General Tricks and Tips

So you’ve decided to upgrade you beloved axe, or maybe are trying to build one from scratch. Well this section is dedicated to helping you achieve the results you want.

Many new additions to your guitar will require you to use new screws. Well they aren’t all going to match up. So whenever you need to drill new holes in your guitar or bass always drill a pilot hole first. Use a drill and a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the screw you need to use. This is very important as screwing a screw right into the wood is sure to cause you to strip the screw head or worse break the screw right off. The drill bit you use to drill the pilot hole should be approximately the same size as the shaft of the screw you are using. Let the teeth of the screw do the holding. This will make sure you have no disasters.

- Before drilling any pilot holes measure or use a straight edge to ensure everything is lined up where you want it.  It is possibly to correct things later but is always better to do it right the first time. This will ensure the best possible results.

- If the holes of your new pickguard or bridge are not spaced the exact same but are close, so drilling a new hole is not an option as it will be impossible not to run into the existing hole, then it is a good idea to plug the hole and re-drill it. To do this I recommend using a 1/8” drill bit to widen the hole first then put a dab of glue into the hole and plug with a 1/8” hardwood dowel available at most hardware stores for less than a dollar. 

- When installing tuners a good trick is to tape off the drill bit at the desired depth. This is to avoid the chance of drilling right through the headstock to the other side or worse right into your finger.

- Always use the right size screwdriver. If your screwdriver does not fit the screw head properly you are not going to be able to install the screw without damaging the screw head. The screwdriver should fit snuggly in the screw head this means no gaps or play.

Well that’s it for now but if anyone has any specific issues you would like address in this section let us know! GPC