Quote from dmac on November 12, 2012, 13:39
Quote from adam on November 12, 2012, 08:21
If we agree that a hole from the control panel to the bridge post is the best option, I can get the factory to have this hole ore-drilled. I'm just wondering if there's another "no drill" option.
1. There is no such thing as too much grounding.
2. Surely your supplier is making kits for other companies. I can't believe that the (since it's a 'bucker, SG or LP) kits will be leaving the factory without a drilled grounding wire hole from a bridge or tailpiece mounting hole.
Back to the issue- I think I'm reinforcing Gavin's comments- the builder is trying to earth the bridge, strings and tuning machines to get rid of any interference they pick up. If you don't earth them somehow, there is only one place for that electrical interference to go, and it's the closest metal to them. And that is 90% going to be the pole pieces in the pickup, or 10% the player.
Not good. A badly wired humbucker is a complete humbucker in name only.
I've never wired a guitar without earthing the bridge (no matter what kind), strings and tuners. If the user is using star grounding (all the earths connecting at one point), then that's where it should be soldered.
The hole required need only be 3mm wide, because you only need ~22swg wire (a bit under 1 mm). On a ST or SV, go from the spring cavity to the control cavity. On an LP or SG, from the closest of the tailpiece or bridge mounting holes to the control cavity (of course, if the channel for the wiring is closest, take it into there.) On a TL, from under the bridge into the control cavity.
You can do it, Adam. You may need patience, forethought, a longer bit than usual and a variable speed drill on low so it doesn't side around. If a 6mm drill bit will get you to the cavity, use it instead of trying to finesse a 3mm when it won't be seen by anyone.
And, of course, lots and lots of nice blue tape to protect the woodwork.
Let me know if you have any trouble. When are the kits due into the Pit Bull kennel?