How hard is it to remove the cover from a Duncan covered pickup?

[Mind Riot]

I want to have a covered JB in a guitar to match the guitar's aesthetic, but I want to do a magnet swap before I install it. So should I:

1) Buy a covered JB, remove the cover, swap the mags, reinstall the cover, then install the pickup

or...

2) Buy an uncovered JB, buy a separate cover, swap the mags, install the cover, then install the pickup

Which is the smarter course of action?

[idsnowdog]

It's easy to remove a cover. There are two solder joints on the sides that you can heat up to remove the solder. Once the cover is removed you can remove the polepieces and unscrew the four small screws that hold the coils to the baseplate. Then you just pry the magnet loose and replace it.

[Mincer]

May people also re-pot the pickup when replacing the cover.

[ICTGoober]

It's sometimes easier to use a Dremel saw to cut the solder joint to remove the cover.
Warning: This is a job best left to experienced and competent repair guys.

[playas]

If you don't have a good soldering iron it is a pita.

With a good powerful iron (and maybe careful use of a razor blade) it doesn't have to be a difficult job.

[Wound_Up]

It's sometimes easier to use a Dremel saw to cut the solder joint to remove the cover.
Warning: This is a job best left to experienced and competent repair guys.

Stewmac uses a razor blade. No need for an entire Dremel. Just get a sharp blade.

[Mind Riot]

Thank you for the responses guys!

I'm good with a soldering iron; wired up more pickups than I can remember, though I've never run across this particular situation. I just had visions of removing the two solder points on the cover then discovering that the whole thing was filled with wax and that the cover was never coming off unless I found a way to heat the entire thing enough to get the wax to soften. Nightmare scenario.

I actually have this little rubber bulb with a heat resistant nylon tip that will suck up melted solder, very handy, so should be no problem slurping up the solder on those two points holding the cover on.

Now I just have to find a covered JB. I have to say, I've been looking around on Reverb as I've heard about it for so long as this great new marketplace for gear, and that place blows. Nothing costing anything less than you can find in online stores like Sweetwater or AMS, and a ton of people trying to scam everybody selling Harley Bentons and Fireflys for way more than they cost brand new. Pisses me off.

Oh, one more question. Are all Duncan covered humbuckers Trembuckers? Or do I have to be on the watch about that too? Because I've seen some auctions on ebay for some covered JBs and they were labeled as SH-4 buckers, not TB-4s (in both the description and on the actual pickup in the pics).

[orpheo]

Trembuckers can be covered (have their own unique polespacing)
Non-Trembuckers (SH humbuckers) can be covered, too (have a more standarized polespacing).

You will recognize, guaranteed, a trembucker if the 'feet' have 3 screw holes instead of one. That's the tell-tale sign of trembuckers, always.

[ArtieToo]

Since you don't already own them, would it be possible to just order it as a shop floor custom, with the mags you want, already installed?

[Mincer]

Since you don't already own them, would it be possible to just order it as a shop floor custom, with the mags you want, already installed?

This would be the way to do it. It might take slightly longer, but you get exactly what you want.

[Mind Riot]

Trembuckers can be covered (have their own unique polespacing)
Non-Trembuckers (SH humbuckers) can be covered, too (have a more standarized polespacing).

You will recognize, guaranteed, a trembucker if the 'feet' have 3 screw holes instead of one. That's the tell-tale sign of trembuckers, always.

Ah ha, thank you very much, that little bit of info should serve me well in the future.

[Mind Riot]

This would be the way to do it. It might take slightly longer, but you get exactly what you want.

Does it cost more?

[Mincer]

Does it cost more?

Not much, certainly it shouldn't be as much as a Custom Shop pickup. It does have to be ordered through an authorized SD dealer, though.

[jeremy]

i always use a razor blade, but you do have to be careful and if you arent comfortable with doing it, then i wouldnt. the shop floor custom option is a good one