threaded inserts

[grackle]

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 equivalent? e.g. for a stratocaster, would any insert you could find at Home Depot that accepts a Phillips #4 work? I have a couple strats that I would like to swap the electronics/pickguards around often (i.e. after string changes) just to experiment. I assume constantly subjecting the body to wood screws being added and removed is probably not ideal and this would seem like an obvious solution.

Is that train of thought more-or-less sound?

 

[Lbpesq]

Basically, yes. There is no reason you can’t use threaded inserts and machine screws in place of wood screws. Regarding the neck, the only potential downside is that you have to install them exactly in the right place and angle. A drill press is strongly recommended. I use threaded inserts on all my builds. I also usually use tiny threaded inserts on the control cavity cover, especially on active circuit guitars where I’ll be going into the cavity often to change the battery. I’ve never thought of using them on a pickguard as most of my builds are rear-loaded without a pickguard. On my guitars with pickguards, I don’t remove them often enough to make inserts worthwhile, IMHO.

Bill, tgo

 

[stratamania]

Removing necks often is not the only reason for using threaded inserts, although in those cases it does help.

They are also used, as there are schools of thought, that inserts and machine screws provide a stronger attachment than wood screws and may have tonal benefits.

There were some people on the forum who used inserts for a pickguard for the reason you mentioned before. A few relevant links can be found via the link below.

inserts pickguard site:https://unofficialwarmoth.com/threads/ - Google Suche

If you click on the Welcome to the Forum thread linked in my signature, there is a link to a good method of installing inserts etc.

 

[mayfly]

Hi there,

I have threaded inserts on my builds, mostly because I have B-Benders installed on my telecasters. Using one of those you really wank the neck around! Without the inserts, the necks would shift like crazy.

 

[grackle]

Awesome. The details are appreciated.

From the link re: pickguard holes being inconsistent even within the same supplier and wood screws allowing for looser tolerances... that is a wrinkle. Would it be easier to start with a body with no pickguard holes already drilled? Then use a pickguard to both 1) drill the holes and 2) to serve as a template for all new pickguards (which you buy without holes).

Or maybe for an inexpensive body without a fancy top just plug the pickguard holes with filler/glue and then drill new ones based on the template pickguard.

 

[TBurst Std]

Ahh I think we’re over engineering something here. Pickguard screws are underneath the pickguard, thus unseen. As this is no structural reason to to inserts, that only allows for repeated removal and replacement.

Just how many times do you place to remove the pickguard over the next decade? Less than 50? I say forget inserts for that purpose. If you remove that pickguard enough times that you strip out the holes, then simply fill them and start anew. Bigger question, why would you even remove a pickguard 50 times in a decade? Quit futzing with it and either play it, or do more research initially to understand what you want.

 

[spauldingrules]

What I do, is if for some reason I have to take a neck off, is lightly coat the holes on the neck with super glue. Let it dry overnight. You should be good for many removals after that. Just make sure you don't cross thread the holes.

 

[electric__steve]

That trick is even better for pickguard holes, as body woods are often softer than neck woods. Take the screws out, flood the holes with thin superglue, and let dry overnight. The wood fibers soak up the superglue and end up more durable. It's best done before the screws strip out the wood, at which point you should be doing something like toothpicks and wood glue.

 

[Strat Avenger]

That trick is even better for pickguard holes, as body woods are often softer than neck woods. Take the screws out, flood the holes with thin superglue, and let dry overnight. The wood fibers soak up the superglue and end up more durable. It's best done before the screws strip out the wood, at which point you should be doing something like toothpicks and wood glue.

I've never found that to be necessary unless the screws are over-tightened and strip out the holes.

 

[electric__steve]

I fiddle with some guitars a bunch. I've got four or so fully-configured pickguards I swap on and off my Strat depending on my mood. It's good to be proactive if you think you'll be opening up a guitar a bunch of times.

 

[Highland89]

Have any of you installed threaded inserts for wood mounted pickups?

 

[mayfly]

Not I. Seems excessive IMHO.

 

[Rick]

Nope.

 

[Strat Avenger]

I wanted to, but there just isn't enough room unless you use really tiny screws, which I don't really like the idea of.

 

[stratamania]

Have any of you installed threaded inserts for wood mounted pickups?

See my post in this thread above, which has a link where relevant content on the forum can be found.

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

 

[ragamuffin]

Have any of you installed threaded inserts for wood mounted pickups?

I did on my Albert Lee build. Got them from McMaster Carr; small ones so that you don't have to modify/enlarge the mounting holes in the pickup legs. I don't remember exactly which one they were though unfortunately.

 

[supertruper1988]

Yeah I have done it. Works like a charm.

I used these inserts (https://www.mcmaster.com/94615A111/) for humbuckers with these screws (https://www.mcmaster.com/90272A084/) no need to drill the mounting holes on the pickups.

For single coils I used these inserts (https://www.mcmaster.com/94615A211/) and these screws (https://www.mcmaster.com/90272A114/) I wanted the larger head to make sure it wouldnt slip through the holes in the covers.

I also use varying thicknesses of neoprene weather striping instead of springs or rubber tubing.

 

[Highland89]

Yeah I have done it. Works like a charm.

I used these inserts (https://www.mcmaster.com/94615A111/) for humbuckers with these screws (https://www.mcmaster.com/90272A084/) no need to drill the mounting holes on the pickups.

For single coils I used these inserts (https://www.mcmaster.com/94615A211/) and these screws (https://www.mcmaster.com/90272A114/) I wanted the larger head to make sure it wouldnt slip through the holes in the covers.

I also use varying thicknesses of neoprene weather striping instead of springs or rubber tubing.

Thanks for the info! So instead of springs you use neoprene under the pickup? Kinda replacing the foam?

 

[supertruper1988]

Thanks for the info! So instead of springs you use neoprene under the pickup? Kinda replacing the foam?

Neoprene is foam but it’s denser than other foams I have seen used. It also won’t damage nitro if you stick it to the pickup instead of the guitar body.