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Joined:
April 2012
Posts: 2
| I was recently given a Ballader, model 1112, dating from about 1979-80. It has no electronics, and I would like to install a soundhole pickup, and an endpin jack. The jack requires a 1/2" hole. Can I simply unscrew the strap button, and (carefull) drill or ream the hole? Or, given the nature of the bowl material, is there a recommended way to do this? |
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Joined:
December 2009
Posts: 686
Location: Route 66, just east of the Cadillac Ranch | Hi Dave. First you'll need to remove the threaded insert that the strap button is attached to. If you try to drill it out it can spin. A Dremel tool with a small round grinding stone will work, but go slowly so you don't heat it up too much. You need to be careful anytime you drill into composites as the bit can bite and tear the material rather than cut. They make composite bits just for this purpose, but they're expensive. The endpin jacks I've seen installed in Ovations all had a small spruce block glued on the inside (about 1" x 1 1/2" x 3/8") If it were me and I were attempting to do it with a regular drill bit, I'd remove the existing strap button and insert, glue the block in with epoxy, and then drill it out. That way the block would prevent the bit from digging too deep, too quickly. A Dremel tool with a cutting bit or small sanding drum also works well here. Good luck!
Edited by Nick B. 2012-04-07 12:26 PM
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7210
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Welcome Dave,
I realize you mentioned endpin style, but I would recommend, just doing what Ovation does and install a jack in the bowl in the lower rear of the guitar. Go to a Guitar Center or whatever the local store is and check out the factory placement. You still need to be careful, but you don't have to change the design of the guitar to do it, no blocks, etc..
I've upgraded your access and moved this into the General Posting area so more folks may have ideas for you.
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Joined:
April 2012
Posts: 2
| Thanks for the replies. I like the idea of leaving the existing strap button alone, and installing the jack in the lower side. |
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Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 138
Location: Birmingham, AL | I have a Baggs Lyric that I am installing on my 1157 Anniversary. The Lyric has the combo endpin jack/preamp. It's pretty long how would that affect installation locations? Either lower bowl or endpin location would be fine. Looking for suggestions. |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Often it is personal preference.
You can use the endpin location...
Or you can install it a little bit lower on the end of the bowl.
Just below the strap button by a coupla inches.
That way you can still have a secure strap attachment.
I am always concerned about endpin jack strap attachment.
The button "collar" can start to un-thread, and there isn't really a lot of area for the strap loop to grab onto.
Here is an endpin jack that I installed into a 1114 Folklore.
I did not include the "collar" on this one, but you can see the threads sticking though.
I hope that this is helpful.
 (Picture 38.jpg)
 (Picture 39.jpg)
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 Picture 38.jpg (69KB - 0 downloads)
Picture 39.jpg (68KB - 0 downloads)
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Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 138
Location: Birmingham, AL | Thanks! Good pics and advice. |
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drilling for an endpin jack
