Replacing, Installing, Removing a Humbucker Pickup Cover on Your Guitar

[Lespaul13100]

Hi, i removed the covers on my pickups and the wax on top of the pickups stuck to the inside, top part of the cover. The rest of the wax looks like it's still on the coils. Could there still be feedback issues? I'm thinking no, there's still a decent amount of wax on the pickups. Any thoughts? Thx! Nice tutorial! Cheers!

[greasygroove]

@Lespaul13100 Hi, They should be okay - thanks!!

[omfg51]

HOOMBOOKAH



[zipperedalex]

i was wondering where to get wax like was under the cover?

[greasygroove]

@zipperedalex Hi, You can often get the wax at hardware or furniture stores, you should mix 85% paraffin wax with 15% beeswax.  Thanks!

[69Rodrigooo69]

after removing the cover, how can I remove that wax (I want open coils)?

[greasygroove]

@69Rodrigooo69 Hi, Very very carefully warm up the wax with a low setting on a hairdryer and peel it off - be extremely gentle! You don't want to wreck the coils. Thanks

[69Rodrigooo69]

@greasygroove Thanks!

[ThePhallystorm]

I use an old tee shirt, and slip the pick up through the sleeve, or neck opening. The whole tee shirt covers the top of the guitar as you do not want to drop the pick up on the top, or slip with any of your tools damaging the guitars top/ Good luck, and have fun!!

[elliotdeware87]

Hey I replaced my covers with new ones, and since then one of my pickups (the bridge pickup) is giving out feedback, it's only when I go past 1 on the master volume. Do you know how I could fix this?

[greasygroove]

@elliotdeware87 Hi it sounds like your pickup has microphonic issues - Was is soaked in wax originally? It maybe needs repotting with hot wax.

[elliotdeware87]

@greasygroove Thanks for the reply, after looking up on the internet I've found it was exactly what you where describing. But I've decided to remove the cover and it seems to have stopped the microphone feedback. Cheers anyway.

[BrazenHarbinger]

will these pup covers fit on the Fender Enforcer pups on my Mustang Special?

[greasygroove]

@BrazenHarbinger Yes, it should fit. Thanks!

[olix9595]

what if i were to take the cover off only to have a bare pickup, and scrape off the wax? is there any negativity with doing this? 

[greasygroove]

@olix9595 No, you should be fine doing this.

[olix9595]

@greasygroove my only problem is i can't break the solder on the under side of the pickup. the solder is much too thick to cut through with any craft knives or razor blades, and i cant even melt it with a gun.

[greasygroove]

@olix9595 Hi, It should melt with a strong soldering iron, then you could wipe it off while molten with a wet cotton cloth.

[HUNTER180able]

i have a ibanez grg with standard humbukers i wanna know if you can remove them and replace them with something more better e.g. seymor duncans or emg,s

[greasygroove]

@HUNTER180able Hi, Yes you can switch them for any pickup you like. Thanks!

[TheNiteJason]

hi there , I was wondering if I somehow managed to remove the pickup WITHOUT removing the string , is it ok for the guitar itself like changing its tone or something?

[greasygroove]

@TheNiteJason Removing a pickup and then putting it back will not effect the tone. Just be sure to return it to the original height setting if you were happy with that. Hope this helps.

[TheNiteJason]

@greasygroove so do I have to apply some kind of glue stuff on the new covers(I want to replace some ordinary golden covers)

[greasygroove]

@TheNiteJason No, not glue, you can solder it though - please follow the steps on this video. Thanks!

[greasygroove]

@chiddyheffer The wax can be removed by gently peeling it away with your fingers. Where it is difficult to remove, try warming it with a hot air gun and gently wiping it away. Be very careful not to damage the coils and any fine copper wire you may see on the assembly. Hope this helps.

[elliotdeware87]

Would it work if I used a 15watt soldering iron?

[greasygroove]

@elliotdeware87 This is a little bit low - you'd have to make sure it's really hot beofore trying anything.

[nazgulp35]

I'm planning to install pickup covers in a guitar that doesn't have them.. but I want to install plastic pickup covers (emg style) so, how coul I attach the pickups, isnce soldering them is not an option?, would silicone work?

[greasygroove]

@nazgulp35 You could use silicone but it would be very hard to remove if you needed to. I think I would be tempted to use a hot melt glue or silicone applied to the back area only - just try to apply a bead where the cover meets the bracket.

[The911SONIC]

Thanks man nice tut. Could yo leave the pick up cover off it?

