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Post new topic Adjusting '77 MSA pickup, Super Sustain type
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Author Topic:  Adjusting '77 MSA pickup, Super Sustain type
Parr Bryan

 

From:
Nacogdoches,Texas
Post  Posted 7 Apr 2008 8:59 am    
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Yep, I tried to adjust it, the one screw infront (left side) and the screw came loose the pickup went down on the left side all the way. The right side is still ok. Tried to put the screw back in but it won't come in contact with whatever it was holding. Strings on steel.
What do I do now to get the screw back in so I can level the pickup???
Thanks for the help in advance. This old man does dumb things like this like this too often!


Last edited by Parr Bryan on 8 Apr 2008 3:30 am; edited 1 time in total
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chris ivey


From:
california (deceased)
Post  Posted 7 Apr 2008 12:09 pm    
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somebody help this guy, please.
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Darvin Willhoite


From:
Roxton, Tx. USA
Post  Posted 7 Apr 2008 3:05 pm    
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I assume you mean that the pickup went all the way "down" (with the guitar upside down) against the strings. If this is the style that has the two screws on the bottom of the guitar that holds the pickup, there is a spring under the pickup. You could lay the guitar on its front and push down on the pickup while you're turning the screw. That should start it back into the hole in the bottom of the pickup. If the spring has moved out of position, you may have to take the strings off, unscrew the other screw and put the springs back in position.
_________________
Darvin Willhoite
MSA Millennium, Legend, and Studio Pro, Reese's restored Universal Direction guitar, a restored MSA Classic SS, several amps, new and old, and a Kemper Powerhead that I am really liking. Also a Zum D10, a Mullen RP, and a restored Rose S10, named the "Blue Bird". Also, I have acquired and restored the plexiglass D10 MSA Classic that was built as a demo in the early '70s. I also have a '74 lacquer P/P, with wood necks, and a showroom condition Sho-Bud Super Pro.
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Parr Bryan

 

From:
Nacogdoches,Texas
Post  Posted 7 Apr 2008 3:49 pm    
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I did this on the top side of the steel.
The screw I loosen was on the left side (left while sitting behind as in playing) of the pu. I don't see any screws under the steel like you mention unless I need to scrap away that black cloth stuff to see them.
I loosened it too much and it slipped off whatever it attaches to, the pu went down on the left side to about 3/4"from the strings. The pu was down on the left side to begin with.
I put a piece of plastic inbetween the pu and the metal pocket to wedge the pu back in place. There is lots of tension on this wedge from the 2 screws on the other side. But the tone is restored to that great dark rich MSA tone I feel in love with back in the 70's when I heard Reeces U12 album.
So, the wedge doesn't look bad but is this ok or I'm I setting myself up for another fall??
All I know to do is bite fingernails and pray.
Thanks for help of any kind!
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Tom Moorman

 

From:
Decatur, GA USA
Post  Posted 7 Apr 2008 5:10 pm    
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I had the same issue a while back. As Darvin said, you will need to take the strings off and remove the pick up, retrieve the spring and nut and reset the screw.

As I remember, the screw threads are reversed.
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Darvin Willhoite


From:
Roxton, Tx. USA
Post  Posted 7 Apr 2008 6:26 pm    
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Your guitar must have a pickup that adjusts like a Classic SS, which adjusts from the top. You should be able to see the spring if it's still on the screw. If so, you will need to pull the pickup up somehow while turning the screw. You may need something thin, with a hook on it to get under the edge of the aluminum plate the pickup mounts to, so you can pull up on it. You may be able to just pull up on the pickup, but it would be easier with a hook. I changed pickups on my Classic SS several years ago, and fought those screws and springs for a long time.

The older Classics have two screws that come up from the bottom of the guitar, there are no pickup screws on top.
_________________
Darvin Willhoite
MSA Millennium, Legend, and Studio Pro, Reese's restored Universal Direction guitar, a restored MSA Classic SS, several amps, new and old, and a Kemper Powerhead that I am really liking. Also a Zum D10, a Mullen RP, and a restored Rose S10, named the "Blue Bird". Also, I have acquired and restored the plexiglass D10 MSA Classic that was built as a demo in the early '70s. I also have a '74 lacquer P/P, with wood necks, and a showroom condition Sho-Bud Super Pro.
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Parr Bryan

 

From:
Nacogdoches,Texas
Post  Posted 8 Apr 2008 3:32 am    
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Well guys looks like I dropped the ball!
The steel has super sustain pu's. I should have said that from the start. I have edited to correct my mistake.
So can I reattach the screw by loosening the strings and pull up on the pickup or do I have to take more apart?
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Jim Ragan

 

From:
Texas, USA
Post  Posted 8 Apr 2008 9:09 am     Screws
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Hello Parr,
I think that you cannot get to it with the Strings still on the guitar. You will have to remove the Strings and the pickup and look at how it goes together.
You can bring it to me and I will do it for you.
Old Jim
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Parr Bryan

 

From:
Nacogdoches,Texas
Post  Posted 8 Apr 2008 6:18 pm    
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Thanks for all replies. Jim, I'll see ya soon.
Parr
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