Pickups Help

Irate_Pirate · #1 08-09-2007, 01:25 AM

Basically, when I press down on one of my pickups it makes a weird noise (when I say 'press down', I mean that down is the direction when my bass is being played). The noise is only small but sounds something like a tiny metalic 'tink' noise (only way I can describe it).

This becomes anoying as I use the top of the pickup to anchor my thumb on while playing, so I can't avoid pressing it down, so it keeps making this noise when I play.

I've only just noticed this noise in the last few days, and I haven't dropped my bass or done anything that would result in this noise. I've had the bass for probably 2 months with no problems.

So guys, any idea how to fix this? It might only be a small thing so I don't want to take it to a luthier just yet.

(bass pictured)

Webtroll · #2 08-09-2007, 08:05 AM

Could the pickup not be secure anymore? If you grab the pickup and gently work it "up" and "down" does it make the noise? If so maybe refilling the pickup holes and redrilling them will help. Or maybe there's not enough foam under the pickup and you are pushing up and down over the screw threads? That's where I'd start.

Irate_Pirate · #3 08-11-2007, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Webtroll

Could the pickup not be secure anymore? If you grab the pickup and gently work it "up" and "down" does it make the noise? If so maybe refilling the pickup holes and redrilling them will help. Or maybe there's not enough foam under the pickup and you are pushing up and down over the screw threads? That's where I'd start.

It only makes a noise when I press it down, then when I stop putting pressure on it, it kinda springs back up like it should. But I can press the other pickup down in the same way without it making a noise, and it moves just as much as the other one.

I know it's a pretty vague description, but I'd appreciate some more input. I don't really want to start drilling into my bass yet.

Jazz Ad · #4 08-11-2007, 08:31 AM

Is it a continous noise, like a buzz as long as it's pressed or a clack noise at the moment you press ?

Puru · #5 08-11-2007, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irate_Pirate

it kinda springs back up like it should.

Doesn't seem like it should be "springing" much. Like Webtroll said, I'd try adding a little extra foam under the pickup to "snug it up" so it doesn't move when you rest your thumb there.

Irate_Pirate · #6 08-11-2007, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazz Ad

Is it a continous noise, like a buzz as long as it's pressed or a clack noise at the moment you press ?

A crack the moment I press it.

Irate_Pirate · #7 08-11-2007, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Puru

Doesn't seem like it should be "springing" much. Like Webtroll said, I'd try adding a little extra foam under the pickup to "snug it up" so it doesn't move when you rest your thumb there.

It doesn't 'spring' up heaps, so to speak. You can move the pickup a millimeter or so up and down in either direction, so when you stop putting pressure on it, it kinda moves back a little to sit where it should sit.

I don't know if putting foam underthe pickup will help. I don't press it down into the bass. I press it down in the direction of my leg if I'm playing it.

Puru · #8 08-11-2007, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irate_Pirate

I don't know if putting foam underthe pickup will help. I don't press it down into the bass. \

It doesn't cost you anything to try it. It worked for me.
It allows you to tighten the screws more so your (I repeat) pickups won't move.

chalie · #9 08-11-2007, 07:21 PM

Is the noise amplified? or just the fisical noise.
In both cases, I would reccommend you to remove that pickup and check if the springs underneath intact, try to switch the springs too. How is the plactic cover at the preasure point? Is it popping or firm? If the cover is loose from the pickup it might move around at one of your pole piece which can make the noise too.

Irate_Pirate · #10 08-12-2007, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Puru

It doesn't cost you anything to try it. It worked for me.
It allows you to tighten the screws more so your (I repeat) pickups won't move.

How would I go about doing this?

Quote:

Originally Posted by chalie

Is the noise amplified? or just the fisical noise.

The noise is amplified through my amp when I play.

chalie · #11 08-12-2007, 03:58 AM

The noise is amplified through my amp when I play.[/quote]

Check the cover, I think the noise is from the cover and one of the pole piece. Let me know what happen.

Puru · #12 08-12-2007, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irate_Pirate

How would I go about doing this?

Underneath the pickup there's foam rubber, that what gives the "springiness" that allows you to adjust the pickup height. Just remove the screws, and add some thin foam to what's there to build it up a bit. Now when you screw the pickup back down the it should be tighter and keep the pickup from moving like it does now.
Before you remove the pup, take note of the height so you can get it back to the same position (if that's where you want it). This would be my first line of attack for a simple fix. If the pickup is not moving and still makes the noise, then you have to look at the pickup itself.