adding new legs to humbucker baseplate

[twilson75]

I was given a pair of humbuckers with the baseplate legs broken off. My attempt at repair was to buy a new set of baseplates, and, after some modifications with a dremel, attach the new baseplates to the PUs using the pole screws. I temporarily wired them up and I don't hear any problems, but I thought I'd put it out there to the folks who are much more knowledgeable about this than I. Will having a double baseplate like this have any affect on the tone of these PUs? I've read about tone being affected by the type of metal used (brass vs steel), but I don't know enough to even guess if the extra metal will be a problem.

My original plan was to cut off the legs of the new baseplates along with a tab, essentially making a Z bracket, and then attaching the new legs to the old PU with epoxy. That's still an option.

Thanks.
Tony

 

[ICTGoober]

Re: adding new legs to humbucker baseplate

Looks like that will work.

 

[Mincer]

Re: adding new legs to humbucker baseplate

I would assume extra mass would change the sound. But it is unusable right now, so I'd still go for it. Working pickups can at least be tried, where non-working ones are only good for holding papers on a desk.

 

[PicoRiveraTele]

Re: adding new legs to humbucker baseplate

Have you looked at swapping the parts to a new base plate http://www.stewmac.com/Pickups_and_...n=2017-03-gp&gclid=CNaepN340dICFYNnfgodIjkJmg ?

 

[twilson75]

Re: adding new legs to humbucker baseplate

Thanks for all the replies.
I had considered simply replacing the baseplate, but I didn't want to open up the PU unless really necessary. I'm probably worried over nothing, but I've never taken a PU apart before.
I guess the best thing to do to wire it up, play it for while, and if it's good, then leave it alone. if not, then try just cutting off and epoxying the brackets.. Or go ahead and installed new baseplates.

Thanks.

 

[Masta' C]

Re: adding new legs to humbucker baseplate

If they are both the "Golden Age" pickups (great pickups, btw), I'd simply order replacement baseplates from StewMac, as mentioned above. You would just need to cut through the solder joints holding the covers on (very easy) and unscrew the 4 small brass screws you see on the bottom. You may have to unsolder a ground wire from the existing baseplates on the inside and re-solder it to the new ones, but, otherwise, the baseplate swap is a fairly simple bolt-on-and-go installation that would retain the value and original function of the pickups.

 

[darthphineas]

Re: adding new legs to humbucker baseplate

I would assume extra mass would change the sound.

This ^^^



Look at new baseplates here: http://www.mojotone.com/guitar-parts/Baseplates#/

Affordable and the same company that MANY Pickup builders get their parts from.

 

[DavidRavenMoon]

Re: adding new legs to humbucker baseplate

Just swap the baseplates.


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[Silence Kid]

Re: adding new legs to humbucker baseplate

I agree with swapping baseplates; I can't see that as being stable as-is, esp. if you twist the polepiece screws.

 

[LtKojak]

Re: adding new legs to humbucker baseplate

Thanks for all the replies.
I had considered simply replacing the baseplate, but I didn't want to open up the PU unless really necessary. I'm probably worried over nothing, but I've never taken a PU apart before

Everything you need to know to rebuild your p'up onto the new baseplate and then some is right there.

You're welcome!

HTH,