Given you'll be using a DP and clamping the bassword body to the DP table for the task, you do not really have to drill a pilot, IMHO, if you use a sharp drill bit for the work. I tend to use Forstner bits for this kind of thing. The advise to very carefully mark "the spot" with a center punch is spot-on. It doesn't need to be deep but it will serve as the spot you need to line up your drill bit before clamping and doing the deed. A dimple is easier to do that with than just a pencil mark, IMHO. But again, not deep...just enough to show the spot clearly.
BTW, I've been really happy using basswood for guitar bodies. It cooperates really well and is fine grained. While I cut on my CNC, any hand work with sharp tools subsequent to that work has been a pleasure. The price is pretty decent, too.
Last edited by Jim Becker; 11-27-2021 at 4:24 PM.
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The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...