i have a question...wax-potting pickups..

[benji657]

i've read that the pups from the factory are potted lightly and some people just pot them again??
is it necessary, and how do you do this??


benji

 

[beandip]

Re: i have a question...wax-potting pickups..

use parafin wax that you can get at almost any hobby store (hobby lobby, micheals.)

 

[dr.barlo]

Re: i have a question...wax-potting pickups..

It adds an extra layer of sheidling without detracting from the pick-ups performance.

That's a statement I know many would disagree, including myself.

B

 

[jeremy]

Re: i have a question...wax-potting pickups..

back in the old days that might have been a good idea but unless you have a problem with feedback, id let it be

 

[psychodave]

Re: i have a question...wax-potting pickups..

That's a statement I know many would disagree, including myself.

B

I agree with you.

I have potted dozens of p-up and they ALWAYS sound different after. The highs seem to be lessened or the mids seem to be enhanced (either or).

I have also confirmed this with several p-up makers like Peter Florance of Voodoo p-ups.

 

[dr.barlo]

Re: i have a question...wax-potting pickups..

The same here. But I have Tim White and Jim Rolph (among others) on my list!

In fact I am employing the idea to de-pot a 59 set. I like them, but don't have the 3d clarity and openess of the ants. Now gotta learn how!

B

 

[idsnowdog]

Re: i have a question...wax-potting pickups..

I re-pot nearly all the pickups I buy. Most need it.

Snowdog

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: i have a question...wax-potting pickups..

I'll repot them only if they squeal, or if I'm installing nickel covers.
I've noticed that most of the unpotted nickel Duncans don't squeal, probably because they solder them on real tight, but high gain will even get those ringing slightly, so I'd always pot a bridge pickup. My unpotted Seth neck doesn't squeal at all, so I left that as Mr. Lover intended it. Dr. Barlo suggested I try it before potting it, and I'm glad I did, since it does have a more open, 3D sound when left alone.

 

[idsnowdog]

Re: i have a question...wax-potting pickups..

So how would a person un-pot a pickup? The only thing I could think of is a mild chemical solvent that would disolve the wax. I don't think a process using heat would be that great?

Snowdog

 

[dr.barlo]

Re: i have a question...wax-potting pickups..

So how would a person un-pot a pickup? The only thing I could think of is a mild chemical solvent that would disolve the wax. I don't think a process using heat would be that great?

Snowdog

I am gonna be researching about that soon. But meanwhile it would be great if somebody were to come up with suggestions about where to start.

B

 

[psychodave]

Re: i have a question...wax-potting pickups..

I would figure if the open coils were not potted it would be as easy as using a hair dryer and warming up the piece and wiping the way away. I would assume that you could get 99% of the wax off. If the coils are potted you will never get them wax free. I never remove the tape on the coils and pot them, I only do the p-up as a unit. I have used pressure to pot p-up, but it seems that a 3-5 minute hot wax bath works perfectly.