May seem like a dumb question but this is my first time using pickups I haven't wound myself. On covered humbuckers you've got those six pole screws that run right through them as can be seen here.

Now on the buckers I've got those screws stick out about 6 or 7mm past the base of the pickup. These are going on a neck through and I don't want have to cut two extra 7mm channels in to my neck to fit them in as this would weaken the neck I'm using quite a lot. Can I just chop them? I nearly did it anyway but then I thought they must be that length for a reason, though I'm damned if I can think what that would be! Just want to make sure I'm not gonna effect the performance of the pup by doing it!

Cheers in advance!

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  • The screws are a little long in case you want to make them higher to individualize the string response, louder or softer for each string.

    Besides that, however, if you want to trim them, I don't see where it hurts anything. As long as the screws are touching the magnets they'll be able to transfer the magnetic field up to the strings. The part below the base of the pickup is negligible because it's below the base/shielding. All the good stuff is facing upwards towards the strings.

  • Hi,
    Interesting question - looking on the www
    http://www.seymourduncan.com/forum/showthread.php?249279-Cut-off-po...
    You can but it alters the tone of the pickup because cutting the screw alters the shape of the magnetic field that is sensing the strings.
    Regards,
    David
    • Interesting link, I presumed they must be there for something. It's a pity I can't test it before and after cutting to see what how noticeable the difference is..

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