cover vs. no cover

huggins29

New member
I love the look of the covered pickups (chrome or nickel) in a les paul. I also love the sound of my JB on bridge and jazz on neck. If I cover these pickups how will it change my sound? Thanks for any insight.

Seth Huggins
 
Re: cover vs. no cover

Most people don't notice a change in sound, but you might notice a bit less treble than in an uncovered set.
 
Re: cover vs. no cover

Benjy_26 said:
Most people don't notice a change in sound, but you might notice a bit less treble than in an uncovered set.

I second that notion.
 
Re: cover vs. no cover

lpstudio said:
will covers from my stock gibson pickups fit my seymour duncans???
a gibson cover fits in my jazz ,probably the jb will too if they have the same spacing (paf spacing). but take note also that not all gibson covers are the same .the non paf types (like the 500t) have wider spacing on the bridge.
 
Re: cover vs. no cover

Try them to see if they fit. If not, you can buy the covers for less than $15 apiece (in gold).
 
Re: cover vs. no cover

Your covers should fit as long as the model number is not followed by t such as wiht the 500t.
 
Re: cover vs. no cover

bvc310 said:
Your covers should fit as long as the model number is not followed by t such as wiht the 500t.

I agree....it's the older Gibson covers that don't fit SD humbuckers, I believe. As long as you use newer Gibby covers or SD covers, you'll be okay.
 
Re: cover vs. no cover

I notice a big difference in sound. Covered a pup has more honk and is mellower. Take the cover off and it is louder and more open with more treble and added sizzle.
 
Re: cover vs. no cover

I agree... a DEFINITE difference in sound... you probably wouldn't notice that much if you are using an amp like a Boogie Rectifier though... or going through a couple of pedals...
One main difference besides the effect on the magnetic field from the cover itself is that when the cover is on the screws are adjusted closer to the strings than the slugs that are under the cover... this will have a very noticeable effect on the response even with the cover off.
 
Re: cover vs. no cover

GHWelles said:
I notice a big difference in sound. Covered a pup has more honk and is mellower. Take the cover off and it is louder and more open with more treble and added sizzle.

That is correct, IMO. The only thing I'd differ with is "big". Some players notice a big diff...some only a small diff. But there's a diff and the diff is just what GHWelles mentioned. Lew
 
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Re: cover vs. no cover

Modern day covers are fairly transparent and have little effect on tone but it is there, although slight. You can also lower the pole pieces into the cover to have them more flush with the slugs. I do this with covered pickups and it makes a difference.
 
Re: cover vs. no cover

I have used a set of Gibson covers off of a set of 57 classic/57 plus to put on a set of SD 59's without any problems.
 
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