[greasygroove]

@The911SONIC Yes, you don't have to cover the pickup, you can leave it open.

[The911SONIC]

@greasygroove Thanks man. Also would a soldering iron melt the wax underneath the cover?

[greasygroove]

@The911SONIC HI, You can't melt it off - it will just set again, it should just peel away if you pull at it. Thanks

[The911SONIC]

@greasygroove 1 more thing i forgot to ask you. what if you old pick up had 1 wire from the guitar going to it, and your new pick up has 2 or more wires underneth te main wire cover? what do i do then?

[greasygroove]

@The911SONIC The 3 wires should be as follows:

Bare wire will be the screen and should be connected to the ground.

The other two wires (red and white) will be the +ve and -ve wires accordingly. Connect the red to the pot terminal or switch depending on your wiring and the other to ground). If your colors are different you may have to swap the 2 wires to get it working correctly.

[09ThunderOne]

 Do the pole pieces need to be adjusted due to the covers being on top of them or is this not going to be an issue?

[greasygroove]

@09ThunderOne This won't be an issue - the covers fits right overtop of the poles. Thanks!

[bajigurwedangronde]

Thanks for the reply :D I just have one more question: I bought new dimarzio pickups and I want to cover them. Do I still need to wax them although they are already potted?

[greasygroove]

@bajigurwedangronde It's worth a try putting the covers on - you only need to wax them if you are getting a squeel/feedback. Thanks!

[bajigurwedangronde]

I have some question. I am about to install a plastic pickup cover on a humbucker pickup. Is there any alternative to stick the cover properly on the pickup besides soldering?

Thank you :D and thanks for the helpful video

[greasygroove]

@bajigurwedangronde Hi, You can pad out the pickup (by wrapping tape around it) so the cover sits snug on the pick-up, but soldering is the only way to guarantee an electrical connection to the cover. Thanks!

[ShadowBrave21]

Thank you so much man I will

[ShadowBrave21]

I have a ? Can I get pickup covers designed and how much will it be I love the site,just got off of it

[greasygroove]

@ShadowBrave21 Hi, If you'd like a custom graphic on a cover we can do this for you, please email us from our website for more info! Thanks

[deadrat117]

Quick question: If you are covering a previously UNCOVERED humbucker with a plastic cover (like an EMG style), do you need to wax the pickup when finished?

thanks

[greasygroove]

@deadrat117 Potting the pickup with wax is done to eliminate the microphonic effect of the pickup. It only needs potting if you're getting undesirable feedback. Thanks!

[zbdd8]

Excellent! Thanks for posting.

[Neylus]

I can't remove the solder, help me please!

[greasygroove]

@Neylus Get the solder hot, and while it's hot tap the pickup assembly gently and the solder shiould shake off. Thanks!

[TKG4077]

do the covers affect the sound at all?

[greasygroove]

@TKG4077 Hi, No - they do affect the sound or tone whatsoever. Thanks!

[lexus944]

what is soldering iron for?? do i really have to use it??

[greasygroove]

@lexus944

[greasygroove]

@lexus944 The iron is to make a good electrical connection between the cover and the pickup frame. You could try going without it and you may be alright - I guess you could give it a try if you don't want to solder?

[gerraldd]

Thanks for the video man !! Good thing I search youtube first before doing it :D

[IISomething1]

can they do this for you at guitar center

[greasygroove]

@IISomething1 Your local guitar repair should be able to do this for you.

[joniiboy]

Can i take the covers off, and keep them off without it doing anything to anything? since i like the look of the coils without the cover more

[greasygroove]

@joniiboy Hi, Yes you can remove them - it won't alter anything.

[DieingSpiderZZ]

do the screws that go through the original hole pickups have to touch the no hole pickups in order for them to amplify sound and tone

[greasygroove]

@DieingSpiderZZ No they don't need to touch - it really makes no difference to the tone.  Thanks!

[DieingSpiderZZ]

@greasygroove ok thx man

[DieingSpiderZZ]

hi i have 4 gold pickup covers, what could happen if you change the cover and it heats up and the wax starts to melt on the humbucker, does it affect sound tone or anything?

[greasygroove]

@DieingSpiderZZ Hi,  No it won't affect the sound - the wax is impregnated into the coils anyway. Thanks!

[epiex1997]

i have a fucking dent in my les paul in the exact same place as yours!

[haoliver1]

does it affect the sound if you dont have cover on the pickup?

