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Magnetic Pickup covers?

Discussion in 'Luthier's Corner' started by RAHAZ, Jul 3, 2008.

  1. Jul 3, 2008 #1
    RAHAZ

    RAHAZ

    Feb 12, 2007
    Arizona
    Has anyone used recessed magnets to hold the pickup cover in place? I had routed for the pickups on my first build and they aren't as perfect as I had wanted. Someone suggested full wooded pickup covers and I liked the idea, my only issue is method of attachment. I tried using the supplied screws and even with pilot holes I still managed to mangle the head of the tiny little screw. That brings me to other methods of attachment.

    I will be shaving down the plastic top off of the Bartollini pickups I have and then will glue the cover to the pickup. If I use 4 of the 1/4"x1/10" 2# pulling force on each cover that should be 16# of force holding the pickup to the body right? Is that enough to keep it from dislodging?

    :confused::confused::confused:
     
  2. Jul 3, 2008 #2
    pilotjones

    pilotjones

    Nov 8, 2001
    US-NY-NYC
    I would be hesitant to use magnetic means to hold a magnetic device (pickup) in place, unless I had first done a fair amount of estimating how the mounting magnets might distort the pickup field.
     
  3. Jul 3, 2008 #3
    RAHAZ

    RAHAZ

    Feb 12, 2007
    Arizona
    This is what I was thinking for placement. with them being on the edge and not around the strings wouldn't that prevent them influencing the strings?

    See attachment...
     

    Attached Files:

  4. Jul 6, 2008 #4
    pilotjones

    pilotjones

    Nov 8, 2001
    US-NY-NYC
    My -guess- is that those magnets are far enough from the strings to be a problem.

    AFA as your other points,
    that 2# rating is with an ideal steel plate to mate with; your results may vary
    not following: 2 x 4 = 16? or are you putting four on each cover, mating with four more on the body?
    No idea. TBD by experiment!
     
  5. Jul 7, 2008 #5
    RAHAZ

    RAHAZ

    Feb 12, 2007
    Arizona
    I suppose the only way to find out is to do it.

    You are correct, 4 in each cover connected to 4 in body.

    I guess I'll be the guinea pig on doing magnetic pickup covers?:ninja:
     
  6. Jul 7, 2008 #6
    scottyd

    scottyd Commercial User

    Nov 17, 2006
    Waco Tx
    Builder/owner Redeemer Basses
    Unless I'm missing something you would not be able to adjust the pickup height.
     
  7. Jul 7, 2008 #7
    RAHAZ

    RAHAZ

    Feb 12, 2007
    Arizona
    :meh: That might be helpful I suppose. :rollno:

    How do you attach your covered pickups to the body? I really like the look of your cocobolo singlecut's covers...
     
  8. Jul 8, 2008 #8
    scottyd

    scottyd Commercial User

    Nov 17, 2006
    Waco Tx
    Builder/owner Redeemer Basses
    I just use the old screw method. I've also used the machine screws, but didn't like them. I've brainstormed a different way to do it and I've came up with nothing.:meh: So your ahead of me there! I buy all of my screws from here, http://www.boltdepot.com/product.aspx?cc=3&cs=128&cm=7&cd=1708 they seem to be much better than the ones that usually come with the pups, especially the heads not stripping.


    Here's a thought for you. If you use smaller shorter screws in the body of your bass and use those to attach the magnets in the pup covers to. You can take the pickup out and adjust height a little by tightening or loosening the screws.:meh: Good luck, I really think your on to something.