Author Topic: Alembic inserts drill bits sizes? (Read 117 times)

lg71 · « **on:** October 16, 2006, 04:24:35 PM »

I have been waiting for an answer for about a month now, I still don't know... Now it is urgent and important!

- Would anyone know what bit size is needed to drill, for getting those inserts in properly (PUs and back plate/truss rod cover/PU selector inserts)?

My bass is under the bench at the moment and the luthier is a bit nervous using those inserts, when he tried previously on my first Arialembic he split them and gave up, and reused the old ones. I want him to do it properly this time.

I also noticed that those inserts are slotted, yet, when looking at them on Alembic basses, I cannot see the slot, so it looks like they are being screwed in upside down using a special tool.

Anyone?

Thanks,
LG

mica · « **Reply #1 on:** October 16, 2006, 04:39:38 PM »

Hi Louis-Gino,

Your question does not have a simple answer. I have not been available to produce a detailed tutorial, which it's apparent you will need in install the inserts correctly.

Today I spoke with James, and he is going to coordinate with me for the next inserts he installs so that I can document and photograph the procedure. It's more than just drilling the right sized hole (although it's a good start).

Today, he was not installing any inserts. Maybe tomorrow!

lg71 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 16, 2006, 05:03:55 PM »

Hi Mica,

Thanks, I understand perfectly.

The thing is the luthier is put on hold at the moment, because I told him to wait until I get back to him with exact measurements.
Believe me, he kinda fears this procedure.

Meanwhile, he cannot really move on because of that. But that's fine, I much prefer to wait again, as opposed to have him start and not doing it properly. So, I'll call him again tomorrow and will tell him to wait a bit more before he starts on this.

I have asked him to do all possible inserts points on the bass, PUs, truss rod, back plate... I am even thinking of doing the bridge, as it gets tarnished very quickly, and it would be nice to take if off without further damaging the threads on the wood. Anyway, I really look forward to some relevant details/explanations regarding this mysterious procedure.

But as you said, drilling the right holes is a good start, and if I could have those dimensions before the more advanced part, at least he could start drilling, and I could put the inserts myself at later stage. I would have drilled myself, but I don't have a press.

mica · « **Reply #3 on:** October 16, 2006, 05:10:14 PM »

I'll include the drill sizes with the whole procedure - you and he should read the whole procedure first before you drill anything. It can avoid some unneccesary rework!

We'll be documenting both the plate and the pickup inserts.

lg71 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 16, 2006, 05:15:27 PM »

Thank you, I am definitely going to tell him all that, and count on me, I'll do the reading for him. He won't escape any of the right procedures this time!

2400wattman · « **Reply #5 on:** October 16, 2006, 08:17:45 PM »

Fantastic!, please fill me in as I need to do this same thing for my Series1.

lg71 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 17, 2006, 01:53:42 PM »

Great, I am not the only weirdo LOL

2400wattman · « **Reply #7 on:** October 17, 2006, 05:43:06 PM »

Absolutely not! There's more of us than you realize. Whooooooooo!

lg71 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 17, 2006, 05:46:45 PM »

Nice to hear that!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mica · « **Reply #9 on:** October 18, 2006, 03:32:34 PM »

Check the FAQ for the installation instructions. Hope they help!

jack · « **Reply #10 on:** October 18, 2006, 03:40:25 PM »

Cool tutorial. Well done. I love the big prohibited sign on the screwdriver in the last pic.

lg71 · « **Reply #11 on:** October 18, 2006, 05:56:53 PM »

Mica, thank you so much

I didn't expect to see what I saw, it's amazing what one can achieve with a combination of simplicity and being creative as well!

I had a different idea, I thought you were using a special custom tool for that, I was far from it.

I have spent some time designing a little tool for you, that's what I thought you were using. If you like it and find it useful, why not trying to make something similar. The drawing is a bit primitive, but I am sure you'll get the idea.

Was wondering the size of the bit for the PUs inserts?

Thanks,
LG

mica · « **Reply #12 on:** October 18, 2006, 06:06:08 PM »

Well, we actually do use a different tool for the job, but most folks that are only going to modify a single instrument won't want to spend $90 on a tool for such a specific purpose.

The sizes for the pickup inserts are included at the end of the post. Hope it helps.

lg71 · « **Reply #13 on:** October 18, 2006, 06:13:14 PM »

Just a little addendum, if thought you could even use a more passive design, where you don't have to press at the top to get the bits in, the bits could use a spring system, so you could simply pull the tool, and they would retract by themselves, although the edges/corners of the bits would have to be rounded... Just some constructive thoughts...

lg71 · « **Reply #14 on:** October 18, 2006, 06:15:11 PM »

I see, I just read you last post! Well, it's clear now