Simple pickup & wiring replacement

[bigjimmyc]

Hi all. 

I purchased a PJ set of EMG GZR passive pickups to replace the stock Jackson units in my Charvel. They came with the idiot-proof pushfit wires and pots. Having undertaken wiring stuff before I felt pretty confident. 

The unforseen problem is that the new pups don’t quite fit the slots where the old ones came out. It feels like a very small amount of sanding or somesuch is required. 

Please advise on the best way to widen the holes without ruining the paintwork!

cheers!

[bigjimmyc]

PS. Next problem assuming I get these in...

The original pups have stiff foam glued underneath to support them and allow for height adjustment. 

If the new pups were the same depth I might just transfer the foam, but they’re a bit deeper. 

Is there a better way?

 

 

[Lozz196]

You can buy the foam from places like Amazon, make sure you search for the stuff advertised for use under pickups, as you’ve noticed it’s denser/firmer than regular foam.

[bigjimmyc]

Thanks Lozz. 

I’m a cheapskate so I sliced the old stuff down and reused it. 

[bigjimmyc]

So I bought a dremel today. Actually I didn’t because they were £70 at screwfix and so I got the Draper equivalent at Toolstation for £26. 

Anyway, clouds of dust later the pups are in!

Not wishing to sound like the new father with babe in arms, but I’m pretty emotional about the outcome. It looks great but it sounds AWESOME. 

Only remaining problem... EMG pots are fatter than the ones I took out. My knobs don’t fit!

Edited August 22, 2019 by bigjimmyc
always spellchuck

[whamni]

Looks like you put them in upside down !  

[Cuzzie]

Hi mate, glad you got them to work, and congrats - tinkering and it working is very satisfying!

The only issue with ruining the paint is that if it’s shielding paint, that ca affect your basses shielding, however small bits should not be an issue.

So far as knobs go - I am a set it and leave man, I quite like the look without!

[Cuzzie]

On 22/08/2019 at 22:26, bigjimmyc said:

So I bought a dremel today. Actually I didn’t because they were £70 at screwfix and so I got the Draper equivalent at Toolstation for £26. 

Anyway, clouds of dust later the pups are in!

Not wishing to sound like the new father with babe in arms, but I’m pretty emotional about the outcome. It looks great but it sounds AWESOME. 

Only remaining problem... EMG pots are fatter than the ones I took out. My knobs don’t fit!

We’re the knobs plastic or metal? Judicious rout of the hole with your new tool?!

[bigjimmyc]

23 hours ago, whamni said:

Looks like you put them in upside down !  

Yeah I know! Lefty style... same orientation as my other main bass. The wiring is easier this way too.