First time Direct Mounting Pickups, Need Help!

[DennisPaulino]

So I'm currently working on a warmoth Stratocaster with HSH pickup configuration. I'm using Suhr's SSV for the neck, 60LP for the middle and SSH+ for the bridge. This is my first time direct mounting pickups and I'm unsure of what screws to use. If anyone can give me some info I'd gladly appreciate it!

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

First of all, welcome to the forum Dennis.

Before giving a direct answer, I feel I need to ask a clarifying question which will aid in providing the best answer for you.

Are you using a pickguard (top route) or no pickguard (rear route)?
Do you have the body already?  If so, can you please clarify its current route?

 

[stratamania]

I think he is asking about a rear routed body and he wants to direct mount the pickups without mounting rings directly to the wood.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

It's going to be important to know if the body is already routed with the plunge for the traditional mount.

If it is not mounted, order the option for Direct Mount "To Wood".  Measure from height screw hole to the other height screw hole , center those dimensions in the route, use a center hole punch to start the hole, then using humbucker mounting ring screws, pre-drill the hole to the shaft of the screw's diameter dimension.  These work best for humbuckers that I have found.

 

[DennisPaulino]

Hey thanks for the welcome! This forum host a great community of players and builders I'm happy to have finally joined!  :icon_thumright:

I already have most of the parts, I'm just missing the screws. The body is rear routed, and already has the cavity for direct mounted pickups, I wish to mount them without the rings yes; sorry I didn't mention this before.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

If you want to use the method I just mentioned, it's the most practical.

However, if you wish to make drilling templates, that is if you imagine doing this repeatedly, I'd suggest using the dimensions in this thread as a starting point.  Mind you, these are only for Dimarzio pickups, but are still close as far as most manufacturers are concerned.  Center them in the route, make sure your pole pieces line up with your strings, and you should be fine.

http://www.sevenstring.org/forum/pickups-electronics-general-tech/107821-complete-dimarzio-pickup-routing-specs-wiring-diagrams.html

 

[stratamania]

That's some good info TonyFlyingSquirrel... Bookmarked. Thanks.

What about telecaster neck pickup type screws would they work for direct mounts ?

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

That's some good info TonyFlyingSquirrel... Bookmarked. Thanks.

What about telecaster neck pickup type screws would they work for direct mounts ?

For single coil pickups, yes.  Not for humbuckers.  The mounting ring screws are still the best for humbuckers as they are a smaller diameter than the threaded holes.  That way, if you decide to swap out the pickups for installation on a guitar with mounting rings, the threads won't be stripped out.

 

[bagman67]

Also, get some foam rubber (preferably black) to install under the pickups to keep them from wobbling once you get the appropriate pickup height set.

 

[stratamania]

That's some good info TonyFlyingSquirrel... Bookmarked. Thanks.

What about telecaster neck pickup type screws would they work for direct mounts ?

For single coil pickups, yes.  Not for humbuckers.  The mounting ring screws are still the best for humbuckers as they are a smaller diameter than the threaded holes.  That way, if you decide to swap out the pickups for installation on a guitar with mounting rings, the threads won't be stripped out.

Thanks. Good to know.