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Improper realist pick up installation

Discussion in 'Luthier's Corner [DB]' started by valere, Nov 22, 2021.


  1. Nov 22, 2021 #1
    valere

    valere

    Nov 9, 2021
    Hi,

    I recently bought a bass fitted with a realist pickup. The pickup has got 2 protruding dots which I believe is a characteristic of early realist pickups - see photo

    The pickup seems to have a low output compared to the realist pickup I have installed on my other bass.

    Whoever installed the pickup made some tiny grooves in the bridge foot to cover the holes - see photo.

    Am I right into thinking that is not a good idea? Instructions for the pickup say that "it is important that the bridge foot come into full contact with the raised dots".

    If that was a bad idea, would filling in the grooves an option? Should I use a wood filler? Copper foil?

    Any suggestion/idea welcome!

    Thanks,

    Valere
     

    Attached Files:

  5. Nov 22, 2021 #2
    Greg Clinkingbeard

    Greg Clinkingbeard Commercial User

    Apr 4, 2005
    Kansas City area
    Black Dog Bass Works
    Fill them.
     
    Levin S likes this.
  9. Nov 22, 2021 #3
    Steven Ayres

    Steven Ayres Supporting Member

    Mar 11, 2007
    Northern Arizona
    I have had good results with a sheet of cork-blend rubber automotive gasket material between the foot and the pickup. Besides making the bridge more stable and preventing the pickup from impressing the top, this helps tame the piezo harshness.
     
    robobass likes this.
  13. Nov 22, 2021 #4
    bassmanbrent

    bassmanbrent

    Apr 5, 2011
    Vancouver, BC
    That pickup looks very well used, so the piezo may be shot. Sorry to say that filling the holes may not solve your problem. Hopefully i'm wrong...
     
  18. Dec 6, 2021 #5
    Levin S

    Levin S Supporting Member

    Apr 21, 2007
    Charlotte N.C.
    I can wholeheartedly vouch for your gasket fix, Steven! After reading your post in another thread, I was able to get many additional miles out of an older Realist. Great, low-cost solution!
     
    Steven Ayres likes this.
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