How do I install pickup covers on my SD's?

[Nimdawg]

Hello all!

I recently bought a JB/Jazz combo for my Ibanez SZ520 but I'm thinking of giving the guitar a more classic look by adding pickup covers. I know I have to get the correct pole spacing and have to solder the cover to the bottom. Is this enough or do I have to get into wax potting and such? (I prefer not to mess with the pickups). If anyone has installed covers - Please let me know how it was done and what pole spacing was used. :saeek:

 

[rspst14]

Re: How do I install pickup covers on my SD's?

You can order covers that are made by Duncan to fit their pickups. In general, it's a good idea to wax pot the pickup when you're done, but I've heard of people using masking tape under the cover to help prevent squealing.

Ryan

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: How do I install pickup covers on my SD's?

Go over to the Vault and read my tutorial on replacing bar magnets under my "tips" posts....

John

 

[Nimdawg]

Re: How do I install pickup covers on my SD's?

Thanks a lot John!

I see you put masking tape on the studs and wax only the pickup cover. That sounds simpler and I hope will eliminate the feedback. Can I use a normal solder (the one for electric circuits) or do I need a special one?

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: How do I install pickup covers on my SD's?

One more thing to be aware of is that your pickguard will accomodate the nickel covers, if your guitar has a pickguard. Most pickguard holes need to be modded in the four corners, to allow the nickel cover to go through.

If you decide to pot them, just buy Parafin Cooking Wax in the Baking section at any grocery store.

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: How do I install pickup covers on my SD's?

Thanks a lot John!

I see you put masking tape on the studs and wax only the pickup cover. That sounds simpler and I hope will eliminate the feedback. Can I use a normal solder (the one for electric circuits) or do I need a special one?

I don't even wax the inside of my covers anymore. I Just put 1 layer of masking tape over the studs and make sure the cover is on all the way....I clamp the cover and then resolder it..You don't want an air gap between the bobbin top and the cover.

John

 

[Nimdawg]

Re: How do I install pickup covers on my SD's?

Thank you again,

A question regarding pole spacing:

A quick search on ebay revealed that the pickup covers for sale were standard spaced les paul style and the spacing was:

Neck Pickup (E to E) = 1-31/32" (50mm)
Bridge Pickup (E to E) = 1-31/32" (50mm)

Now on the box of the JB the spacing is written as follows:
This pickup is designed for bridges with traditional humbucker string spacing of 1.925" (48.9mm).

Is this close enough ? Will there be a problem installing these covers as both are supposed to be standard spaced? (I think maybe the SD pole distance is just more accurate whereas the other is general) :smack: