Replacing humbucker baseplate...

Lewy · August 2023

So I've had a leg break off (and disappear) from a humbucker. I have a replacement baseplate on the way. From what I can see, replacement looks fairly straightforward: Back out the pole pieces, undo the screws, unsolder the ground and then do all that in reverse with the new baseplate.

Is that it...am I missing anything? Any unforeseen hazzards in the process?

Thanks!

nacnudnai · August 2023

Hmm, I can't really see any obvious hazards with just a straight swap. I've disassembled and reassembled many times, and it is basically the process you describe.

As long as your baseplate is the same spacing, and the polepieces will fit through it, you should be good to go! Maybe just make a mark on the magnet (if it isn't already marked) to make sure you get it back in the correct orientation.

normula1 · August 2023

That's basically. Make sure the polepiece holes have the same spacing. Potted pickups sometimes cause the magnet to stick so be very careful there.
For what it's worth, I've done this loads of times trying different pickups in my PRS as long legged pickups will just about fit but have zero adjustment range.

Funkfingers · August 2023

Don't remove the polepiece screws until after you have inspected the underside of the pickup. Sometimes, the pole screws thread into the metal spacer piece beneath the bobbin rather than into the baseplate itself. No point doing unnecessary work and/or losing your pole height adjustments.

nacnudnai · August 2023

Funkfingers said:

Don't remove the polepiece screws until after you haven inspected the underside of the pickup. Sometimes, the pole screws thread into the metal spacer piece beneath the bobbin rather than into the baseplate itself. No point doing unnecessary work and/or losing your pole height adjustments.

Yeah this is true - good point. The bobbin, polepieces and threaded spacer may lift out together. Depends on the pickup.

Also, if it's potted some bits may be a bit "stuck". A hairdryer can help, or a small flathead screwdriver can be used to pry bits off.

roberty · August 2023

Nothing to add here other than I have changed a few baseplates and magnets and have never had to remove the pole pieces. Sounds like you're good to go :-)

Lewy · August 2023

Thanks all. Task completed without disaster or injury

nacnudnai · August 2023

Lewy said:

Thanks all. Task completed without disaster or injury

That's what we like to hear!

roberty · August 2023

Nice one

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Replacing humbucker baseplate...

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