CIJ P Bass pots question

[alexandru_voicu]

Hi everyone,

I have a CIJ P Bass that I really enjoy and I think it came the time to replace its stock pots. I bought some CTS 250K pots, but they are larger than the stock Japanese ones. As I care a lot about this instrument, I have a dilemma and I was thinking that maybe you can help me choose the right direction. I don't think it would be the end of the world to enlarge the existing holes in the pickguard, but I'm sure the result will be a bit messy (I only have a hand drill), so I was thinking to buy another pickguard. Do the pickguards for American Standard P Basses have 3/8" holes or smaller ones? If I buy another pickguard, will I find myself in the same situation as now? What do you think I should do? Are there any good mini pots that I can use as direct replacements, without enlarging the holes?

Thank you,
Alex

[Frankenamp]

Didja try here:
http://www.hoffmanamps.com/MyStore/perlshop.cgi?ACTION=enter&thispage=parts5.htm&ORDER_ID=!ORDERID!

This is another source:
http://www.apexjr.com/Bourns.htm

[rafe]

I don't see why you should have any problem drilling the holes larger. I would screw the guard to a piece of scrap plywood use a couple of screws (secure the plywood to bench or put a foot on it) the larger bit should selfcenter ....hand drill ? ::) electric or hand drill lol

[alexandru_voicu]

Hi and thank you for your answers. I'll try to enlarge the holes with an electric (hand) drill. :) It just hurts me inside to do that, I feel like I'm desecrating my beloved p bass.

[Frankenamp]

May be a day late, but I had a thought: when you use the hand drill, do it with a step bit. The Irwin and Greenlee models are best, but if it's just once or twice (especially on wood plastic or Aluminum) the ones at Harbor Freight can't be beat for nine or ten bux.

[G._Hoffman]

The best tool is a reamer.  A new pickguard is likely to be a problem as the non-American pickguards aren't quite the same shape as the MIA stuff.  WD sells some of the foreign stuff, but it's easier to just enlarge the holes - if you have the tool, of course.


Gabriel