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Author Topic: Pickup cover question  (Read 1422 times)

Modular1

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Pickup cover question
« on: March 23, 2012, 04:17:47 PM »
Can you change the metal covers on Les Paul style pups? Although for now I'm quite happy with the sound of the pickups in my new Les Paul, I'd really like them to have that raw nickel look. Is it easy enough to change the covers, or am I going to have to buy new pups?
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ericsabbath

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Re: Pickup cover question
« Reply #1 on: March 23, 2012, 04:29:58 PM »
it's quite easy
you gotta remove the solder point, then you use pliers on the leg sides to push the cover off
you'll lose warranty, though
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Riff Raff, Mules, Black Dog, VHII's, Cold Sweat

Philly Q

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Re: Pickup cover question
« Reply #2 on: March 23, 2012, 04:33:38 PM »
If you want to use covers made by a different manufacturer, you might find that they're not a perfect fit - especially the polepiece spacing. 

Just something to bear in mind.
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BKPs I've Got:  RR, BKP-91, ITs, VHII, CS set, Emeralds
BKPs I Had:  RY+Abraxas, Crawlers, BD+SM

Modular1

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Re: Pickup cover question
« Reply #3 on: March 23, 2012, 04:43:32 PM »
Are Stormy Mondays the closest to what I currently have? (gibson classics) I want to keep that Jimmy Page/Paul Kossoff vibe.
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Philly Q

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Re: Pickup cover question
« Reply #4 on: March 23, 2012, 05:21:25 PM »
'57 Classics?  Yes, the Stormy Mondays (or PG Blues) would be the nearest equivalent in the BKP range.
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BKPs I've Got:  RR, BKP-91, ITs, VHII, CS set, Emeralds
BKPs I Had:  RY+Abraxas, Crawlers, BD+SM

Modular1

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Re: Pickup cover question
« Reply #5 on: March 23, 2012, 10:08:41 PM »
How do you guys rate '57 Classics? All my BKPs have been huge improvements on the stock pups so I'm wondering about what kind of difference changing the '57s to SM or PGs might make. Bearing in mind the pups i've replaced in the past were not expensive ones.
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Philly Q

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Re: Pickup cover question
« Reply #6 on: March 23, 2012, 11:25:06 PM »
I've only tried '57 Classics in a few guitars - an Orville by Gibson LP, a Gibson ES-339 and a CS-336. 

In the LP I liked the singing tone but they were a bit too soft and mushy sounding - I probably would've changed the bridge pickup, at least. 

In the semis, they're a little brighter and again I quite like them, although I'd still like a bit more crunch and tightness from the bridge pickup (that's Alnico II for you).  But I don't fancy the hassle of attempting a pickup change on a semi, it'd be a nightmare.

They're not the best, but I think they're my favourite Gibson pickups.

I haven't tried Stormy Mondays as a direct swap for '57 Classics, but  I think the tone is "similar".  The SMs probably have a little more clarity, less mush on the wound strings.  I couldn't say more than that really.
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BKPs I've Got:  RR, BKP-91, ITs, VHII, CS set, Emeralds
BKPs I Had:  RY+Abraxas, Crawlers, BD+SM

monkey8911

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Re: Pickup cover question
« Reply #7 on: April 10, 2012, 01:51:29 PM »
For a raw look, you could do some of these steps here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0tS5CR7h94

Worked great for me, didnīt even have to remove the covers (which is unnaturally anyway, the whole thing should age the same).

You could also go with the Scotch-Brite only, or for smoother results some sanding pads (not sanding paper) of grit 1000.
You get them in rolls at your hardware store.

You donīt have to use the acid, your sweat will do the same after a few weeks/months.
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