low angle. it just keeps the bit from touching the wood

[Lonnybass]

+1 to what others said. Two things to add...

1. Always drill from the pickup to control cavity...it's a much bigger target!

2. Make sure to take into account where the pickup screws and wire are located before you drill any holes.

Lonnybass

[Zombbg4]

Originally Posted by bassteban

Guessing that all you need is a long drill bit(not sure of the technical term- it's just an extra-long bit), they should be available in your local hardware store.

I believe the name is "long *** drill bit" There a video on youtube of Mike Tobias drilling the bridge ground on a bass and he is indeed using the long *** drill bit. I made due with a standard size bit on my first build but I wouldn't do it again.

[Rickett Customs]

Yes, A long drill bit can be had from HD or Lowes. Actually, you should be able to get a 1/4", 3/8", 5/8" and 1/2" set, if you look around.

If you are planning to do a side mount jack, you can make it even easier, by drilling the hole for the jack, then drilling through the cavity, in the pickup route direction, with a smller bit than the hole for the jack..

But If you're doing a front mouted jack, on a plate I would assume.....you'll need to do it at an angle, or drill though the neck pocket (below the surface), in the direction of the control cavity and drill to it, going through the pickup routes along the way.

Just my .02