String through or top load bridge?

[HereIsJT]

Diggy, I did a string though on my first attempt with no problem. I found the largest drill bit that would fit through the holes in the bridge and used the bridge as a guide to start the holes on the face in the right position. Once I had them started (1mm -2mm deep) I used a drill block to drill them all half way through the body. Then I drilled both e strings all the way through and used the bridge on the back side to pick up the position of the e strings and align the remaining string at the same way.

The key is to get the entry points on the faces nice and even and the bridge can be a guide for that. If they’re a bit wonky in the middle of the body no one will see.

[McCreed]

Not sure if these are any good for a contoured body, but a Ferrule Plate might be worth a go if you are concerned about lining up string trough holes.

Attachment 38925
On eBay for about $15.00

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/String-F...frcectupt=true

Just be sure the centre to centre string spacing is a correct match for your bridge on these before you buy.
Whilst it is likely to be 52.5mm E to E, I didn't see anywhere on the listing that states what it is.

[bog]

Another good tip on top of what HereIsJT said, is to get some solid wood about 15mm thick about roughly the size of the bridge. I used some 80mm wide hardwood decking cut into 50mm strips. Practice drilling the string and bridge mounting holes on it. When you've got it perfect, do it a second time and glue the two pieces on top of each other with the holes perfectly aligned. You've now got a drill guide that you can use to get the holes right and help keep the drill bit vertical.

[Rabbitz]

Another good tip on top of what HereIsJT said, is to get some solid wood about 15mm thick about roughly the size of the bridge. I used some 80mm wide hardwood decking cut into 50mm strips. Practice drilling the string and bridge mounting holes on it. When you've got it perfect, do it a second time and glue the two pieces on top of each other with the holes perfectly aligned. You've now got a drill guide that you can use to get the holes right and help keep the drill bit vertical.

That's a bit brilliant.