Modify tailpiece to fit new strings? Help please!

[Ray]

Hello,

 

I'm in the process of fitting new Sprirocore Weichs to my new (to me) 1950s Hungarian 3/4 bass. It was all going swimmingly until I got to the E string. The tailpiece hole is too small for the ball end to rest tightly against the wood underneath.

 

Can I simply make the hole bigger with a round file? Or is this a stupid idea? Any other suggestions welcome.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Ray 

[bassace]

If you’re prepared to destring you could address the underside of E with a countersink bit. All the holes on the front would be the same diameter and the E ball would sit snugly.

[Ray]

21 minutes ago, bassace said:

If you’re prepared to destring you could address the underside of E with a countersink bit. All the holes on the front would be the same diameter and the E ball would sit snugly.

Great idea! Thanks. Couldn’t find my countersink bit (typical!) but I managed to sort it with the reamer on my Swiss Army knife. Thankfully I didn’t need to take much off. 

[NickA]

4 hours ago, Ray said:

reamer on my Swiss Army knife.

😂😂 That's the spirit!  Sure the great makers of the 18th century would have done exactly that!