Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Tech => Topic started by: marantz1300 on May 31, 2009, 04:53:22 PM

Title: pickup covers.
Post by: marantz1300 on May 31, 2009, 04:53:22 PM

I just got a Les Paul Classic. The pups are Seymour Duncan Alnico Pro 2's and are the open type. What,if any difference will covers make to the tone? I like the old school look. I'm going to change them eventually,but cant make my mind up  between Mules or Mississippi Queens.                                    (http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii98/marantz1300/100_0901.jpg)                                                                               (http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii98/marantz1300/100_0902.jpg)

Title: Re: pickup covers.
Post by: Ratrod on May 31, 2009, 04:58:35 PM

In general the covers act as a shield against interfierence and round off the highs a little.

The high round off or open coiled sound can be compensated for with the winding.

Title: Re: pickup covers.
Post by: marantz1300 on May 31, 2009, 05:00:56 PM

Will adding covers make them sound dull or mushy? Or just a bit smoother?

Title: Re: pickup covers.
Post by: Ratrod on May 31, 2009, 05:05:20 PM

I haven't hear a BKP that was dull or mushy. Certainly not the vintage style stuff.

So yes, smoother would be the right term, I guess. A cover takes the sharp edges off. Heavy rockers used to take the covers off to get a more agressive sound.

Title: Re: pickup covers.
Post by: AndyR on May 31, 2009, 05:22:20 PM

I prefer the old skool look as well...

All my BKPs are covered.

Mules, MQs, and Riff Raffs - none of them are dull or mushy (and I'm a strat/tele man really :lol:). I can't tell you what they sound like without covers, but I understand that BKP wind them knowing whether they're destined for covers or not... (mebbe have a word with them if you're worried).

I'd say go with your gut feeling/preference, you know it makes sense :D (I'm not sure an uncovered MQ is even possible or that attractive?!)

Title: Re: pickup covers.
Post by: Philly Q on May 31, 2009, 06:03:40 PM

Yep, go for the look you want, don't worry about the effect on the tone.