The Electra Forums

I have an X510 (hollow body, Howard Roberts style) with a single, neck-mounted pickup that has an annoying vibration, which I cannot seem to eliminate. Therefore, I'm considering replacing the pickup with one that would mount to the body at the same location as the current pickup.
If someone could steer me to information on how to mount the different style of pickup, and what kind of pickup I should purchase, I would really appreciate it. The tone and volume controls must be replaced, as well, as they do not work correctly. In all other respects, this guitar is a beauty; not a mark on it, and the neck action is wonderful.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Well, I have no real advoce to give, except that AFAIK the X510 got a neck-mounted pickup but the pickup itself is a normal-sized humbucker, right? Isn't it an MMK under a cover?

My advice would be to keep it stock if you possibly can. Failing that, please me know- I have a Howard Roberts with no pickup!


I would guess that modern neck-mounted 'mini humbuckers' would fit, though I suspect those are usually smaller than original?

Do you need a wiring diagram, or parts sources? should be a pretty simple volume/tone arrangement, I believe. Again, if you wind up replacing any parts, I'd be interested in the old ones, if only as a restoration reference. My X510 was caught by Katrina and nothing of the original electronics remain.

I think you're right; better to keep it stock. I hate the thought of drilling any new holes in the top. I found a source for neck mount pickups. http://www.wdmusic.com/neck_mount_jazz_ ... 6_prd1.htm
Now if I can find a wiring harness and controls I'll be set. Thanks for the advice. If I have any parts left over, I'll let you know.

There is a guy on ebay that sells harnesses for all the standard style guitars.
Here is one for a Les Paul/SG/335 for 28 bucks new.

I'm thinking the H. Roberts guitar is similar to a 335?
This might be the ticket.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Guitar-Parts-Les-Pa ... dZViewItem

If it's a pre-wired harness you need, that's easy to make. I'd be happy to solder one up for you in return for any spares left over. PM me if that would help.

Cheers,
Paul

Use this link for most Howard Roberts information you could hope for:

http://www.utstat.utoronto.ca/mikevans/ ... itars.html

Howard Roberts guitars have their own unique shape and are a single cutaway with the oval soundhole .............

Unfortunately this link only mentions SLM Electras a few times (no pics) ....


Hope this helps.

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RCSBlues