Pickup Foam Substitute?

[zacpack]

So, I'm up late playing my bass and I want to raise the height of my pickups, but the foam underneath them won't expand any more. Would putting some folded up paper towels or any other house hold items (like I said, I'm up late and can't run anywhere) provide a quick fix for some extra height? Or would this be a bad idea?

And I apologize if this is a stupid question, again, It's late and I'm probably not thinking straight.

 

[James Simonson]

Cut up some flip flops. Summer's over.

 

[Stereo Joe]

Mouse pad? Scotch-brite pad?

 

[ReidK]

Mouse pad (which I think is neoprene foam) works fine. You may need a double thickness.

 

[OOZMAN]

Yeah, dude just grab something and stick it in there. It's not rocket science.

 

[ReidK]

Yeah, dude just grab something and stick it in there. It's not rocket science.

No, don't just stick anything in there, unless you don't mind doing it over again in the near future.

It's not rocket science, but it is materials science, and foams are not all the same. Some foams break down fairly quickly and will have to be replaced when your pickups loosen up in a few weeks. Neoprene doesn't.

You want to know about foam? Check this out: http://www.mcmaster.com/#foam

Reid

 

[chicago_mike]

Pickup foam is window trim foam from hardware stores. Just get thicker stock.

 

[JLS]

Springs.

 

[Stereo Joe]

Springs.

Unless his pickups are some of the many that aren't attached to their covers. Springs on the screws of a typical P or J pickup would just raise the height of the covers while the pickup itself sits on the bottom of the cavity.

 

[Growly Lytes]

I found some at the local hardware store.A role of it was cheap.Perfect for this, its a black foam.I think when you buy Lindy Fralin p/u you get this material.Its works good.

 

[zacpack]

Thanks a lot for all the responses guys. The mousepad idea got me looking around and I found a neoprene handheld camera case that worked great!

 

[JLS]

Unless his pickups are some of the many that aren't attached to their covers. Springs on the screws of a typical P or J pickup would just raise the height of the covers while the pickup itself sits on the bottom of the cavity.

I meant springs underneath the body of the pickup. Drill shallow holes to house them.

 

[bassman_al]

Would this pipe insulation work? I have some at home I can cut up into the right size.

http://www.idealtruevalue.com/servlet/the-29947/Detail

 

[Kwesi]

So, I'm up late playing my bass and I want to raise the height of my pickups, but the foam underneath them won't expand any more. Would putting some folded up paper towels or any other house hold items (like I said, I'm up late and can't run anywhere) provide a quick fix for some extra height? Or would this be a bad idea?

And I apologize if this is a stupid question, again, It's late and I'm probably not thinking straight.

The paper towel in my basses never seemed to complain . Foam is admittedly better of course, if only because it's more flexible. With paper towels you actually have to put quite a bit in there to get some height on 'em.

 

[Zooberwerx]

I just buy the replacement foam pad from AllParts along with my yearly supply of Dunlop strap buttons. Mousepads work well, too. Instead of springs, try silicone or latex surgical tubing.

Riis

 

[topscratch]

No, don't just stick anything in there, unless you don't mind doing it over again in the near future.

It's not rocket science, but it is materials science, and foams are not all the same. Some foams break down fairly quickly and will have to be replaced when your pickups loosen up in a few weeks. Neoprene doesn't.

You want to know about foam? Check this out: McMaster-Carr

Reid

Awesome resource! Thanks for sharing this link.

 

[iiipopes]

I have some extra foam out of the box of my last pickup purchase. PM your address and I'll cut off a chunk and send it to you.

 

[TawodiDalonige]

I would assume that over the last 12 years he probably got it resolved.