file down pickups or install pickup covers

[wilkinsi]

I just bought a pair of Jacksons. A DKAQ (HH) and SLA3Q (HSS). The single coils of the SLA3Q are fine as they have solid covers. But the humbuckers have rough edges. I rest my third and pinky finger on the treble side edge of the humbucker whilst using my thumb and index finger to hold the pick. Should I A) have someone file the pickup edges, or just buy some pickup covers? These pickups are direct mounted.

 

[beaubrummels]

Plastic covers won't change the sound. Metal covers will change the sound slightly. Filing the bobbins will create plastic dust which could get into stuff (on the pickup tape or on the coil wax), but can't predict whether that would cause any other problems. Maybe you could remove the pickups, flip them upside down and gently smooth the edges of the bobbin tops, letting the debris fall away from the pickup.

 

[ehdwuld]

I would get some electrical tape and cover the edge so the pickup

You can use a razor blade to scrape the edges smooth

You can use a heat gun to slightly melt the plastic bobbin this will create the smoothest edge
also could damage the pickup more easily

Cover would work

Beauty ring,
Open center cover that lets the bobbin show through
Would work as well with minimal impact on sound
No matter the composition