PU falls out of PU cover - help.

[Dru Edwards]

Hey. I install a new Hotrails in my friend's Strat last month. Before it was installed the pickup would simply fall out of the cover (exposing the wiring) and wouldn't stay put.

Before installing, we used a little electical tape at the base of the PU to keep it on but it looks like it came loose resulting in the PU slipping a little out of the case which makes it further away from the strings.

I'm sure people have encountered this before. Any suggestions? A little glue or a better tape job perhaps? Thanks!

 

[Shane28462]

Re: PU falls out of PU cover - help.

Hey. I install a new Hotrails in my friend's Strat last month. Before it was installed the pickup would simply fall out of the cover (exposing the wiring) and wouldn't stay put.

Before installing, we used a little electical tape at the base of the PU to keep it on but it looks like it came loose resulting in the PU slipping a little out of the case which makes it further away from the strings.

I'm sure people have encountered this before. Any suggestions? A little glue or a better tape job perhaps? Thanks!

Not sure i understand the problem? Can you better describe whats going on or maybe provide some pictures?

 

[NutsInFreddy]

Re: PU falls out of PU cover - help.

If you were to pick up the pickup (heh, heh) by the plastic cover, then the wound magnet part with the 4 wires will fall and you'll be left with only the plastic cover in your hand. Not sure if this paints a decent picture but I'll have to post a real picture.

Since I'm new to changing pickups, I'm not sure what normally keeps the cover on. Is it screwed, glued, or just a snug fit?

Thanks!

 

[Diocletian]

Re: PU falls out of PU cover - help.

I think you've installed it wrong. The screw goes into the cover, through both cover and pickup, then into your spring/rubber spacer, then into the guitar.
This holds the cover onto the pickup - there's no way it can fall off.

You did use a rubber spacer right? Or a spring?

 

[frankfalbo]

Re: PU falls out of PU cover - help.

Ah yes, the pickup is glued up in place into the cover. If the pickup takes a good hit during shipping, or is handled in such a way as to flex the cover out, cracking the glue joints, the pickup can drop out of the cover. It simply needs to be reglued. You can use a superglue gel after cleaning the surface. We use a superglue styled glue in production. If it's a new pickup, you can also contact Customer Service monday and I believe they would replace it for you as well, but that's all it is. So if you're comfortable with superglue you can self-fix immediately and be on your way.

Edit: Diocletian you're thinking of any standard Strat single coil. The Hot Rails are designed to go up and into their covers. They're circuit board mounted, and the board is glued into a lip in the cover. The brass threaded inserts are in the cover.

 

[Diocletian]

Re: PU falls out of PU cover - help.

Diocletian you're thinking of any standard Strat single coil. The Hot Rails are designed to go up and into their covers. They're circuit board mounted, and the board is glued into a lip in the cover. The brass threaded inserts are in the cover.

You're right, I just installed new strat pups and that sounded like what he was talking about. I've never taken my hotrails out the guitar they're in so didn't know how they fitted but they do seem to be in my guitar with a rubber spacer rather than a spring.
Thanks for clearing it up Frank, I'll know for future reference when I get another Hot or Cool Rails!

 

[Yngwiestein]

Re: PU falls out of PU cover - help.

I have seen this happen w a lil 59, Jb Jr. and now your Hotrails. Just needs a little glue but still something Seymour Duncan quality control should look at.

 

[Dru Edwards]

Re: PU falls out of PU cover - help.

Ah yes, the pickup is glued up in place into the cover. If the pickup takes a good hit during shipping, or is handled in such a way as to flex the cover out, cracking the glue joints, the pickup can drop out of the cover. It simply needs to be reglued. You can use a superglue gel after cleaning the surface. We use a superglue styled glue in production. If it's a new pickup, you can also contact Customer Service monday and I believe they would replace it for you as well, but that's all it is. So if you're comfortable with superglue you can self-fix immediately and be on your way.

Edit: Diocletian you're thinking of any standard Strat single coil. The Hot Rails are designed to go up and into their covers. They're circuit board mounted, and the board is glued into a lip in the cover. The brass threaded inserts are in the cover.

Thanks. Can you recommend any kinds of superglue or is it all the same? I think I'd rather try to fix it myself then send it back.

 

[Dru Edwards]

Re: PU falls out of PU cover - help.

If you were to pick up the pickup (heh, heh) by the plastic cover, then the wound magnet part with the 4 wires will fall and you'll be left with only the plastic cover in your hand. Not sure if this paints a decent picture but I'll have to post a real picture.

Since I'm new to changing pickups, I'm not sure what normally keeps the cover on. Is it screwed, glued, or just a snug fit?

Thanks!

That's exactly that the problem is.

By the way, welcome to the forum!

 

[NutsInFreddy]

Re: PU falls out of PU cover - help.

Thanks to everyone for helping us out!

 

[frankfalbo]

Re: PU falls out of PU cover - help.

Hobby shops usually have the best superglues, and if you use an accelerator (in accordance with the instructions) it will improve the bond. And you won't hurt anything if you "load it on thick" either, just don't make a mess or spill glue all over the place, or glue your fingers to the pickup.