Removing Pickup Covers

[jertum]

Hi everyone,

 

I read somewhere that removing the covers from humbuckers actually increased the output of the pickups. Is this true? And if so, would it be wise for me to do this myself?

 

I've just got my first Gibson- a 09 Les Paul Standard and i love it. I believe the pickups are Burstbucker Pros. What should i expect to find underneath the pickup covers? I've heard that they're dipped in wax or something? I really like the vibe of uncovered pickups, especially the zebra-type ones.

 

Forgive me for my lack of technical knowledge about guitars! Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Cheers!

 

P.S.- I'll get photos up as soon as i can get my hands on a digital camera. In the meantime, it's very similar to this one:

 

http://media.photobucket.com/image/gibson%20les%20paul%20standard%20iced%20tea%202009/JERMDADDY/les%20paul%20traditionals/lpstd08it_0640.jpg

[ninety1vee]

no, don't mess with em'

you'll hear a difference if you hear like a bat, if not it's pointless

want more output? get new p/ups

[pippy]

Hi everyone' date='

I read somewhere that removing the covers from humbuckers actually increased the output of the pickups. Is this true? [/quote']

 

No, it's not true. Putting more winds on the bobbins would increase the output; not removing the covers.

 

It free's-up some of the very highest frequencies but, as ninety1vee said, you'd be hard pressed to hear any difference at all. It would also make it more susceptible to feedback (the covers were originally fitted to further reduce this problem).

 

It was quite fashionable in the sixties amongst players eeking out the last drop of treble from their guitars but, with the quality of pups and amps around these days, it's really unneccessary.

 

If you really like the look of bare coils then the choice is yours.

 

Furthermore, I doubt your LP will have Zebra's fitted. They will almost certainly be double-blacks. Why would Gibson choose to cover up a pair of Zebra pups?

 

If you plan to sell the guitar sometime in the future don't mess with them; you will be decreasing it's re-sale value.