First gig with new ASS ~ unexpected problem.

[bluesman1026]

I too play an ASS and have had the same problem and I don't consider myself a heavy picker. I put a piece of black electrical tape on the side of the pickup and it solved the problem. If you're careful about it you won't even notice it. I've heard several other people talk about the same problem with their SS so I don't think it's your technique or your particular guitar. Don't worry, the tape will solve the problem. If you don't want to deal with it I'll be glad to take it off your hands.

 

[candid_x]

Hey, KS. Welcome aboard. Nice ASS! I thought the MM90 suggestion was a winner, perhaps especially for reggae. You could probably find a straight across trade for one. I dunno know what the difference in routing might be for changing one out. Or, you may find that with a little time you may just naturally adjust the technique a bit. Hope you get it squared away so it works for you.

 

[GHWelles]

If you don't like the tape idea, and want a covered pickup, you don't have to buy a new pickup, just buy a cover for the one you have.

 

[Astrofreq]

That used to happen to me all the time. It is VERY annoying during a show to have to stop. The black electrical tape works like a charm. Ugly, but it works. Don't change your playing style. If this is happening, that means you are rocking, and rocking is job 1.

 

[douglasspears]

maybe a heavier gague string would solve the problem.

I'm struggling getting my head around how the strings gets way down there to get caught!?! But a heavier string would take more force to get it down there, and could solve the problem.

 

[paranoid70]

Try the tape stubby, that's definitely what I would do. It costs you nothing to try it out. New pickups cost money... tape is pretty cheap.

 

[king_stubby]

Just thought I'd revisit my thread with a little update.

As I type the guitar is on the bench at my tech guy's workshop, he reckons he can solve the problem by making up a little unobtrusive plate which would sit against the bottom edge of the pickup thus removing the lip, I'm not totally sure what he's on about but the guy is a total genius so I have every confidence he will come up with a cunning plan, I'll up a photograph when I collect the instrument, that's if it works of course!

What a palaver though, I spent the best part of yesterday on the phone talking to Musicman and DiMarzio direct plus Tim the boss of Bareknuckle pickups here in the UK. I found many and various solutions based on the suggestions you guys made in earlier posts. DiMarzio could supply me with pickup covers, they recommended the polished raw nickel models which they assured me would have no adverse affect on tone, however they warned me about the extra height a cover would ad to the unit plus they said that the cover had to be soldered in place which could be a bit of a tricky operation. Musicman here in the UK (Strings & Things) said that they'd never heard of the problem before so they didn't really know what to suggest. Tim at Bareknuckle told me that pretty much any replacement pickup would drop in there, the only alteration needed would be to make the units with triangular anchoring feet as opposed to the more conventional shaped ones. He also said that the guitar would benefit from installing a set of lower output pups, he recommended The Bareknuckle 'Mules' which he said had an altogether more vintage tone, less compression and more clarity. However he advised that before spending any extra money on the guitar I should try the fix that most of you are suggesting here that being to remove the tape from around the pickup, put a little bit of packing material against the lower edge of the unit (cardboard, plastic, veneer, etc) thus removing the lip and then refix the tape, this is obviously the cheapest option but being as anal and obsessive as I am, it just feels like a makeshift, bodge up to me, if it works it works I suppose but I just can't seem to get over the fact that every guitar I get believing it to be the 'ultimate' still needs tinkering with before it becomes a reliable gigging machine.

In truth, I am seriously thinking of selling the guitar because of this irritation, so here she is again, just to remind you of her stunningly good 'Pacifc Blueburst' looks....

...the guitar is a 2004 ASS with a gorgeously slim neck and totally mint as it has only ever been gigged once in its life, I would have to get 975GBP plus shipping for it so I doubt if there will be many takers.

I'm rapidly coming around to the idea that my new 'ideal' guitar would be a ASS MM90 with a rosewood board and a vintage trem, the string catching problem would obviously be removed plus the guitar would have a somewhat brighter tone which would suit the style of music I play perfectly, so if anyone fancies a swap, give me a shout.

Guitars eh?

In closing I'd just like to thank you all again for your help, advice and friendliness, a problem shared etc, etc.

Much love,

Charlie (UK)

 

[dalehauskins]

Being lucky,blessed working,recording & touring with the founders & creators of reggae,(and dub);I've found using,playing(and endorsed) Framus guitars never have that problem.

Touring,tracking & recording with Ernie Ball 2215 Nickel Slinky "Skinny Top/Heavy Bottom" Electric Guitar Strings are the best I've found throughout the years for this Los Angeles guitarist.

 

[Spudmurphy]

I've spoken to Spence from Shed pickups and he says that winding extra black tape around the windings could very well cure your problem.
Give him a ring - he has some.