It used to work fine but there was one day when I went overboard with the counter clockwise action and now it refuses to shift the pickup height up when I go clockwise. Does anyone know what I can do? Tried to make a search on youtube but did not have any luck.
Help! Tightening pickup screw does not adjust height
- Thread starter Rivers
- Start date
D
Deleted member 2284
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Sure!
Sounds like the you lowered the pickup so much that the thread on the screw ran out - so the pickup bottomed out on the cavity bottom. We have all done it
What you need to do is remove the strings, then remove the four screws of the pickup ring so you can remove the whole thing from the cavity (careful, don't pull too hard on the cables - you will have to work with the cable length you're given). Then you "simply" screw the pickup height adjustment screw into the proper holes of the pickup again (the hole in the "ears" in the bottom of the pickup). It can be tough, because the spring tends to be pretty stiff - you need to use one hand to hold the pickup and pickup ring, compress the spring and guide the screw into the hole, while holding the screwdriver in the other hand. Be careful that the pickup ring doesn't bend too much from the spring forces. Try to push directly on top of the screw with the screwdriver when assembling.
Sounds like the you lowered the pickup so much that the thread on the screw ran out - so the pickup bottomed out on the cavity bottom. We have all done it
What you need to do is remove the strings, then remove the four screws of the pickup ring so you can remove the whole thing from the cavity (careful, don't pull too hard on the cables - you will have to work with the cable length you're given). Then you "simply" screw the pickup height adjustment screw into the proper holes of the pickup again (the hole in the "ears" in the bottom of the pickup). It can be tough, because the spring tends to be pretty stiff - you need to use one hand to hold the pickup and pickup ring, compress the spring and guide the screw into the hole, while holding the screwdriver in the other hand. Be careful that the pickup ring doesn't bend too much from the spring forces. Try to push directly on top of the screw with the screwdriver when assembling.
I have fixed this for people hundreds of times. Nothing to be embarrassed about- most of the time you can't tell the limits until this happens. Now, people are often derisive about gadgets that Stewart- McDonald comes up with. But, if there is enough free length to the wiring, their little pickup connecting jig is helpful. I threw a pair into an order to add to my many guitar specific gadgets and played with them and they are simple and can be helpful. The real secret to re-connecting a humbucker is having good feel with the screwdriver that lets it float in the hand. Then when you hit that sweet spot where it engages, you don't lose it or crossthread it- or, worse, strip the threads.
garrettb
New Member
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- Jul 27, 2012
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Ugh, I have both cross threaded and stripped threads. I'll have to look for that stewmac tool.
Anyway, the previous posts are spot on.
D
Deleted member 2284
Guest
Oh yeah, forget this bit, because it's second nature to me for ANY screw on the guitar:
Slowly turn the screw driver COUNTERclockwise (i.e. like you're screwing the screw OUT) until you feel the screw "jump down". when that happens, turn clockwise to engage the screw. Then you're in the right spot. This means you have to keep the screw itself unloaded by the spring.
Alignment is obviously important too - the screw must be aligned with the hole's axis.
This (turning backwards before engaging) is especially important with the wooden screws on your guitar.
Slowly turn the screw driver COUNTERclockwise (i.e. like you're screwing the screw OUT) until you feel the screw "jump down". when that happens, turn clockwise to engage the screw. Then you're in the right spot. This means you have to keep the screw itself unloaded by the spring.
Alignment is obviously important too - the screw must be aligned with the hole's axis.
This (turning backwards before engaging) is especially important with the wooden screws on your guitar.
garrettb
New Member
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2012
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- 6,753
Nope.
David O'Brien
Tumbling Dice
Oh boy, I just did the same thing. To both sides! Then while trying to reattach the first screw the spring flew across the room and I may never find it again! I'm not sure I will be able to attach it, if I do. It's very difficult to do this with just two hands, holding everything together and then trying to thread the screw. Maybe I will have to buy that Stew Mac device someone mentioned. You'd think that somebody would have invented to a more elegant system to raise and lower the pickups. I would think Paul Reed Smith would do it, if anyone would! This is the same primitive system found on pickups from the 1950's. But it's not like this part of the pickup affects tone, so why copy it?
jxe
babe en der wood
these zombie threads make me want to drink overpriced gin in an acoustically treated room with the shef, long may he roll. “yes shef!”
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