I just bought an SM-3 mini-humbucker to replace a soapbar p90. I thought the pickups were the same size which was wrong. I am wondering if I should return the SM-3 pickup and get another. The mini-humbucker is smaller. How can I mount the mini-humbucker in the p90 space? Do I need a mounting ring? Thanks.
Mini-humbucker in Soapbar p90 space
- Thread starter dcrowell
- Start date
dystrust
New member
Re: Mini-humbucker in Soapbar p90 space
This is how Gibson created the Les Paul Deluxe in the late 1960s. When they reissued the original Les Paul style guitar in 1968 they only produced a P-90 version at first. Players at the times wanted humbuckers, and someone at Gibson discovered that Epiphone mini-humbuckers would fit in a P-90 route using a modified P-90 cover as a pickup ring. And that's how the LP Deluxe was born.
Gibson did release a Les Paul Custom with humbuckers in 1968 as well, but the LP Standard as we know it today didn't return until 1975.
This is how Gibson created the Les Paul Deluxe in the late 1960s. When they reissued the original Les Paul style guitar in 1968 they only produced a P-90 version at first. Players at the times wanted humbuckers, and someone at Gibson discovered that Epiphone mini-humbuckers would fit in a P-90 route using a modified P-90 cover as a pickup ring. And that's how the LP Deluxe was born.
Gibson did release a Les Paul Custom with humbuckers in 1968 as well, but the LP Standard as we know it today didn't return until 1975.
ItsaBass
New member
Re: Mini-humbucker in Soapbar p90 space
The way Gibson did it on LP Deluxes (which used mini hums in a soap-bar rout), was to make the pickup and a P90 cover into one unit, which was adjustable up or down via mounting to a tapped metal bar, or to threaded inserts sunk into the body.
This is achieved with spacers, nuts, and solder. Look up online how to do it. You can fairly easily fabricate your own mounting bar with small piece of metal, a grinder, a drill (press, preferably), and a tap.
You can also add hold-down screws to the corners of a P90 cover, and shims as necessary below to mountain it it at the right height, then just mount the pickup like a full sized humbucker, hanging from the ring.
Or, you can buy the GFS conversion rings. They're cheesy, and require screwing straight into the wood, but they'll do in a pinch.
The way Gibson did it on LP Deluxes (which used mini hums in a soap-bar rout), was to make the pickup and a P90 cover into one unit, which was adjustable up or down via mounting to a tapped metal bar, or to threaded inserts sunk into the body.
This is achieved with spacers, nuts, and solder. Look up online how to do it. You can fairly easily fabricate your own mounting bar with small piece of metal, a grinder, a drill (press, preferably), and a tap.
You can also add hold-down screws to the corners of a P90 cover, and shims as necessary below to mountain it it at the right height, then just mount the pickup like a full sized humbucker, hanging from the ring.
Or, you can buy the GFS conversion rings. They're cheesy, and require screwing straight into the wood, but they'll do in a pinch.
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Re: Mini-humbucker in Soapbar p90 space
Or, you can buy the GFS conversion rings. They're cheesy, and require screwing straight into the wood, but they'll do in a pinch.[/QUOTE]
I use these GFS rings and they do work fine. You do need to screw into the body. I just did this with one of my guitars. I set 2 nuts into the wood in the pup cavity. It was a little tricky getting the nut in the exact place but it did work out. Then I used bolts and springs like you normally would.
Or, you can buy the GFS conversion rings. They're cheesy, and require screwing straight into the wood, but they'll do in a pinch.[/QUOTE]
I use these GFS rings and they do work fine. You do need to screw into the body. I just did this with one of my guitars. I set 2 nuts into the wood in the pup cavity. It was a little tricky getting the nut in the exact place but it did work out. Then I used bolts and springs like you normally would.
Re: Mini-humbucker in Soapbar p90 space
I do need one, and I will be happy to compensate you for it. Text me the details at (two one four) 458-8988. Cheers.
elelpe
New member
Re: Mini-humbucker in Soapbar p90 space
Thanks. SM-3 is a great pickup. Don't return it just because you think you couldn't find a way to install it.
Thanks. SM-3 is a great pickup. Don't return it just because you think you couldn't find a way to install it.