Problem with My Custom Custom

J

JTM

New member
Hey All,

I just got a Seth Lover neck and a Custom Custom bridge with all new pots, etc. dropped into my Ibanez Artcore AM73 (semi-hollow). I love the way they sound, but I'm having a problem with the CC. When I play the CC through my amp's (Carvin MTS 3212) overdrive channel, it starts feeding back and squealing (I run the gain at about 3.5). Turn the amp's volume up and it gets worse. Add more signal with my Jekyll and Hyde and it gets worse yet. I lowered the pickup height and dropped the high E pole, but it still does it, even at low volumes - actually, it's not so bad with just the amp, but the J&H throws it into a feedback frenzy. So what do you think? Is the CC just too hot for a semi hollow (somehow I don't think so)? Was it wired wrong (I had it installed at a local music store and the guy said it might be because the CC isn't potted)? Do I need to consider a replacement - something not so hot? Ideas?

Thanks,

JTM
 
Re: Problem with My Custom Custom

JTM, what you have just described is a problem with semi-hollows that are equipped with higher output pups. It's not so much of a pup problem as it is a guitar construction issue.

However, anything is possible, and you might not have got as much wax under your cover as SD had intended. I'd wait for Evan on this one if you are convinced the pup is microphonic.

Hope that helps.

Luke
 
Re: Problem with My Custom Custom

i am guessing the cover may be loose. your cc starts squealing when the cover starts vibrating. i am not sure but i suppose sd covers has double tape under the cover. it is suppose to stick to the bobbins to prevent it vibrating if its not already wax potted with the cover on.
 
Re: Problem with My Custom Custom

Luke Duke said:
JTM, what you have just described is a problem with semi-hollows that are equipped with higher output pups. It's not so much of a pup problem as it is a guitar construction issue.

However, anything is possible, and you might not have got as much wax under your cover as SD had intended. I'd wait for Evan on this one if you are convinced the pup is microphonic.

Hope that helps.

Luke
Click to expand...

that may be the case also. but lew has a cc and seth in a semi-hollow hamer monaco and it doesn't seemed to pose any problems.
 
Re: Problem with My Custom Custom

Luke Duke said:
JTM, what you have just described is a problem with semi-hollows that are equipped with higher output pups. It's not so much of a pup problem as it is a guitar construction issue.

However, anything is possible, and you might not have got as much wax under your cover as SD had intended. I'd wait for Evan on this one if you are convinced the pup is microphonic.

Hope that helps.

Luke
Click to expand...

Well, if it is a guitar issue, I have a short window to get a replacement. Any suggestions? Is the Custom 5 lower output? Should I opt for another Seth in the bridge? Ideas?
 
Re: Problem with My Custom Custom

JTM said:
Well, if it is a guitar issue, I have a short window to get a replacement. Any suggestions? Is the Custom 5 lower output? Should I opt for another Seth in the bridge? Ideas?
Click to expand...

All of the Custom series have the same DC resistance and output-wise they are close.

The thing is a monaco elite (I think that's what his is) doesn't have F-holes, therefore the ability to feedback is severly hampered.

Like Dani said, examine the pup, and see if the covers seems to move any.

Luke
 
Re: Problem with My Custom Custom

Luke Duke said:
All of the Custom series have the same DC resistance and output-wise they are close.

The thing is a monaco elite (I think that's what his is) doesn't have F-holes, therefore the ability to feedback is severly hampered.

Like Dani said, examine the pup, and see if the covers seems to move any.

Luke
Click to expand...

Will do. I actually picked out this combination per Lew's suggestion, and I thought the CC was indeed potted. The lack of F-holes on the Monaco explains why he hasn't had this problem.

So...let's say the CC is fine but is just too hot for the semi-hollow and I need to replace it. Should I go with a vintage pup like the Seth or the Alnico II? Since the Seths aren't potted, would that pose a similar problem, or are they wound to handle that? I want something that can really cut but won't have feedback issues. Suggestions? Anyone play a semi-hollow (with F-Holes) with a Duncan they really like in the bridge?
 
Re: Problem with My Custom Custom

Theres a few things you should try before you even consider getting new pickups.

First, Don't lower your pickup to make the feedback go away, cause thats not gonna do anything, cept make the hieght springs slacker, and make it easyer for them to vibrate (which can be one source of feedback).
Second, try takeing the pickup out, and putting a peice of foam under neith it and reinstalling it. The foam that comes with duncans when you buy them works really well for this. What it does, is holds the pickup in place, so the body of the pickup can't move as much. And this helps cut down on microphonics.
Third. Try replaceing the Height adjustment springs with medical tubing, like is used on strats and tele's. The spring vibrateing can actully cause your pickups to seem microphonic, when they really aren't. Medical tubeing is easy to find. Although people will probably think your a junkie when they see you buying it. (haha)
Fourth. Do you really even need covers? Covers cause microphonics more than anything else. And if you like the tone of your pickups, but just hate the feedback issue. Then just remove the covers. I know it might look "kooler" or more "classic" with the covers. But who cares? Tone isn't about "Looking" kool. Its about sounding kool.
And finally. I'de suggest removing the covers, getting all the original wax off the pickups (or as much as possible) and re-potting them yourself, useing a 50/50 solution of dense candle wax, and Bees wax. I always re-pot my pickups when I get them. Simply because most companys don't really take the time to pot pickups properly. And they also usally Vacume pot pickups. ANd I Find that useing a hot wax potting method actully seems to work substantially better in getting rid of microphonics. The trick is to heat the wax to about 150 degrees, and then set the pickup in there. Move it around for 10 minutes or so until all air bubbles stop coming out. Then LET THE WAX COOL with the pickup still submerged. Wait till the wax is cooled to the point of being the consistancy of Pudding then take it out and wipe off all excess wax on the outside. and let it set for an hour or soo. then reinstall it.
I know it seems scary to do sumthing like that yourself. But its really actully quiet easy. Just be careful, and take your time. And it should work out just fine. But if sumthing does go horribly wrong, Don't blame me. Haha
Ed
 
Re: Problem with My Custom Custom

Low_fidelity2100 said:
Theres a few things you should try before you even consider getting new pickups.

