Ethan Clarke
Installing plastic humbucker covers is a simple process, but it's important to know what you're doing. You'll want to make sure the pickup cover fits your humbucker, and that the pole pieces fit through the holes. From there, you'll need to sand the inside of the cover to allow solder to stick, and then apply tape to the pickup, being careful not to cover the screw coils. Finally, you'll attach the cover and use a soldering pencil to secure it in place. This will ensure your humbucker is firmly attached and doesn't rattle, all while reducing the chance of microphonics or squealing feedback.
Installing Plastic Humbucker Covers
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy if you know what to do |
| Steps | 1. Test the fit of the cover over the humbucker. 2. Rough up the inside of the cover with sandpaper. 3. Apply double-sided tape to the pickup. 4. Pre-tin the edges of the cover with solder. 5. Apply the cover and use a soldering pencil to secure it. |
| Tips | Use masking tape to reduce vibration and microphonics. Wax can also be used to create a barrier between the plastic and the cover. |
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What You'll Learn
Test-fit the humbucker cover
Before you begin the process of installing a plastic humbucker cover, it is important to test-fit the cover to ensure a proper fit. This is the most crucial step in the installation process. Place the cover over the humbucker as a test fit. It should fit snugly yet easily, and the pole pieces should align perfectly with the holes. Remember that humbuckers can vary in size, so make sure you have the correct cover for your pickup. If the cover fits well, you can proceed to the next steps.
It is worth noting that some sources recommend using sandpaper to roughen the inside of the pickup cover and the base plate of the pickup. This step helps the solder adhere better. However, this may not be necessary if your tape has a strong adhesive property.
After the test fit, the next step is to apply double-sided tape to the pickup. Be careful to avoid covering the screw coils. Apply pressure to the tape with your fingers, and then carefully remove any backing if present. The tape will help secure the cover in place.
Once the tape is in position, you can place the humbucker cover back on. Apply pressure with your thumbs to ensure the cover adheres firmly to the tape. At this point, the cover should be securely attached to the pickup.
The final step involves using a soldering iron to create a strong bond between the cover and the baseplate. Heat the soldering iron to its highest setting and touch the tip to both the cover and the baseplate near the centre of one of the long sides. After a few seconds, apply a small amount of solder. If done correctly, the solder will flow smoothly and adhere to both surfaces. Repeat this process on the opposite side. Be cautious not to apply too much heat, as it can damage the pickup.
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Rough up the pickup cover's inside
To start, make sure you have the right tools for the job. You will need sandpaper, double-sided tape, and a pickup cover that fits your pickup. Once you have confirmed that the cover fits your pickup, remove the cover and set it aside.
Now, it's time to rough up the inside of the pickup cover. Take your sandpaper and gently rub it against the long sides of the inside of the cover. This process will create a rough surface that will help the solder adhere to the cover later on. Be careful not to over-sand the cover, as you only need to create a slightly rough texture. It is also recommended to rough up the base plate of the pickup unless it already has solder spots.
By roughing up the inside of the pickup cover, you are creating a surface that the solder can grip onto. This step is crucial, as it will ensure that the solder adheres properly and securely. Without this step, the solder may not stick to the cover, resulting in a weak or unstable connection.
Take your time with this step and ensure that you have evenly sanded the long sides of the cover. Once you are satisfied with the texture, you can move on to the next step of applying double-sided tape to the pickup, being careful not to cover the screw coils.
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Apply double-sided tape to the pickup
Now that you have the right humbucker cover for your pickup, it's time to move on to the next step of installing a plastic humbucker cover: applying double-sided tape to the pickup. This step is crucial for ensuring a secure hold and preventing any unwanted movement or rattling of the cover. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Prepare the double-sided tape: Cut or tear the double-sided tape to the appropriate length to fit the pickup. Ensure the tape is slightly narrower than the pickup to avoid covering the screw coils. The tape should be wide enough to provide a strong hold but narrow enough to stay clear of the pickup's functioning components.
Clean the pickup surface: Before applying the tape, make sure the surface of the pickup is clean and free of any dust, debris, or residue. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe down the area where the tape will adhere. This step ensures that the tape will stick effectively and can be easily removed in the future if needed.
Position the tape: Carefully place the double-sided tape onto the pickup, avoiding any contact with the screw coils. Position it centrally along the length of the pickup, applying slight pressure to ensure good adhesion. Use your fingers to smooth out any air bubbles or creases in the tape, working from the centre outwards.
