Microphonic covers on "dog ear" P90's in Epiphone Wildkat

[Erlend_G]

Hello,

I got an Epiphone Wildkat "koa" lmt.ed. guitar- with metal covered P90's (dog ear style)

Problem is, that the covers feed back under high gain, even moderate volume situations.-

Someone recommended me to remove the pickups, carefully solder the covers off- and apply a sticky/rubbery filling material (Sica-flex, norwegian brand) between pickup and cover.

I haven't done this "surgery" yet.

Any tips.

thank you
-Erl

 

[Erlend_G]

Re: Microphonic covers on "dog ear" P90's in Epiphone Wildkat

No one?

 

[Erlend_G]

Re: Microphonic covers on "dog ear" P90's in Epiphone Wildkat

Okay,. I'll try to unscrew them, unsolder the covers, and apply a load of "silicon on tube" in between pickups and cover.

And even post back the results.

 

[RexRemus]

Re: Microphonic covers on "dog ear" P90's in Epiphone Wildkat

I'm no expert on this but from seeing other posts I don't think a "load" of anything is required. I've seen people saying just a single layer of electrical tape or other similar insulator material was what they used. Just something, and just enough, to prevent direct contact between the cover and the pickup itself. So I'd suggest using a lighter touch vs "packing" the entire cavity. Hopefully, that's of some use and it's not too late.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Microphonic covers on "dog ear" P90's in Epiphone Wildkat

You might also try double-stick tape. Often used on humbuckers with good results.

Before you goop them, have you ever considered plastic covers? Wildkats often are said to lack some clarity in the highs.
This is mostly because they have lots of wire inside (thanks to the master volume wiring) and the wire used is very poor quality.
But I suspect the metal covers may rob a bit of high end also.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Microphonic covers on "dog ear" P90's in Epiphone Wildkat

I also think that some P90s are just microphonic. When they were designed, high gain wasn't a thing, so no doubt they weren't constructed with that in mind. Are these potted pickups?

 

[Fender_Punk]

Re: Microphonic covers on "dog ear" P90's in Epiphone Wildkat

One of the reasons Wildkats are so cool is because of their ability to feedback (plus, that tone!).

I wouldn't use silicone. tape as described above or properly wax potting would help. As Mincer said, they might just be microphonic.

 

[Erlend_G]

Re: Microphonic covers on "dog ear" P90's in Epiphone Wildkat

I also think that some P90s are just microphonic. When they were designed, high gain wasn't a thing, so no doubt they weren't constructed with that in mind. Are these potted pickups?

When i got the guitar, there was a tag hanging from one of the tuners, saying "Wax potted pickups".

It's just the covers "singing" that's the problem.

Otherwise, I love the guitar. And the pickups. First guitar I've had, where i could actually use the tone control, without just "making mud"

thanks.

 

[Erlend_G]

Re: Microphonic covers on "dog ear" P90's in Epiphone Wildkat

And even though it looks like a pure-bred "blues/jazz" guitar- I play Iced Earth/Metallica rhythm riffs, and get amazing tones!

Cleans are shimmering, the tone is solid- and perfect for my uses.

It doesn't have the "atmosphere" of a strat with a tremolo :/... a sound I do miss sometimes. Going to look for a good Squier, and put some good tuners/pickups on it.
But right now I got enough of a guitar, to satisfy my needs.

Def. a keeper.

(I got the lmt.ed. Koa top model; with TOM/stoptail. never tried the maple top verision, or one with a bigsby).

 

[Mincer]

Re: Microphonic covers on "dog ear" P90's in Epiphone Wildkat

Ahh, then the silicone might be the option here.

 

[Erlend_G]

Re: Microphonic covers on "dog ear" P90's in Epiphone Wildkat

Ahh, then the silicone might be the option here.

I will do the silicone. Because I want the covers to become dampened and "silent"- so that when i hit them with a pick- I won't get a singing "claaang"- but a muted "thck".



Going to do the surgery after I get my paycheck the 14th.

And after that- posting back the results.

rock on.

-Erl

 

[Erlend_G]

Re: Microphonic covers on "dog ear" P90's in Epiphone Wildkat

I do just hope the guitar doesn't lose any of it's high end "wonder" when i dampen the covers :/

But still, I have to address this problem. The guitar is now useless at any "stage" volume, clean or distorted.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Microphonic covers on "dog ear" P90's in Epiphone Wildkat

No, no, no. Just use a thin foam double stick mounting tape. What causes microphonics in a pup with metal cover and that is already wax potted is the metal cover touching the tops of the slugs. All you need is something to act as a "spacer" between those two metals. Even masking tape will work, but mounting tape allows you to attach the cover without having to solder it back on...kills two birds with one stone.

 

[Erlend_G]

Re: Microphonic covers on "dog ear" P90's in Epiphone Wildkat

Really^^ ?

It does sound like it'd work. If it's the same type of tape I think about- a thin foam layer (1mm) with glue on each side.