When I was trying to find out the correct way to determine where to drill the holes for one of these type bridges a few years back, there were a couple different ways mentioned. So I picked one and it has worked great for a lot of guitars.
Lay a rule on each side of the neck from the fretboard side of the nut on towards the body. Mark a line at the scale length. Draw another mark 3mm past the line on the low string side away from the neck and another mark 3mm towards the neck on the high string side. Draw a line between the later 2 marks. Place the bridge on top of that line, center the bridge on that line and mark the holes to be drilled. That will give you maximum adjustment for intonation.
Thank you Peter! That's an excellent description of something I hadn't thought of and it makes sense that's the best way to proceed. Pray and drill it will be. I appreciate your insight, thanks!
You might want to be careful when installing the bridge. In my experience drilling the posts of a Tune-o-matic bridge is a pain in the ass. What I usually do is: determine the position of both bridge and tailpiece; drill the holes for the tailpiece and mount it; install trhee tuners (low E, G and high E); shim the bridge in approximate position and mount the three strings; determine the correct position of the bridge with a guitar tuner based on intonation; pray and drill :)
Some kits come undrilled for other bridge options. You could use a archtop bridge that has a wooden base and just sits on top of the body and use a stop tail piece that attaches to the bottom edge, or you may want a tremolo of some type.
You can do some google searches on different choices and dimensions/placements needed.
The usual LP type has the bridge sitting at a slight angle and then a stop tail piece just a bit behind and straight. Some people prefer to use a wrap around compensated junior style bridge instead. So look at Stewmac.com or Guitarfetish.com at their bridges and tremolo options for ideas. Stewmac has some tutorial videos that are very helpful too.
Than you Paul, appreciate that! Good point about fitting everything first. I'm guessing they didn't pre-drill the bridge so you can place it where you want. I imagine that's maybe for string height and tone? I'm not painting the body, going to stain and finish. Thanks again, I'm sure ten minutes in I'll be in trouble.
If I had the money, I would be all over that. Good luck with your build. Dry fit everything to ensure they have the neck straight with the bridge and all goes in the right place. Ask me if you need some pointers or answers or ideas.
Just received my first guitar kit. $75! They shipped 2, I only want one, so if your interested, message me. It's pretty Good quality wood, mahogany , ready for finishing, parts aren't cheap or lightweight. No directions, I like that! Good way to learn the basics.
Comments
When I was trying to find out the correct way to determine where to drill the holes for one of these type bridges a few years back, there were a couple different ways mentioned. So I picked one and it has worked great for a lot of guitars.
Lay a rule on each side of the neck from the fretboard side of the nut on towards the body. Mark a line at the scale length. Draw another mark 3mm past the line on the low string side away from the neck and another mark 3mm towards the neck on the high string side. Draw a line between the later 2 marks. Place the bridge on top of that line, center the bridge on that line and mark the holes to be drilled. That will give you maximum adjustment for intonation.
You might want to be careful when installing the bridge. In my experience drilling the posts of a Tune-o-matic bridge is a pain in the ass. What I usually do is: determine the position of both bridge and tailpiece; drill the holes for the tailpiece and mount it; install trhee tuners (low E, G and high E); shim the bridge in approximate position and mount the three strings; determine the correct position of the bridge with a guitar tuner based on intonation; pray and drill :)
Nice wood grain and nice kit.
Some kits come undrilled for other bridge options. You could use a archtop bridge that has a wooden base and just sits on top of the body and use a stop tail piece that attaches to the bottom edge, or you may want a tremolo of some type.
You can do some google searches on different choices and dimensions/placements needed.
The usual LP type has the bridge sitting at a slight angle and then a stop tail piece just a bit behind and straight. Some people prefer to use a wrap around compensated junior style bridge instead. So look at Stewmac.com or Guitarfetish.com at their bridges and tremolo options for ideas. Stewmac has some tutorial videos that are very helpful too.
If I had the money, I would be all over that. Good luck with your build.
Dry fit everything to ensure they have the neck straight with the bridge and all goes in the right place. Ask me if you need some pointers or answers or ideas.