How to remove a pickup cover
- Thread starter mike2nyc
- Start date
Sanford
New member
Re: How to remove a pickup cover
The only time I removed a cover was from an Epi humbucker to put on my '59n. I had to unsolder a couple of "welds" that were holding it in place. The cover came off with a little tugging. I wasn't too concerned with the Epi pickup, but I didn't mess up the coils (no visual signs, I never connected the pickup afterward). Basically I'd say just go slow, look for any solder joints holding it on and melt them, then just work the cover off carefully. I didn't have to pry it off, just used my fingers to hold/pull. Held the cover with one hand while pulling the pickup out with the other.
Edit: slow post, came after the second one. Oh well, maybe it'll help someone in the future.
The only time I removed a cover was from an Epi humbucker to put on my '59n. I had to unsolder a couple of "welds" that were holding it in place. The cover came off with a little tugging. I wasn't too concerned with the Epi pickup, but I didn't mess up the coils (no visual signs, I never connected the pickup afterward). Basically I'd say just go slow, look for any solder joints holding it on and melt them, then just work the cover off carefully. I didn't have to pry it off, just used my fingers to hold/pull. Held the cover with one hand while pulling the pickup out with the other.
Edit: slow post, came after the second one. Oh well, maybe it'll help someone in the future.
Re: How to remove a pickup cover
Sanford, I tried to do the same exact thing, but my cheapo Radio Shack irons just wouldn't get hot enough. I had to take it in to the shop and of course, I ended up not liking the '59 so I had to take it back to the shop to have a Seth put in. Since I don't really need the stock pickup anymore, would it be okay to just 'crack' it open with a screwdriver or something? I've never actually seen/tinkered around with a pickup and that's what I wanted to do with it.
Sanford, I tried to do the same exact thing, but my cheapo Radio Shack irons just wouldn't get hot enough. I had to take it in to the shop and of course, I ended up not liking the '59 so I had to take it back to the shop to have a Seth put in. Since I don't really need the stock pickup anymore, would it be okay to just 'crack' it open with a screwdriver or something? I've never actually seen/tinkered around with a pickup and that's what I wanted to do with it.
Sanford
New member
Re: How to remove a pickup cover
The only thing I would say against "cracking it open" or "prying off the cover" is that it may mess up the cover and make it harder to install on another pickup. In my case I was just trying to be careful to keep the cover in good shape. If you just want to take apart a cover assembly to see what's underneath, I'd still suggest being careful just so you know what it's supposed to look like. After that, go to town, mess it up...whatever.
I bet your iron will get hot enough to melt solder (that's what it was made to do), you might need to look into a new tip for it though. Old soldering iron tips can cause lack of appropriate heat, and in this case it sounds like you have that going on. Also, it's good to properly tin and clean iron tips to keep them in working order.
The only thing I would say against "cracking it open" or "prying off the cover" is that it may mess up the cover and make it harder to install on another pickup. In my case I was just trying to be careful to keep the cover in good shape. If you just want to take apart a cover assembly to see what's underneath, I'd still suggest being careful just so you know what it's supposed to look like. After that, go to town, mess it up...whatever.
I bet your iron will get hot enough to melt solder (that's what it was made to do), you might need to look into a new tip for it though. Old soldering iron tips can cause lack of appropriate heat, and in this case it sounds like you have that going on. Also, it's good to properly tin and clean iron tips to keep them in working order.
jerryjg
PinkElephantologist
Re: How to remove a pickup cover
do Not cack it open. You might ruin the pickup. Invest in a good new irion. If you had a factory stock Duncan , you could remove the cover by very carefully( cause you do not want to cut yourself, trust me), just working at the solder welds with the hardware type razor blade till you cut through. Since yours have been soldered by someone else no telling how much solder is on there, and so I dont know if the blade will work. It took me a little while with the blade on the stock Duncans.
do Not cack it open. You might ruin the pickup. Invest in a good new irion. If you had a factory stock Duncan , you could remove the cover by very carefully( cause you do not want to cut yourself, trust me), just working at the solder welds with the hardware type razor blade till you cut through. Since yours have been soldered by someone else no telling how much solder is on there, and so I dont know if the blade will work. It took me a little while with the blade on the stock Duncans.
STRATDELUXER97
Stratoblaster Tone Meister
Re: How to remove a pickup cover
Best and easiest way to remove a cover is to use a dremel tool with a thin wafer carbide wheel on it...
Click on the link..
http://www.projectguitar.com/tut/barmagswap.htm
Best and easiest way to remove a cover is to use a dremel tool with a thin wafer carbide wheel on it...
Click on the link..
http://www.projectguitar.com/tut/barmagswap.htm
