adding nickel cover to HB

[pookey]

I want to try an open PU, but want to be able to cover it, possibly. How difficult is it to add a nickel cover to a stock Jazz, JB, or 59 humbucker? To me, it looks like simply raising the adjustable poles, placing a cover over the pickup, and soldering a small dollop on each side to hold it on. Would this be the same as a "factory" SD covered pickup, or do they do something goofy like wax pot after the cover is on? Finally, would a cover from Stew Mac fit an SD or would I have to get an actual SD cover for a SD pickup? Thanks.

 

[rspst14]

Re: adding nickel cover to HB

You just solder the cover on, but you will probably want to wax pot it when you're done. Blackrose sells Duncan pickup covers, I don't know if the Stewmac covers will fit.

Ryan

 

[pookey]

Re: adding nickel cover to HB

Aren't most of the "open" SD pickups from the factory already potted? Does adding the cover yourself add feedback issues requiring it to be potted again?

 

[juliang]

Re: adding nickel cover to HB

I've only done the opposite and it seems to me that when you remove the cover the pup looks the same. The sound is different though, and the covers can rust if you're too mean to put the AC on in Summer!!!!, believe me!

 

[rspst14]

Re: adding nickel cover to HB

Aren't most of the "open" SD pickups from the factory already potted? Does adding the cover yourself add feedback issues requiring it to be potted again?

Yes, they are potted, but the cover does add the potential for feedback.

Ryan

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: adding nickel cover to HB

Some people put a small strip of tape over the slug bobbin first, but I usually just squeeze it on, solder the sides, then dunk it in melted parafin wax, toss it in the fridge, then install it.

 

[pookey]

Re: adding nickel cover to HB

Where do I get parafin wax? Is there directions somewhere on the web for doing the wax potting process???

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: adding nickel cover to HB

Some people put a small strip of tape over the slug bobbin first, but I usually just squeeze it on, solder the sides, then dunk it in melted parafin wax, toss it in the fridge, then install it.

Don't put the tape on the bobbin! Put the tape inside the cover in the area that will be over the slug bobbin once the cover is installed. The idea of the tape is to damp the potencial for microphonic vibration of the COVER! Lew

 

[orbiter]

Re: adding nickel cover to HB

I got this tip from wagner .. put a small bead of clear silicone over the slug .. clamp and solder the covers .. the silicone fills in the airgaps that can cause micro feedback ...

seems to work just fine.. ~G

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: adding nickel cover to HB

I got this tip from wagner .. put a small bead of clear silicone over the slug .. clamp and solder the covers .. the silicone fills in the airgaps that can cause micro feedback ...

seems to work just fine.. ~G

I'll bet. It's drastic and not needed though. The masking tape trick works well and will allow you take the cover off someday again if you want to. Lew

 

[orbiter]

Re: adding nickel cover to HB

I'll bet. It's drastic and not needed though. The masking tape trick works well and will allow you take the cover off someday again if you want to. Lew

yes .. I asked about the removal of the covers after this .. he said awww man ... it's a mess .. so only do it if you're going keep em on ..

it works great though ... I like the paper trick .. just offering other options

~G