fbpx

How to build a bass guitar – Fabricating a control cavity routing template – part 1

When people hear the word “template,” the idea comes to mind that a template is fabricated so it can be used more than once.

In the guitar building world, it is actually normal to fabricate one-use templates. Unless the same guitar is crafted over and over again, a seasoned builder over time can easily fill a notebook with all the templates he had to make that were only used once and never again.

Fabricating templates is a normal part of the guitar building process so everything is shaped properly the first time. Using the templates you create only one time is also totally normal.

That being said, we are now on the build step where we are creating a template for the control cavity.

Tools needed

IMG_1746

  • Scissors
  • Double-stick tape
  • Retractible pencil (regular pencil is also okay)
  • Tracing paper

Optional: Light table, sometimes known as a light box or tracing box. It is a backlit table that you lay paper down on and is lit from behind so it is easier to see what you are doing. Not necessary, but nice to have.

Below: The control cavity plan is placed on top of the light table.

IMG_1749

IMG_1747

IMG_1748

Below: The light table is turned on, the tracing paper placed over the plan on light table, and is then traced by hand using pencil.

Again, it will be noted the light table is not necessary, but comes in very handy for tracing as shown below. If you do not have a light table, make sure your work is well lit from above.

IMG_1753

IMG_1750

IMG_1752

Below: The traced copy. It is not perfect, but does not have to be because it will be cut out and touched up later.

IMG_1754

Below: Adhering double-stick tape over the plan so it stays put.

IMG_1757

Below: Cutting off excess paper before continuing.

IMG_1760

Below: The end result is that we now have a sticker.

IMG_1765

Below: The backing is removed so adhesive is exposed.

IMG_1766

Below: Sticking to the template blank (the blank is 1/4-inch hardboard.)

IMG_1769

Below: Center points are made so we know exactly where to start drilling. A point is made for each place where a knob would go.

IMG_1770

Below: Drilling holes.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: Hardboard when drilled will have waste go all over the place as you will see below. Be sure to wear protection for your eyes, breathing and ears before drilling this stuff.

IMG_1771

IMG_1772

Below: Hole is drilled, on to the next one, and the one after that.

IMG_1774 IMG_1775

IMG_1776 IMG_1777

Below: Now it’s time for the jigsaw (using scroll cut blade) to cut out the template.

IMG_1778

Part 2 of fabricating a control cavity routing template coming soon!

Where are the rest of the build steps?
You can view them all here.

1 thought on “How to build a bass guitar – Fabricating a control cavity routing template – part 1”

Leave a Comment

Want a New Set of Pickups?
Enter for a chance to win: