This tool was not my idea. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. 4 – 1/4″/20 Wing Nuts ($1.18) When building guitars, accuracy is integral. Then out came the files and they were all connected. The guitars I build use a 12″ radius and one washer seems just fine. And perhaps want to purchase longer pan head screws. Should you need something wider, make it as wide as you desire. Gather up your hardware. When building guitars, accuracy is integral. To my mind, this was not ideal, as it left left too much room for error. Put a dot of wood glue on something it won’t stick to and use a toothpick to grab just a dab of it and glue down the shim, unless you are a glutton for punishment and want to work the pocket so the neck fits better.. It is a bass but the same methods apply. ( Log Out / It certainly sounds like either your Bigsby is improperly centered or your neck is slightly out of alignment. Since I’m a bit OCD it was set out in this manner. In your case I would suggest mounting the bridge over the string thru holes and then make sure the neck aligns well. 6 inches seems to be a good number here. TDPRI, short for Telecaster Discussion Page Reissue, is the leading online community and marketplace for Telecaster guitars. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Depending on the radius of your fingerboard, you may want to add additional washers between the rulers and the bracket. The way I handled this part was to drill a number of holes over a one inch span. Once you have the holes and slots all done, it’s time to assemble the jig. ( Log Out / ... For other odd hardtail bridges when the string holes are in the standard Strat® position. ( Log Out / On one side of this bracket the hole is drilled at 1/2 inch. Placing the electric guitar bridge on a new build can be a real challenge. 3 – 36inch Aluminum Straight Edges (Empire brand $2.97) In order for the jig to be adjustable, there needs to be a slot. To enter. I use a string right down the center of the mounted neck to align the bridge/neck. The string goes right down the neck centered on the dots. It is a bass but the same methods apply. Moving the bridge too far from the neck increases scale length and creates flat fretted notes. Assembling is pretty simple from here. Now it’s time to get complicated. Since the old saying is a picture is worth 1,000 words, here you go! Of course, the important question is: where do you drill the holes? However, at some point the brackets will get in the way. (You must log in or sign up to reply here. The holes were overlapped when drilled. Here is a pic of the process. Correct bridge placement determines a guitar's intonation when playing fretted notes. ( Log Out / Loosening the screws may correct it although you might have to put a piece of masking tape or paper underneath one side of the tailpiece mounting plate to change the angle of the Bigsby. It’s wide enough to use the jig on nearly any standard width neck. The distance between the guitar nut and bridge is the scale length. Get out your hacksaw and cut the third 36″ ruler for the cross brackets. Then you needed to measure the scale length to place the bridge. Then you … I use a string right down the center of the mounted neck to align the bridge/neck. Lets start with the two 36″ rulers first. The very cool part of this project is you are drilling rulers! Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. 12 – 1/4″ Flat Washers ($1.18). The annual Supporting Member Giveaway is on. distance from bridge to nut or in the Brian may case the Zero fret to the bridge Simple Neck Alignment – Bridge Placement Tool. It’s something someone else shared on a forum. This is a very simple and easy jig to use. Discussion in 'Telecaster Discussion Forum' started by bob barcus, Apr 12, 2012. Here is a pic of the process. If you use a smaller radius (7.25, 9.5, 10, etc), you’re going to want to use additional washers. By aligning on these, you may drill mounting holes to mate with your bridge. I hope you find these instructions for how to build your own jig helpful. Since we are using 1/4″ x 20 screws, the correct size drill bit to use is a 1/4″. First step is to drill the holes. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Win a Broadcaster or one of 3 Teles! The typical neck screws are about 1.5 to 1.75″ long and about a #8 in diameter. Placing the bridge too close to the neck shortens scale length and makes fretted notes sharp. Many other builders have suggested using a string in the high & low E tuners, lining up the strings for the alignment of the bridge. The string goes right down the neck centered on the dots. You align the zero end of the jig with the neck side of the nut slot, making sure both rulers are aligned, then tighten up the wing nuts. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me via the contact page. Placing the electric guitar bridge on a new build can be a real challenge. Next up is the most challenging part of this build. This jig makes it very easy and super quick to align the bridge in it’s proper place so it can be drilled and installed. ). And perhaps want to purchase longer pan head screws. DIY Luthier Telecaster build part 8: Bridge fitting - YouTube 4 – 1/4″/20 Machine Head Screws ($1.18) Prices fluctuate and change, your mileage may vary! I simplified the idea and will provide more details, so you can build your own. Many other builders have suggested using a string in the high & low E tuners, lining up the strings for the alignment of the bridge. In your case I would suggest mounting the bridge over the string thru holes and then make sure the neck aligns well. If you use a smaller radius (7.25, 9.5, 10, etc), you’re going to want to use additional washers. The best method for drilling is to use a drill press and a jig of some sort. Recessed Tremolo Bridge Routs. These materials were purchased at Home Depot in August of 2017. Change ). Set your bridge on the guitar so the high E string saddle lines up to that 25.5" measurement (the other saddles will be a little longer for proper intonation) With the bridge located, check if the string holes in the body line up with the string holes on the bridge.