Pickup keeps popping out...

m_c_zero · #1 01-20-2011, 02:11 PM

I've got a Schecter Hell Raiser 4 string bass with the EMG active pickups. The pickup near the neck of the bass has popped out on me several times. By popping out I mean that there is a screw holding it to the body of the bass that keeps coming out and the pad or spring underneath pickup causes the pickup to come up on me. I've had to basically tighten the screw down so much that that side of the pickup is almost flush with the body. I'm just wondering if anyone has had this happen and may have any ideas on how to fix it. I paid $599 for the guitar, so I'm not sure if I'd like to do any repairs myself unless they are basic repairs. There's a guitar tech in town that is highly recommended and I'm wondering if it'd be worth it to pay him a visit. Thanks in advance for the advice.

fourstringbliss · #2 01-20-2011, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m_c_zero

I've got a Schecter Hell Raiser 4 string bass with the EMG active pickups. The pickup near the neck of the bass has popped out on me several times. By popping out I mean that there is a screw holding it to the body of the bass that keeps coming out and the pad or spring underneath pickup causes the pickup to come up on me. I've had to basically tighten the screw down so much that that side of the pickup is almost flush with the body. I'm just wondering if anyone has had this happen and may have any ideas on how to fix it. I paid $599 for the guitar, so I'm not sure if I'd like to do any repairs myself unless they are basic repairs. There's a guitar tech in town that is highly recommended and I'm wondering if it'd be worth it to pay him a visit. Thanks in advance for the advice.

The screw is screwed into the wood and it looks like the screw hole is stripped. Take your strings off, take that pickup out and insert a few flat toothpicks, breaking them off flush. When you reinstall the pickup the screws will have more wood to grip and should stay solid. This is called, "the toothpick trick" and is a low cost solution to most stripped screw hole problems.

thesilence · #3 01-20-2011, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fourstringbliss

The screw is screwed into the wood and it looks like the screw hole is stripped. Take your strings off, take that pickup out and insert a few flat toothpicks, breaking them off flush. When you reinstall the pickup the screws will have more wood to grip and should stay solid. This is called, "the toothpick trick" and is a low cost solution to most stripped screw hole problems.

He hit the nail on the head or the screw on the thread...

m_c_zero · #4 01-20-2011, 02:29 PM

Hmm, interesting solution... I'll give it a go, I need to replace the stings soon anyway. Would maybe wood glue or something work as an alternative?

georgestrings · #5 01-20-2011, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesilence

He hit the nail on the head or the screw on the thread...

Yup - you could also put a little wood glue on the toothpicks before inserting them, then put a little wax on the screw threads so that the glue doesn't set up on them...

For strap posts, if you put a little wood glue on the screw also, don't over-tighten it, and let it set up over night, they usually are quite solid...

I have a Hellraiser-4 also, and really like it - I haven't had any wood stripping problems with it at all, though...

- georgestrings

m_c_zero · #6 01-20-2011, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by georgestrings

I have a Hellraiser-4 also, and really like it - I haven't had any wood stripping problems with it at all, though...

Yeah, it's been a really great guitar minus this little issue. I've had the pickup pop out on me on stage about 3-4 times now and it really sucks ass. I love the guitar though, it's so freakin beautiful.

johnboy65 · #7 01-20-2011, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by georgestrings

Yup - you could also put a little wood glue on the toothpicks before inserting them, then put a little wax on the screw threads so that the glue doesn't set up on them...

For strap posts, if you put a little wood glue on the screw also, don't over-tighten it, and let it set up over night, they usually are quite solid...

Exactly!!!

fourstringbliss · #8 01-20-2011, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m_c_zero

Hmm, interesting solution... I'll give it a go, I need to replace the stings soon anyway. Would maybe wood glue or something work as an alternative?

Trust me, the toothpicks are going to work just fine, with or without glue. The toothpicks should make the screw hole narrower than the screw and the screw is going to push the toothpicks tight to the sides of the hole, making a tight fit.

Wood filler would work as well, but I'd go with the toothpicks.

I understand how you might be feeling - "I'm adding toothpicks to my really nice bass. How cheesy." You could take it to a luthier and pay them to fill the holw for you, but this is a $.03 fix.

m_c_zero · #9 01-21-2011, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fourstringbliss

The toothpicks should make the screw hole narrower than the screw and the screw is going to push the toothpicks tight to the sides of the hole, making a tight fit.

Yeah, makes total sense.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fourstringbliss

I understand how you might be feeling - "I'm adding toothpicks to my really nice bass. How cheesy." You could take it to a luthier and pay them to fill the holw for you, but this is a $.03 fix.

I'll definitely give it a go, I am a cheap ass by nature. Thanks again for the info!