So i just gutted the Bart preamp out of my 219b Benavente and wired the harness for the Aggie obp-3. Well one of my holes in the top of the bass needs to be widened so I can fit all three of the eq posts thru the bass. How would I widen or enlarge this hole that was previoulsy a mid switch to a regular sized hole for a control pot without screwing up or splintering the 5AAAA quilt top? I have the tools, I have the courage and it had already been done before by someone else on the other holes. Just this one is left and I need some tips on the best way to drill this beast without causing to much splintering on the inside of the bass when the drill bit goes thru the top so I can fit the darn pre amp in. Thanks for the help...didnt know if it should be in a different forum but im trying guys!
Hi, The best way to do this is with a reamer...your local guitar shop/tech probably has one...failing that, a violin shop or even a place that rents band/orchestra instruments will have one. This, with nice, light cuts, will probably be safest. Using a drill is dangerous - the bit can have a tendency to screw into the hole rather than cutting, and chipping is common along the grain when doing things like this. If you can't get a reamer, I would suggest getting a small diameter round rasp/file, and filing the hole open, cutting from the outside towards the inside. This is important, since any chips that may happen will be inside, and therefore not visible. Good luck. Peace, Martin