Routing Prices?

[Tbirdbassist]

I was wondering what do luthiers luthiers usually charge to route new pickups? I plan on getting a Ibanez SR400 and hotrodding it to the max with possible a double MM set up. Not sure yet, but I just wanted to know what the usual price is. I know for sure it can't be more than $60, right?

Thanks folks.

 

[Foamy]

Can you do it yourself? Hmm...you'd probably do it if you could. I'm not a luthier (I'm a woodworker though), but I would make an assumption that one who did this type of work would have a template already. So there is just to fasten the template to the body and route - pretty simple. But there would also be some clean-up needed of the corners probably, and that could be not so simple. But with the right bits and guides, and for someone who's done this a few times, it is relatively easy work. But $60...mmmm. Yeah, I suppose, but I would not be surprised to see a higher quote. Also, if the top of the bass is not flat, another bit of time fastening the template securely - again, not too difficult, but another bump.
If you know someone who's an experienced woodworker, he/she may do it for you for a beer and just to pass some time.

 

[vindy500]

id make a tempate then just take it to the local carpenter

 

[Whassap]

The quotes I got when I wanted to get my MM Pickup put into my jazz bass were around $150 CAD, that was for routing and installation. I took it to a lesser known store where the guy did it all for $90. I think $60 is a little low, but it all depends on your area and what kind of stores/luthiers you have around.

 

[darthplagis]

i bought a used fender P pup for my MM copy all together (pup/rout, wiring) cost me £20/25 that was like 8 yr ago tho but the shop was cool

 

[Tbirdbassist]

I guess some luthier's charge by the difficulty of the pickup... I don't I'll. I'll contact my local luthier to see if he can do it for a good price since I'm a regular...

I would try and do it myself, but I don't have the money for a router. and I've never seen a Music Man pickup template.

 

[darthplagis]

its easy to make a template, you just trace round the pickup cover then mesure how deep to go by how thick the pickup is.

 

[Foamy]

Yeah, probably a good idea. I agree with Whassup that about $90-100 is about right. As far as a template, you wouldn't really have one if you didn't do that type of work - you "could" make one by photocopying the pickup, transferring the copy to a piece of 1/4" hardboard or even plastic, cutting it out, and then cleaning up the corners and straight lines. A luthier who does this kind of work would likely have a template already hanging around somewhere.
If you are really good with woodworking, you could buy a router and DIY and save about half the money (depending on the router); however, a loose router could make very very quick work of a nice body, so if you are not 100% comfortable, do as you are thinking and pay womeone who is.
For this type of job, it is not difficult, but requires confidence and some experience.
Good luck however you choose!

 

[Tbirdbassist]

Thanks tim.

Yea, I'll be taking it to a luthier for sure. I'll practive my routing skills on a beater bass, not on a bass I paid $250+ bass. Thanks for your input everyone!

 

[bacid]

I asked the tech/luthier at the guitar center here in clearwater and he said 50 bucks/route. I said F-bomb that I'll do it myself. My uncle did most of the work because he's a carpenter but we finished it today and it looks amazing. If your wondering we cut the bridge jazz pickup route in my Ibanez SR300DX to allow a Dimarzio X2N-B to fit in. We also had to cut the P route because the stock PU's were smaller than the Dimarzio Split P's that I got. Now I just have to wire it up. It didn't take too long. Just do it yourself and save yourself the money and convience.

 

[Tbirdbassist]

I was wondering, can't a drill fit with a sanding bit be used to do routing? Atleast once a hole is made? Atleast for larger pickups and not J, P, slim pickups.

 

[ogrossman]

Have you looked at the Ibanez SRX 500? If you're going to buy the SR400 and then pay $90 per PUP for routing you're spending enough to buy a SRX 500 instead. I own the five string version and it has killer sound without any mods.

 

[Tbirdbassist]

Nah I'm not interested in any of the SRX's besides the SRX400, though they are good basses. Even now, I'm having my doubts about that bass.

I like the older version of the SR400. The ones with the natural finish and side jack and all balck hardware. I like to personalize my basses and have a thing about having what "every one" else has. I like to be different.

I might not even get look for the SR400 and look for a SR1200 which is neckthrough and is one of the sexiest Ibanez has ever made IMO. They also can be had for about $300-500 which is great for the quality you get. And until I have the funds to have basses made for me (IE; Stambaugh). I like the idea of buying sleeper basses and modding them to my liking. And having people say "Wow" when I plug in...

 

[Foamy]

I was wondering, can't a drill fit with a sanding bit be used to do routing? Atleast once a hole is made? Atleast for larger pickups and not J, P, slim pickups.

It "could" work, but a drill does not have any guides or flat surfaces you can mount a guide to - not to mention rigging it up to follow a template would be yucky. It's really a router that's needed for the job. Yeah, take it to a shop that'll do it for a good price.