How much wood to leave when chambering?

[Kirk Dickinson]

I am getting ready to build a zebrawood and maple P bass. This zebrawood is really heavy and I don’t want to end up with a 10 or 12 pound bass. I plan on cutting some chambers in it for weight relief. How close can I get to the top and edges and still maintain strength in the wood? 3/8”? 1/4”?

[Barry Daniels]

Some of the edges are end grain so I would leave at least 1/2". For the top you might be fine at 1/4".

[Kirk Dickinson]

Thanks.