Today we're tackling one of the most nerve-wracking parts of any guitar build - drilling those tuner holes in your headstock. Get this wrong, and you can ruin your DIY Guitar. Get it right, and you're one step closer to a professional-quality instrum

<p>Today we&apos;re tackling one of the most nerve-wracking parts of any <a href="https://guitarkitworld.com/collections/guitar-kits" target="_blank">guitar build</a> - drilling those <a href="https://guitarkitworld.com/blogs/resources/how-do-you-install-tuning-pegs-1" target="_blank">tuner holes in your headstock</a>. Get this wrong, and you can ruin your <a href="https://guitarkitworld.com/collections/guitar-kits" target="_blank">DIY Guitar</a>. Get it right, and you&apos;re one step closer to a professional-quality instrument.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0065/9374/0911/files/Complete_Guitar_Headstock_Drilling_Guide_61289a2e-b828-47fe-897a-609478246a28.pdf?v=1747036595" title="Complete Guitar Headstock Drilling Guide" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><button class="product-form--atc-button">Download PDF manual</button></a></p><p><br></p><h2 id="part-1-preparation--tools">Part 1: Preparation &amp; Tools</h2><p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &apos;San Francisco&apos;, &apos;Segoe UI&apos;, Roboto, &apos;Helvetica Neue&apos;, sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;">Before we drill anything, let&apos;s talk about what you&apos;ll need:</span></p><ul><li>A drill with the right bits for your specific tuners</li><li>A precise template or measurements</li><li><a href="https://youtu.be/7BJ-yPOVG6Y" target="_blank">Masking tape</a> to prevent wood splintering</li><li>A sharp bradpoint bit for clean starter holes</li><li><a rel="noopener" href="https://amzn.to/4jIpIpn" target="_blank">Clamps&#xA0;</a>to secure your <a href="https://guitarkitworld.com/collections/guitar-kits" target="_blank">DIY Guitar</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/43j4XuD" target="_blank">Safety glasses</a> - always protect those eyes!</li></ul><p><strong>Headstock Tuner Hole Template</strong></p><p><img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0065/9374/0911/files/2_2_9276ae9a-26a9-4416-9121-beff16943cd5.jpg?v=1747210921" alt class="fr-fic fr-dii"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0065/9374/0911/files/2_2.jpg?v=1747209370" target="_blank" title="2+2 Bass Headstock Template" rel="noopener"><strong>Download 2+2 Bass Headstock File (JPG)</strong></a></p><p><img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0065/9374/0911/files/6_inline_8720a3d3-c4aa-47c9-a065-1a00a36158a0.jpg?v=1747210937" alt class="fr-fic fr-dii"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0065/9374/0911/files/6_inline.jpg?v=1747209371" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Download 6-in-line Headstock File (JPG)&#xA0;</strong></a></p><p><img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0065/9374/0911/files/3_3_b614dad8-c2a4-4bb4-95dc-562b3c3e2a20.jpg?v=1747210956" alt class="fr-fic fr-dii"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0065/9374/0911/files/3_3.jpg?v=1747209370" target="_blank" title="3+3 Headstock Template" rel="noopener"><strong>Download 3+3 Headstock File (JPG)</strong></a></p><h2 id="part-2-measuring--marking">Part 2: Measuring &amp; Marking</h2><p>The secret to perfect tuner holes is accurate measurement. I&apos;ll show you how to:</p><ul><li>Create a centerline down your headstock</li><li>Mark precise spacing between tuners</li><li>Double-check your measurements before drilling</li><li>Use a <a href="https://youtu.be/AR5flcr_7Mc" target="_blank">template</a> if you have one available</li></ul><h2 id="part-3-drilling-technique">Part 3: Drilling Technique</h2><p>Now for the drilling itself:</p><ul><li>Always <a href="https://youtu.be/7BJ-yPOVG6Y" target="_blank">drill pilot holes</a> first</li><li>Work from both sides to prevent a blowout</li><li>Control your drill speed - slower is better</li><li>Apply even pressure</li><li>Let the drill do the work - don&apos;t force it</li></ul><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7BJ-yPOVG6Y?si=5I2rZRY6sMCh6jQF" title="YouTube video player"><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&#xA0;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&#xA0;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&#xA0;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&#xA0;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&#xA0;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&#xA0;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&#xA0;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&#xA0;</span></iframe></p><h2 id="part-4-design-and-cut-your-guitar-headstock-shape">Part 4: Design and Cut your Guitar Headstock Shape</h2><p id="isPasted">Blank guitar headstocks are a favorite among DIY builders. They&#x2019;re supplied unshaped to give you full design freedom&#x2014;classic, modern, or your own signature profile, with symmetrical layouts being the most common. In the video below, we demonstrate how to plan, template, and safely cut a blank headstock into the shape you want, from layout and drilling to clean edge finishing.</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AR5flcr_7Mc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&#xA0;</span><span class="fr-mk" style="display: none;">&#xA0;</span></iframe></p><h2 id="isPasted">Common Mistakes</h2><p>Here are mistakes I&apos;ve made so you don&apos;t have to:</p><ul><li style="font-size: 15px;">Rushing the process and not reviewing <a href="https://guitarkitworld.com/blogs/resources" target="_blank">Guitar Kit World Resources</a></li><li style="font-size: 15px;">Not checking the headstock template for accurate measurements (<strong>Step 1</strong>)</li><li style="font-size: 15px;">Not securing the headstock properly</li><li style="font-size: 15px;">Using dull bits</li><li style="font-size: 15px;">Drilling at an angle</li><li style="font-size: 15px;">Forgetting to account for headstock thickness</li></ul><h2 id="conclusion">Conclusion</h2><p>There you have it! Perfect tuner holes that will make installation a breeze. Remember, this is one of those &apos;measure twice, cut once&apos; situations. Take your time, follow these steps, and you&apos;ll avoid that sinking feeling of messing up your beautiful headstock.</p><p>Read <a rel="noopener" href="https://guitarkitworld.com/blogs/resources/guitar-tuning-machines-the-complete-guide" target="_blank">Guitar Tuning Machines: The Complete Guide</a> for more knowledge on choosing tuners to use for your <a rel="noopener" href="https://guitarkitworld.com/collections/guitar-kits" target="_blank">DIY guitar</a>. Happy DIY journey, everyone!&#xA0;</p>

Complete Guitar Headstock Designing, Shaping and Drilling Guide

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