Tips on Drilling a P-Body for Bridge...

[PJ]

About to tackle my first bridge mounting project on an AllParts
(undrilled) body. I know the scale length is 34" (correct?) and the
bridge I'm using is the Gotoh 5-hole standard mounting. I'd be most appreciative of any tips on positioning the saddles, measuring the scale, adjusting the x-y positioning - that kind of stuff. Many thanks!

[4mal]

I did this a couple of years ago during my Franken' bass period ... last time I mounted the neck and pickups, then used a long straight edge to determine correct position on the body.

On my '87 MIJ 62 RI, the inside edge of the 'L' is +/- 1.1 to 1.2 inches from the rear of the bass, using the 'flat center' of the rear of the bass - ya know - where the strap peg mounts. Call it a fat 1.1

It is approx 3.9" from the rear edge of the treble side pickup, mounted in pickguard to the leading edge of the bridge.

34 " scale is correct for a traditional P. As there is a fair amount of travel in the bridge I was less concerned about the north/south location. Getting the relationship between the string and the pole pieces was more my concern. Having the neck & pickup mounted and using the straight edge made eye balling it easy.

Alternatively, you could get a couple of squares, determine the centerline and get all scientific ...