how do I chop the poles on a single coil pickup?

[smackoj]

I have an after market single coil alnico mag pickup that has staggered poles. The D and G poles are TOO high and screw with the balance of the volume. Can I just buzz some of the pole off with a dremel tool or file?  Anyone out there who has done such a procedure?

thanks, smacko jack     

[G._Hoffman]

In theory, you can give them a tap with a hammer to drive them in a bit, but it is a quite risky procedure.  The coil rests directly against the coils on Fender style single coils, so there is a very real risk of braking the coil.  You don't want to try to cut it, because the shape of the top of the pole piece is pretty important.


Gabriel

[Willabe]

Couldn't the heat from cutting the pole pieces mess with the strength of the magnetism? And/or if they got hot enough, melt the insulation off of the coil wire and short the coil?


                    Brad    

[smackoj]

thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback. It's not an expensive pickup so maybe I'll try pressing it down and if it breaks I'll be sure not to try it on a '63 strat pup!

have a good wknd.

jack   

[smackoj]

Pressing them seems to be the ticket. I warmed it up for a few minutes in the mini oven and they pressed down like butter with a pair of channel lock pliers.