Do I need new pick ups???

DamienJbass · #1 11-17-2009, 07:04 AM

hey everyone,

I have a fender modified jazz bass; sweat beads that ran off my face and onto the magnets on the pick ups during shows caused tiny rust spots to appear. There are 2 seymour duncan pickups on the bass. Does this make a huge difference in the quality of sound now? Should the bass be repaired? Any thoughts would be well appreciated!!!

thanks all,
Damien

**line6man** · #2 11-17-2009, 07:07 AM

I don't see how that should cause any problems?

Rust wont affect the ability of the pole pieces to stay magnetized, and the coil is all insulated, maybe even potted if your lucky. Moisture should not damage/short it.

DamienJbass · #3 11-17-2009, 07:10 AM

Yeah I didnt think it would be a huge problem but a couple of the magnets are actually black now.

Thanks for the info!

Damien

bassplayer7770 · #4 11-17-2009, 07:28 AM

There is some corrosion on the pickups in my Yamaha, but it still sounds great. As long as it still sounds good, I wouldn't worry about it.

SGD Lutherie · #5 11-17-2009, 07:45 AM

It shouldn't cause a problem, however, over a long period of time the magnet wire might corrode where it touches the magnets, causing the pickups to fail.

This all depends on whether or not they insulated the magnets from the wire (and some newer Jazz pickups have plastic bobbins where the wire doesn't tough the magnets) and it takes a very long time to happen.

But I wouldn't sweat it.

Just try and wipe the pickups and bass dry after you play it. A little clear nail polish on top of the magnets can't hurt.

Vakmere · #6 11-17-2009, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DamienJbass

hey everyone,

I have a fender modified jazz bass; sweat beads that ran off my face and onto the magnets on the pick ups during shows caused tiny rust spots to appear. There are 2 seymour duncan pickups on the bass. Does this make a huge difference in the quality of sound now? Should the bass be repaired? Any thoughts would be well appreciated!!!

thanks all,
Damien

Your tone could get a little salty......