Torres Mod for humbucker pickups- Cutting off screws after lowering them???

[billyboy]

I read an article years ago about lowering the screws in a humbucker pup and then cutting them off and then I think raising them back up. It was a Dan Torres mod and I don't recall where I saw it.
I think it was supposed to "liven" them up or make it " more focused". Anyone ever try this or have a clue as to what the results might be?

[Chuck H]

Just posting to follow and hear what the sperts have to say.

I did try this about twenty years ago and found the difference so small that I had to wonder if I wasn't just blowing smoke up my own a$$. And I wouldn't bother to do it again. That said... I do think there are winders that build this concept in during construction. It's probably in the head of idealizing everything you can I suppose. As much because you can as because it actually makes a notable difference. Example:

In a discussion with David Schwab I argued that the use of cardboard shims in guitar construction could have a damping effect on vibration. I always use wood or hard plastic. David argued that Fender has been using cardboard shims ever since they've been bolting on necks. I'll still use wood and hard plastic because the idealization pleases my own sensibilities. Would there be any notable difference if I used cardboard shims? Probably not.

[big_teee]

I have experimented with different alloy screws, and slugs.
I've made pickups with double screw bobbins and pickups with double slug bobbins.
I've used non plated screws and slugs.
The best way to vary the sound and a lot less trouble than cutting screws.
Is, to Try different Magnets, and different Gauss strength of the magnets.
For example I like A2 magnets full strength as hot as I can get them.
I take Ceramics and degauss them just a bit, It takes that over aggressive edge off but still Sound Good.
I'm Not big on A5 Bar magnets.
A8 Are really good, and I like them about 80% Charged.
Good Luck,
Terry

[billyboy]

I've got a Greco guitar with pups reading around 7.5K ohm and they sound nice for clean and rocky blues but they seem to get a wee fuzzy, muddy, under heavier distortion and as I don't need any extra smoke I think I'll let them rest. Thanks

[David Schwab]

I cut the screws shorter on humbuckers as well. You will get a stronger magnetic reading at the poles and it does seem to liven up the pickup. There's no reason to have the poles sticking out the back of the pickup, since there's nothing of interested to be picked up behind it.

Regarding neck shims, I generally use maple veneer, but you wont hear any difference. You can even use 4 spacers around the screws and not even have the neck heel touching the body, and as long as the neck screws are tight, you wont have any loss in tone.

On the instruments I build with bolt on necks, I taper the neck pocket so no shims are needed. That's the ideal way to do it. Then I use stainless steel screws and brass inserts in the neck heel.

[big_teee]

I cut the screws shorter on humbuckers as well. You will get a stronger magnetic reading at the poles and it does seem to liven up the pickup. There's no reason to have the poles sticking out the back of the pickup, since there's nothing of interested to be picked up behind it.

Regarding neck shims, I generally use maple veneer, but you wont hear any difference. You can even use 4 spacers around the screws and not even have the neck heel touching the body, and as long as the neck screws are tight, you wont have any loss in tone.

On the instruments I build with bolt on necks, I taper the neck pocket so no shims are needed. That's the ideal way to do it. Then I use stainless steel screws and brass inserts in the neck heel.

I agree with David on the Shims.
I have used layers of electrical tape to gradually build up at the heel.
I've used book match cover, credit card strips, fiber shimming.
Whatever will fit, and is the right thickness.
I can tell no difference.
If I have a bolt on come through I always snug up the screws.
I may have to drag out the hacksaw, and try trimmihg the screws.
Looks like lots of trouble for very little reward.
But, I will probably try it.
T

[billyboy]

I cut the screws shorter on humbuckers as well. You will get a stronger magnetic reading at the poles and it does seem to liven up the pickup. There's no reason to have the poles sticking out the back of the pickup, since there's nothing of interested to be picked up behind it.

How much are you cutting off and what is your tool of choice?

[David Schwab]

How much are you cutting off and what is your tool of choice?

I was cutting them off leaving about 1/8" - 3/16" maybe, so they can be adjusted up a little. But I rarely adjust the poles on pickups.

I used a dremel cutoff wheel and a flush cutter. Then I would run the ends on a grinder or bent sander to clean it up a little.