Pickup cover removal

carthaqprfc · Post by **carthaqprfc** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 3:50 am

Hi guys. I'm awaiting delivery of a new 4003JG (could be a few months yet though!). Back in the day, I occasionally played 4000 series basses with the bridge pickup cover already removed and found it convenient for fingerpicking over that area. I am planning on removing the cover from my new 4003 when it arrives and would be interested to know if there are there any complications or pitfalls to watch out for. Also, am I correct in thinking the two retaining screws for the cover also adjust the pickup height?

Lost Coyotes · Post by **Lost Coyotes** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 4:02 am

Welcome to the forum...

this page explains that procedure and more; and yes they adjust the pickup height.

http://www.joeysbassnotes.com/maint.htm

carthaqprfc · Post by **carthaqprfc** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 6:32 am

Thanks Mike - a great help. Of the two different methods described by Joey, the second procedure sounds easier - if the cover can easily be removed through the pickup surround, after loosening the two screws, without damaging anything.

I imagine it could also be fiddly realigning the washers between the bottom of the springs and the top of the pickup mounting plate screw holes during re-assembly. Maybe the washers can be left out?

lyle_from_minneapolis · Mon Jul 30, 2007 8:30 am

It's not as fiddly as it seems, really. Just take your time and don't scratch your pristine finish.

I love the look, but can't play with that cover on, either.

ram · Post by **ram** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 9:38 am

Hi Mike, Welcome to the Forum. What Mike and Mark said, Joey's site and it is very easy. I did it to my 4001 and 4003s5 (the cover gets in my way). Just take your time and use gradual even pressure and make sure the ground lug gets reattached. Also watch the lug when retightening the screw. Sometimes the might try to twist a little. Don't need it being ripped out by this little procedure.

carthaqprfc · Post by **carthaqprfc** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 10:27 am

Thanks guys. I appreciate the benefit of your experience, and hope I can help someone out similarly, after I've carried out the pickup cover removal procedure myself.

In your experience, which access method is easier -

a) removing the strings and the entire pickup assembly by removing the four screws from the chrome pickup surround plate, or

b) leaving the strings, chrome pickup surround plate and guard in place, loosening the two adjuster screws, dropping the pickup into the well and then manoeuvring the pickup cover out through the top of the chrome pickup guard?

Also, on a point of detail - Joey's diagram shows washers, one each side, located between the lower surface of the chrome pickup cover and the upper surface of the pickup mounting baseplate. After removing your pickup cover, did you re-place the washers to the top of the pickup mounting baseplate screw holes, or did you leave them out during re-assembly?

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 10:37 am

Welcome, Mike!

It can be done with the strings still on, but you have to have patience (and hold your tongue just right!).
Assembling the bolt, washers, spacer, & spring is the fiddly part. With the strings off, it's MUCH easier.

jps · Post by **jps** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 12:01 pm

Welcome Mike!

It is much easier to do with the strings off and by taking the assembly off the bass. The procedure is a lot simpler than talking about how to do it. Just keep track of the ground wire as to where it is attached.

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 2:46 pm

Welcome Mike, and yes, use the washers. Jeff states it best.

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 5:36 pm

Actually, either way is easy once you've done it enough times!

carthaqprfc · Post by **carthaqprfc** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 12:02 am

Much appreciated guys.

After the chrome pickup cover has been removed, doesn't the pickup's ground wire become redundant, being as the largest mass of metal in the pickup assembly (i.e. the chrome cover) has been removed?

Or will the pickup still be sufficiently grounded via the remaining metal items in the assembly, i.e. the pickup guard and surround plate?

Or should the pickup now be grounded elsewhere in the bass?

Lost Coyotes · Post by **Lost Coyotes** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 12:12 am

"Or will the pickup still be sufficiently grounded via the remaining
metal items in the assembly, i.e. the pickup guard and surround plate?"

Yes, it will be grounded.

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 1:02 am

Its not hard to do,, just one of those situations where 3 hands would come in handy.

My advice is to make a mental note where every thing belongs as you remove the mounting screws. The ground wire is important to get right.

1. Screws
2. pickup mounting ring
3. ground wire
4. springs
5. pickup
6. mount the whole mess back on your bass with the 4 small screws.
7. re-string, and adjust the pickup height to your liking.

jps · Post by **jps** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 2:34 am

doesn't the pickup's ground wire become redundant

The ground wire is attached to the pickup surround and will still provide shielding.

ram · Post by **ram** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 9:35 am

I have always done it with strings on. And I rehook the GND lug - I hate loose stuff laying around. Ok it's my AR Engineering background but that's just the way I am. It is actually very easy.