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johanalme
New
Username: johanalme

Post Number: 4
Registered: 2-2014
Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2014 - 10:23 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2014 - 4:59 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2014 - 10:18 pm:   Edit Post

I would contact Mica and explain your problem. They are always so helpful.
sonicus
Senior Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 3341
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2014 - 11:29 pm:   Edit Post

As to the words of wisdom above ___ INDEED ___ The only way to fly !
johanalme
New
Username: johanalme

Post Number: 5
Registered: 2-2014
Posted on Sunday, April 27, 2014 - 3:13 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 - 9:55 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, May 01, 2014 - 8:02 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, May 01, 2014 - 11:24 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Thursday, May 01, 2014 - 11:50 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Friday, May 02, 2014 - 1:36 am:   Edit Post

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.

application/vnd.ms-powerpointmount pate
mount plate.ppt (12.3 k)
terryc
Senior Member
Username: terryc

Post Number: 2199
Registered: 11-2004
Posted on Friday, May 02, 2014 - 1:40 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Friday, May 02, 2014 - 5:26 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Friday, May 02, 2014 - 1:50 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Friday, May 02, 2014 - 2:06 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Saturday, May 03, 2014 - 9:04 am:   Edit Post

Superwoman to the rescue!!!
johanalme
New
Username: johanalme

Post Number: 6
Registered: 2-2014
Posted on Sunday, May 04, 2014 - 12:48 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Friday, May 16, 2014 - 8:39 am:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Monday, June 02, 2014 - 12:27 pm:   Edit Post

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
Posted on Sunday, June 15, 2014 - 11:07 am:   Edit Post

what a service! superb.

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