Metal covers on PG's

[dhooper89]

Got a pair of Pearly Gates and I am wondering what is the difference in sound if you put the metal covers over them.
Thanks

 

[MontyAwesome]

Re: Metal covers on PG's

Nickel covers take away top end since they widen the magnetic field.

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: Metal covers on PG's

There's a different texture going on. Though I'm not disagreeing with Monty it's just that it's not like you took a butcher knife and hacked off the high end, it's more subtle.

Luke

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Metal covers on PG's

Yes. Very subtle, just softens the "high-end attack" slightly.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Metal covers on PG's

yep. i ran mine without covers for years but recently put on covers purely for cosmetic reasons

 

[Gypsyblue]

Re: Metal covers on PG's

yep. i ran mine without covers for years but recently put on covers purely for cosmetic reasons

And then I decided I liked the tone better too. More appropriate for blues and jazz. But no problem getting a nice overdriven rock tone either.

 

[LtKojak]

Re: Metal covers on PG's

I've been a "no cover" guy for most of my adult life, but after consulting with our own blueman335, I've decided the tone of covered p'ups is more suitable for the music I play.(and they definately look better in my semihollows )

HTH,

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Metal covers on PG's

I always used to think that I liked the stright forward raw look of "naked" pups. I never realized there would also be a difference in the sound of the pup compared to covered. I started to like the looks of my pups covered but was afraid that it might dull the sound of them.

I was overestimating the effect of covers. They DO have an effect on the tone, but as I said, it is subtle and nothing that can't be at least partially compensated for with the amp.

My PGs are covered and they still have that in-your-face aggressive quality that they are known for. They just look better.

On a side note....if you sometimes pick hard and agressively, the cover also provides protection for your pup. I destroyed a Strat pup once by getting a string caught under the bobbin top and it cut/broke the winding of the pup. Turns out it was cheaper to replace it than to repair it.