Routing template or measurements for humbuckers

stratoskier · #1 12-17-2002, 12:37 PM

Hi,
I'm working on a project converting a JS700 into something like a JS6. The mod includes converting the P90 pickups to humbuckers, and that means I need to do some routing (yikes). I'm about ready, but I can't seem to find a template online that gives good dimensions for the humbucking routing (position, size, depth...). I can make some sort of template based on another guitar, but I'd really like to see a "standard" template for comparison. I looked at one of my S540s and the routing is asymmetrical (the position of the plunge cut for the height adjustment screws differs on each side of the route). Anyone know where I can find some details on the correct routing. Anyone ever tried converting P90s to hummers?
Thanks,
Bert

EKG · #2 12-17-2002, 12:43 PM

Check Stewmac for templates ;-)

stratoskier · #3 12-17-2002, 12:54 PM

I did check there, and it appears that they used to have online templates for pickup routing (pdf format), but they're no longer available. I presume they decided they'd rather sell you the template than give 'em away. That was in their "free info sheet" area, under "templates". Maybe they moved them somewhere else.

EKG · #4 12-17-2002, 01:25 PM

How about here? ;-)

stratoskier · #5 12-17-2002, 02:03 PM

Oooh, that's good! And I'm sure it'll be helpful for other projects. But that blueprint is for a top-route (pickguard equipped) guitar, and I really need a template for a JS style without a pickguard. I'd expect that the routes need to be a little deeper without the guard. I'll hunt around here on Jemsite and see if there any more of these goodies. Thanks, Eddie!

EKG · #6 12-17-2002, 02:24 PM

The routes would be fine for a JS....just subtract the electronics cavity. If you are gonna use pick-up rings, this is fine. If you are going for direct mount pups, it will have different depths ;-)

stratoskier · #7 12-17-2002, 02:35 PM

Oh sure, now I get it. The pickups rings essentially take up the same additional height as the pickguard would (duh). I'm all set then. I'll try and post pictures when this project is done. Thanks once again!

stratoskier · #8 12-18-2002, 09:18 AM

One more question: Can someone tell me why the "plunge" routes (the deeper holes on either side of the pickup cavity where the mounting screws will fit) are asymmetrical? I noticed this on my S540 body, but now I see that its also the case in the Jem blueprint Eddie referred me to. The brackets on the pickups are the same on both sides, so why is the hole on the bass side of the pickup 6mm longer than on the treble side (32mm versus 26mm)? There's gotta be a reason, but I don't see it yet.

Globbits · #9 12-18-2002, 01:16 PM

I think its so you can screw the pickups in deeper on the bass side than the treble..

stratoskier · #10 12-18-2002, 01:43 PM

Hmm, I'm not so sure. The depth of the holes is the same on both sides (in the blueprint, D=30mm on both). And it seems to me that the depth is all that matters for adjusting pickup height. But the length differs. I still don't get it. I also noticed that on an old Kramer body, the plunge cuts aren't asymmetrical like on the Ibanez. Other thoughts?