Author Topic: No to Pot(ting) (Read 5581 times)

skay · « **on:** October 25, 2005, 09:03:25 AM »

I have read that Wax potting helps to cut down on pickups squealing when using overdrive/distortion, but if I played at only very moderate gain levels would the option of not having them potted mean they'd be more 'open-sounding' and harmonically rich, letting through some more overtones? I've never managed to make my Burstbuckers squeal, the stock ones are not wax potted, so I'm wondering if I could do without it on some aftermarket pickups.

Many other P.A.F type pickups are not wax potted, and I was wondering if this was a viable option on a Bareknuckle pickup? Does anyone have any views into how this would affect/improve/ruin the sound?

HJM · « **Reply #1 on:** October 25, 2005, 12:00:29 PM »

You're right an unpotted pickup is very open, but can be prone to microphonic feedback. It depends on not just how oud but how much gain you use. I tried a prototype Mule which Tim had done without a full wax pot. It didn't have any problems until I went for death with the gain control. It did have an increased top end, lots more high harmonics, but I almost felt there was too much!! :P

Peterku · « **Reply #2 on:** October 26, 2005, 02:02:46 PM »

According to Tim, leaving the pickups in the hot wax for hours (as opposed to vacuum potting) anneals the wires, which affects the sound in a very good way. So that's not only about squealing.

skay · « **Reply #3 on:** October 26, 2005, 06:25:42 PM »

Oh, I agree with all that is being said, I do not doubt Tim's knowledge for a second.

I was just throwing a question out there. I've got a Stormy monday bridge pickup on the way, which is potted obviously, and wouldn't have it any other way.

One love :D

Peterku · « **Reply #4 on:** October 27, 2005, 12:03:24 AM »

I have a set of Mules, and they're just perfect. Based on how they sound and the specs on the site, the Stormy Monday must be the cleanest and richest sounding PAF out there. The Mules have a little bit more output and push.

Have fun, I hope you'll like it. :D

skay · « **Reply #5 on:** October 27, 2005, 12:52:09 PM »

yeah, the Stormy Mondays I have are 7.7K (bridge) and 6.9K (neck) so I doubt humbuckers come much clearer than that!

It has been quoted that origional P.A.F's ranged from 6.5 to 9K so all Tim's pickups are true to the origionals, I just happen to prefer the ones in the lower DC range for what I'm after.