Loose P-pickup cover?

samtay6 · #1 12-11-2010, 05:48 PM

So I just finished unwrapping and running my new SX P bass through a test and I gotta say I'm blown away. No fret finishing needed, only minimal intonation adjustment, and no finish flaws.

The only problem seems to be a loose pickup cover.

The black plastic cover for the E and A string section of the split P pickup seems very prone to wobbling when I try to anchor my thumb on it, and seems to be microphonic as a result. I can hear a little pinging (only through my amp) when I rock the pickup cover back and forth, and tapping on the cover creates noise through an amp. I don't see the pole pieces rocking, so I think the black plastic cover is just loose.

My question is, being completely new to bass, how do I fix this? I know humbucker covers are normally soldered on, but these covers are definitely plastic. Is it simply a matter of tightening a screw?

Thanks for any and all help!

C.Linton · #2 12-11-2010, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samtay6

So I just finished unwrapping and running my new SX P bass through a test and I gotta say I'm blown away. No fret finishing needed, only minimal intonation adjustment, and no finish flaws.

The only problem seems to be a loose pickup cover.

The black plastic cover for the E and A string section of the split P pickup seems very prone to wobbling when I try to anchor my thumb on it, and seems to be microphonic as a result. I can hear a little pinging (only through my amp) when I rock the pickup cover back and forth, and tapping on the cover creates noise through an amp. I don't see the pole pieces rocking, so I think the black plastic cover is just loose.

My question is, being completely new to bass, how do I fix this? I know humbucker covers are normally soldered on, but these covers are definitely plastic. Is it simply a matter of tightening a screw?

Thanks for any and all help!

You may want to try placing foam rubber (similar to this : http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/bpickup_foam.htm) under the pickup to maintain pickup height intead of (or in addition to) the cheap-ass springs SX uses. That should help keep the cover tight.

Slowgypsy · #3 12-11-2010, 06:08 PM

Actually, the plastic covers are not soldered on, but are held over the pups via the screws you must be looking at. Those screws are used to adjust the P/U height. If the plastic covers are really loose, just tighten the screws a little until they start to push the plastic cover against the pups. Tighten too much and they'll start to lower the pups... not a bad thing... just what happens.

samtay6 · #4 12-11-2010, 06:40 PM

Great suggestions and I'll definitely try both of these. If this doesn't make the pickups less microphonic, should I just send the thing back? Besides the microphonics, the bass seems absolutely perfect. I'd hate to give up on it and risk getting another one with worse craftsmanship.

C.Linton · #5 12-11-2010, 06:55 PM

You shouldn't have to send it back, either or both of our suggestions should help.

gunlak · #6 12-12-2010, 08:50 AM

the pickup covers on the SX are somewhat glued with the pickup itself. Unlike other's which are 2 seperate parts

i recommend putting foam underneath the pickups

samtay6 · #7 12-13-2010, 06:37 PM

Yeah I just realized that it isn't the cover but the pickup itself that likes to move. I guess some stiff foam is in order to keep the pickup sturdy when I anchor on it with my thumb. Also, if I decide to replace the height adjustment springs with tubing, do I go surgical or clear plastic? Surgical sure seems like it has more give and would be better suited.