Does the cover really make that much difference?

[Sancho]

Recently, I nought two sets of humbuckers from a competing brand. One covered, one uncovered.
Both are installed in LP style guitars. The uncovered pickups sound noticeably more open and vibrant than the covered set.
Is it your experience that a cover tames a pickup?
This is the first time I've had a chance for a direct comparison and the difference in sound really struck me. I always imagined it to be minimal...

This might explain why my Holydiver (which is covered) doesn't sound quite as alive as I'd expected?

[Madsakre]

in my experience, yes. the cover does make a difference. I prefer uncovered pickups

[Dusty]

I agree, the cover makes a difference. I actually prefer covered pickups though, since it makes my sound more rounded.
My SG has lots of aggressive mids, and covered pickups just sound perfect on it, while uncovered ones sound too shrill to my ears.

[Alex]

I feel the open coils add a bit of openness and airyness to the top end. It's not a lot, but it makes me prefer open coiled pickups over covered ones. It isn't really better or worse, it's a matter of taste (and looks).