pickup not level (physically - hot-rails, neck)

[NitDawg]

I've noticed that my HR neck pickup (strat stock replacement) is not level with a tilt towards the neck (i.e. the upper coil is lower than the rear coil). I took it out and repeated the installation with my original springs (maybe i need new springs) and still the tilt. Could the mounting holes on the pup angled slightly and is this normal? I'm not sure what it does to the overall sound, cause it still sounds better than before. Pic attached.

Thanks y'all!

-NitDawg

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: pickup not level (physically - hot-rails, neck)

It often does that because the pickup is rubbing or snagging on the pickguard cutout or the rout itself in the body. Looks to me like it's rubbing on the neck side of the cutout in the pickguard.

You need to free it up. Maybe sand the cutout a little to enlarge it slightly...or something.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: pickup not level (physically - hot-rails, neck)

Here's a cool tip that may or may not help with this problem:

You know the black spongey packing material that comes in the jewel box with a new set of Duncan pickups? Cut that foam so it fits in the pickup rout and install your pickup on top of it.

It'll help keep the pickup level....especially with humbuckers.

Lew

 

[Chi3f]

Re: pickup not level (physically - hot-rails, neck)

i just carefully pull on mine... till it is straight and for me they always stay

works for me

 

[NitDawg]

Re: pickup not level (physically - hot-rails, neck)

Even when i remove the pickguard it still has that angle to it, so maybe I will give the foam insert trick a try. Are the original springs on my strat too large for a SD pickup or are they universal?