Just picked up a used Mustang PJ and realized the pickups slant towards the bridge.
Could this be solved by replacing the pickup foam?
Could this be solved by replacing the pickup foam?
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Any idea why my pickups slant like this?
- Thread starter roccobladr
- Start date
LoveThatBass
Supporting Member
"Could this be solved by replacing the pickup foam?"
Yes, if foam isn't more than 1/2" wide then move it slightly toward the bridge side of the pickup or replace it all together
Yes, if foam isn't more than 1/2" wide then move it slightly toward the bridge side of the pickup or replace it all together
I really prefer these. Much easier to install as they have sticky tape on them and the captive spring.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LVGNL35/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LVGNL35/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
So I was about to replace the foam but when I took the pickup off, I noticed the foam was in great condition. I inspected further and it looks like the screw is going into the body at a slight angle. Must have came from the factory like this.
I’m going to guess my only true option is to fill that hole in and screw a new one in correctly. Unless there are any other ideas. Bummer
I’m going to guess my only true option is to fill that hole in and screw a new one in correctly. Unless there are any other ideas. Bummer
This kind of thing happens on pickups with only 2 screws (3 is the right number) - having the holes drilled correctly helps, but the right amount of foam in exactly the right place is also required. The wires often add forces that tilt things - sometimes the foam has to be off center to counter that. A bit of observant fiddling will get you where you want to be - no simple answer other than that.
This is what I needed to hear! As long as the sound isn’t being affected than I’m not too worried about it. Thanks!
I'm sure that somebody will recommend for him to never buy a multiscale bass...Here's an idea. Go see somebody about your mild OCD?
That is the answer. When the screws are installed, sometimes they are drilled in slightly the wrong place. Then, the pickguard is too snug against the pickup and pushes it into a slant like that.
Well... personally, I suspect Gremlins - sneaky little Gremlins - are causing it. However, it could also be caused by one or more of the things that others have mentioned. I have... a few... basses that have/had slanted pickups. It was the foam, in a couple of cases; since they - and the foam - were... not new, but not real old, either - I just turned the foam 180 degrees. That fixed the "problem", but the foam wasn't glued to anything, either. Might not work for you, though. A couple of them had the pickups sitting on little springs; just have to live with it, on those. The pickups in my used Alembic Epic were slanted, but... since they're as adjustable as a Cadillac's drivers seat, they weren't a problem. And, one bass had the pickup mounted hard up against the pickguard. A little jeweler's file action fixed that... So, yeah; if the pickups are sitting on foam? Replacing it will fix the slant. But, no; the slant isn't hurting the sound. Please yourself on this one...
I had a pickguard that was a little tight on the top side and pushed the pup. Flat without the guard. I used a pocket knife to scrape away a little plastic on the guard to open it up a little. Fixed. Could sand some plastic off the pup cover too maybe. Doesn't take much.
