Springs or Tubing for p/u height adjustment

markothefish · May 22nd, 2008, 03:54 AM

What do you guys like to use when you swap out pick ups , Springs or Compressible Tubing like Fender uses for height adjustment . And what would be the pros and cons of each . I like the way the tubing holds things in place while I'm putting things together , but am I missing something ??

spankdplank · May 22nd, 2008, 10:31 AM

I think springs are more likely to cause feed back than compression tubing, especially in a microphonic or unpotted pickup, but this can be a good thing, depending on the pickup. After 15 years or so, the compression tubing will rot and crumble and will need replacement. Springs should last as long as the guitar. YMMV.

Stan Martin · May 22nd, 2008, 10:32 AM

I think the pros of the tubing is your pickup will be less prone to vibration/feedback, due to the damping qualities of the tubing.

I guess the cons would be that the tubing breaks down after a while and is less flexible(gets tacky).

The pro for springs-Leo used it,supposed pickup vibration (in a good way ).

ymmv

maestrovert · May 22nd, 2008, 10:43 AM

Springs are generally capable of more downforce than tubing, which can be a factor with P-ups of a more microphonic nature....if you find that to be the case, try springs of lesser strength like those used in retractable ink pens...

as noted, tubing will eventually dry and fail

Springs for me btw

Wardpike · May 22nd, 2008, 11:48 AM

Tubing all the way, replace every 5 to 10 years.

surfoverb · May 22nd, 2008, 12:05 PM

I thought I saw a 1950 Broadcaster pickup with tubing recently here somewhere but I could be wrong...I've tried both and didn't find a difference in tone but found the springs to be less stable or the pickup moves around more it seems...Try them both YMMV.

bukowski · May 23rd, 2008, 09:58 AM

does anybody know were to get tubing?

magicguitar · May 23rd, 2008, 10:05 AM

Stewart McDonald: http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Hardware...ng_Tubing.html

DADGAD · May 23rd, 2008, 03:31 PM

The tubing is surgical tubing. Hospitals & doctors toss used stuff all the time. It might be available at drug stores, too.

Del Pickup · May 26th, 2008, 09:48 PM

I find the springs are more difficult to work with when installing the pups but once in place then no real difference between them as far as I can tell.

robt57 · May 26th, 2008, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DADGAD

The tubing is surgical tubing. Hospitals & doctors toss used stuff all the time. It might be available at drug stores, too.

Ron Kirn made a comment in another thread that surgical tubing attacks Nitro, and he uses silicon for that reason, FWIW. I'm assuming he means latex surgical tubing attacking Nitro.

Also FWIW, not all surgical tubing is latex, just most. They have to use silicone for drains. My wife is an OR tech so I asked her bout that.

Apparently hobby shops have the silicon if anyone is looking for source.

May 22nd, 2008, 03:54 AM	#1 (permalink)
markothefish Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Greenville, Rhode Island Age: 42 Posts: 1,719 7 Photos	Springs or Tubing for p/u height adjustment What do you guys like to use when you swap out pick ups , Springs or Compressible Tubing like Fender uses for height adjustment . And what would be the pros and cons of each . I like the way the tubing holds things in place while I'm putting things together , but am I missing something ?? __________________ Who are you going to believe, me or your own eyes? Groucho Marx

May 22nd, 2008, 10:32 AM	#3 (permalink)
Stan Martin Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 793	I prefer springs I think the pros of the tubing is your pickup will be less prone to vibration/feedback, due to the damping qualities of the tubing. I guess the cons would be that the tubing breaks down after a while and is less flexible(gets tacky). The pro for springs-Leo used it,supposed pickup vibration (in a good way ). ymmv __________________ http://www.stanmartin.net http://www.myspace.com/stanmartinsongs

May 22nd, 2008, 10:43 AM	#4 (permalink)
maestrovert Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: West Branch Mi. Posts: 5,835	Springs are generally capable of more downforce than tubing, which can be a factor with P-ups of a more microphonic nature....if you find that to be the case, try springs of lesser strength like those used in retractable ink pens... as noted, tubing will eventually dry and fail Springs for me btw __________________ Sing the Song Bro' Play on Drummer www.godonthe.net

May 23rd, 2008, 03:31 PM	#9 (permalink)
DADGAD Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Palmdale, CA Posts: 764	The tubing is surgical tubing. Hospitals & doctors toss used stuff all the time. It might be available at drug stores, too. __________________ "I need to learn some new scales and stop obsessing about this stuff." http://www.myspace.com/slickshoes

May 22nd, 2008, 10:31 AM	#2 (permalink)
spankdplank Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Houston, Tx. Posts: 530 22 Photos	I think springs are more likely to cause feed back than compression tubing, especially in a microphonic or unpotted pickup, but this can be a good thing, depending on the pickup. After 15 years or so, the compression tubing will rot and crumble and will need replacement. Springs should last as long as the guitar. YMMV.

May 22nd, 2008, 11:48 AM	#5 (permalink)
Wardpike Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: St. John's, Newfoundland Age: 43 Posts: 585	Tubing all the way, replace every 5 to 10 years.

May 22nd, 2008, 12:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
surfoverb Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,375	I thought I saw a 1950 Broadcaster pickup with tubing recently here somewhere but I could be wrong...I've tried both and didn't find a difference in tone but found the springs to be less stable or the pickup moves around more it seems...Try them both YMMV.

May 23rd, 2008, 09:58 AM	#7 (permalink)
bukowski Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: BOwmanville,ont Posts: 110	does anybody know were to get tubing?

May 23rd, 2008, 10:05 AM	#8 (permalink)
magicguitar Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Fallon, Nevada Age: 60 Posts: 497	Stewart McDonald: http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Hardware...ng_Tubing.html

May 26th, 2008, 09:48 PM	#10 (permalink)
Del Pickup Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Zealand Posts: 256 5 Photos	I find the springs are more difficult to work with when installing the pups but once in place then no real difference between them as far as I can tell.