barrymclark Posted November 6, 2009 Posted November 6, 2009 Hey all. I know this is a common problem and am hoping someone here has found a resolution to it. This is the second set of pickup rings that have broken on the 140. It is the neck pickup one where it is thinnest (it was ground down to fit the contours of the body.). Heritage was kind of to send a replacement set earlier this year and I am grateful to them for it, but I don't want to rely on their good graces or my bottomless wallet (riiiiight) to keep a stock of these rings. Anyone come up with a good solution. History of these rings. Have not been removed not has the pickups been adjusted at all since the original installation. I don't mind the look of the broken ring. It is the function that it hinders. As I adjust the pickup it torques the ring and the split ends go nuts. Thanks!
big bob Posted November 6, 2009 Posted November 6, 2009 the rings are not aways the same curvature as the top, when you get the next set of rings place them on the top and look for the high spots and then hand sand them down so that when you screw down the ring the pressure is evenly distributed.
FredZepp Posted November 6, 2009 Posted November 6, 2009 I tighten the screws and then back them off just slightly ....
Kuz Posted November 6, 2009 Posted November 6, 2009 I tighten the screws and then back them off just slightly .... Yep, and then a little super glue if I over tighten (to fix the breakage of the ring)
smurph1 Posted November 6, 2009 Posted November 6, 2009 Wow..I thought I was the only one who was having that problem..Can I just call Heritage and buy some new rings? There was an extra ring in the case when I bought the guitar, but my guitar fix it guy says it won't fit..
PacerX Posted November 6, 2009 Posted November 6, 2009 The end result solution to this is actually pretty simple engineering-wise... And difficult for a consumer. The solution is to use a different plastic for the pickup ring. A polypro or ABS would probably work. Who makes pickup rings anyway? I wouldn't mind calling them and talking materials with them. If you have bought a replacement set, who manufactured them?
Cryoman Posted November 7, 2009 Posted November 7, 2009 Both my H-150 and H-157 have the cracked neck position pickup ring/surround. It drives me crazy and I've just been too busy to investigate. My 535 rings are just fine but notably these do not have the same deep contours of the 150/157. I'm loathe to order a G***** or other brand replacement. Should I call Heritage and ask them to send a replacement? Will they send a lifetime supply as each new one cracks? Or will they ultimately alter their mechanical or materiel specification until they get a good product....? PacerX, I'm wiling to get on the phone to Heritage with you.... you can talk materials, I can talk mechanics.... Cheers, Cryoman
DC Ron Posted November 7, 2009 Posted November 7, 2009 i bought a new schaller ring off ebay and fit it using the sandpaper/scrape technique similar to fitting a floating bridge. Can't imagine it will ever crack again. But if there is a next time (and everyone has more than one Heritage, right?) think I'll buy a pair of generic rings and drill them for schallers, then fit them.
PacerX Posted November 7, 2009 Posted November 7, 2009 Both my H-150 and H-157 have the cracked neck position pickup ring/surround. It drives me crazy and I've just been too busy to investigate. My 535 rings are just fine but notably these do not have the same deep contours of the 150/157. I'm loathe to order a G***** or other brand replacement. Should I call Heritage and ask them to send a replacement? Will they send a lifetime supply as each new one cracks? Or will they ultimately alter their mechanical or materiel specification until they get a good product....? PacerX, I'm wiling to get on the phone to Heritage with you.... you can talk materials, I can talk mechanics.... Cheers, Cryoman Thanks for the offer! However, I'm pretty sure Heritage doesn't manufacture them - they're bought from a vendor. The guy who actually shoots the plastic into a mold is the guy we need on the phone.
Kuz Posted November 8, 2009 Posted November 8, 2009 I use the Gibby after market (yes even for my HRW pickups- don't like the look of all those holes). I have a set of cream Schaller style that I would be able to part with for ..... Free. Just PM me.
barrymclark Posted November 9, 2009 Author Posted November 9, 2009 PM sent, Kuz! Thanks! I think of the issues with the rings being carved so thin is with the 4 levelling screws. I torques it all over the place. I am using two now and I have noticed a LOT less torquing.
Kuz Posted November 9, 2009 Posted November 9, 2009 PM sent, Kuz! Thanks! I think of the issues with the rings being carved so thin is with the 4 levelling screws. I torques it all over the place. I am using two now and I have noticed a LOT less torquing. Give me a week or so. I have to go out of town next week. I still owe Rob a little something for his B-day so I'll send both next week.
barrymclark Posted November 9, 2009 Author Posted November 9, 2009 Give me a week or so. I have to go out of town next week. I still owe Rob a little something for his B-day so I'll send both next week. No hurry. Thanks again!
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