pickup covers.

[marantz1300]

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.                                                                                                                   

[Ratrod]

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.

[marantz1300]

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

[Ratrod]

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.

[AndyR]

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?!)

[Philly Q]

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