Would pre-drilled mounting holes on humbucker routs be valuable to you?

[aarontunes]

Warmoth is considering including pre-drilled mounting holes for various things. For example, you will soon see them showing up on Strat Top Jacks.

Another idea we're batting around is including humbucker ring mounting holes on our humbucker routs. The main benefit is that it would make getting the rings aligned perfectly and squarely much simpler. The downside is that not all humbucker rings have holes drilled to the same dimensions. There is a sort of "general standard", but also many exceptions, including Trembucker rings and some third-party brands.

Warmoth would drill at the dimensions that fit the humbucker rings we sell, and of course publish the dimensions.

Given that, would you appreciate them being there, or would you prefer to keep drilling them yourself?

 

[supertruper1988]

It should be an option (and upcharge?). I would not want it included by default.

 

[teleme01]

The option is a valuable consideration

 

[Spud]

While I can appreciate the idea, it should be optional. Are folks really struggling to drill those? (and if they are, lets name names)

 

[aarontunes]

While I can appreciate the idea, it should be optional. Are folks really struggling to drill those? (and if they are, lets name names)

Drilling for them is easy enough, but I think it can be difficult to get them perfectly parallel with each other when you have multiple.

Also, keep in mind that seasoned vets aren't the intended target here. The idea is to make it easier for beginners who might otherwise not be into DIY.

 

[rockandroller]

Make it an option but with clearly marked disclaimer "only for warmoth-supplied rings or exact compatible"... Then publish dimensional drawing on the appropriate options info page on the website

 

[Strat Avenger]

As an option, sure!

 

[Spud]

However, including a locket of Aaron hair with each body/neck combo..........................

 

[Jebberz]

I guess pre-drilled holes for warmoth pickguards would be nice as an option (and incenting to buy War,oth pickguards for 100% compatibility).

 

[jjwu]

Yes to predrilled mounting holes option for ALL pickup configs! LFG

 

[Tretgeraet]

For me it's part of the experience to drill them myself and part of the identity/individuality if they're not a 100% perfect... even if it may bother me initially.

I remember really overthinking how to perfectly line up the pickguard and control plate on a telly and they turned out good... then I saw those vintage tellys in a book... and the pickguards on most of them look crooked!

But I never realised that until I did the work myself!

On the other hand: I totally understand the appeal, especially for beginners, to have pre-drilled mounting holes as an option!

 

[mayfly]

Not for me.

 

[Verne Bunsen]

My two immediate thoughts have already been covered here, but to reitterate:
-Excellent as an option, not so excellent as default
-Pre-drilling to Warmoth component specs will be a good incentive for folks to buy their hardware from you as well.

It will almost certainly lead to some phone calls from upset folks who don’t read the details when their custom hardware doesn’t match your pre-drilled holes. Perhaps it could be a package deal where the customer buys rings, jacks, etc. from you and then gets the pre-drilled holes as part of the package? This would prevent specification mis-match.

 

[Don O]

Make it an option, IMHO.

 

[Don O]

Well, let’s not let the neck feel left out.

Maybe offer predrilled tuner screw holes (I vote for Schallers) or the Fender 2 pin. Just saying…

 

[supertruper1988]

Well, let’s not let the neck feel left out.

Maybe offer predrilled tuner screw holes (I vote for Schallers) or the Fender 2 pin. Just saying…

Honestly this. Fender 2 pin modern tuners, a Schaller/Gotoh 45 degree single screw hole, and vintage tuner pre drills would make so much more sense than humbucker rings if we are talking about making things easier.

This would be a mega bonus on roasted necks where I have seen many cracked shafts.

 

[JohnnyHardtail]

If people cannot accurately measure, mark and drill some small holes, it is probably better not to attempt to build a guitar.

This seems like the wrong type of option for Warmoth customers IMO, but I guess Warmoth knows better than me.

 

[teleme01]

To name names, teleme01, don't gotta drill press, and 2 has shaky hands.

 

[HumanisHappy]

I think as an option would be perfect. Say $5 dollar to have them predrilled.