H140 replacement pickups

[Rockrink]

I recently watched the Doug and Pat show episode where they put WCR Crossroads pups in an H150. They raved about the results, so I thought I'd try a set in my H140. Granted, the 140 is certainly different than a 150, but I figured the WCRs would be an improvement over the stock Shaeffers.

 

Got them all soldered in. Tested the wiring to make sure I had soldered everything correctly. It was good to go. I was looking forward to hearing actual music through the new pups. Reassembled the guitar. And the pups would not seat correctly and the strings were hitting the neck pickup even in its lowest position. After considering every possibility, I pulled it all back apart. I was perplexed.

 

Then I pulled a new pup out to compare it to stock. Lo and behold, the distance from the top of the pickup to the horizontal portion of the tab where the threads are was 1/4 longer on the replacements. I pulled out my spare pup collection and the Shaeffers that came stock are shorter than all that I have.

 

Am I the last person to realize that standard pups won't fit in the 140 with mods?

 

Also, anyone know of a direct replacement pup that'll fit without having to rework the cavity or the pup?

[PunkKitty]

You need pickups with short legs. Most PAF clones have long legs. You can usually order pickups with short legs. If you contact Wagner, they should be able to swap the base plates for you. Dimarzio 36th Anniversary PAFs come with short legs. The alternative is to drill into your guitar by about 1/4 inch using a blade bit. That should only be done if you know that there is enough wood. Otherwise, you will drill through the guitar back.

[davesultra]

You need pickups with short legs. Most PAF clones have long legs. You can usually order pickups with short legs. If you contact Wagner, they should be able to swap the base plates for you. Dimarzio 36th Anniversary PAFs come with short legs. The alternative is to drill into your guitar by about 1/4 inch using a blade bit. That should only be done if you know that there is enough wood. Otherwise, you will drill through the guitar back.

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[brentrocks]

i just get out my 1" paddle bit and drill out each side of the route

[TalismanRich]

I went with the SD Alnico Pro IIs in my H140. Short legs, but still a bit tight on the neck pickup. They work well, and I liked the tone compared to the original Schallers which for some reason were VERY dark and dull sounding compared to my other Schallers (157 and 535).

[Steiner]

i just get out my 1" paddle bit and drill out each side of the route

 

A Forstner bit is easier to hold steady. I'd use a drill press too so you don't go through the back.

[Rockrink]

I learn so much from you guys.