Official Luthiers Forum!

I'm putting all-new electronics in an old Kay I found almost literally laying on the ground. Idk if it was of any value initially or not, but either way, its not now haha.

I need pickups that will fit the pickup cavity which i measured at a massive 3.75x1.6in. So if anybody has any knowledge of Kay guitars or of pickups and DIY-ing that could help, please share. I'm ok if it looks a little homemade (e.g. pickup is too small but we rig it up somehow). I'm concerned about fitting the pickups, the pole-pieces at the right width, setting the archtop bridge, among other things...

Thanks!

Pics?

I have solved my pickup problem...(apparently there was just an error in measurement all along...lol). But that leaves me with the bridge. How do you go about fastening it? Is it just glued on?

It should just be a floating bridge Eric with only string pressure holding it down. No need to glue.

Oh ok I see.. that makes senese because the tailpiece will keep the strings alligned anyways, right? Which should make the bridge line up after every string change... ? Or am I wrong

That's right Eric, assuming your neck and tailpiece are true to the guitar centerline. The bridge will follow this centerline. Most people change strings one at a time so that the bridge doesn't have to be measured and set for scale and intonation every time you change strings. Do you have the original bridge or Will you be making or buying one?

I have both the original and a new one.. the original is all wood, and the new one is modern. It would be cool to examine the differences in tone with both bridges don't you think?

Oh, and I'm going with a p90 in the neck and a jazzmaster in the bridge... should be awesome!