Installing new P-90s?

[PFDarkside]

I'm installing P-90s into a guitar that I'm building (not replacing P/Us). Do I need to use surgical tubing to suspend the pickups in the cavities? Any pics or tips on how much and what size to use? I've only done spring-suspended pickups like standard Strats and Paul Humbuckers. (The cavities are Gibson LP P-90 style)

 

[zionstrat]

Re: Installing new P-90s?

You know the foam mouse pads that sit in the desk drawers because who really needs another mouse pad? I cut them into rectangles and it really gives the back of the pup something to push against-

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Installing new P-90s?

I don't have a mouse pad, but thanks. Anyone else?

 

[greendy123]

Re: Installing new P-90s?

Maybe the foam things that come in pickup packages.

 

[Fusion1]

Re: Installing new P-90s?

I've used cut up cardboard strips layered on top of one another and taped. Then poke a hole through the center of it.

Kind of ghetto but it works.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Installing new P-90s?

Maybe I'm not getting my point across. How are the P-90s on this guitar mounted?

http://www.gibsoncustom.com/flash/products/lespauls/56/1956Goldtop.html

Maybe I'll try the cardboard strips if I get really antsy and want to hear this thing... lol

 

[Guest]

Re: Installing new P-90s?

Just asking but can't you direct couple p90's?

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Installing new P-90s?

Hmm, I just checked, and the P90's have two screws that protrude from the bottom as well as the wire and solder joint. I think it needs just a little piece of something. I might just go cardboard.

Has anyone had to round off the corners of an SD P90 to get it to fit in the standard rout?

 

[Fusion1]

Re: Installing new P-90s?

P-90s use wood screws that bite right into the wood inside the pickup cavities. In my Peavey Firenza I had to lightly sandpaper the edges of the route a little and it was a snug fit and all was well.

 

[chill]

Re: Installing new P-90s?

You can also use 4/40 threaded inserts. Your good local hardware stores should have them.

 

[ES350]

Re: Installing new P-90s?

The standard LP P90 mount was two screws through the bobbin into the bottom of the pu cavity with two short springs on the bottom for a modest adjustment. Most soapbars will have the holes in the bobbin...converted dogears on soapbar bases or Franz-style P90's will not. A little foam rubber or something similar under the bobbin can be used for a little extra adjustment if the springs aren't enough...

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Installing new P-90s?

I went the cardboard route, it seems a little shady, but it's fine. It worked well because the protruding wires/screws sank into the cardboard and gave it a nice steady base.

This thing is pretty cool, 3 P-90s with a modified strat switching. It's like a strat on steroids! I'll post pics when I get around to it. Right now I've got it wired simply for:
Neck (awesome round, full tone)
Neck & Bridge (Beefed up Tele)
Bridge (Meaty sound with the Hot)
Bridge & Mid (Beefed up Strat)
Mid (vintage bridge with a little more bottom)