Pick Up Screw Poles Too Long

[Jeff5]

I went to install a Motor City pick up in my Ibanez and the pick up screw pole pieces are too long. The Ibanez is direct mount so the pick up cavity is fairly shallow. I looked at my Duncan's and they have the same long pole pieces as the MCP. Only the DiMarizio's seem to have the shorter screw pole pieces.

Are there replacement shorter screw pole pieces I can buy? I could shave them down but would rather not. Also, I've heard varying things about shorter screws; they affect the tone a little, a lot, not at all, more high end, better, worse, lol, it is all over the board.

Just wondering other's have encountered this issue and what they've done. Thanks.

 

[AlexR]

Re: Pick Up Screw Poles Too Long

2 choices.
Change pickup to suit guitar (result: some tonal alteration)
Change guitar to suit pickup (result: low chance potential loss in resale)

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Pick Up Screw Poles Too Long

2 choices.
Change pickup to suit guitar (result: some tonal alteration)
Change guitar to suit pickup (result: low chance potential loss in resale)

What?!

No, you can buy shorter screws or you can cut the existing screws. It makes a very slight almost imperceptible change in the sound. Not to worry about that.

I would just cut the screws. Then you'd be able to get that pup installed right away (it won't affect the value of your guitar, but if you end up selling it, you could always buy the stock/longer screws).

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Pick Up Screw Poles Too Long

You can cut the screws but I would only cut what’s necessary to fit. Cutting to the baseplate will make the pickup a bit brighter and roll off/tighten the bass a little as well.

 

[Masta' C]

Re: Pick Up Screw Poles Too Long

Yes, what beaubrummels said

 

[Jeff5]

Re: Pick Up Screw Poles Too Long

Thanks guys this helps. I have been leery of doing this because I've gotten so many mixed opinions on whether it affects tone or not. I definitely will not cut them flush, just to match the DiMarzio that was in there before. DiMarzio's seem to have shorter screw poles as standard, and my Ibanez was routed for them. BKP told me cutting them would affect power and bass a little bit too.

 

[AlexR]

Re: Pick Up Screw Poles Too Long

What?!

No, you can buy shorter screws or you can cut the existing screws. It makes a very slight almost imperceptible change in the sound. Not to worry about that.

I would just cut the screws. Then you'd be able to get that pup installed right away (it won't affect the value of your guitar, but if you end up selling it, you could always buy the stock/longer screws).

Changing the screws is changing the pickup.....regardless of which way you do it. And some will hear eq changes a lot more than others. Remember that ears and rigs are different.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Pick Up Screw Poles Too Long

cut the screws as cleanly as you can. i also take a file and clean things up so if you did want to unscrew it all the way, you wouldnt bugger up the bobbin threads

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Pick Up Screw Poles Too Long

Changing the screws is changing the pickup.....regardless of which way you do it. And some will hear eq changes a lot more than others. Remember that ears and rigs are different.

Oh, I see what you're saying. I thought that by "change the pickup" you meant replace it with a different one. I see you mean change it by modding it.

 

[zizyphus]

Re: Pick Up Screw Poles Too Long

cut the screws as cleanly as you can. i also take a file and clean things up so if you did want to unscrew it all the way, you wouldnt bugger up the bobbin threads

I second this. I've done this, and its surprisingly easy.

If you're skittish about chopping the pole pieces, or don't own a good set of pliers with a cutting edge that can handle it, you can buy replacements. Most 'buckers use screws with #5-40 thread, which you can get on Amazon. Just buy a length that works for you. Alternatively, Philadelphia Luthier Tools is my go-to for guitar specific stuff for these kinds of mods, but you'll pay more.

Make sure you get the material you want! I posted not long ago about my experience changing pole pieces in a JB, and how it affected the brightness of the pickup noticeably. Of course, the replies to the thread mostly told me I'm crazy, so who knows. I'm no expert on the tonal effects of the screw's carbon content, etc., but from that experience, I think it can make a difference.

 

[Masta' C]

Re: Pick Up Screw Poles Too Long

BKP told me cutting them would affect power and bass a little bit too.

I just want to point out that, if you can't install the pickup in the first place, then you really have nothing to compare these "changes" to, so you shouldn't worry too much. Swapping to a different pickup would be a much bigger "change in tone" than anything mentioned here.

From a more technical perspective, yes, shortening the screws modifies the magnetic field and reduces the inductance of the coils a small amount, which results in a mildly brighter pickup. That said, we're talking a fairly nuanced difference in tone. The pickup will still sound like the pickup you bought, make no mistake, and you might actually find that it is a little clearer sounding and more to your liking with the shortened poles anyway. As far as "power", the reduction in output will be small, definitely far less dramatic than switching to a weaker magnet or changing the wind.

 

[Jeff5]

Re: Pick Up Screw Poles Too Long

Thanks guys, this forum and you all rock as always =D. I don't come here as much as I used to and I should!

 

[larryguitar]

Re: Pick Up Screw Poles Too Long

I'll just add that, if you have a way to do it safely and cleanly, modding the rout would allow you to use any standard pickup in the future. It's what I'd do, to be honest; I'm not a big fan of proprietary parts.


Larry

 

[GrilledChickenSalad]

Re: Pick Up Screw Poles Too Long

Changing the screws is changing the pickup.....

yes

 

[Jeff5]

Re: Pick Up Screw Poles Too Long

I'll just add that, if you have a way to do it safely and cleanly, modding the rout would allow you to use any standard pickup in the future. It's what I'd do, to be honest; I'm not a big fan of proprietary parts.


Larry

I'm seriously considering this now. I measured the difference and the DiMarzio screws are 8/64 long and the Duncans and others are 16/64. That is not a huge amount of route or wood to take out.

 

[Masta' C]

Re: Pick Up Screw Poles Too Long

You could also just use a drill to make shallow holes beneath where the pole pieces make contact in the cavity. Super easy.