swapping covers on 2005 High Gains for Toaster tops?

emjayw · Post by **emjayw** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 5:07 pm

I happen to prefer the look of toasters but I like the sound of my High Gains. Years ago I purchased the Toaster covers as I've always wanted to try this. Finally I have the necessary tools to remove the 'buttons" on my High Gains. I am wondering if I can get away without replacing the top "slugs" which are also part of the buttons. How will this affect the sound of the pickups? Anyone done this? Also, will the newer "adjustable" buttons retro-fit my 2005-vintage HG's if i don't like the changes? Any and all constructive comments are appreciated. Mike in TX

teb · Post by **teb** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 6:09 am

Slugs? ......SLUGS? We don't need no stinkin' slugs. What are slugs anyway? I'm not sure whether mine had slugs or were slug-free, but here is what I did: First, I peeled off the magnets, which I stuck back on after the job. Then I tapped the poles out (carefully) using a punch over a tape-padded block of wood with a hole bored in it to catch the poles. The poles had spiral flutes and needed to spin a bit while coming out or going back in, which they do when you punch them. Watch the wires as they're fragile. Then I took the Dremel, cut the heads off of the poles (well away from the pickups to avoid little shavings) and once headless, I tapped them all back in, flush with the bobbin tops. I re-stuck the magnets, installed the chrome covers and they've worked just fine ever since. I didn't really notice any obvious changes in the sound, volume, etc. but they do look a lot cooler.

emjayw · Post by **emjayw** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 10:42 am

Great information! Thanks for your quick reply. Mike in TX

8mileshigher · Post by **8mileshigher** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 5:38 pm

Mike -- there are a couple of other RRF threads and postings where some other Forumites have also posted pictures of Hi Gains being Toasterized. Their process they used sounds similar as Todd mentions.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=379251&start=0&hili ... ole+pieces

I researched these threads because I recently Toasterized some High Gains. But mine were the new ones, with easily removable pole-pieces. So I didn't have to do the dremel cutting stage and I just substituted 3/8 inch flat head countersunk screws for the pole pieces that I removed on the late-model High Gains. As guidance, Ric changed over to the removable pole pieces sometime during the 2006 production year, if I recall correctly, because I have a 2006 330 and it still has the old style pole pieces that do not unscrew.

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Fri Mar 04, 2011 12:15 pm

Here is a process I followed on the first set I did. viewtopic.php?f=33&t=262576&start=0&hil ... conversion The second set I did a bit differently. I used flat head screws that I ground to lenght in a homemade jig. The flat head screws have a head diameter close to that of the push pins that are stock polepieces. Here are a couple pics from the 2nd batch. Note: the bobbins are 0.400" thick.

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Fri Mar 04, 2011 12:17 pm

8mileshigher · Post by **8mileshigher** » Tue Mar 08, 2011 4:26 pm

Ken -- thanks for re-posting your pictures. i found your advice and insight very helpful when I did my Toasterization project a few weeks back.

Thanks again !

Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum