Here we go with part 2, drilling the hole in the saddle slot of the bridge. We will have to bring the flat end of the Baggs pickup up through the hole from within the ukulele, not an easy thing to do unless you know the secret. First the hole must be drilled in the slot at a approximate 30 degree angle so that the pickup is not bent too sharply as it enters the slot from below.
I use a 1/8th inch drill bit but first I check to be very sure that it will fit into the slot in the bridge with a hair of wiggle room. It does, so now I will drill the hole.
Notice the angle that the drill is at! It is vitally important that the pickup be under each string so as to sense its vibration. It is less important but nice of it is entirely hidden under the saddle. That means that you must drill your hole so that the pickup comes through the bridge under the G string with as much on the outside of that string as you can get and still hide the pickup under the saddle. In some cases you might want to simply make a new wider saddle in order to cover the pickup.
With a very small round file I smooth the hole and round off the interior edges. Remember, we are going to have to guide that pickup up through this tiny hole. It needs to be smooth and welcoming.
Just to be sure that it will fit and the entry will be fairly easy, push the pickup through the hole you have just smoothed (from above) If it goes through easily that way it should also be easy to bring it through from below.
NOW YOU HAVE THE HOLES DRILLED, THE HARD PART IS DONE. THE FUN BEGINS TOMORROW.
NOW YOU HAVE THE HOLES DRILLED, THE HARD PART IS DONE. THE FUN BEGINS TOMORROW.
