Routing Template for P-Bass Pick-ups?

[Davemonkey2]

Is there a good routing template for P-Bass pick-ups? I read the reviews for the one StewMac offers, and it seems that it ends up over-sized, being only good for cavities that will be covered with a pick guard. My bass will not have a pick guard or pick-up covers, so I need the routed cavity to be as tight as possible to the actual pick-ups. Any suggestions?

 

[Rodent]

Pbass pickups have covers, so need to see an image of your pickups to fully understand your request.

 

[Davemonkey2]

Pbass pickups have covers, so need to see an image of your pickups to fully understand your request.

Sorry, I'm using the wrong words. When I said "cover", I was referring to anything that would go over a routed out cavity (pick guards, rings (?), etc.).
This is a custom build, and I will not be installing a pick guard. The pick-ups will be a standard p-style pick-up (Seymour Duncan, or some "vintage" Fender P-Bass pick-ups).
The reviews on StewMac for their p-bass routing template say that the pick-up cavity ends up over-sized (especially the "screw flanges"), and the oversized cut-out is hidden by installing a pick guard. I won't be installing a pick guard because I don't want to hide the wood I a building my bass from. So I need a template that is better suited.

Here's the thread to my build:
Thru-Neck Bass with Cedar Sides - All sentiment, with plenty tone

Here's a link to the StewMac P-Bass template I am talking about:
Thru-Neck Bass with Cedar Sides - All sentiment, with plenty tone

 

[bassdude51]

You could use a P pick guard for a template. That should give you a nice tight cut for your bass body.

 

[Davemonkey2]

You could use a P pick guard for a template. That should give you a nice tight cut for your bass body.

Well, yes, that would make a lot of sense! I can't believe I didn't think about that, LOL! Thank you. (I need more coffee.)

 

[bassdude51]

My pleasure, Davemonkey2. My "hillbilly" resourcefulness is where I find my ideas. Good luck with your build and routing.

 

[shai-ga]

This one from bestbassgear.com worked for me.

 

[Davemonkey2]

Seems that the template from bestbassgear.com got a bad review for being too tight of a fit. Well, that is exactly the kind of fit I want. I'd rather spend a week slowly trimming out a corner just to get the pups to sit in the cavity than have a gaping hole in my guitar's face. ;-)

 

[shai-ga]

I dont know about that review, Ive seen it when I ordered this a couple of months ago, but it turned out perfect.

The set is a classic EMG PJ

 

[HaMMerHeD]

I have the BestBassGear P template and it fits nicely for the P pup I've been working with.

 

[shai-ga]

You have to work with the right router bit, a thin one, to get the corners right.
Stewmac sells one.

 

[HaMMerHeD]

You have to work with the right router bit, a thin one, to get the corners right.
Stewmac sells one.

Lately I've been using two different router bits: a 1/2" diameter bit for most of the work, and a 1/4" diameter bit for the corners. Both have a 3/4" cutting depth, and I got them from Toolstoday.

Amana tool numbers 47224 and 47491 on this page:
Invalid Link Removed

 

[shai-ga]

Funny thing.
Amana Tools bits are manufactured in my country, 20km from me, but I cant buy them here.
(some business regulations I think)

 

[Juststanley]

I use a forstner bit and clean it up with my dremel tool mounted in a base...the plastic or plexiglass templates can be burned up very easily. The MDF stuff may work better or at least may be used more than once!

 

[Davemonkey2]

I got the bestbassgear one and routed out the cavity just now. (I also routed the rear control cavity.) Worked like a charm. The router bits I had were the right diameter for the job, but a bit too long (1"), so I plopped the template for the rear cavity under the p/u template to give some extra height, and everything turned out great. I learned that routers do not like hard maple very much, but they love soft cedar.