Advice on installing Gotoh 510 studs

[CrackedPepper]

I just bought a VIP Showcase Body.  It came prepped for the Gotoh 510 bridge.  I guess since picking a bridge was not an option, I was not offered the option of haaving Warmoth install it as many in the forums have suggested.  I have a lot of trepidation about doing this myself because of these suggestions.

I've scoured the forums looking for information and have seen the suggestions about putting the studs in the freezer, using a little wax, chamfering the edge of the holes to avoid chipping the finish and using a rubber mallet and a wood block to tap the studs in.  I've also seen many suggestions about using a drill press.  Finally, some people have suggested finding someone (more qualified than me) to do the install.

Here are my questions:

1. Does anyone have a picture of the installed studs?  I'd feel a lot more comfortable if I could see what they are supposed to look like.

2.  How would a drill press work given that the studs are supposed to be installed at a 1.5 to 3 degree angle?

I'd appreciate any input on this.  Thanks in advance.


CP

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

The neck pocket has the angle.  As far as I know, the studs go into the body straight, or perpendicular.

 

[CrackedPepper]

That makes sense - I just read the description and the neck pocket is angled so that explains that.  So the drill press just acts like a hydraulic press to push the stud straight in?

 

[Kublai]

A semi-related question -

What is the easiest/best way to remove studs?

 

[whitebison66]

I've installed 510 studs before, and if you use a little wax, some patience, and some 'Mongo power', you should have no problems. Use a piece of wood as a contact surface and try pressing them in first. You can also put a few layers of masking tape over the stud insert and tap it home with a hammer. It is terrifying when you first do it, but it is safe as long as you go slowly (please, no jokes...).

Make sure you put your bridge ground wire in the 'high e side' hole before you install the studs too!

To remove studs, leave them in the inserts, back them out high enough to get a claw hammer under them (put a pad/plate between the guitar body and the hammer head), and slowly, gently, but firmly lever them up and out.

Hope that helps!

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

To get them out, find a bolt of the same thread pattern.  Place something between the head of the bolt and the body, using something soft to pad the body side.  Slowly tighten the bolt.

 

[blue313]

To get them out, find a bolt of the same thread pattern.  Place something between the head of the bolt and the body, using something soft to pad the body side.  Slowly tighten the bolt.

+1.  Unless the they're glued in, this method has never failed me.  It works great on any open ended bushings.