Pickup Base Broken!!!

[Ottsworth]

Hi Guys,
I've been in the pickup section quite a bit recently moaning of about the neck pickup on my Bass and I've got a little bit moaning to do here right now!

I was trying to lower my neck pickup recently when I noticed (can't believe it took me so long to see) the ear of the plastic base had cracked around the screw, and to make things ever worse, the screw was stripped.

Now being a 14YO, I have little access to equipment suitable for remedying this situation. However I managed today to carve away from the screw with a penknife and free the pickup so I could take a close look at it. I noticed (as you will see below) the base of the pickup had come away from it towards where it had snapped.

So I was thinking of taking it somewhere or seeking on the internet if I could get the broken part of the pickup removed, and a new part to replace it attached to the pickup (and a new set of screws for my bass, it's not the only stripped one).

So to get to the point does anyone know where I could possibly get this? How much it would cost (£)? And also if there are any other viable alternatives to doing this?

Below is a quick video which shows you the pickup and gives you a general idea what is wrong.

Many Thanks,
Otto

Video Here

P.S Please don't flame me for the music in the background, I do listen to more than just metal!

[gunlak]

i suggest just getting a new replacement pickup, try GFS or Artec, they're cheap but not too generic sounding.

[grendle]

New pickup would be the way to go. If you needed to keep It in there in a pinch. You could just use a small washer on the screw.

[Ottsworth]

I just took a close look at the pickup and saw that a small piece of plastic was caught between the pickup and the baseplate. I managed to remove it and the baseplate easily fit back into place. Now the only problem is the cracked ear.




How easy would it be to get the ear fixed? Also would it be possible for me to just superglue the rest of the baseplate back on, or would that be a bad idea?
Thanks Again,
Otto

Originally Posted by gunlak

i suggest just getting a new replacement pickup, try GFS or Artec, they're cheap but not too generic sounding.

Originally Posted by grendle

New pickup would be the way to go. If you needed to keep It in there in a pinch. You could just use a small washer on the screw.

[staindbass]

try a washer on top of the broken ear, as big as you can get away with to cover the most of the broken plastic. it might work.

[staindbass]

if the hole is stripped, put a toothpick in the hole with some wood glue, and snap it off level with the wood. then put the screw back in when its dry.

[Ottsworth]

Originally Posted by staindbass

try a washer on top of the broken ear, as big as you can get away with to cover the most of the broken plastic. it might work.

That's a good idea, I'll give it a shot tomorrow. First I need to pick-up some screws to replace the stripped ones (if I can find a way to get them out without a drill. The rubber-band method isn't working )
Thanks for the suggestion!!!

[Down & Outman]

That's what superglue is for. Or try contact cement. Works better on plastic and less chance of glueing your fingers together.

You can also file down a washer to fit over it to hold it in place as well. Or make a wood washer to hold it might be easier. Paint it black and no one will ever know the diff.

Not bad tune playing in the background. Like when I used to listen to Black Sabbath too many years ago.

[Down & Outman]

Ditto the toothpick idea. I keep some in my shop for that very purpose. Looks like your gonna make it. Rock On!

[SGD Lutherie]

Originally Posted by staindbass

try a washer on top of the broken ear, as big as you can get away with to cover the most of the broken plastic. it might work.

Good idea! You can even epoxy the washer on the broken tab.

[Ottsworth]

Originally Posted by Down & Outman

That's what superglue is for. Or try contact cement. Works better on plastic and less chance of glueing your fingers together.

You can also file down a washer to fit over it to hold it in place as well. Or make a wood washer to hold it might be easier. Paint it black and no one will ever know the diff.

Not bad tune playing in the background. Like when I used to listen to Black Sabbath too many years ago.

Yeah, I'ma try the washer idea soon ...
...and yeah, the music is Lifelover (great name huh ) funnily enough it comes straight after Chick Corea's "Steps/What Was" on my playlist

[Ottsworth]

Originally Posted by SGD Lutherie

Good idea! You can even epoxy the washer on the broken tab.

That is a great idea! I will try and get my hands on some.

[staindbass]

great suggestion! with the epoxy it will work for sure.

[SGD Lutherie]

Originally Posted by staindbass

great suggestion! with the epoxy it will work for sure.

I had a Bill Lawrence Tele bridge pickup, and one of the mounting tabs broke. So I used some epoxy and a small piece of maple veneer, and it held up fine.

[Ottsworth]

I love how everyone is so helpful on here! Thanks everyone!

[96tbird]

Rough up the plastic with your mom's emery board before you epoxy. I have found that epoxy putty works great and not messy. You can build it up where need be and file it to shape (with your mom's emery board). When you get married, you can use your wife's emery boards.