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*SOLVES* Those closed box like Humbucker Pickup Covers?

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by Lexy Bivens, Aug 26, 2018.

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  1. Aug 26, 2018 #1
    Lexy Bivens

    Lexy Bivens

    Aug 26, 2018
    BFE Nebraska
    ***Questions answered!!! Thanks all!!! *****



    I LOVE the LOOK of them, on some basses.
    Is there any actual POINT besides personal opinion on appearance?

    Does the material make a difference?

    (until <3 weeks ago it was "the thick black blocks with dots and there's of em next together,, after 25 yrs) so uhuh learned MASSIVE amounts in a VERY VERY short period, incl the history).
    So anything that isn't basic stick on youre cheapest starter bass, is new to me.

    And I habe a feeling this isn't one to Google, as I'm guessing variety of opinions.

    Tia!!!!
     
    Last edited: Aug 26, 2018
  2. Aug 26, 2018 #2
    MattZilla

    MattZilla

    Jun 26, 2013
    CNY
    mostly no. Metal covers are likely to alter the tone to some degree, but they aren't common on bass pickups.
     
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  3. Aug 26, 2018 #3
    Lexy Bivens

    Lexy Bivens

    Aug 26, 2018
    BFE Nebraska
    Are they just for looks, or is there an actual purpose?

    A cheap $3 one from China on eBay the same as a (Idk what a name brand high cost one costs, but I'm sure not $3)?
     
  4. Aug 26, 2018 #4
    MattZilla

    MattZilla

    Jun 26, 2013
    CNY
    The the sounds of the pickups within the covers vary immensely. Putting a solid cover on a pickup designed to have its polepieces exposed is not a great idea, and is at best an ok-ish idea exclusively if you play with a very gentle touch and won't miss the bit of space lost to the covers sitting atop the polepieces.

    Regarding why the pickup designers choose to have polepieces exposed or not- I can't tell you. Bartolini's and EMG's mostly are with solid covers, Seymour Duncan and DiMarzio are mostly with exposed polepieces/blades. Why players choose pickups with exposed or hidden polepieces (or blades) is almost always without aesthetic considerations.
     
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  5. Aug 26, 2018 #5
    Killed_by_Death

    Killed_by_Death Snaggletooth Inactive

    Jan 2, 2015
    14 Megameters from Groong Tehp
    Definitely!

    Some pickups are designed with the cover in mind, like on Gibsons.
    Some say the nickel/silver ones don't affect the timbre very much, but if you're buying a $3 piece from China, who knows what it's made of.

    unless you're talking about these?

    420554000375000-00-500x500.jpg
    These on the other hand:
    49710.jpg

    Some say they help with shielding, & they help protect the wire coils inside the pickup.
     
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  6. Aug 26, 2018 #6
    Lexy Bivens

    Lexy Bivens

    Aug 26, 2018
    BFE Nebraska
    Nope, solid closed black plastic.
    Saw them when started looking at necks, and it reminded me that was something I did not yet know.
    Seems like something that would get in my way and annoy me.

    (im having issues going from either A/E or a ref sized pbass to full over to my new p/J bass with a size 40 nut and medium frets.

    And the 3 pickups and (compared to my other 2, and the Squire Jbass I bought and returned) body shape, I'm my A week in, and still trying to find my "comfort zones" as damn thing is covered in pickups and bridge/action and neck (2 octave).

    But TY guys for the answers. MB when I repair, and upgrade my messed up bass, I'll get a pair of opens s closed, and then on and off and play around.

    Best way to learn what I like!
     
    Killed_by_Death likes this.