Question Sterling Pickup Raises Itself

[nathanlong85]

Hello,

I have the Sterling single pickup. This has been happening pretty much since I got the bass about 8 years ago... I'll have the pickup where I want it, and after playing the bass maybe two or three times I'll find that it has raised itself up a little bit on the E side. I'll have to screw it down just a little bit otherwise it starts getting too close to my strings. Has anybody else experienced this? Does anybody have any ideas? I do rest my thumb on it when I play, but I assume that's a fairly normal thing to do...

Also, while I'm asking questions, what type of tool do you typically use to measure the gap between the strings and the neck/pickup? I want to measure everything and make sure my bass is still adjusted correctly but I'm not exactly sure how to do that.

Thanks,

 

[stingray96191]

If the hole the screw is in is a little too big, or stripped you could find it loosening itself. I would get the pickup out of the cavity, and stick a toothpick in each hole. Give the screw something to bite on. That should remedy the problem. Some people will tell you you need glue, but just adding wood should fix it. If that doesn't get the job done, take it to a luthier. For my measurements I just use a ruler with 1/32 measurements. You should be able to get one at any good hobby shop, or college book store.
Erin

 

[stu42]

I got one of these 6" rulers and it works great for measuring string action and pickup height.

Stainless-Steel Cabinetmaker's Rules - Lee Valley Tools

And this type of things works well for measuring the distance from the string to the frets when setting the trussrod/relief.

Amazon.com: K-D Tools 2062 Mini Feeler Gauge: Automotive

 

[nathanlong85]

Great, thanks for the tips! I'll give that a try tonight and hopefully I can get rid of this annoying issue!

 

[haha]

Use a thin Loctite. They make different type and some are not permanent. I think the purple one is your best bet. It will stop the pickup from raising, but you will still be able to adjust it.

 

[Moose308]

For home setups, long ago I bit the bullet and bought a nice setup ruler from Stew Mac. It's the size of a credit card, and works great. Just $19.