Bridge Post Holes?

[mbesp]

Ok this is probably in here somewhere but can't seem to find it.
So I ordered my body pre drilled for the american deluxe style bridge and the wholes for the posts are too small.

What techniques do you guys use to make those bigger without ruining the paint and while keeping things round?

Thanks

 

[pabloman]

Before I did anything silly I would try to find some studs that fit. I don't imagine the holes were drilled to some random size. It's probably some pretty popular size like for a Wilky or somethin. I'd rather spend $10 or $20 instead of chipping some pretty paint.

 

[JaySwear]

is there finish on the inside? it could be like string ferrule holes that are JUST too small. just getting a little finish out of the holes for those will let the ferrules pop right in. if there's no finish you might need a drill press, but i'm definitely no expert on anything having to do with trems. so i'll just mention the finish-suggestion and be on my way :icon_biggrin:

 

[Cagey]

So I ordered my body pre drilled for the american deluxe style bridge and the wholes for the posts are too small.

What techniques do you guys use to make those bigger without ruining the paint and while keeping things round?

Not sure what an "American Deluxe Style" bridge is... did you buy it from Warmoth, or was it specifically listed as a hole pattern you could get with one of their bodies? Which body?

Be aware that most bridge mounting posts are press-fit, and are pretty damn tight. But, if you're sure they need to be re-drilled, the best bits for preserving the paint are sharp Forstner or Brad point bits. Even then, you should tape over the holes for the small amount of added protection that offers. Use a drill press, and feed very slowly.

 

[mbesp]

Ok first thanks for the responses so far.

So some more information.
I guess according to Warmoth the route i got is called the American Standard Fender tremolo which is drilled for .375" (9.53 mm) diameter insert.

The bridge i purchased is http://store.guitarfetish.com/usast2pohast1.html
that guy.

The guitar is finished from warmoth and They seem to be on the significantly small side.

The posts are shaped like tube (obviously) and at the very bottom is a little tapered bit.  When i try to put the posts into the body it is like the holes aren't even wide enough to let the full tapered part in.

Does that help at all?

 

[pabloman]

I just bought some American Standard inserts and studs on the bay for $10 bucks. Definately worth the cost compared to any negative outcomes.

 

[Cagey]

I guess according to Warmoth the route i got is called the American Standard Fender tremolo which is drilled for .375" (9.53 mm) diameter insert.

The bridge i purchased is http://store.guitarfetish.com/usast2pohast1.html that guy.

The posts are shaped like tube (obviously) and at the very bottom is a little tapered bit.  When i try to put the posts into the body it is like the holes aren't even wide enough to let the full tapered part in.

Put a caliper on those studs and see what their diameter is. It should be .375". If it's more than that, they won't fit your holes. You could also get a 3/8" drill bit, and see how it fits in the holes. It probably won't go in, but it should be close. Warmoth doesn't say what diameter holes they drill, they say they drill for .375" inserts, so it's going to be a bit smaller - probably 11/32" or so.

 

[pabloman]

Maybe this is a sign that you shouldn't put a GFS trem on your Warmoth body.

 

[Cagey]

I know from experience that there are some standard parts you can't put on a GFS body without modifying one of the two, so the inverse is almost certainly true.

 

[mbesp]

Haha, i guess maybe GF stuff could be a questionable decision but so far this warmoth thing has been disappointing city.  Nothing seems to fit right.  :dontknow:  I mean shouldn't a Strat neck and a Strat body fit together?

 

[Cagey]

If you have a Warmoth body, then that's your reference point. That much is very correct according to documented Fender design standards. Anything from anybody else is questionable, including some Fender stuff, since they have sources and designs they sell that come from all over the place. Warmoth's Fender parts are more reliably Fender parts than Fender parts are, if you're trying to mix & match components. Somebody tells you they've got a Fender Strat body, that still leaves some questions unanswered. Could've come from Mexico, could've come from Japan, could've come from the US, and in all cases, the year of manufacture can make a difference. Core wood, number of pieces glued up, paint job, etc. are all a crap shoot. But a Warmoth Strat body? You know what you've got.

So, if your neck, bridge, pickguard, etc. doesn't fit, consider the source. Don't blame the body - that's almost certainly not the problem.

 

[JaySwear]

warmoth bodies and necks can be a very tight fit. to be honest i think it's a good thing. a light sanding of the neck pocket should get the two to fit right together. make sure you press down on the neck from the top, not sliding it in.

 

[rapfohl09]

Just saying, as ive learned the hard way, that if you get it routed for a specific bridge, use that bridge. The smallest increments off can really mess things up on a guitar. Plus the headaches of trying to find the right bridge after the 1st you order, 2nd, 3rd, and on and on is just so frustrating.

 

[mbesp]

Yeah i did some sanding of the neck pocket and  i think i over sanded a little.  doh.  oh well its not horrible.
I tried to search for the bridge posts on ebay but everything i searched came up with nothing.
I prolly shoulda known that this bridge would cause proplems but it claimed to be a direct replacement. shouldn't it be the same size?  :icon_scratch:

 

[pabloman]

Here ya go.
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-FENDER-Original-2-Point-Tremolo-Inserts-pkg-2-/300443107822?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item45f3ce01ee

And.......
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-FENDER-Original-2-Point-Tremolo-Pivot-Studs-2-pack-/300443107662?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item45f3ce014e

 

[mbesp]

Thanks Pablo.  I ordered a set of each.  I hope these fit

 

[-CB-]

I've found all the holes VERY tight from Warmoth, and give them a quick pass with a Dremel sanding drum.  If you take off too much, they can be built up again (slightly) but so far, I've had no issues.

 

[mbesp]

Yeah so CB appears to be correct,  Just got the new "fender" posts and they are the exact same size.  So that kind of sucks.  Looks like i'm back to where i started.
Guess i'll have to give the dremel a try.  haha that is going to be scary.

Also a side note. The posts i ordered had a pretty flaky finish.  All sorts of goldy bronze stuff came off all over my hands when i touched it.

 

[Cagey]

Yeah so CB appears to be correct,  Just got the new "fender" posts and they are the exact same size.  So that kind of sucks.  Looks like i'm back to where i started.
Guess i'll have to give the dremel a try.  haha that is going to be scary.

Scary is right. You put a spinning tool in a hole that's larger than the tool, and it's going to want to ride the inside diameter of the hole. It'll wobble violently and feel like it's going to hurt you and your tendency will be to let go of it, so be sure you're holding that Dremel REAL tight, or it'll get away from you and that'll be the end of your body's finish.

The better thing to do is just realize that's a press-fit part. It's supposed to be tight so it's not going to slide in. Thread the post into the insert, put a piece of tape over the top of it to prevent marring, and give it a few love taps with a framing hammer. Once it's started in and looks square, get a wood shim or something like that so you can whack it hard, and drive the thing down in. Don't go apeshit crazy, but be authoritive.

Also, be careful of what's beneath the body. You can wreck your back finish if there's anything against it that can cut/gouge while you're pounding on the front.

 

[erogenousjones17]

Cagey's right about the "love tap" procedure. He neglected to mention that, if you're anything like me, the first time you try it, it's going to be almost as frightening as going at a new body with a Dremel.  :laughing7: