Maya Ellison
Installing plastic pickup covers is a simple process that can enhance the look of your guitar. While the process is generally straightforward, some modifications may be required depending on the pickup. Before installing a plastic pickup cover, it is important to ensure that it fits snugly but easily over the pickup, with the pole pieces fitting right through the holes. In some cases, you may need to use tools like sandpaper or a dremel to adjust the cover or the pickup for a perfect fit. Once the cover is in place, you can use double-sided tape or solder to secure it. Some people also recommend using clear nail polish or tape on the pole pieces to prevent strings from accidentally touching them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Installation | Press the cover in place, some use a clamp to keep it tight, and solder the cover on in two places to the bottom plate of the pickup |
| Fit | The cover should fit snugly but easily over the pickup, and the pole pieces should fit right through the holes |
| Microphonic Feedback | To reduce problems with microphonic feedback, put a piece of tape across the top of the bobbins (the black or white plastic things that hold the pole pieces) under the cover |
| Modification | Depending on the pickup, some modification may be needed. For example, sanding off the edges of the bobbins and the inside edges of the plastic cover |
| String Contact | Installing a plastic pickup cover can help prevent the strings from accidentally touching the magnet pole pieces |
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What You'll Learn
- Test-fit the cover to ensure it fits snugly and the pole pieces fit through the holes
- Rough up the inside of the cover and base plate to help the solder adhere
- Apply double-sided tape to the pickup, avoiding the screw coils
- Take the pickup out of the guitar and solder the cover in place
- Lower the pickup to prevent strings from hitting the pole pieces
Test-fit the cover to ensure it fits snugly and the pole pieces fit through the holes
When installing plastic pickup covers, it is important to test-fit the cover to ensure a snug fit. This step is crucial as not all humbuckers are the same size, and you need to be certain that you have the right cover for your pickup. Place the cover over the humbucker and ensure that it fits snugly but can also be easily removed. The pole pieces should fit neatly through the holes, and the cover should not obstruct the screw coils of the pickup.
If the cover fits well, you can proceed to the next steps of the installation. However, if the pole pieces do not fit through the holes, you may need to adjust them. This can be done by loosening or tightening the screws to find the right height for the pole pieces to align with the holes.
In some cases, you may find that the cover sits too high or too low on the pickup. This can often be resolved by adjusting the height of the pickup itself. Try lowering or raising the pickup slightly to achieve the correct height and ensure that the pole pieces align with the holes.
If the cover still does not fit snugly, you may need to modify it. This can involve trimming or sanding the cover to achieve the right fit. However, be cautious when modifying the cover, as you want to ensure a precise fit without damaging the pickup or the cover itself.
A test fit is an essential step in the installation process, ensuring that your plastic pickup cover fits securely and that the pole pieces function correctly.
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Rough up the inside of the cover and base plate to help the solder adhere
When installing a plastic pickup cover, you may need to modify the plastic cover and tabs to get it to fit snugly on top of the pickup. This may involve sanding the inside edges of the plastic cover and the pickup.
To ensure a strong solder connection between the plastic cover and the base plate, it is important to prepare the surfaces by roughening them. This process, known as "roughing up", helps increase the surface area available for the solder to adhere to. Here are the steps you can follow to rough up the inside of the cover and base plate:
- Use a tool such as sandpaper, a file, or a rotary tool with a sanding attachment to roughen the surfaces. You can also use a soldering iron with a chisel tip to scratch the surfaces. Ensure that you only roughen the areas where you want the solder to adhere.
- Gently rub or scratch the inside of the cover and the corresponding area on the base plate. Apply moderate pressure to create a rough texture without damaging the underlying material.
- Remove any dust or debris generated during the roughening process. You can use a soft brush or compressed air to ensure the surfaces are clean.
- Once the surfaces are roughened, you can proceed with the soldering process. Remember to use the appropriate tools, such as a soldering iron with the correct wattage, solder, and flux, as mentioned in other sections of our guide.
- Apply a small amount of solder to the iron and follow the soldering instructions specific to your project. The roughened surfaces should now readily accept the solder, creating a strong and durable bond between the plastic cover and the base plate.
