Hollowbody electrics DO NOT need an access through the back. The entire harness is stuffed into the p.u. cavity, which, even with a small mando p.u., is plenty large. The pots and jack are then fished back into their respective holes, somewhat like building a model ship in a bottle. One can employ a system of guide strings to pull the components. Okay, alright, maybe on a cheapo import job you might as well cut a gaping maw, and make installation easy!
I believe I do indeed know what you're after (NOT a floating p.u.), and I say go for it! Cut the hole for the p.u.! I recommend either any Bill Lawrence "blade magnet" p.u., or (better yet) a four pole custom-for-mandolin p.u., such as those made by Steve Ryder.
BTW, that Charlie Christian slides right into the p.u. cavity. Kinda preposterous the idea of removing the back to install. I bought the other Gibson mando p.u. the guy was selling-he asked did I want to make an offer on the C.C. Maybe I will.
Bookmarks