Covers for an A2Pro set in a semi-hollow: advisable?

[vegetablejoe]

Hi.

I just acquired a set of used A2Pro humbuckers, meant to be installed in a Ibanez Artcore AM-73 semi-hollow which I'm having set-up.

Reading from other threads that the A2P's are fat and round sounding but still bright, how would covers affect their tone? I don't plan to have them potted; just stuck together with double-sided tape on the inside, in addition to the solder on the outside. (I've done this before with a Seth and haven't had any problems.)

Would the covers take away much of the output? or the brightness? or add too much low-end as to make it muffled?

I play classic rock and blues through various pedals into a Peavey Classic 30, Roland Cube 40, and a Epi Valve Jr. (out to an ext cab with a Weber Blue Dog Ceramic speaker).

I'm sure some people will say the stock pickups sound just fine, but I've always replaced the stock pups in the previous Artcore guitars (AS-73 and AS-83) I had with Duncans and gotten better sounding results.

I've been very happy with the Seth Lovers and Antiquities I have in other guitars, so I bought the A2Pros unheard and untried. As I'm having a friend install these pups for me, I'd like to avoid coming back to him a second time about the covers....

... and therefore looking forward to your expert advice. Thanks in advance for your inputs!

Jaime

 

[Gingrel]

Re: Covers for an A2Pro set in a semi-hollow: advisable?

Bear in mind I have no experience with covered vs uncovered buckers, but I think the general consensus is that there is a VERY slight loss of brightness.

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Covers for an A2Pro set in a semi-hollow: advisable?

yep, covers wil smooth a bit off the top, but if you are getting A2s then i guess you are not looking for a heap of high end. The bonus for covers is that they shield your coils, so you get less hum.

 

[Hoboman]

Re: Covers for an A2Pro set in a semi-hollow: advisable?

I just added covers to my 59s in my Hamer Artist semi-hollow. Did take off some of the high end. Made the guitar a little warmer sounding.

 

[vegetablejoe]

Re: Covers for an A2Pro set in a semi-hollow: advisable?

I guess my fears are unfounded then. Nothing some re-eq'ing or a treble booster couldn't fix.

Thanks for your responses.

 

[vegetablejoe]

Re: Covers for an A2Pro set in a semi-hollow: advisable?

Got my guitar back... First impression: with the pickup covers, the neck pickup sounds wonderful! Clean, warm and full-sounding. But the bridge pickup is a tad too warm, even with the poles sticking up a bit over the cover. Hopefuly, just re-eq'ing my amp will help add a bit of sizzle.

I haven't tried the guitar with od pedals yet, but it seems perfect now for playing jazzy stuff. My friends love it. Unfortunately, I can't play jazz and I had intended this one for classic rock and blues.

 

[Laughing Kookaburra]

Re: Covers for an A2Pro set in a semi-hollow: advisable?

Good topic veg; I've been thinking about this myself.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Covers for an A2Pro set in a semi-hollow: advisable?

I'ma blues/classic rock player, and I put covers on all my PU's (335's included). You lose very little treble, but get better shielding, and it looks so much better.

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: Covers for an A2Pro set in a semi-hollow: advisable?

Love the covered look myself, I mean I LOVE it. But -- of course depending the guitar and alloy of the cover -- I like the uncovered sound better in most cases.

 

[eggman]

Re: Covers for an A2Pro set in a semi-hollow: advisable?

Howdy,

Blueman335 is sure right about the covers! Funny how uncovered 'buckers look OK on a Les Paul, but put 'em in a 335 and suddenly it resembles a Hippo with feathers! LOL.

Eggman

 

[blueman335]

Re: Covers for an A2Pro set in a semi-hollow: advisable?

Blueman335 is sure right about the covers! Funny how uncovered 'buckers look OK on a Les Paul, but put 'em in a 335 and suddenly it resembles a Hippo with feathers! LOL.

I hadn't thought of it in quite those terms.