how to adjust p.u. height?

Randy Reeves · From: LaCrosse, Wisconsin, USA

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/dogbitey/media/blondes.jpg.html?sort=3&o=38

here is my 1936 Rickenbacher Model 59. what a great playing and sounding lap steel. lately, when playing at fret 12 and above the third string "punks" out. it hits the edge of the pickup. all the others don't.
the strings have been on the steel for who knows how long ( I have never changed them in the five or so years I have had this guitar).
I am going to do that this week.

My question: how does one adjust the height of the pickup on this model. and what is the ideal spacing from the strings....3 25 cent coins?

Rick Aiello · From: Berryville, VA USA

http://www.horseshoemagnets.com/_sgg/m7_1.htm

Click on '"Adjustin' the Non-Adjustable Ricky Pickups" ... Sounds like you need the SpongeBob Mod. Laughing

Then click "Setting the Heights of Ricky Pickups" ....

Hope that helps ... Mr. Green

Randy Reeves · From: LaCrosse, Wisconsin, USA

Hi Rick....thanks for the info. I remember years ago reading about the 'spongebob mod'. scared the heck outta me (referring to the thin wire).
my next gig is early May, so I have time to check out the adjustment procedure.
Steelguitar Forum is the best. Cool

Rick Aiello · From: Berryville, VA USA

You probably don't need the #1 step ( the ferromagnetic shims) ... That is to raise the bobbin height ... So you won't need to worry about the fragile ground ...

Just experiment with the foam insert ... Between the bent brass mounting plate and the inside of the body .... That lowers the unit, without messin' with any of the electronics ...

Mr. Green

Ron Simpson · From: Illinois, USA

I like your solution Rick. I had to adjust the height of the pickup on an ACE that came to me barefoot. Fortunately I had a pair of old shoes handy. I used a pair of rubber grommets on the mounting screws. They provided enough adjustment to get the pickup height dialed in perfectly.

Ron

Randy Reeves · From: LaCrosse, Wisconsin, USA

I have never done this before and I sure do love surprises.
inside, as said on this site many times, was newspaper. the date on the piece I could loosen from the tightly packed wad, reads October 11, 1938.
can I assume that is the year this steel was made.
now, for adjusting the pickup using the 'spongebob' method.
I need to lower the pickup. as the assembly appears to me, I don't see how that can be done.
ideas?

chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

are we to assume that the steel has not functioned properly for 75 years?

Ron Simpson · From: Illinois, USA

A better approach in this case might be to raise the bridge a bit using a thin flexible plastic as used in consumer packaging. Trace the bottom of the bridge, cut to shape, and repeat the process if necessary.

Rick Aiello · From: Berryville, VA USA

Interesting ...

The "non-adjustable" mounting plates that have come through here had a 45 degree angle off the lower section and mount from underneath ...

As Ron said ... You're going to have to raise the strings a tad ... Either by a shim under the Bakelite bridge ... Or by filling in the bridge slots ...

I use Devcon Plastic Steel to fill in slots on Bakelite bridges and/or nuts ... Let it cure 7 days ... Then sand flush.

Don't re-slot ... It's not necessary on the bridge ...

Afterwards you can put a thin foam shim or rubber washers between the body and the mount ... To set the string height if the strings are too high.

Randy Reeves · From: LaCrosse, Wisconsin, USA

thanks for the feedback. I am shimming the bridge a bit at a time. the string angle across the p.u. is even so far and the strings are clearing when I depress above the 12 fret.

I have had this lap steel for maybe five years. it has always played great. I hope I do as well when I reach this age.

ps: the serial numbers has this dated at 1936. either way, it's old and sounds fantastic.

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