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Precision pickup question

reep

reep

Sep 24, 2006
142
175
Duncan B.C.Canada
#1
I have a Tele partscaster bass with a 2007 Precision pickup. When I built it, I enlarged the original bridge pickup rout for the pickup, but it turned out to be too deep. I've never been able to get the pickup high enough. Can anyone tell me how much space there should be between the pickup and the strings so I know how much to raise the floor of the rout?

IMGP9182_zps265215ac.jpg


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#6
I've had major problems finding screws that are long, but have very small heads that fit in the ears of the pickup. I eventually ordered what I thought was the correct screws on eBay, but when they arrived, they turned out to be shorter and smaller than described. I'd waited three weeks for them and I was anxious to get the project over with, so I installed a 1/2" plate and some very thin foam into the cavity and screwed the pickups to it. It's not nearly enough......From what I can see, I need another 1/4" of height, so I'm busy cutting an additional plate right now.

Some time over the next year, when money permits, I think I'll rebody the bass as a proper Telecaster bass and dump the guitar body. When that happens, I'll either order the correct pickup mounting screws, or more likely get Mike Reilander to wind me a proper vinatge Telecaster bass pickup. What I'm doing right now is a make-work project to keep busy while I wait for the new Ric pickups for my current Tele guitar build to arrive.
 
#7
Yeah, for some reason I have never figured out, guitar/bass hardware tends to be next to impossible to find, even at specialty fastener stores. You can order from places like McMaster Carr, but for small orders, the shipping drives the price up.
 
#8
According to Fender, the pickup height varies depending on the pup type. See the following: Invalid Link Removed
Looks like yours are a little low. The foam trick works great.
 
#9
I just broke down and ordered the correct screws and foam pads from HD Custom Supply. In the meantime, I hot-glued a piece of 1/4" fiberboard down and glued the same thin foam onto the back of the pickup elements. It's left me with about a 1/8" gap which works out okay. When the screws get here, I'll make it right. Thanks for all the advice.

IMGP9183_zps6d52cc6c.jpg
 
#11
reep said:
I've had major problems finding screws that are long, but have very small heads that fit in the ears of the pickup. I eventually ordered what I thought was the correct screws on eBay, but when they arrived, they turned out to be shorter and smaller than described. I'd waited three weeks for them and I was anxious to get the project over with, so I installed a 1/2" plate and some very thin foam into the cavity and screwed the pickups to it. It's not nearly enough......From what I can see, I need another 1/4" of height, so I'm busy cutting an additional plate right now.

Some time over the next year, when money permits, I think I'll rebody the bass as a proper Telecaster bass and dump the guitar body. When that happens, I'll either order the correct pickup mounting screws, or more likely get Mike Reilander to wind me a proper vinatge Telecaster bass pickup. What I'm doing right now is a make-work project to keep busy while I wait for the new Ric pickups for my current Tele guitar build to arrive.
Click to expand...

If you visit your local repair person, I'll bet they've got a drawer full of screws like you need. They always have the hard to find parts in their shops.
 

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