How would one replace a 4 screw mount soapbar pickup with a same size soapbar pickup that has only 2 or 3 screw mounts?
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pickup replacement 4 hole mount to 2 or 3 hole mount
- Thread starter B-Mac
- Start date
I'm not sure the person that I am trying to help out would be willing to do that. He's looking for more of a drop in type installation. Are there adapter rings made by any company?
Not that Im aware of. Again most people would just drill new holes. If he want something that drops in he'll need a different set of pickups
- Apr 18, 2008
- 16,013
- 1
- 31,727
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- I'm highly opinionated and extremely self-assured
- Apr 18, 2008
- 16,013
- 1
- 31,727
- Disclosures
- I'm highly opinionated and extremely self-assured
Lay the new pickup face down (edit: or not, depending on the pickup casing) in the cavity. Mark the holes using an awl or a thin Phillips screwdriver. Remove the pickup. Drill on the marks. Install new pickup. Accept thanks.
The only way to screw it up is to drill too deep & come out the back, easily solved by marking the bit before starting.
Or drilling holes that are to big for the screws.
A good selection of drill bits and a variable speed drill appear to be the answer.
Hopefully this will all work out for @TheBassmaster27
I learned something too!
Thanks everyone
You put the screw through the tiniest hole it will fit in the drill-bit box holes.
Now pick the bit that's smaller than the hole the screw fit into.
Now pick the bit that's smaller than the hole the screw fit into.
- Apr 18, 2008
- 16,013
- 1
- 31,727
- Disclosures
- I'm highly opinionated and extremely self-assured
Selecting the right size drill bit is a skill typically acquired through experience. Basically you want a bit slightly larger than the core of the screw, ignoring the threads. But if the wood is hard, you need a slightly larger hole than if the wood is soft.
If the screw becomes hard to turn, the hole may be too small, and/or the screw needs lubrication (soap, wax, etc.). Cheap screws may shear if forced. This is bad.
Essential, I’d say.
- Apr 18, 2008
- 16,013
- 1
- 31,727
- Disclosures
- I'm highly opinionated and extremely self-assured
One more comment: a hole that is too large is easily fixed using toothpicks and wood glue.
What everyone said. Pickup rings also need to be mounted, so you’d run into the same problem (if not worse).
Measure well, twice. If there are pole pieces and you have any hint of an OCD, make sure pole pieces align with strings.
Also, you can practice on a blank, ideally wood of similar density. This will help you select the bit of the right size, and also practice drilling not too deep, and straight...
Measure well, twice. If there are pole pieces and you have any hint of an OCD, make sure pole pieces align with strings.
Also, you can practice on a blank, ideally wood of similar density. This will help you select the bit of the right size, and also practice drilling not too deep, and straight...
Side note: 3 screw hole pickups (like Bart BC size ones or MM style pickups) are great - easily adjustable to height and tilt, stable in tilt (unlike a 2 screw hole pickup), yet with no issues with screws that might rattle if they're not all adjusted perfectly, like a 4 screw hole pickup.
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