First, Don't lower your pickup to make the feedback go away, cause thats not gonna do anything, cept make the hieght springs slacker, and make it easyer for them to vibrate (which can be one source of feedback).
Second, try takeing the pickup out, and putting a peice of foam under neith it and reinstalling it. The foam that comes with duncans when you buy them works really well for this. What it does, is holds the pickup in place, so the body of the pickup can't move as much. And this helps cut down on microphonics.
Third. Try replaceing the Height adjustment springs with medical tubing, like is used on strats and tele's. The spring vibrateing can actully cause your pickups to seem microphonic, when they really aren't. Medical tubeing is easy to find. Although people will probably think your a junkie when they see you buying it. (haha)
Fourth. Do you really even need covers? Covers cause microphonics more than anything else. And if you like the tone of your pickups, but just hate the feedback issue. Then just remove the covers. I know it might look "kooler" or more "classic" with the covers. But who cares? Tone isn't about "Looking" kool. Its about sounding kool.
And finally. I'de suggest removing the covers, getting all the original wax off the pickups (or as much as possible) and re-potting them yourself, useing a 50/50 solution of dense candle wax, and Bees wax. I always re-pot my pickups when I get them. Simply because most companys don't really take the time to pot pickups properly. And they also usally Vacume pot pickups. ANd I Find that useing a hot wax potting method actully seems to work substantially better in getting rid of microphonics. The trick is to heat the wax to about 150 degrees, and then set the pickup in there. Move it around for 10 minutes or so until all air bubbles stop coming out. Then LET THE WAX COOL with the pickup still submerged. Wait till the wax is cooled to the point of being the consistancy of Pudding then take it out and wipe off all excess wax on the outside. and let it set for an hour or soo. then reinstall it.
I know it seems scary to do sumthing like that yourself. But its really actully quiet easy. Just be careful, and take your time. And it should work out just fine. But if sumthing does go horribly wrong, Don't blame me. Haha
Ed
Click to expand...

Great post Ed!

So you're saying you do NOT like the vaccum potting like Duncan does?

Luke
 
Re: Problem with My Custom Custom

If you think its your guitar, I read an interview about an artist who stuffed his semi hollow with cotton and put black paper under the f-holes to keep it from showing.
 
Re: Problem with My Custom Custom

dani said:
that may be the case also. but lew has a cc and seth in a semi-hollow hamer monaco and it doesn't seemed to pose any problems.
Click to expand...

That's right...and mine are both nickel covered too. I have zero problems with my CC feeding back. If you are experiencing a high whistling feedback, like a microphone feeds back when you point it towards the speakers, you probably have a microphonic pickup due to the cover resonating. Probably needs to be wax potted more thoroughly than it is now.

Lew
 
Re: Problem with My Custom Custom

Low_fidelity2100 said:
Theres a few things you should try before you even consider getting new pickups.

First, Don't lower your pickup to make the feedback go away, cause thats not gonna do anything, cept make the hieght springs slacker, and make it easyer for them to vibrate (which can be one source of feedback).
Second, try takeing the pickup out, and putting a peice of foam under neith it and reinstalling it. The foam that comes with duncans when you buy them works really well for this. What it does, is holds the pickup in place, so the body of the pickup can't move as much. And this helps cut down on microphonics.
Third. Try replaceing the Height adjustment springs with medical tubing, like is used on strats and tele's. The spring vibrateing can actully cause your pickups to seem microphonic, when they really aren't. Medical tubeing is easy to find. Although people will probably think your a junkie when they see you buying it. (haha)
Fourth. Do you really even need covers? Covers cause microphonics more than anything else. And if you like the tone of your pickups, but just hate the feedback issue. Then just remove the covers. I know it might look "kooler" or more "classic" with the covers. But who cares? Tone isn't about "Looking" kool. Its about sounding kool.
And finally. I'de suggest removing the covers, getting all the original wax off the pickups (or as much as possible) and re-potting them yourself, useing a 50/50 solution of dense candle wax, and Bees wax. I always re-pot my pickups when I get them. Simply because most companys don't really take the time to pot pickups properly. And they also usally Vacume pot pickups. ANd I Find that useing a hot wax potting method actully seems to work substantially better in getting rid of microphonics. The trick is to heat the wax to about 150 degrees, and then set the pickup in there. Move it around for 10 minutes or so until all air bubbles stop coming out. Then LET THE WAX COOL with the pickup still submerged. Wait till the wax is cooled to the point of being the consistancy of Pudding then take it out and wipe off all excess wax on the outside. and let it set for an hour or soo. then reinstall it.
I know it seems scary to do sumthing like that yourself. But its really actully quiet easy. Just be careful, and take your time. And it should work out just fine. But if sumthing does go horribly wrong, Don't blame me. Haha
Ed
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tips, Ed. Hey, I'm in the Quad Cities, probably not too far from your neck of the woods. I'll see what I can do. Sucks that the covers cause those problems. Thanks again.
 
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