Pickup Installation

James McPhail · Post by **James McPhail** » 22 May 2005 6:07 pm

(Maybe this was too simple for the electronics guys).
Just curious. When installing a pickup (Jerry Wallace TrueTone specifically) , does it matter which "side" goes under which strings? Now, before you guys get started, I know which end is up (or down, or isn't?). Thanks
JM

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Unclecuz in Oxford, MS
Excel Superb U12 8/5, Session 500, Nashville 1000, Profex.

Jim Bob Sedgwick · Post by **Jim Bob Sedgwick** » 22 May 2005 8:20 pm

Being a single coil pickup, it would not matter which way it was turned as long as the wiring is long enough to solder to the jack. Hope this helps

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 23 May 2005 2:38 am

Usually, the wires come out of the pick up on one end, and the hole in the body of the guitar is on one end (inside). Mount the pickup with the end that has the wire to the "hole" side on the guitar. With a D-10 usually that means the pickups are oriented oppposite but as mentioned it doesn't matter (on single coil or humbuckers).

Ron ! · Post by **Ron !** » 23 May 2005 3:08 am

James,don't forget these....
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica">quote:</font><HR><SMALL>The Steel Guitar
Information Resource

Steel Guitar Pickup Height & Replacement

The critical factor in the pickup height adjustment is the distance between the pole pieces of the pickup and the strings.

When you are adjusting your George L's pickups, the STARTING POINT is at least the thickness of a US quarter {$.025}or .09 inch {2 mm}. This is the MINIMUM distance which should be used.

You should only increase the amount of spacing between the pickup and the string as you feel necessary to achieve optimal sound.

The optimal STARTING POINT for adjustments to a Lawrence or a pole piece style pickup is 2 quarter's thickness (approximately 3/16 inch).

The reason that the George L's pickups use 1 quarter's thickness as a STARTING POINT is that there is an ABS plastic housing between the George L's bar-style pole pieces and the strings. This housing is approximately 3/32 inch. If you add a quarter's thickness (approximately .090 inch), you end up with approximately 3/16 inch distance from the strings the pickup's bar-style pole pieces.

The reason the recommendation for other pickups is approximately 3/16 inch is because the pole pieces are exposed.

These distances are NOT absolutes!

Performance will vary depending upon several factors, one of which is your touch.

Remember: the thickness of a US quarter coin {3/32 inch} is just the STARTING POINT for adjustment between the ABS plastic case of a George L's pickup and your strings.

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If you follow the suggestions below, you should be able to successfully replace the pickups in your steel guitar.

Checklist for replacing steel guitar pickups

Observe the way the pickup is mounted and oriented.
Very important: Draw a good diagram of your wiring before starting.
Remove any extra tabs from the replacement pickup.
Secure the replacement pickup to the guitar.
Make good solder joints.
Verify the wiring </SMALL><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ron

James McPhail · Post by **James McPhail** » 23 May 2005 3:21 am

Thanks folks. Please close b0b.

JM

jerry wallace · Post by **jerry wallace** » 23 May 2005 7:48 am

James, no it does not matter on my TT pickups..

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Jerry Wallace/TrueTone pickups-2001 Zum: D-10,8+6, "98 Zum: D-10,8+8,Nashville 1000,Session 500 ,Session 400 head only amp,Tubefex,ProfexII, Artesia, New Mexico
http://www.jerrywallacemusic.com

James McPhail · Post by **James McPhail** » 23 May 2005 8:41 am

The final answer. Thanks JW.