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Hi all, I'm getting ready to rout a hole in the side of 3 guitars for an on-board EQ pickup system...my plan is to make up a jig with a cutout the right size, to index off the top of the guitar, held by a quick clamp and rout the hole with a dremel or lam trimmer...the spot where the EQ will go has a 3/32" BB ply "patch" on the inside so I'm not too worried about splitting the side, just about whether all this will work! It's obviously an all-or-nothing propisition! Anyone out there done this kind of thing before? TIA.

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http://www.presnallguitars.com

I've done this a bunch of times for people. Just freehand route a hole, and trued it up with some files or sanding sticks. Fishman and others offer templates for what the hole needs to look like. Takes very little time.

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Instagram: @jfrenchluthier
Web: https://www.jfrenchguitars.com/

I use a keyhole saw. There's a lot less potential for causing damage if you slip with it. Just draw the shape on the side, drill a small hole to get the saw in and away you go.

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Pete
http://www.petewoodmanguitars.com

I've used a spiral cutting bit in my Black and Decker rotary tool (Dremel type) to freehand the cut using the paper template supplied by most venders. Then I clean up with files. I've also cut it using a small X-Acto saw blade that fits their handles. I wouldn't use a regular router. It is too powerful and can get away from you in this application.

I should have mentioned to use a dremel, not a router, to route the cavity.

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Instagram: @jfrenchluthier
Web: https://www.jfrenchguitars.com/