fbpx

How to build a bass guitar – Drilling holes and cutting out the pick guard part 1

We’re getting closer to finalizing the pick guard, and in this step we drill some holes, drill some more holes, then perform some shaping.

Below: Tools used for this step. 1/8″ and 3/8″ bradpoint bits, countersinking bit, centerpunch, razor blade and a half-round file.

IMG_2928

Below: Marking the drill hole points with the centerpunch. This is not required but is a good habit to get into before drilling.

IMG_2931

Below: Using the 1/8″ bit to drill the pick guard screw locations.

IMG_2934

Below: All pick guard holes have been drilled.

IMG_2935

Below: Now using the larger 3/8″ bit to drill holes for two controls and the output jack.

IMG_2937

Below: The 3/8″ holes have been successfully drilled.

IMG_2939

Below: Using the coutnersinking bit with depth stop set up so that depth is the same for all holes drilled.

IMG_2944

Below: All countersinking for holes completed.

IMG_2945

Where are the rest of the build steps?
You can view them all here.

2 thoughts on “How to build a bass guitar – Drilling holes and cutting out the pick guard part 1”

  1. Observation/question:
    I’ve been playing bass for years and have a number of basses with pickguards attached by screws. As I’ve recently been doing research on modding and building basses, I’m wondering why screws are still used to affix pickguards to bodies? I can understand it with lower cost instruments, but I would think two sided tape or magnets would be great to use on more expensive and/or basses with highly-figured wood. I find basses with pickguards and those without both aesthetically pleasing, but as I consider building my own instruments, it seems to me there must be a less instrusive way to enjoy the look and function of a pickguard. What do you all think?

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Want a New Set of Pickups?
Enter for a chance to win: