full size 59 in strat bridge - routing required ?

[bagpipe]

When installing a full size Seymour Duncan 59 in the bridge of a strat, does it require routing to set it at the correct height? I've read a bunch of posts on this forum of people installing a full size 59 in the bridge and I dont recall reading anywhere that any routing of the body is required. However, I was over in the Fender Discussion Page forum (FDP) and there is a thread discussing the routing required for this install. I'm confused ! :smack:
I have ordered a full size 59 and dont want to have to deal with taking power tools to my lovely 2003 American Series strat !

Thanks,

 

[Kac]

Re: full size 59 in strat bridge - routing required ?

If you have a strat with 3 single coils and you want to replace the birdge pick-up with a full size humbucker you will have to do some routing under the pick-guard.
If you already had a fat strat with a stock fender humbucker there wouldn't be any routing.
Rock On :smoker:

 

[theodie]

Re: full size 59 in strat bridge - routing required ?

It depends, I have had three single coil strats that were already routed for HSS under the pickguard and I have had strats that had a SSS routing. All you need to do is take off your pickguard and look. So, maybe maybe not.

 

[Kac]

Re: full size 59 in strat bridge - routing required ?

It depends, I have had three single coil strats that were already routed for HSS under the pickguard and I have had strats that had a SSS routing. All you need to do is So, maybe maybe not.

Well, Theodie knows better, but if you had my strat you would have to do some routing, so in the word of the great Theodie "take off your pickguard and look."
Rock On :smoker:

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: full size 59 in strat bridge - routing required ?

a 2003 AS Strat more than likely has either a H/S/H route or a swimming pool route...if so you're fine...just pull the pickguard off and see whats going on under there!

 

[TheArchitect]

Re: full size 59 in strat bridge - routing required ?

Even if it is routed for a humbucker you will need to order the 59 w/ short feet. Fender doesn't do the plunge routes needed for the long feet to fit.

 

[big_black]

Re: full size 59 in strat bridge - routing required ?

Or you can cut and sand the screws. That's what I did. Just make sure you don't mess up the threads.

 

[big_black]

Re: full size 59 in strat bridge - routing required ?

About the feet- I have never had a problem with Duncans not fitting in my Strat.

 

[bryvincent]

Re: full size 59 in strat bridge - routing required ?

About the feet- I have never had a problem with Duncans not fitting in my Strat.

never had a problem too with a '59 fitting my strat but had one with a 57 classic, the feet were too long.

 

[TheArchitect]

Re: full size 59 in strat bridge - routing required ?

About the feet- I have never had a problem with Duncans not fitting in my Strat.

With most Duncans you won't. The 59, Seths and Antiq's come with the longer, vintage style feet unless you specifically order them with the short feet. With the MIA and H1 strats I have cutting the screws wouldn't be enough with the 59. JB's and such yes, but not with the longer, vintage style feet. Fender in their wisdom opted to save half a penny and nor do the plunge routes that would allow everything to fit without issue.

 

[bagpipe]

Re: full size 59 in strat bridge - routing required ?

With most Duncans you won't. The 59, Seths and Antiq's come with the longer, vintage style feet unless you specifically order them with the short feet. With the MIA and H1 strats I have cutting the screws wouldn't be enough with the 59. JB's and such yes, but not with the longer, vintage style feet. Fender in their wisdom opted to save half a penny and nor do the plunge routes that would allow everything to fit without issue.

Yes, that sounds like what they were talking about originally. I know that a humbucker will fit as I have in one there right now. When I ordered the pickup, I ordered the trembucker version - does that mean it will come with smaller feet? If not, as well as cutting the screws, what needs to be done with the pickup feet? Can they be trimmed? Or do I have to drill or route the body somehow to accomodate them?

Lots of questions
:duh:

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: full size 59 in strat bridge - routing required ?

Before you do any prep-work, try installing it as-is.

I put EMGs in a Jackson, and had to route the pickup cavities for them to fit. When I put the same pickups in an ESP, I sanded the bridge cavity, then, not paying attention, dropped one right in the (not sanded) neck cavity. Fit with plenty of room :smack:

 

[TheArchitect]

Re: full size 59 in strat bridge - routing required ?

Yes, that sounds like what they were talking about originally. I know that a humbucker will fit as I have in one there right now. When I ordered the pickup, I ordered the trembucker version - does that mean it will come with smaller feet? If not, as well as cutting the screws, what needs to be done with the pickup feet? Can they be trimmed? Or do I have to drill or route the body somehow to accomodate them?

Lots of questions
:duh:

As far as I know all trembucker spaced models come with short feet. It is possible to shorten the feet but it does take some effort. Much easier to order them that way from the beginning.

A trembucker will possibly require a bit of modification to the pickguard for it to fit. Some are made to tighter tolerance than others.