Remove the backing: If your double-sided tape has a backing, carefully peel it off to expose the adhesive side. Some tapes may have two backing strips, one on each side, so ensure you only remove the backing on the side that will adhere to the pickup. Avoid touching the adhesive surface to prevent transferring oils or dirt that could affect its stickiness.
Secure the tape: Once the tape is in place, firmly press down on it with your fingers or a flat tool, such as a small spatula or the back of a spoon, to secure it in place. Ensure the tape is properly adhered to the pickup by running your finger or a smooth object along its length, applying even pressure. This step helps create a strong bond between the tape and the pickup surface.
By carefully following these steps, you will effectively apply double-sided tape to your pickup, creating a secure base for attaching the humbucker cover. Remember to take your time and work with precision to ensure a neat and functional installation.
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Use wax to prevent rattling
When installing plastic humbucker covers, wax can be used to prevent rattling and reduce microphonics (unwanted feedback or squealing). This technique is known as wax potting, and it involves melting wax and using it to secure the humbucker cover to the pickup. Some guitarists prefer not to use wax, as it can alter the sound and character of the pickup.
If you choose to use wax to prevent rattling, here is a step-by-step guide:
- Ensure that the pickup cover fits your humbucker snugly but easily, and that the pole pieces fit through the holes.
- Use sandpaper to roughen the inside of the pickup cover. This will help the wax adhere better.
- Heat some wax using a heat gun or a stove. You can use paraffin wax or beeswax.
- Carefully apply the melted wax to the inside of the pickup cover, making sure it is evenly coated.
- Quickly place the pickup cover over the humbucker, making sure it is securely attached.
- Allow the wax to cool and harden, creating a solid bond between the pickup cover and the humbucker.
Using wax to prevent rattling can be a messy process, and it may alter the sound of your guitar. Therefore, it is essential to consider your preferences and expectations for the guitar's performance before deciding to use wax. Some alternative methods to prevent rattling include using silicone caulking or simply assembling the humbucker tightly with parts that fit firmly together.
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Solder the pickup cover
Soldering the pickup cover is a crucial step in installing a plastic humbucker cover. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:
Prepare the Surfaces:
Before soldering, it's essential to prepare the surfaces of the pickup cover and the baseplate. Use sandpaper to roughen the inside of the pickup cover, focusing on the long sides where the solder will be applied. This process helps the solder adhere better to the metal surface. It is recommended to also roughen the baseplate unless it already has solder spots. Additionally, ensure that any plating is removed from the inside of the pickup cover, as this can interfere with the soldering process.
Apply Solder:
Once the surfaces are prepared, it's time to apply the solder. Pre-tin the edges of the pickup cover with a small amount of high-quality solder. This step ensures that the solder will flow smoothly when you apply heat. Position the pickup cover on the humbucker, ensuring it fits snugly. Use a soldering iron or pencil to apply heat to the area where the cover meets the baseplate. Touch the tip of the soldering iron to both the cover and the baseplate near the center of one of the long sides. Allow a few seconds for the heat to transfer, then apply a small amount of solder. The solder should flow nicely and adhere to both the baseplate and the cover. Repeat this process on the opposite side to ensure a strong connection.
Temperature Control:
It's important to control the temperature when soldering. Use a high-wattage soldering iron for a short time to quickly heat the area. Be careful not to apply too much heat, as it can damage the pickup. The ideal temperature range for the soldering iron is around 700 to 800 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cool Down:
After soldering, allow the pickup to cool down. Do not blow on the solder to speed up the cooling process, as this can create a cold solder joint. A cold solder joint can work temporarily, but oxidation can cause it to fail over time. Once the pickup has cooled, you should have a firmly attached cover.
Additional Tips:
Before soldering, you can apply double-sided tape to the pickup, ensuring it doesn't cover the screw coils. This helps secure the cover in place while you solder. Additionally, consider using a rosin core solder instead of an acid core for better results.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to ensure the pickup cover fits your pickup. Place the cover over the humbucker to test the fit. It should fit snugly, and the pole pieces should fit through the holes.
The next step is to use sandpaper to rough up the inside of the pickup cover. This will help the solder to adhere to the cover. Only sand the long sides as that is where the solder will go.
After sanding, apply double-sided tape to the pickup, ensuring it does not cover the screw coils. Press down on the tape with your fingers and then remove the backing.
The final step is to apply the humbucker cover and use a soldering pencil to apply solder to the inside edge of the cover and the baseplate. Once the pickup cools down, you should have a firmly attached cover.
