30. April 2018 · Comments Off on Printable PDF for Measuring Pickup Pole Spacing · Categories: General, Tools · Tags: , , , , , ,

One of the most common questions we get is “What pickup covers will fit my guitar?”. Sometimes I actually do know what size cover will fit a specific pickup. A good example would be “What covers will fit a Gibson ’57 Classic?”. The Gibson ’57 Classic need a 1 15/16″ (49.2mm) pole spaced covers. Easy. A harder question would be “What size cover do I need for my Gibson?”, “What fits a PRS SE?”, “Do you know what size covers will fit a Bare Knuckle Pickup?” or “I have a guitar from the 1970’s, what size should I order?”. My standard answer to all those questions has always been “Please measure the center to center distance between the two outside pole screws”.

OK, let me get to the reason for this free downloadable PDF. I had a customer ask me a few weeks ago what is the correct size he needs for his pickup. I gave him my standard response to measure the center to center distance… His reply was “do you really think I can tell the difference between 1mm!”. That actually got me think that there must be an easier way because deciphering all the small lines on a ruler can be difficult and also error-prone.

So my solution is this printable PLTS Pole Spacing Tool. I set it up to only show one pole spacing at a time so there is no counting the little lines on a ruler. All that needs to be done is line up the dashed lines to the center of the pole screws. It is set up with all of the pole spacing we offer at Philadelphia Luthier Tools…48mm, 49.2mm, 50mm, 51mm, 52mm, and 53mm. I even added fold lines to help you fold the PDF so it will easily fit under the strings.

Here are some helpful hints for printing and using this tool. First, very important, this PDF needs to be printed actual size with no scaling of the page to be accurate. it has probably defaulted to something like “90%” or “fit to page”. You will have to look around since they aren’t always described the same way or sometimes hidden. I use Google Chrome browser. When the print dialog box comes up, it is hidden under “+ more setting”. The setting is called scale. In the case of Google Chrome, you want to set the scale to be 100%. Included on the printout are 2 square boxes. One represents 1″ and the other 25mm. Only use the tool if they measure exactly 1″ or 25mm.

Second, make sharp creases when folding the PDF. It will help tremendously when measuring the pole spacing. A loosely folded paper won’t allow you to get close enough to see the center of pole screws accurately.

Third, always measure all of the pickups. A lot of manufacturers will use a different pole spacing for both the bridge and neck pickups while others will use the same for both positions.

Download the PDF here

Here are some pictures of how to fold and use the tool.

Step one in folding the PLTS Pickup Spacing Tool

First, crease and fold at the outside fold marks inward.

Step two in folding the PLTS Pickup Spacing Tool

Second, fold the next two marks towards the center.

Finished PTLS Pole Spacing Tool

This is how the completed tool should look like.

Checking pole spacing of the neck pickup

Line up the dashed line with the center of the E to e pole screws.

Checking the pole spacing of the bridge pickup

Line up the dashed lines with the center to the outside pole screws.

18. April 2013 · Comments Off on Japanese Shinto Saw Rasp · Categories: New products, Tools · Tags: , , , ,

Shinto Saw Rasps

Now available through our website is the Shinto Saw Rasp.  These rasps are made from 10 pieces of double-sided riveted saw blades and will make quick work of your carving needs.  The combination of the saw tooth design and the large open areas prevent clogging that happens with normal rasps.  Use the coarse side for quick shaping and very rapid material removal.  Use the fine side for the finishing pass. Guitar builders will love using these to shape a guitar neck or to work a beveled edge on the guitar bodies.

We also have available the Shinto planer style saw rasps that comes with a removable blade. The two handles are raised above the work surface to allow you to work on larger surface areas without your hands getting in the way.  The blade is easily removed to allow access to both a coarse and fine sides.  By removing More »

14. November 2011 · Comments Off on New Fret Polishing Rubber Erasers! · Categories: Tools

We offer this new easy and fast fret polishing tools. These don’t have the problem of steel wool. Erase the small scratches or polish the dirty frets. Because of their softness, the rubber fits to the fret arch perfectly and won’t deform the fret. Also the soft rubber keeps the fingerboard damage to a minimum (still need tape protection if the eraser will rub the fingerboard). They are easy to cut with a knife for easy shaping or hard to reach areas. Come in three different grits 180/400 grit set (1 of each size) or a 1000 grit set(2 pieces).

   Fret polishing erasersFret polishing erasersBefore polishingBefore and After polishing

25. October 2010 · Comments Off on Hosco 10 piece nut file set · Categories: Tools

One of our most popular items is the 10 piece nut file. The sizes are .010/.013/.016/.024/.028/.032/.036/.042/.046/.056. You can buy them as a set of 10 or each file separately. These files have a very high quality file with twin cutting edges with rounded profile that produce a clean and accurate string slot. You can get any of these items at www.philadelphialuthiertools.com. We ship all orders next business day if not sooner.

10 piece nut file set