Remember to work carefully and deliberately throughout the entire process. Taking your time will help ensure a high-quality installation of your plastic pickup cover.
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Apply double-sided tape to the pickup, avoiding the screw coils
When installing a plastic pickup cover, it is important to apply double-sided tape correctly to ensure a secure fit and avoid any issues with microphonic feedback. Firstly, ensure that you have the correct type and size of tape. The tape should be strong enough to hold the pickup cover in place but not so thick that it affects the fit of the cover.
Before applying the tape, it is important to prepare the surface of the pickup. Clean the area where the tape will be applied to remove any dirt, dust, or residue. This will help the tape adhere better and reduce the risk of contamination. Once the surface is clean and dry, you can proceed to the next step.
Now, carefully apply the double-sided tape to the pickup, following the contours and shape of the surface. Ensure that the tape is applied smoothly and securely, avoiding any bubbles or creases. It is important to avoid covering the screw coils of the pickup with tape, as this can interfere with their function and adjustment. Use your fingers to apply firm pressure to the tape, working from one end to the other to avoid any air pockets.
After the tape is in place, carefully remove any backing or protective liner from the tape, if applicable. Be careful not to touch or contaminate the adhesive surface. Once the backing is removed, you can proceed to attach the pickup cover, ensuring proper alignment and a secure fit.
It is important to note that the application of double-sided tape may vary depending on the specific pickup and cover design. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions or seek guidance from experienced professionals or online communities if you are unsure about any steps or have specific concerns.
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Take the pickup out of the guitar and solder the cover in place
To install a plastic pickup cover, you will first need to take the pickup out of the guitar. This is done by removing the old pickup cover.
Once the pickup is out, you can prepare the new plastic cover. Some users have reported that their plastic pickup covers required some modification to fit their pickups. This may involve sanding or cutting portions of the cover, including the tabs, to ensure a snug fit.
When you are satisfied with the fit of the cover, you can solder it in place. To do this, you will need a soldering iron. It is recommended to use an iron with temperature control and a wattage of at least 40W, although some users suggest using a more powerful iron, such as a 100W model, for larger pieces like pickups.
Before soldering, it is important to clean the surfaces of the pickup and cover. You may also want to sand the soldering points on both the cover and the baseplate to ensure better contact. When soldering, ensure that the metals being soldered together are hot enough to melt the solder directly. Use a rosin core solder, such as Kester "44" Resin core solder with Sn60 alloy, and avoid acid core solder as it can corrode your parts. The soldering iron should be heated to around 700-800 degrees Fahrenheit.
By following these steps, you can install a plastic pickup cover and solder it in place for a secure and functional connection.
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Lower the pickup to prevent strings from hitting the pole pieces
Lowering the pickup is a potential solution to prevent strings from hitting the pole pieces. This solution is suggested by several users on guitar forums. One user on TalkBass.com notes that if your strings are hitting the pole pieces, they will be "smacking the tops of the new covers a lot worse". They suggest lowering the pickups by about one turn to see if that solves the problem.
It is important to note that not all pickups have adjustable pole pieces. Some instruments only have the non-adjustable slug-type poles, which cannot be adjusted. However, many pickups will be fitted with screw-type poles that can be raised or lowered. By adjusting each screw pole, you can balance the output of each individual string.
In addition to lowering the pickup, some forum users suggest placing tape over the pole pieces or coating them with nail polish to prevent the strings from making electrical contact and causing an annoying "pop" sound.
It is also worth noting that some plastic pickup covers may require modification to fit your specific pickup. This may involve sanding or cutting portions of the cover to get it to sit snugly on top of the pickup.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to test the fit of the cover over the pickup. It should fit snugly but easily, and the pole pieces should fit right through the holes. Next, use sandpaper to roughen the inside of the cover and the base plate of the pickup—this will help the solder adhere. Apply double-sided tape to the pickup, ensuring it doesn't cover the screw coils, then carefully remove the backing. Finally, press the cover in place and solder it to the bottom plate of the pickup.
Yes. You will need to pry off the existing cover before installing the new one.
Lower your pickups by about one turn.
Yes, you will need to remove the pickup from the guitar in order to install the cover.
