Where do I find P-90 Pickup Height Screws?

[astonmartini]

Well, I just ordered Lollar P-90s today to replace my Gibson P-100s (yuck) in my '72 Gold Top LP. I tried removing the P-100 covers and one of the screw heads won't budge and is now stripped from all my attempts to twist it free. Any idea on how to safely get this screw out? And where in the heck can I get replacement Pickup Height Screws? Are they the same screws used on Humbuckers because after hours of seaching the web, I just can't find anything!!! Grrrrrr...

 

[Liam]

These people sell them. Great place for hard to find stuff:

Guitar Parts Resource*::*Aftermarket Pickup Screws

To get the knackered one out. Mask the pickup cover / pole screws to avoid damage. Push the pickup down into the cavity firmly to expose the screw head edges. Then use a small pair of mole grips or similar to grip the screw head on its edges (moles parallel with the pickup cover, like a wrench) and unwind it.

When you put the new ones in, a little bit of soap can help stop them getting too tight in the wood.

(Am I alone in liking P100s then? I like P90s, don't get me wrong, but the P100 has its merits.)

 

[astonmartini]

Thanks so much, Liam! Worked like a charm, but it was quite challenging to push the pickup down - very tight fit!!

Yeah, I didn't always dislike the p-100's - just every now and then I'd think, hey, I must be able to do better than this. I tried Seymour Duncan p-90s years ago and had quite a few issues with them so I switched to p-100s and have enjoyed them. I thought it was about time to find a new set to inspire me and the Lollar p-90s sound samples were enough. Now, once they arrive, I guess I'll find out if it was worth it!!

Thanks again for the great advice,

Michael

 

[Squirrel]

According to Lollar's youtube videos, his P-90's come with the screws.

 

[Liam]

Hi Michael,

Glad to be of help. P90s sound kind of raw when you've got used to P100s, but bear with it. It takes a while to bond with them (I'll bet Lollars have got this... 50's P90s have) but when you get there it's like a direct link from your head to the speakers.

(I possibly paraphrased GMac here, but those that love P90s will know what I mean.)

Liam

 

[astonmartini]

It would be great if they came with the screws. I don't know...they told me to hold on to the screws I got for my p-100s as they are longer - I don't even know if this is true...the screws are about 1 1/2" long and I thought that was normal for pickup height screws!

Liam, yes, I must admit I'm a bit nervous going back to p-90s, but the Seymour Duncan pair I had years ago were not good! After doing some research and hearing Doyle Bramhall II playing slide on a LP Special with p-90s, I just had to give this a try!! The Lollars sound fantastic on the sound samples - real gritty - Billy Gibbons-ish!

 

[jason lollar]

heres the deal with screws- P-100 pickup routes are deeper than P-90 pickup routes so they use a longer screw than typical. I provide screws and springs for every pickup i sell- its under the bottom layer of foam in the box which alot of people miss- dont feel stupid because its a common mistake to think you didnt get screws and spring but they are in the box.
most humbucker screws are 1-1/4" long.
I dont recall if the P-100's use a wood screw or a machine screw which have different threads.
Thats why we tell you to re-use your original screws if you are replacing P-100's, take note or not other pickup winders, its true- P-100 screws are longer than typical . I know most of the the ins and outs of that sort of thing. Of course screws used in guitars are almost all non- standard size so you are highly unlikely to find them in a hardware store in fact if you ask for a 5-40 or a 3-48 youll probably be told there is no such thing.
If you need help installing them call us after you get the pickups- there is always a way to deal with any problems, dont worry we wont leave you hanging.
Thanks for getting ahold of the old guy!! I will be on it

 

[kspeed]

I just replaced some P100's with P90's on Thursday (for the first time!) - as Mr. Lollar pointed out the routes are significantly deeper. I went to Home Depot and picked up some taller springs to compensate since the screws were long enough to begin with. Alternatively you can make a wooden shim to sit on the bottom (where the bottom coil was in the P100), though that's a lot of work.

Edit - Mr. Lollar, P100's indeed use a machine screw.

 

[astonmartini]

Wow!! Thanks for that, Jason!!! If I have any problems, I'll be sure to get in touch. My '72 Goldtop was 1st a Deluxe with Mini-Humbuckers which I subbed with Duncan P-90s, then went to the P-100s. Now, after much searching, I discovered your pickups and am very excited to install and plug in!! I was most irritated when I stripped the screw, but I was able to remove it and, hopefully, the new screws will do the trick.

Thanks so much, Michael

 

[astonmartini]

Kspeed - what do you think of the P-90s vs. your old P-100s?