• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Shielding plates

HMZ

HMZ

Dec 21, 2003
3,106
787
60
USA-Mineola
#1
I have a Fender jazz bass and I just bought a set of Fender 60's custom shop pickups.

My question is the pickups came with shielding plates that go under each pickup. Does this really do anything?

Also the pickups seem very noise when one is louder then the other. I know this is normal with single coil pickups but does anyone else have these pickups and notice this?
 
#2
Is the noise that bothers you more of a hum or a buzz? No single coil pickup will ever be hum free, but proper shielding can help fight the more high pitched buzzing sound. I've no experience regarding the shielding plates, but copper tape doesn't cost a fortune and will make a difference..
 
#5
Kipaste said:
Is the noise that bothers you more of a hum or a buzz? No single coil pickup will ever be hum free, but proper shielding can help fight the more high pitched buzzing sound. I've no experience regarding the shielding plates, but copper tape doesn't cost a fortune and will make a difference..
Click to expand...

Its definitely the single coil noise. I think its a bit louder then I have noticed in the past because the pickups are hotter the stock pickups..
 
#7
FunkMetalBass said:
What's the difference between a shielding plate and general copper shielding tape?
Click to expand...

To an electron, very little. :smug:

Shielding plates only cover the bottom of the pickup, copper tape can enclose the bottom, the sides, and if there is a pick guard a good portion of the tops of the pickups.

I'm guessing the plates mainly served to ground the bottoms of exposed-pole pickups, which might prevent noises if the strings were to touch the tops of the pole pieces.
 
#14
I figured there wasn't much of a difference. If you used a shielding plate in conjunction with copper foil (plate on bottom, foil on sides, proper connectivity between them), a shielding plate is equally as good as copper foil in creating a Faraday cage.

Saves on tape, but it's probably not worth the price compared to 3-4" of tape.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back