Another HotRails Question

[larryguitar]

So I'm getting the itch to change out the stacked 'single coil' SD's on my Jackson H/S/S, and I've been looking at a HotRail for the neck; I posted a bit a ago asking about their tone.

My concern is that the HR (and most SD single-coil sized pickups, it seems) come with a cover with threaded brass inserts for pickguard mounting, while the Jackson is direct-mount. Compounding that, the screws direct-mounting the current pickups are much larger than would fit through the threaded brass inserts, so it doesn't look like I could use narrower screws that would fit through the inserts; the threads in the wood would be too large.

If I could figure out how to mount these, it would simplify shopping considerably; any hints?

Thanks,

Larry

 

[Artie]

This is tricky, but if it was me, I'd do toothpicks and glue into the existing guitar cavity holes. Then use a wood screw that will fit through the Hot Rails brass inserts that will do no, or minimal damage, to the threads. That then, becomes completely reversible if you decide that the HR's weren't your cup-'o-tea.

But wait for other guitar builders/modders to chime in.

 

[Mincer]

That's how I'd go. First, fill those holes. Find wood screws that are long but really thin- they should pass right through the threads. Put some foam underneath to set the height.

 

[jeremy]

i have a hot rails neck direct mounted in the bridge position of a guitar i built. i went to fastenal and got some long thin wood screws that pass through the threaded bushing cleanly and it worked great. i didnt have to fill the old holes but the toothpick trick will work fine

 

[Aceman]

All right - sounds like we have a plan!