G&L Club Part 6

[Kinfman SCE]

Try here http://www.bassesbyleo.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1432&sid=83a5e9c5ca46e2783aece88ede693178

Edit: Not the same model as yours (it's a SB-1), but a similar problem. Hope it helps.

Thanks, but I already looked there. Maybe I'm using the wrong search words?

 

[BobaMosfett]

No solution was offered yet in that thread.
I seem to recall having read something about getting stuck polepieces to move again, but now that I have that issue I can't find it...

 

[BillyB_from_LZ]

No solution was offered yet in that thread.
I seem to recall having read something about getting stuck polepieces to move again, but now that I have that issue I can't find it...

I'd apply a small drop of penetrating oil (a brand we have in the US is called Liquid Wrench...wrench = spanner if that term is more familiar).

I think it helps to apply heat too. Perhaps applying the tip of a soldering iron for a short period of time might help.

I'd be concerned with coil damage and perhaps magnet damage if too much heat is applied for too long. Here's a link to a YouTube video showing the construction of G&L's pickups. Since the windings are wound almost directly on top of the steel pole pieces, and judging by how the leads are soldered to the finished coil, I assume G&L uses what is called solderable magnet wire (which means you don't have to strip the insulating coating before soldering as the coating burns off from the direct application of heat from a soldering iron), I'd be very, very careful about applying heat.

Sometimes the instructions for penetrating oil suggest some tapping. I wouldn't do that as it could affect the magnetism of the magnets.

My comments are based on me thinking about possible solutions. If anyone believes anything I typed is a really bad idea, please say so!

 

[BobaMosfett]

Thanks for your reply! I will wait with doing anyhing until I'm very sure of what I'm doing. Like I said, it sounds fine right now.
Anyone else?

Also, in the event that this can't be fixed, I'm considering ordering a new pickup from G&L. Are the old and the new pickups the same? Will they sound the same?

 

[Chef]

Those pickups are wax potted.
I'd be very careful applying much heat.

 

[Freddels]

Thanks for your reply! I will wait with doing anyhing until I'm very sure of what I'm doing. Like I said, it sounds fine right now.
Anyone else?

Also, in the event that this can't be fixed, I'm considering ordering a new pickup from G&L. Are the old and the new pickups the same? Will they sound the same?

I don't believe the new pickup will sound the same but I could be wrong. Do a little research first.

 

[Ken Baker]

I'd apply a small drop of penetrating oil (a brand we have in the US is called Liquid Wrench...wrench = spanner if that term is more familiar).

This might help if applied VERY sparingly. You want to keep the stuff out of the windings.

I think it helps to apply heat too. Perhaps applying the tip of a soldering iron for a short period of time might help.

Please don't do this. The coils are potted in wax and it wouldn't take much heat to melt it and cause a microphonic pickup.

I'd be concerned with coil damage and perhaps magnet damage if too much heat is applied for too long. Here's a link to a YouTube video showing the construction of G&L's pickups. Since the windings are wound almost directly on top of the steel pole pieces, and judging by how the leads are soldered to the finished coil, I assume G&L uses what is called solderable magnet wire (which means you don't have to strip the insulating coating before soldering as the coating burns off from the direct application of heat from a soldering iron), I'd be very, very careful about applying heat.

It's standard magnet wire, but heat really does need to be avoided.

Sometimes the instructions for penetrating oil suggest some tapping. I wouldn't do that as it could affect the magnetism of the magnets.

Tapping could cause the bobbins to shift, possibly damaging the coils or potting.

Disclaimer - The below may not work and could possibly make things worse. Try at your own risk.

I would be to apply a thread loosening penetrating oil sparingly to the stuck pole pieces. Let it soak in for a few minutes. Then fully engage the appropriately sized wrench and carefully attempt to turn it in a little. Wiggle back & forth to try to get it loosened enough to come out. Once out, carefully clean with a fine brass brush or glass fiber cleaning pencil. Don't use steel wool or a steel wire brush.

The poles, both inserts and slugs, are soft iron. This is used because of its excellent magnetic properties.

Good luck!

Ken...

 

[match]

Picked this up recently...
Any ideas on why a three bolt would have a body stamp of 2005? No date or serial number on neck just on the neck plate.

 

[match]

Here's one of the neck...

 

[BobaMosfett]

Disclaimer - The below may not work and could possibly make things worse. Try at your own risk.

I would be to apply a thread loosening penetrating oil sparingly to the stuck pole pieces. Let it soak in for a few minutes. Then fully engage the appropriately sized wrench and carefully attempt to turn it in a little. Wiggle back & forth to try to get it loosened enough to come out. Once out, carefully clean with a fine brass brush or glass fiber cleaning pencil. Don't use steel wool or a steel wire brush.

The poles, both inserts and slugs, are soft iron. This is used because of its excellent magnetic properties.

Good luck!

Ken...

Thanks for the info!
Since some of the poles seem to be stripped (allen wrench won't catch hold), and they seem to be adjusted well (strings sound even), I think I will leave them alone. Too risky, if it sounds good, right?

Thanks everybody!

 

[DopplerShift]

I'll start!

Man, I used to own that L2k fretless. It played so nicely. How's she treating you?

 

[cyco739z]

wowwww

 

[cyco739z]

very sweet collection

 

[blues_bassist]

A quick question for all of you G&L experts. I am thinking about buying my first G&L but, due to money, I am most likely going to buy a Tribute series. Any insights into the quality of the Tribute series and if they are solid instruments or not? I don't want to blow my money on sub-par quality. Thanks!

 

[msact]

A quick question for all of you G&L experts. I am thinking about buying my first G&L but, due to money, I am most likely going to buy a Tribute series. Any insights into the quality of the Tribute series and if they are solid instruments or not? I don't want to blow my money on sub-par quality. Thanks!

I have an M2000 tribute. It's as well made, if not better, as any fender import. The one I have has a very nice neck and sounds terrific.

 

[blues_bassist]

I have an M2000 tribute. It's as well made, if not better, as any fender import. The one I have has a very nice neck and sounds terrific.

Awesome! So the craftsmanship is good and the electronics are solid?

 

[R&B]

Electronics on Tributes are the same as USA. Final assembly and setup are done in Fullerton, CA.

I dig my 2011 Tribby L-2000 a lot (even if I sometimes get carried away with GAS and think of trading it). Kick me if I do!!

 

[msact]

Awesome! So the craftsmanship is good and the electronics are solid?

My M2K tribute is really nice. Well made and the electronics are perfect.

 

[Ken Baker]

Electronics on Tributes are the same as USA. Final assembly and setup are done in Fullerton, CA.

The electronics (preamps, pots, switches) use the same circuits as their USA counterparts, but are sourced elsewhere. Functionally equivalent. MFD pickups are from Fullerton. Single coil pickups (JB-2) are Paul Gagon spec'd the same as the USA-made SC pickups, but sourced elsewhere.

Final assembly and setup are done at the point of manufacture, with final inspection and tweaks at BBE/G&L.

Ken...

 

[R&B]

^^^Thanks for the clarification! I am by no means an expert, but certainly am becoming a fan.