My MSA Millennium pickups don't slide into the groove

Ivan Goldstein · Post by **Ivan Goldstein** » 23 Apr 2016 5:32 pm

When I say don't I mean I can't get the one that was installed back in . I just bought the guitar, an SD10 M1

Any suggestions? Thanks!!

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 23 Apr 2016 6:21 pm

Don't know about MSA, but my Sierra's with modular pickups had the contact pins spring loaded in the cavity. You had to push down on the pickup while sliding it in place.

Mack Quinney · Post by **Mack Quinney** » 23 Apr 2016 8:16 pm

I purchased some BL 705's that slide in my MSA. I had to sand down the back of the card to get them in. I ended up pulling out the drimmel tool and sanded it that way.

They work fine now. Find out if it is hanging up on the flat part or the grove, then do a little sanding. Take a little at a time off, then try putting t.hem in the guitar. Keep sanding them a little at a time until they fit.

Mack

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 24 Apr 2016 5:00 am

The brass contacts on the pickup must mate with those on the pickup receptacle. They'll only go in one way, so if you have them oriented wrong, they won't slide in.

Ivan Goldstein · Post by **Ivan Goldstein** » 24 Apr 2016 6:07 am

They are properly oriented. I have attempted using a screwdriver to simultaneously depress the contact points while sliding the pickup. It just doesn't seem to fit in the channel. I will attempt some sanding however since it was in there once I wonder if there is a specific technique that I haven't yet figured out. I can get the guitar to work fine just by resting the pickup on the points but then I have to be careful of not jostling the guitar (for instance by stepping on pedals clumsily lol). Since the rest of the guitar is really well thought out and precision machined I can't help thinking that I am missing a technique.

Steve Spitz · Post by **Steve Spitz** » 24 Apr 2016 6:28 am

On mine , I had to raise or lower the pickup hight from the screws underneath to get the pickup to slide out of the tray easily. I'd check this out before routing or sanding anything. They slid in there, they should slide out With only some pickup hight adjustment.
They should slide out.

Before doing anything permanent, I'd contact Mitchell Smithy for some advice.
903 450 7416 or 214 388 0461.
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Ivan Goldstein · Post by **Ivan Goldstein** » 24 Apr 2016 7:47 am

Thanks

Mack Quinney · Post by **Mack Quinney** » 27 Apr 2016 11:11 am

Hey Ivan,
Was wondering if you had any luck with the pickups and what you found out?

Mack

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 28 Apr 2016 5:45 am

The small dovetail on the pickup arrangement was one of the things I didn't like about the new MSA redesign.

Ivan Goldstein · Post by **Ivan Goldstein** » 29 Apr 2016 12:32 pm

I didn't make the phone call yet. It such a cognitive dissonance to have what is supposed to be simple be such an annoyance.i have been traveling so I haven't had time to play with it further

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 29 Apr 2016 1:57 pm

I bet it IS something simple but easy to overlook

Darvin Willhoite · Post by **Darvin Willhoite** » 29 Apr 2016 7:10 pm

I had to raise the mounting plate on one of my MSA's slightly to let the pickup slide in and out easily. A simple adjustment.

Ken Byng · Post by **Ken Byng** » 29 Apr 2016 11:32 pm

The folks at MSA are best placed to advise you on this problem. I bet it is something so simple once you know.

Ivan Goldstein · Post by **Ivan Goldstein** » 18 May 2016 11:45 am

One of the adjusting screws that hold and lift the base was missing on my guitar when it arrived. I didn't think it was a big deal. When I spoke with Mitchell Smithey he graciously helped me figure out the problem. I put in a new 4-40 x7/8 screw tightened it up and problem solved. Thanks so much for your collective help!!! I love this Forum.

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 18 May 2016 12:48 pm

yay!

good. it's very important to do nothing until you get the proper advice. good work.

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My MSA Millennium pickups don't slide into the groove

My MSA Millennium pickups don't slide into the groove

Problem solved