The Steel Guitar Forum

Hello members. I just purchased a 1951 Deluxe 8 (walnut)with the trapazoid pickup. While playing acoustically, I hear a vibration from the pickup housing. Inside the housing there appears to be a wood block that surrounds the strings. It must have shrunken over the years, so the plucked strings make it vibrate inside the metal housing.

Anyone else had this problem and know a fix???

There is a small space next to the treble side magnet, so is it ok to squeeze somthing in there to take up the space and stop to vibration?

I just don't want to mess up the pickup.

There are 2 solutions for this, 1 being temporary. It's a very common occurrence with these pickups. the bobbin material shrinks over time.

What I did recently with one is: I carefully took the housing apart and lifted the bobbin up enough to put some duct tape underneath it, sticky side down. It was a piece that was cut to fit in place. I did the same on top. This, believe it or not has alleviated the problem now for 2 weeks.

The other solution is: Jason Lollar sells a wound bobbin that will drop right in. I believe he said it was $140. You put it in yourself and solder it. Of course, you could send it to him.

ONE NOTE: Others have mentioned how important it is not to overtighten the screws underneath the pickup plate. Once they are broken, you're out a pickup.

Mike, thanks for your many good tips. I did carefully
wedge some rubberized material into the space but it is just a temporary fix. I will contact Jason and order a bobbin. Between your info and the old instructions on Rick A.'s site, I'll be OK.