P90 Cavity Depth On A Thinline

[RickyRicardo]

I asked this question in my Brainy build thread but got no replies so I thought I'd ask here. I'm ready to rout the pickup cavities and can't figure out how deep they should be on a Thinline. What I've found on the interwebs is either 3/4 or 7/8" but not sure. Lots of Thinline builds here but no dimensions for P90's that I could see.

 

[ndeli55]

I would route them to be flush with the strings minus an 1/8" or less. You don't want to run oout if adjustment, don't ask me how I know

 

[adirondak5]

Richard , when I did the thinline years ago with the P90 neck pup that route was 11/16" depth or .687 "

 

[R. Stratenstein]

Glad Herb keeps good records. I routed for (dogear) P90s in the Labrocaster, but don't remember how deep. I do remember when I pulled off the router template how freaking GIGANTIC and deep the holes looked--I thought I'd screwed up for sure. But it was right, and the black pup covers with black guitar color blended well, so the hole size really isn't noticed.

 

[adirondak5]

Glad Herb keeps good records. I routed for (dogear) P90s in the Labrocaster, but don't remember how deep. I do remember when I pulled off the router template how freaking GIGANTIC and deep the holes looked--I thought I'd screwed up for sure. But it was right, and the black pup covers with black guitar color blended well, so the hole size really isn't noticed.

Ha , we don need no steenkeen records . Actually I posted the depth in that thread from years back , I just went and looked it up to post an answer for Richard .

 

[RickyRicardo]

Thanks Herb. I went through your thread a few months back. I was trying to sponge as much info as I could. With my poor eyes I didn't see it.

Ndeli, I figured they are supposed to be hugging the bottom of the string so thanks for that.

I can see what you're saying Rick even though I haven't done it yet. With the cover on P90's are a good size.

 

[trev333]

my p90 neck routs are @ 7/8"....... I like to be able to deck them if need be... there's also Pole screws hanging down from the bottom to consider, not just the base plate...

my stacked p90 bridge goes down 1 3/8".....

I like to have my pu's on hand to measure before I rout....

 

[ndeli55]

The pole pieces can be a concern over seen people drill holes or route a separate trough for them

 

[trev333]

Yeah, I drill some holes for them to drop into usually......

 

[RickyRicardo]

Great idea so I guess I have some pickups to wind before I rout. Thanks for the input..

 

[mikeyb]

I've had good results with 3/4" deep and cut screw clearance with a dremel bit if needed.

McMaster-Carr part number for P90 mounting foam is 8694K145 (Thanks John Benson.)

Proper mounting screws:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111675301917?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649

 

[MM73]

Great thread - thanks for posting.

I'll be routing for P90s soon, and I've been wondering about this.

FWIW, if the question was missed in your build thread, its because everyone is confident that you know what you are doing - no supervision required!

 

[RickyRicardo]

Thanks mikeyb! Unfortunately McMaster doesn't ship to Canada for whatever reason. I'll check out the screws though and compare them to what I have. I've read different views on using springs or using foam or having them sit right in the cavity with none of those so I'm not sure yet.

Mark, I wish I knew what I was doing. I'm flying by the seat of my pants and have walked away from the build a few times because I was nervous about the next step. Thanks for the vote of confidence though. It's appreciated!

 

[Meteorman]

I do the double depth route for P90s too, one for the body and a deeper trough for the screws.
I use foam backing underneath to hold them up and steady.

 

[RickyRicardo]

I'll be doing the same with the foam I think. If you look at the cavities on any P90 Gibson they have a secondary rout which I planned on doing anyway.

 

[mikeyb]

Lollar has an excellent video in two parts of him doing a P90 retrofit on an SG. Lots of great P90 tips.

 

[trev333]

I prefer 6 holes instead of the trough..... it leaves more wood between the holes for the stock mounting screws to bite into.....

 

[RickyRicardo]

Great idea Trev.

 

[trev333]

some pics....

 

[MM73]

Great idea Trev.

So, what depth did you route to?

I am setting up to route for my P90s, so was double checking your thread!

I saw an old thread that referenced 1/2" depth. After doing my math, I was going to go 1/2" (+ drilled holes for poles). Bottomed out, that would leave the pickup proud of the guitar by about 3/16"...seems like plenty of clearance to strings.
The only reason I can find for going 3/4" or 7/8" is if you deck the pickup.
Is that much clearance really common for P90s?