Are my mounting threads broken?

[maxdave2010]

Hi guys, i'm very new to installing pickups, and I wondered if any of you could help me.

I bought a Seymour Duncan Invader over the internet, and it finally arrived today. However, there were no mounting screws (or schematics) included. This is not a huge problem, as I can get my hands on replacement screws quite easily, and I can get the schematics from the website.

However, one thing in particular is concerning me about the mounting threads. I'll probably need to get this looked at, and possibly even return it - especially considering that there appear to be parts missing. But I'll ask here in case anyone knows off hand!

On the left hand side, it appears to be just a smooth, flat hole, with no protrusions. Whereas on the right hand side, the hole is slightly smaller, and there is a downwards protrusion, just about a millimeter long.

Does this mean the left hand side is faulty? Is there any way to remedy this (ie: holding the screw in place with some kind of nut on the other end)?

I don't have time to get down to a guitar shop today, but I can take it down tommorow if need be. I don't have mounting screws (or a scratchplate!!) to experiment with, so this has got me slightly concerned. So if anyone can clarify my problem based on what I have described, then thanks in advance!

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: Are my mounting threads broken?

Here's what you do, works like a charm:

1) Fill the hole with super glue.

2) Let it dry over night.

3) Poke a new hole through the super glue, but make sure the hole is still smaller than the diameter of the mounting screw.

4) Thread the mounting screw through it -- the glue is still soft enough that it will be instantly threaded by the screw turning through it.

Problem solved.

 

[John Wymore]

Re: Are my mounting threads broken?

Was this a new pickups? If so it should be returned.

If not you can try the super glue trick or solder a nut onto the baseplate. You can find the proper size nut at most any hobby store.

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: Are my mounting threads broken?

On re-reading your post, first try mounting the pickup. It may still work just fine as is.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Are my mounting threads broken?

Zhangliqun, can the super glue trick be used instead of soldering a nut on the baseplate? I've never heard of the super glue trick. Will it hold good enough?

 

[idsnowdog]

Re: Are my mounting threads broken?

I usually use a tap and die set to rethread the hole and buy a slightly larger diameter screw.

Snowdog

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: Are my mounting threads broken?

Zhangliqun, can the super glue trick be used instead of soldering a nut on the baseplate? I've never heard of the super glue trick. Will it hold good enough?

I've done it a few times with no problems. And besides, if it doesn't work, you can always have the nut and solder waiting in the wings.

But as I said before, first try it out as is. It might just look different from the other hole but still work just as well.

 

[John Wymore]

Re: Are my mounting threads broken?

There is also a product out there called JB weld and you can find it at automotive stores. It is a 2 part epoxy that is really strong when set up. It can be drilled and tapped in the same manner as the super glue. Great Stuff!!

 

[maxdave2010]

Re: Are my mounting threads broken?

Wymore - It was indeed a (supposedly) brand new pick up, but there's this problem with the thread, and no mounting screws. The worst thing is, it's from a very reputable company, but it took ages to arrive even though it was delivered by courier, and the case was also shattered!

I think the best course of action is to return it, but thanks for the tip, i may try that if my returning doesn't go according to plan!

 

[maxdave2010]

Re: Are my mounting threads broken?

Thanks for the tip Zhangliqun, sounds like a pretty good idea. I'll try to get a refund, but if it comes to it, i may try the superglue trick as a last resort! Or even soldering a nut to the plate. I didn't think of either of those things when I was considering what to do, may come in very handy in the future!

This is my first customising mission, and it's been a total nightmare! The only part that I've bought that hasn't had some kind of size issue or associated trouble is the bloody volume knob!

 

[John Wymore]

Re: Are my mounting threads broken?

Are you in the USA? If so and you have a receipt I think you may be able to return it directly to Duncan if you don't want to deal with the supplier you got it from. Just give customer service at Duncan a call and get an RA number. They won't refund but should give you an exchange. It also sounds like you have some shipping damage which might explain the missing hardware but not the stripped threads.

One way or another I hope you get it resolved ...

 

[maxdave2010]

Re: Are my mounting threads broken?

Unfortunately, I'm in the UK. I'm sure I'll get a refund from the supplier one way or another. I'll attempt to get it through a local guitar shop instead, like I probably should have done in the first place

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: Are my mounting threads broken?

Thanks for the tip Zhangliqun, sounds like a pretty good idea. I'll try to get a refund, but if it comes to it, i may try the superglue trick as a last resort! Or even soldering a nut to the plate. I didn't think of either of those things when I was considering what to do, may come in very handy in the future!

This is my first customising mission, and it's been a total nightmare! The only part that I've bought that hasn't had some kind of size issue or associated trouble is the bloody volume knob!

Maybe I missed it in all the hubbub, but did you try to mount it as is and it didn't work, or are you just going by the appearance of it?

 

[maxdave2010]

Re: Are my mounting threads broken?

I haven't actually acquired a pickguard to mount it to yet! I'm going from single coil to humbucker here.

However, the appearance was pretty striking - one side was clearly "o" while the other was "O", and there was only a tiny section of the thread piece on the "o" side. The box was also really smashed when it arrived and there were no mounting screws. I returned it today, and I've just ordered one from a local music store for £20 less that I paid online, so I'm happy. Thanks for your advice though!