Duncan Antiquity IIs microphonic?

[IanAllison]

Hey guys,

Say - I just dropped a set of antiquities in a jazz bass and they seem to be pretty microphonic. Has anyone else had this issue? Is it a defective pickup or just par for the course with this model?

Thanks!

Ian

[IanAllison]

Nobody with this issue?

[chiplexic]

Man...no one can help his question ? yea or nawy. I'm considering these pickups so I'd certainly like to know if they tend to be microphonic.

[JazzFusionB0rg]

Hmmm - I hope not...

I'm picking up my '75 RI from my tech tomorrow, with new Antiquity IIs & a Badass bridge installed. I certainly hope it's not microphonic!

[wateroftyne]

Bumping an old thread - I've just installed a pair of Antiquity IIs in my J, and I've noticed when I run my finger along the pickup cases, it's amplified.

I'm trying to work out if this is normal, or whether they're defective (I bought them used). I can't compare it to recent experience because the previous pickups were quite dark and were probably less sensitive in that frequency.

Thanks in advance...

[narud]

Originally Posted by wateroftyne

Bumping an old thread - I've just installed a pair of Antiquity IIs in my J, and I've noticed when I run my finger along the pickup cases, it's amplified.

I'm trying to work out if this is normal, or whether they're defective (I bought them used). I can't compare it to recent experience because the previous pickups were quite dark and were probably less sensitive in that frequency.

Thanks in advance...

these have almost always been microphonic for me. they dont wax them. sometimes theyre just tap sensitive and i can deal with that. sometimes ive had them feedback at high volume. ive sent them back to be waxed in those instances.

[wateroftyne]

Originally Posted by narud

these have almost always been microphonic for me. they dont wax them. sometimes theyre just tap sensitive and i can deal with that. sometimes ive had them feedback at high volume. ive sent them back to be waxed in those instances.

Yip - I've just had a nice email from a chap at SD who has confirmed that they're not potted, and a bit of contact noise is normal. Panic over!

[Danno1985]

Yes, mine are microphonic as well. It's just a trait of the non-potted design. I've never had a problem with it, but I'll get some squealing if I run it through a fuzz box with the gain up high. Very expressive pickups though. I don't think I'd trade mine for anything.

[uOpt]

These are not potted (just like the originals).

They are supposed to be wound tight enough that they don't cause feedback at "reasonable" gain and volume, although you can hear them when you tap.

If you got one that actually squeals you can usually send them to SD for fixing.

[rmars]

Mine squealed at pretty bad at low/medium volumes when I would go near my amp to make adjustments. They were also pretty sensitive to tapping the covers. Ended up sending them in for potting and it took care of both issues, don't recall it affecting tone much.

[joelb79]

Now I know what set of pickups not to try..

[wateroftyne]

Originally Posted by joelb79

Now I know what set of pickups not to try..

Your loss.

[rmars]

Originally Posted by joelb79

Now I know what set of pickups not to try..

You can actually order them and request that they are wax potted if you were ever interested in trying them.

The bass I put them in was an '04 American Standard Jazz which was one of the most dead, lifeless and poorest made basses I have ever owned. Unfortunately I sold the Antiquity II's off with the bass.

Even though it was a bit of a nuisance to send them for potting they made enough of improvement in that sorry excuse for a Jazz Bass that I would like to try them in a decent bass someday...... I'll just order them potted next time.

[uOpt]

Originally Posted by joelb79

Now I know what set of pickups not to try..

I know.

Gave up on potted pickups after trying too much boutique stuff.