
Measure the diameter of your tuner's mounting nut (shown at the
right); this is the required tuner hole diameter, which is quite
likely to be 10mm. Drilling the tuning machine holes is usually
done on a drill press but can also be done by hand.
![]()
To ensure that the holes are perpendicular to the peghead surface
and to get the alignment and the distances between the holes right,
I used a self-made drilling jig. It consists of a 2x2x6"
(50x50x150mm) hardwood block with three 10mm holes whose centers
are 1-5/8" (42mm) apart and 13/32" (10mm) from one long
edge. I have to admit that I went to a drill press for making this
jig. A guide made of plywood glued to one side makes it easy to
correctly align and fix the jig on the peghead.
![]()
The middle of the first tuner hole should be located 2-3/8"
(60mm) from line "B". Position the jig and remember to
put a backing board on the back of the peghead before fixing the
jig with two clamps. Make sure that the clamps stay clear of the
tuner holes.


When using the brace I stabilize it by laying my chin on the back
of my left hand. I drill with very little downward pressure and let
the bit do the work.