JB w/shorter screws

[Mpcoluv]

Guys I recently purchased a late '90s Hamer Prototype (wrongly called the Phantom IMHO) reissue. It has a JB and a custom single in one mounting ring.
I thought the JB sounded "good" but needed more sparkle...
So after some research on this forum, I installed a shorter set of filister screws.
It DID add some sparkle and a little clarity.
So based on this result, I would say that changing the screws can have some positive results.
It won't make the pickup radically different, but it is a good tweek.
Anyone else have similar results?

 

[idsnowdog]

Re: JB w/shorter screws

What I have noticed about shorter fillisters is the bass and the midrange became tighter and clearer.

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: JB w/shorter screws

Shorter screws = more upper mid bite. (Assuming the alloy is the same or pretty close.)

 

[Maynardo]

Re: JB w/shorter screws

Did you cut them ?

 

[Mpcoluv]

Re: JB w/shorter screws

Yes, I cut about .25 off of them with a with a fine bladed hacksaw.
I have a dead Jazz that got the screws from.
I raised the screws a little on the jazz then cut them off at the plate with a hacksaw. then I removed the screws from the jazz and installed them in the JB.

 

[If6Was9]

Re: JB w/shorter screws

Dan Torres of Torres Engineering, has been recommending this for years. I have tried it and feel that it did make a difference on an old T-Top in a very dark sounding Gibson that I use to have.

HOP UP TRICK#1:

"To boost the brilliance and output of your humbucking pickup, Gibson, Japanese made, even Seymour Duncan and Jackson pickups, there is a trick that makes them more efficient. The 6 adjustment screws in the coil that are adjustable extend below the pickup frame, creating an inefficient magnetic field, the "impedance" of the coils isn't identical. Lower the screws into the coil about 1/8 inch below the top. Take your wire cutters and cut off the part of the screws that extends below the pickup frame. Readjust the screws so they are flush with the top of the coil. You're done! The pickup will be brighter and stronger. You have made it more efficient by eliminating the "eddy currents" in the magnetic field. Some pickups don't have extended screws (some DiMarzio's) they are more efficient already."

Can be found here: http://www.torresamps.com/info/Perfectguitar.htm

 

[Mpcoluv]

Re: JB w/shorter screws

That is about the technique I used except for the hack saw.
I raised the screws until the bottom of the fillister head was flush with the top of the bobbin.
Then cut the screws off.

 

[frankfalbo]

Re: JB w/shorter screws

It's good advice except for the "inefficient" part. I mean, is duplicating what Seth Lover did in 1955 (and plenty of other familiar sounds) requires longer screws, then that is the most efficient way to obtain that sound, right? But I do like cutting screws and using short allen screws from Full Shreds or Screamin Demon when it's appropriate to get the sound I want. I think our allen screws are even shorter than Dimarzios.

 

[skynyrd]

Re: JB w/shorter screws

I wonder what swapping a UOA5 mag into a PGb and shortening the screws would do ? I have a GFS V59b that I put an A8 into, it has a very gutsy tone but very low middish,, may try the lowering screws all the way,cutting and raising and see what happens with it before the PG.