How have you installed pickups on a body like this in the past?

[BeachTurtle]

I got a body from Warmoth that is similar to this build, my body is HSS just like this and is rear routed so I can't use a pickguard. How do you install humbucker and single coil pickups to a body like this without pickup rings?

Detailed instructions or a really good video on this would help out a lot. I did see the warmoth video on this from a few years back but I feel like it didn't give enough information (or even show the process) for me to feel confident enough to do it myself. I want to put this guitar together myself so I do not want to take it to a luthier (in case anyone says to take it to a luthier).

 

[Rick]

I always use pickup rings. Have you tried using google?

 

[supertruper1988]

There is a specific difference in the humbucker routes that Warmoth offers. The one in your picture is designed for a pickup ring because it has the two deeper recesses where the adjustment screws go. The only way to direct mount that humbucker without a ring is to make a small filler block or use something like the PMS system from FU-Tone.

The other route they offer is called "wood-mount" and doesnt have those recesses. If your body has that then you can directly mount them in to the wood.

As for the actual process, I use these screws from Allparts:

GS-0375-005 Pack of 6 Neck Pickup Screws

Mounting screws, under pickguard for neck pickup (6 pcs.), Stainless steel, 15/16".

www.allparts.com

They are a #3 screw which will have a tight fit into the humbucker mounting holes but will not damage the threads preventing them from being used in a ring or pickguard later. I also use the same screws for the single coils.

For height adjustment, I use foam weatherstripping that comes on a roll. Its 3/4" wide and 1/2" thick and I simply place a small section under the pickup.

 

[supertruper1988]

You can also use threaded inserts as discussed in this thread. I have provided some links to products I have used in there.

threaded inserts

In this thread OP is using threaded inserts for their bolt-on neck: https://unofficialwarmoth.com/threads/natural-ash-soloist.34477/ Stupid question: That's for cases where you might want to attach and remove the neck often, right? Is there a downside? Also (if not) is there a pickguard...

unofficialwarmoth.com

 

[BeachTurtle]

I always use pickup rings. Have you tried using google?

Yes but not enough information. I thought this community would be informative. Can't blame me for trying bud.

 

[Rick]

No worries. I was wondering if you had come up with a method to get around the fact that the humbucker is routed for ring mount, Big S gives you the solution.

 

[dmrfresh]

Hi all - I'm new to the forum, but not new to Warmoth builds. I have a similar "problem". I bought a special olive drab run Strat HSS body, which is rear routed (can't use standard pickguard), but they cut the humbucker position for ring mount. I'd prefer the look of wood mount for the HSS, so I'm looking for options.

I like the idea of the humbucker base plate - but i'm not certain if there are different sizes, and what the screw hardware should be for the humbucker-to-plate mount (looks like it might to able to use a standard humbucker screw/spring setup?). Also, other sources (links) for a plate would be nice - it looks like mojotone is sold out.

The other option would be to get a custom cut pickguard that can work with rear-route holes, and use longer shaft pots (which I have). Not sure what my purchase options are here for a pickguard, so looking for ideas.

Once I figure this forum out, i'll post a picture of my build in progress...

Thanks!

 

[supertruper1988]

I have filled those with some cut to fit blocks of wood and epoxy. Then use wood mount screws and foam like a regular direct mount pickup.

 

[ragamuffin]

I used the humbucker mounting plate trick on my baritone build and it's pretty easy, you just:

-Get the mounting plate in position, screw it into the body with whatever small screws
-Put a piece of foam on top
-Screw the regular style humbucker mounting screws like you'd use with a pickup ring through your pickup legs and into the legs on the mounting plate
-Party!!

 

[Hodgo]

I used the humbucker mounting plate trick on my baritone build and it's pretty easy, you just:

-Get the mounting plate in position, screw it into the body with whatever small screws
-Put a piece of foam on top
-Screw the regular style humbucker mounting screws like you'd use with a pickup ring through your pickup legs and into the legs on the mounting plate
-Party!!

Exactly what I did, and I used the same foam to back the single coil cavities to keep them flat and perpendicular to the strings.

 

[dmrfresh]

I've got the parts to go the "humbucker plate" mounting route. Three questions:

1.) How long of screws can I use without penetrating the backside? Its cut for a strat tremolo - so its not super deep behind...use pickguard screws?

2.) It looks like the humbucker bobbin screws are taller than the single coil foam height. Should I just use the typical humbucker springs between the plates (Im imagining this might be hard to get aligned...) or try to double up on foam?

3.) Do you string up the guitar to make sure the strings and pickup poles are aligned before drilling the screw holes (single coils/humbucker plate), or just eyeball the "center" of each cavity and assume it will work?

Thanks!

 

[gutter0909]

I used the humbucker mounting plate trick on my baritone build and it's pretty easy, you just:

-Get the mounting plate in position, screw it into the body with whatever small screws
-Put a piece of foam on top
-Screw the regular style humbucker mounting screws like you'd use with a pickup ring through your pickup legs and into the legs on the mounting plate
-Party!!

What mounting plate do you use?