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How to build a bass guitar – Mounting the neck – part 1

In this particular installation, a bolt plate will not be used as would typically be seen on a Fender P or J bass. Instead, the mounting screws will be inside ferrules.

Note: This step is split into two parts. This is part 1.

Below: Tools needed: Drill, mounting screws, neck ferrules, bar of soap, 15mm bradpoint bit, 4mm bit, 1/8th-inch bit, countersink 45-degree chamfer bit

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Below: Centerpunching holes where the holes will go.

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Below: Drilling test holes and setting up drill press depth stop so ferrules are all recessed by the same amount.

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Below: Test holes are outside of the main shape for testing purposes. For this build, it took 3 holes to determine the correct depth.

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Below: Drilling the first hole.

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Below: All holes drilled for ferrule recesses using 15mm bit.

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Note: The size drill bit you use is finish-dependent. Oil finishes can use smaller bits such as the 15mm. For spray finishes, such as a candy-style finish or polyurethane, this requires a larger bit such as 5/8th-inch bit.

Below: 1/8th drill bit is now used to drill the holes all the way through and out to the other side into the neck pocket.

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Below: Finished all 4 holes with the 1/8th bit.

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Below: A view from the other side (neck pocket.)

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In part 2 of this step, the neck mounting process will be completed!

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

5 thoughts on “How to build a bass guitar – Mounting the neck – part 1”

  1. Why wouldn’t you drill the .125 first?
    When I build my solid body guitars I’ll set up my CNC to drill thru first, then counter sink next.
    I guess it’s 6 of one and a half of a dozen isn’t it?

    Reply
  2. I use a forstner bit which cuts a clean, flat-bottomed hole and also has a center point which can be used as a guide to the smaller hole.

    Reply

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