Wilborn Guitars

Here’s what I do for a very clean tail pin installation. I made a jig to assure a vertical hole ( if I did it again, I’d use something transparent to see better) so that everything starts off correct. Very fresh brad point drill. Absolutely match the taper of the pin to the reamer! A slight chamfer around the opening of tapered hole will help prevent tragedy should you have to remove the pin. Seat it with a light dusting of crushed rosin. Drive it home with a wood or leather mallet. Bob’s your uncle!

This fall will mark the 18th year since I abruptly quit my job as building contractor and undertook to become a professional luthier. 18 years, and I’ve been lucky enough to always have a commission on my bench, and a dozen eggs in the fridge. I still can’t quite believe that I get to do this for a living, and that after all this time I am still thrilled to be doing it.