This may be a bit of daunting task for some, and rightly so, going at your guitar with a drill is an extreme measure! Although I have compiled this article as a helpful guide to demonstrate a method of doing this safely, I still highly recommend taking your guitar to a trusted local guitar tech. Have a read through this guide, have the correct tools and preparation and see if it's something you feel comfortable doing. Just remember to take care and remember this is your guitar! If you're at all not confident, your tech is absolutely there to help so no problem at all having them carry this out for you. 

With that said, I'll continue with the article and hope it helps whatever you're final plan of action. Let's dive right in, because we have already covered the tools we'll need in the main article HERE.

Re-Wiring a Les Paul


If you have a step cutter bit, one thing you can do is mark off with tape the size you're cutting to, (10mm for CTS pot mounting holes) that way you won't get carried away and widen the hole too far! Easy done. You can then also lay some cloths around the working area of the guitar or something to protect the guitar top just in case.

Re-Wiring a Les Paul
Re-Wiring a Les Paul

Then you're ready to drill. By this point the control cavity will be empty of any components, but just ensure it's clear of any wires or parts you may happen to still have inside the cavity so they don't catch on the drill bit as it goes through the hole. Then slowly run your step cutter bit through to widen the hole up. These are great tools for this, they help reduce the risk of the finish chipping out and allow you to take things steady as you go. 

Re-Wiring a Les Paul

With that now widened, swap the step cutter bit out for the normal 10mm straight drill bit and pass it through the widened hole. This will just straighten the cut edge through the top and neaten the hole up. Then you're done! Repeat the process with the other pot mounting holes, taking equal care and patience throughout.

Re-Wiring a Les Paul
Re-Wiring a Les Paul

I hope this all helps with this step, it's a simple one but care, patience and the right tools help a great deal. With the body holes all prepped for imperial spec CTS etc pots, you're ready to make a start on wiring up! So onto the next stage...

Have you made good use of some of the free resources here? Wired up your guitar or found useful info here along the way? Perhaps you might consider kindly supporting this free resource for guitarists via 'Buy me a coffee'! Thank you so much!

James.