Broken Pickup Ring on a H-140...?

[DRMc]

I got a '97 H-140 that has a broken neck pickup ring that I would like to replace.Will standard Gibby rings work?Will they need to be shaped to fit the carved top?Thanks...

[H]

If your 140 has Schaller pickups (2 adjustment screws each end) then you'll need the Schaller rings. Otherwise, Gibson or other aftermarket rings are OK.

 

I don't know any US Schaller stockists but guitarbitz.com in the UK and Schaller themselves in Germany will deal with you. The part numbers are 5124CM (neck) and 5128CM (bridge) for the cream coloured rings. Not sure for black ones but the number section of the product code should be the same.

 

Shaping the rings yourself ensures a perfect fit. Remove strings, pickups and rings. Put some light grade sandpaper face up on the guitar body where the pickup routes are and, with the pickup ring in its correct orientation, rub it between the line of the neck and bridge. Check it periodically until the curve is correct.

[guitarnut1]

If your 140 has Schaller pickups (2 adjustment screws each end) then you'll need the Schaller rings. Otherwise, Gibson or other aftermarket rings are OK.

 

I don't know any US Schaller stockists but guitarbitz.com in the UK and Schaller themselves in Germany will deal with you. The part numbers are 5124CM (neck) and 5128CM (bridge) for the cream coloured rings. Not sure for black ones but the number section of the product code should be the same.

 

Shaping the rings yourself ensures a perfect fit. Remove strings, pickups and rings. Put some light grade sandpaper face up on the guitar body where the pickup routes are and, with the pickup ring in its correct orientation, rub it between the line of the neck and bridge. Check it periodically until the curve is correct.

 

I had to replace both pickup rings on my old 150 ultra and this was a pain. I live in Germany and couldn't find the cream ones from Schaller but only black ones made of bronze (or something). They however wouldn't fit, so I had to shape them with a file (as you describe). They were heavy which was annoying as well.

 

Schaller in Germany don't actually sell any parts directly, but Thomman does. Anyhow, I find thoes non-standard pickuprings annoying and they certainly do break after a while.

[DRMc]

Thanks for the replies.My H-140 actually came factory loaded with '59 Duncans so I guess Gibson rings would work.Also,thanks H for the tip on shaping the bottoms...what a good idea.

[H]

Also, thanks H for the tip on shaping the bottoms...what a good idea.

Provided to me by another member of this very site

 

I did it this way when I loaded up my 150 with Phat Cats and renewed the rings at the same time. It resulted in a beautiful fit.

 

There's a section on the StewMac site which covers this in pictures.