| Author | Message | |||
| johanalme
New Username: johanalme Post Number: 4 Registered: 2-2014 |
Dear forum, I need help with a practical question. My pickup on my Essence was broken and now I have bought a new one from Alembic (super service btw), and I want to put it in place. Now my bass is more than 20 years old, and apparently Alembic has changed the position of the screwholes on the pickup during that time period. The displacement is about 2-3 mm I guess (see picture). Now my question is - how can I now mount the pickup? Is there an easy way I could get the metalic socket for the screw out of the wood without destroying everything? I would love some expert tips on this matter! Thanks Johan  | |||
| ed_too
Junior Username: ed_too Post Number: 21 Registered: 3-2011 |
First off, full disclosure: I'm no expert. That said, I wouldn't mess with the sleeves. I would get a nut file and remove just enough plastic from each hole to be able to thread the two screws into the existing sleeves. If you remove just enough plastic but no extra, the bottom screw will prevent any jiggle in that direction and the top screw in the other direction. Ed | |||
| gtrguy
Senior Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 739 Registered: 9-2004 |
I would contact Mica and explain your problem. They are always so helpful. | |||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3341 Registered: 5-2009 |
As to the words of wisdom above ___ INDEED ___ The only way to fly ! | |||
| johanalme
New Username: johanalme Post Number: 5 Registered: 2-2014 |
I have sent an e-mail to Mica. I am curious about the reply now! thanks for the tip! | |||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 2142 Registered: 9-2002 |
I, too, would wait and take Mica's advice. IF I were to hazard a guess I'd say you'd have to back out the threaded inserts (I'm sure they have wood screw threads on the outside), fill the holes with a wood/glue mix, and once dry and solid, use your new pickups' screw holes as a template and install the proper inserts in those new positions. I would be in no hurry to enlarge the pickup holes in your brand new pickup(s). But as always, I'd go with whatever Mica tells you. J o e y | |||
| terrapinflyer
New Username: terrapinflyer Post Number: 6 Registered: 4-2014 |
If you decide to remove the threaded inserts, it may help to heat them with a soldering gun just prior to removal. This should soften any glue that may have been used when the inserts were originally installed. | |||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3347 Registered: 5-2009 |
I encourage you to do what ever Mica tells you . I would do nothing at all until then . Don't be that surgeon that removes the wrong organ ! | |||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3348 Registered: 5-2009 |
As a temporary fix however one could make little brass adaptor brackets from sheet brass stock. This could be done without modification to the pickup or the instrument its self. Some hobby shops supply such brass stock . I made my own brass truss rod cover for my Series I from such material . | |||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 2198 Registered: 11-2004 |
Sonicus...or fabricate a piece of wood to fit inside the cavity either glue or using very small screws to fix it in place and then install the screw inserts.
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| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 2199 Registered: 11-2004 |
1/8" ply would do the job. That way it would still be 'original' unless Alembic have the old cast molds for the pick up and make you a one off. | |||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3349 Registered: 5-2009 |
Terry, yes , anything like that that will not alter /damage, any part or the whole . | |||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8172 Registered: 6-2000 |
Weird! I will have to look at an old cast MXY and see about the screw holes. I didn't realize they wouldn't line up - learn something new every day. I will send you the right pickup today. Sorry about that. | |||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8173 Registered: 6-2000 |
Ugh. I only have a cosmetic second available today. It's not really bad, but it's not what I would sell as new. I can send it if you want. Otherwise it will be about a week before I can send a new one. The other option is to send you some new threaded inserts. You can fill the original holes and drill new ones and install the inserts in them. Sorry this wasn't a simple and quick fix. | |||
| gtrguy
Senior Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 741 Registered: 9-2004 |
Superwoman to the rescue!!! | |||
| johanalme
New Username: johanalme Post Number: 6 Registered: 2-2014 |
Hi mica. Thank you very much! If you could send me an 'old' pickup that would be the best. Waiting one week is no problem. Please then let me know how i can return the one i got. | |||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8178 Registered: 6-2000 |
It's going to take a tad longer - the casting material for the "old" pickups was past its shelf life and wouldn't mold well. I ordered the polyurethane it should arrive by the end of next week. I'll email you when the new "old" pickup is on its way. | |||
| johanalme
New Username: johanalme Post Number: 1 Registered: 6-2014 |
Dear mica I am sorry for being so slow in the response. Something happened to my user account and i haven't been able to log in. However I really like your effort on this. And... if ot turns out to be difficult i can also go for the threaded inserts as mentioned above. Thank you again! | |||
| zomnius
Junior Username: zomnius Post Number: 14 Registered: 9-2013 |
what a service! superb. |
mount pate