Problem Installing MIJ Bridge Pickup in MIM

[Tele 2K]

I recently got a set from a MIJ 71 reissue Tele. The bridge pickup has slightly different threads than US or MIM pickups. It uses a 4 metric thread. I got some screws for it, but they don't fit through the bridge plate of my MIM Tele.

Just wanted to tip off anyone planning to use MIJ pickups. The neck Pup is fine, no problems with threads for that one.

I ended up using nuts on the back of the bridge Pup - makes changing the height a pain, but works... I'm not drilling out the bridge plate, because I may change the pickup later on. I really like the neck pup tho. Apparently these are ceramic, I didn't know that when I got them (ebay). They do sound very clear, and wider range than the MIM std ceramics, but lower output.

VW

[boris bubbanov]

Have you thought about simply reaming out or enlarging the 3 attachment holes on the MIM bridge plate?

Another idea would be to establish the diameter of these holes, and find out if any of the other, compatible bridge plates use a bigger diameter hole.

Still another possibility is to place very dense closed cell foam or whitewood into the pickup rout and screw the pickup into the body itself instead of into the plate. Like the Andy Summers special edition.

Unless you bond those nuts just so on the under side, they may loosen due to vibration. It could work but it isn't my first choice of solution.

M4? That's pretty big.

[Tele 2K]

Boris,

Thanks for the info. I didn't want to drill the bridge plate because it's plated, but your idea about the foam or whitewood is a good idea, I may do that. Yes, the nuts could vibrate out, I didn't glue them, but may do that, just so I can adjust the pickup from the top like normal. Will prob. try that first...

Thanks, VW