Chrome Covers - Where'd They Go?

[THRobinson]

Was looking at sets of humbuckers for a guitar on SD's site as well as DiMarzio, and noticed that on both sites they have various nickel options, raw, gold, and in some cases stuff like black, white, etc. DiMarzio has a selection of bobbin colours including chrome topped... but neither site lists chrome covers.

I know people will say that nickel doesn't alter the sound as much as chrome does, and I'll argue that some people may prefer the difference it makes, and that the black, red and gold probably block as much as chrome does. So, I doubt that's the reason why no chrome covers offered.

Anyone know why no chrome? not guesses but, actual reason for the lack of chrome offerings?

I have a '70 Hagstrom, original pups are gone sadly, and looking for a good '70s rock sounding combo for them, but, bridge, tailpiece, tuners and knobs are all chrome so, was after chrome covered pickups when I realized that there are none, unless you buy cheap pickups, in which case most manufacturers/sellers have chrome but no nickel, the exact reverse.

Anyone know why that is?

I know, you can buy aftermarkets, but some are hit and miss for lining up with the poles and not buldging out because bobbins a bit too wide. I'll likely have to go this route but just curious where the chrome covers all went and why.

 

[Chistopher]

It might be because nickel cost more and I'd wager most people think it looks better than chrome.

 

[THRobinson]

It might be because nickel cost more and I'd wager most people think it looks better than chrome.

Assume you meant chrome cost more... but doubt because people like nickel more. Lot's of chrome hardware out there and people want to match stuff up.

Like me in this case. Personally, always prefered nickel over chrome, but as mentioned, guitar has existing chrome hardware. New guitars are the same, lots of new Les Pauls, SGs, PRS, etc with chrome.

 

[Chistopher]

Yeah, you would definitely think it would be easier to find chrome as an option given other chrome hardware isn't exactly rare.

I think nickel is actually more expensive, at least if kitchen hardware is to be believed. The chrome finish always wind up cheaper, but I suppose there may be other factors at play.

 

[THRobinson]

It's weird, right? I know health risks in doing chrome plating but, could that be why?

Price wise, I read that chrome was more than nickel, but at the same time, go online and buy covers, the nickel usually costs more.

Plus, both SD and Dimarzio, the biggest pickup makers quit...not sure when though. Same time?

I was looking for used ones and wondered why I never seem to see any used ones with chrome covers so, went online to price new ones and found out why I can't find them used.

I wax potted a Dimarzio Super Distortion I had since the '80s. Found the proper cover in chrome, wax potted and grounded, worked fine but up close can see its just a wee bit off.

This time, if comes down to it, I'll cover the top of the pup with black electrical tape (minus the exposed poles) and put a few lines of silicone down. That way if ever want the covers off, I have the option.

 

[JOLLY]

Interesting. I haven't even paid it any attention.

 

[THRobinson]

Interesting. I haven't even paid it any attention.

Same... typically just use what's in the guitar, or cheaper GFS or FLEOR pickups for a few guitars that had no pickups.

I have a 1970 Hagstrom Swede that needs a full restoration, and no way I'm paying $300CAD (each) for original pickups. Was thinking the JB/59 combo, or DiMarzio Tone Zone/Air Zone set in chrome to match what's there but nope... no such luck. :dunno: Again... chrome tuners, bridge, tail and control knobs... nice to buy a set of pickups ready to install but what can ya do.

 

[Securb]

Just buy some chrome covers and swap them out.

For the record, I prefer nickel to chrome.

 

[THRobinson]

Just buy some chrome covers and swap them out.

For the record, I prefer nickel to chrome.

Yup, I know... mentioned aftermarkets in the OP, also mentioned I prefer nickel as well... but preference isn't a factor. Tuners, bridge, tail, and knobs are all chrome. Need matching pickups.

 

[beaubrummels]

My only guess is either they are just out of stock, or you might be looking at models that aren't offered in chrome?

 

[Supernautilus]

I must be the odd one because I’ve really grown to dislike nickel. My Phat Cat set tarnishes so easily. I tried to polish them a few times but eventually I gave up. Haven’t used nickel since. Gimme dat chrome baby.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

I don't think nickel plating is inherently more expensive to do than chrome.
It may cost less to have chrome batches done simply because platers do so much of it.
Just a thought.

As to why the big pickup companies don't offer chrome covered humbuckers anymore, I have no idea.

 

[ToneFiddler]

I am totally with you.
There is lot's of chrome hardware out there and nickel doesn't match that well.

There are aftermarket covers available but yes, it's a big hassle to find a matching one.
If you want a chrome Trembucker you are screwed!

I like chrome hardware because it holds up much better!
Nickel gets messy pretty quickly, but can look good on a burst or something.
Chrome should be an option for SD PUs

​

 

[THRobinson]

Seymour Duncan and DiMarzio both responded... neither said they have any idea why it's no longer offered as a standard option, but in both cases chrome is still offered... at a bumped up price through their custom shops.

So, not a stock issue, not an environmental issue... shouldn't be a price issue because I'm sure the fake gold plating process costs just as much, and on eBay, the cheap MIC options are always chrome, not nickel, so... ya, not really further ahead as to "why" but they do still have them. Just means if looking for a cheap set of used ones with chrome covers, good luck.

 

[ToneFiddler]

Custom shop or shop floor custom is not really an option for Europa