pickup / changer mount

[Scott Howard]

I am planning on making a aluminum section to extend the neck 1" and this also lets me use a neck that has a bad spot at the pickup. The aluminum section will be close to what was used on the later MSA's and I need to know a couple of things .

I am planning on putting the changer and pickup in the original locations and extending the plate to make up the 1 inch giving me a 25" scale. I have a fret board ordered and have most of the parts collected.

I am not sure as to what pickup to cut the hole for. What is the standard size for a wide mount ? I have a MSA Super Sustain that I thought of using but not sure yet. I think if I make it a more standard size it leaves more options for later.

Does anyone have a MSA or other brand with the factory aluminum plate that could give me some idea of how far it is from the changer axle to the neck ? I am trying to get a idea of how long to make it.

I have 3 MSA's and plan on having one with original Mica neck , One with aluminum section at the end and 25" scale , and one with aluminum necks . I have the aluminum necks and just need to finish them .

Here is a plate like I am going to try and make.

[Georg]

On my MSA U12 with the factory aluminum plate, the distance from center of changer-axle to wood-neck is exactly 4 1/4 inch.

[Scott Howard]

Thanks Georg

Does it still use the block under the back of the changer like a wood neck or is it all one piece?
I am looking at about 5 and 1/2 or so to use what I have. I am thinking of cutting the hole for the tuner this week if it warms up a bit.

[Scott Howard]

I decided to make the aluminum section just like the end of the neck . It warmed up a bit and I moved my little kerosene heater back in the shop. I did manage to get a little done on my mount and here is what I got done today.

I will be off again this weekend and hope to get this part made. I am waiting on the size of the pickup so I can mark and cut it. I am planning on going with a Wallace True Tone.

[Scott Howard]

new pics

[Pat Comeau]

I am planning on putting the changer and pickup in the original locations and extending the plate to make up the 1 inch giving me a 25" scale.

Scott, maybe you already know that...just make sure you have enought room at the keyhead toward the endplates cause you'll have to move it an inch" also to have a 25" scale.

[Scott Howard]

Pat

I got the idea to add to the scale when I saw how compact the Lamar tuner was. I moved the neck to the left 1" and made sure the tuner fit first . Then I am making up the inch on the other end. Just got done cutting the neck . Sorry for the cheap camera.

[Scott Howard]

It is done , other than final polishing and a little flat black paint around the inside of the pickup hole. This was my first attemp to make a larger part on my mill and it is not perfect but very acceptable .

I have 2 necks that have been altered at the pickup area and they may get repaired like this. I am curious as to how it will change the sound . I will not get a good comparison on this one because so many things are changing in this rebuild.

[Allan]

Looks like a pro job to me Scott.
Nice one!

Allan.....

[Pat Comeau]

Nice work Scott