We will attach a retention thread to the end of the pickup. This will be used to manipulate and control the pickup during insertion.
To begin, tie a single overhand knot in one end of the suture and bring its loop over the pickup. Tighten the knot at the pickup's base, where the signal lead joins.
Next, tighten the knot and loop it around the pickup in an open spiral. This is done to strengthen the connection, and to put the point of tension at the pickup tip.
Then cut a piece of 3/4" masking tape to length and attach it to the top (or bottom, if you prefer).
Wrap the tape tightly around the pickup one turn, then continue to cover the surface you started on. Do not add additional turns. This would make the prepared pickup too bulky without adding to its strength.
Finally, cut off the excess with scissors and firmly wrap the excess onto the pickup.
Next step is to prepare the tailblock. It isn't as daunting as it may seem to the uninitiated. No Novocain needed.
Preparing the Pickup for Insertion
