Adding a pickup cover...possible? Good idea?

[TCW]

Hi All,

Is it possible to add a chrome PU cover to a Les Paul that currently has uncovered PU's?

Would I need certain covers for Duncan PU's.

Does SD sell Pearly gates and JB PU's that are already covered (for future knowledge)?

Thanks!
TCW

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: Adding a pickup cover...possible? Good idea?

Yes, it's possible and pretty easy if you're handy with a solder iron. Make sure you get covers with the right pole-piece spacing though.

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Adding a pickup cover...possible? Good idea?

Yes

Yes, 49mm pole spacing

Yes

 

[heymcz]

Re: Adding a pickup cover...possible? Good idea?

I'll answer part II of the title of your thread: QUESTIONABLE IDEA. I went through a covered pickup phase, and I found that they put a dent in the tone, especially with lower output pickups ('59, A2P) in the neck. I've directly compared the '59 in the same guitar, covered and uncovered. It was muddier and blurrier with the cover.

It didn't affect the higher output pickups as much (Custom, Distortion), in fact, I think the distortion sounded slightly better with the cover. ALSO: nickel covers are subject to tarnishing if you're a "moist" player (have fun with that one.) Chrome doesn't tarnish, but it looks cheaper to begin with.

I'm back to open coils.