Springs vs. surgical tubing

JoeyV · January 1st, 2006, 11:16 PM

I was wondering what the difference is between using springs for your pickups or using rubber tubing? Some say rubber tube robs some tone away however , Duncan who has wound a pickup or two uses them...what is the difference and is it really noticable? I can't hear it.
J.

guitar_ed · January 2nd, 2006, 01:15 AM

My luthier says tubing when pickguard mounting a SC, and springs when body mounting. Has to do with ease of installation. Since I don't know any better, I do it his way.

Guitar Ed

Mike Rice · January 2nd, 2006, 01:38 AM

Springs for height adjustment. What are the problems?

If a compression spring is used for height adjustment there can be several problems associated with them. If the springs are loose especially when the pickups are adjusted lower as in the neck position on typical Stratocasters the springs can vibrate and cause a howling feedback. When playing at higher volumes or in close quarters with other instruments, various parts of the guitar can vibrate and produce unwanted sounds or uncontrollable feedback in your instrument. I’d replace all the compression springs with amber surgical tubing 1/4” OD x 1/8” ID x desired length. It will help keep the pickups firm within the pickup slots.

January 1st, 2006, 11:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
JoeyV Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Northshore , MA Age: 44 Posts: 1,205 2 Photos	Springs vs. surgical tubing I was wondering what the difference is between using springs for your pickups or using rubber tubing? Some say rubber tube robs some tone away however , Duncan who has wound a pickup or two uses them...what is the difference and is it really noticable? I can't hear it. J. __________________ "I just love hearing them guitars go zing, zang , zoom"

January 2nd, 2006, 01:15 AM	#2 (permalink)
guitar_ed Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bankrupt State of California Age: 47 Posts: 711 16 Photos	My luthier says tubing when pickguard mounting a SC, and springs when body mounting. Has to do with ease of installation. Since I don't know any better, I do it his way. Guitar Ed __________________ Piss off a politician, register to vote. When you complain about the government, remember that you ARE the government. Voting is the ultimate act of civil dis-obediance. AIM - guitar_edg Skype - guitar_edg (had to change on 5/16/06)

January 2nd, 2006, 01:38 AM	#3 (permalink)
Mike Rice Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hudson Valley Age: 48 Posts: 2,230 3 Photos	From the Seymour Duncan website Q&A Springs for height adjustment. What are the problems? If a compression spring is used for height adjustment there can be several problems associated with them. If the springs are loose especially when the pickups are adjusted lower as in the neck position on typical Stratocasters the springs can vibrate and cause a howling feedback. When playing at higher volumes or in close quarters with other instruments, various parts of the guitar can vibrate and produce unwanted sounds or uncontrollable feedback in your instrument. I’d replace all the compression springs with amber surgical tubing 1/4” OD x 1/8” ID x desired length. It will help keep the pickups firm within the pickup slots. __________________ Sure I like country music and I like mandolins, but right now I need a Telecaster through a Vibrolux turned up to 10...John Hiatt