How about a smarter uncovered pickup design?

[P-Ride]

So, the general consensus seems to be that uncovered humbuckers are slightly more 'raw' sounding.

As much as I value aesthetics and would like smart nickel, or brushed chrome covers, I can't prioritise that over my tone.

I can't help but feel most uncovered pickups, by most manufacturers, just look a bit.. like pickups with the covers removed. The round edges leave gaps which - combined with visible ribbon - collect dust.

Actually, a Gibson SG I saw in a shop yesterday had the pickup protruding at least 1cm above the pickguard and it looked like it had electrical tape wrapped around it! Very cheap-looking.

I see BKP offer black pole-pieces on a few pickups, which can help a bit for smartness.

It looks like only PRS have tried to do something to make uncovered pickups look like an actual pickup design though, with their square-edged pickups - pretty tidy.

The matt finish also helps.. most manufacturers use the same shiny, fairly cheap-looking bobbins that collect scratches quickly.



Have BKP thought about a slightly more premium pickup design for uncovered pickups?

[daretofail]

Hey P-ride.

BKP's Blackhawks and uncovered Impulse pickups have this more squared design to them, possibly to incorporate the blades that bit easier.

People tend not to mess with tradition though, so i can't see many wanting a change from how humbuckers have always looked uncovered. Plus maybe these bobbins are more expensive to produce (I'm sure PRS is ok in this area lol).

If any one could do it i'm sure the guys at Bare knuckles could, but you have to think about the demand vs the cost for a lot of companies.

[FRockStar]

Sounds like a damn fine idea to me! There must be some better solutions,  aesthetically,  that could be developed. I am a fan of the rough-and-ready look of, say, an open coil zebra perhaps matched with a nickel covered humbucker. But, some guitars really demand a neater look so it would be great to have options. Especially as I generally prefer the sound of uncovered humbuckers. BK do a lot of different bobbin colours, obviously, but some more options would be good. How much you can start covering the pickups, and what with, before it starts affecting tone,  in not sure. Presumably, using metallic paint, for example, might have an affect.

[Telerocker]

Hmm, imho square doesn't look smart on a lot of guitars.

[the.white.tiger]

I have 3 letters plus 2 words for those who favor aesthetics over sound:  "S.R.V. Number One."  I do however like what bare knuckle has done with their covers; etching, Tyger, Burnt Chrome, and the like.  And I must admit, a good shiny guitar is preferred as I like shiny.  I however have my Rebel yell Humbuckers uncovered and yes I spray dust quite a bit so I get that.

~Spec

[Telerocker]

Interesting contribution. Perhaps it's nice to introduce yourself at the first post.

[the.white.tiger]

Interesting contribution. Perhaps it's nice to introduce yourself at the first post.

I apologize.  I'll introduce myself in my next post.

~Spec

[Telerocker]

Interesting contribution. Perhaps it's nice to introduce yourself at the first post.

I apologize.  I'll introduce myself in my next post.

~Spec

Welcome, no hard feelings, we just want to keep it a nice forum.

[eco1]

I want you to know that my Redplate is prettier than yours.

[gwEm]

square wouldn't fit in some scratchplates I believe.

but anyway, more customisation options are always a good thing!

[Telerocker]

I want you to know that my Redplate is prettier than yours.

Well, time to post your Redplate then.