Pacifica Upgrade and Problem

[Luke Bartlett]

Hi all,

So I have a Yamaha Pacifica 112J, it's my main guitar and I really like the way it feels and plays but I discovered yesterday morning that the pickups might be microphonic. With the neck one in particular I can hear other instruments coming out my amp.  Obviously I have two main options: to pot the pickups (or get them potted) or replace (upgrade!) them.  I have been thinking that I’ll upgrade them at some stage because although I like the way the guitar plays I’m not so keen on the sound, maybe now’s the time.  I play a really wide variety of music on it, from old school soul and blues to modern metal and everything in between so I appreciate finding a one-size-fits-all solution may be hard but what would everyone recommend if I was to upgrade or would you say to just pot them and save some money.


Thanks

Luke



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[metalchurch79]

Re: Pacifica Upgrade and Problem

Just a suggestion, have you tried a different cord? Sometimes if it has a bad connection/solder joint they will act like how you're describing. I actually just had that happen to me a while ago and I use EMGs mainly so I knew it wasn't that. I was even plugging in to different outlets and different configurations in the chain on my power strip, until I swapped cords...I must have stepped on it or something....

One other time I heard other instruments coming out of my amp, turns out my buddy added an A/B box and was hiding behind my amp playing different leads and such. He was so good I let him finish the gig. He now plays air guitar for a cover band.

 

[GilmourD]

Re: Pacifica Upgrade and Problem

A cheap fix that I've found is that sometimes the springs on single coil mounting screws aren't very stiff at all and allow A LOT of vibration in the pickup. I typically use surgical tubing instead of springs on single coils.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Pacifica Upgrade and Problem

Well, f you are going to replace them...

2 Classic Strat Stacks and a 59. No more microphonics (from the pickups, anyway) and dead silent from a hum perspective. You can cover all the music you are currently playing very well.

 

[jmcorey]

Re: Pacifica Upgrade and Problem

I would do 2 classic stacks and a PG Trembucker.

 

[jtougas]

Re: Pacifica Upgrade and Problem

You could also look at the Vintage/Cool Rails, and a '59 or Pearly Gates for the bridge...


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