[greasygroove]

@haoliver1 Hi, No it doesn't

[haoliver1]

do you have to have cover on the pickup?

[greasygroove]

@haoliver1 No, you don't have to have a cover. Thanks!

[theawesomeness12345]

Great tutorial, but what if I'm just putting on covers on a guitar that never had them to begin with? Do i need to buy some kind of wax or can i just use glue?

[greasygroove]

We have some new vids coming on here in the new year, one of them will show how to wax pot a pickup. Unwaxed pickups can become microphonic when a cover is fitted - they need to be potted!. It is a case of putting them together as shown in the video and then soaking them in a pan of hot wax to let the wax penetrate all of the voids in the windings and casing.  The pickup is then allowed to cool down and excess wax gets removed. Its generally not good to use candle wax. Hope this helps

[theawesomeness12345]

@greasygroove Thanks, but what if the uncovered pickups have been potted, like on my les paul, then do i need to pot them again to put on covers?

[greasygroove]

@theawesomeness12345 Hi, No - just do what it says in the video and you should be okay. Thanks!

[theawesomeness12345]

@greasygroove Thanks!

[13mrlonely]

if i buy covers does the brand of guitar mater? i know its a dumb Q but i want to know, n where do they sell the covers with designs?

[greasygroove]

@13mrlonely Hi, These covers fit most humbuckers (no matter the guitar brand) - just be sure to check the measurements before purchasing. You can find these at greasygroove-dot-com .

Thanks!

[greasertom]

what song is that playing on the intro?

[greasygroove]

@greasertom Hi, This is actually a song from one of our sponsored artists, The Shakedown Combo, the song is called "What to do About Love" - you can find more info on the band by googling them. Thanks!

[boby44c]

can the plastic pickup covers be changed? please please answer me:D

[greasygroove]

@boby44c Hi, Do you mean the pickups surrounds? If so, yes they can - be sure to measure the height of the pickups though before you unscrew them so you can put them back in the same position. Thanks!

[boby44c]

@greasygroove No no, I meant the pickup covers that are made out of plastic and do not have holes in them

[greasygroove]

@boby44c They are removeable too!

[1998trevergray]

@greasygroove

what kind of guitar is that it looks like a les paul but it doesnt have trapezoid inays

[greasygroove]

@1998trevergray Hi, This is actually just a Les Paul copy guitar. Thanks!

[dyingforastrat]

is the surround also called the pickup ring??

[greasygroove]

@dyingforastrat Yes, it is

[dyingforastrat]

@greasygroove Thx, always wondered what the ring was but never really looked or cared to look it up until I seen your video then it kind of clicked.

[HutchDano590]

hey... what are the rectangled white things beside the pickups called? can I put those on sg with singlecoil pickups??

[greasygroove]

@HutchDano590 I think you mean the pickup surrounds, you could have some custom made for singlecoils but they're more commonly found on humbucker pickups to hold them in place, single coils usually have a pickguard which does this.

Thanks!

[HutchDano590]

@greasygroove oh yeh... anyways... your site has awesome designs of humbuckers....:DDDD

[ironzoeg123]

since there are no holes, wont the cover interfere with the pickup.. will it change the sound????

[greasygroove]

@ironzoeg123 No, they don't change the sound or tone at all, these are chrome plated copper, which is a non inductive, non magnetic metal (which is why is doesn't interfere with the sound).  Thanks!

[eugenechen113377]

Hi, I am curious. Is there a need to do repotting for the new pickups after replacement?

[greasygroove]

@eugenechen113377 Hi,

No, not unless you have a problem.

[milkmextian]

hombocku^^

[SindreThePunk]

what do you do if you want to take of the cover and use the pickup without it? with vax and stuff i mean..

[greasygroove]

@SindreThePunk Hi, the wax should come off with your fingers - just be gentle. It will also melt if you warm it (ie - with a hairdryer) but be sure not to apply too much heat. Thanks!

[rocknwill003]

do i need to re solder? or can i just put it on the humbucker and screw it on to the body with the mounting rings

[greasygroove]

@rocknwill003 Hi,  You should resoldier for a professional installation, you might be okay without soldering though, you could try it.

[greasygroove]

@aidenous Hi, It will fit on it. A pickup that has been waxed has the wax saturated into the coils to stop feedback, but try it without you'll proabably be okay.

Thanks!

[NilsSjoq]

lol he says hoembocker

[fishfan67]

if some of the wax comes off while pulling the cover off, will it change the tone or sound of the pickup?

[greasygroove]

@fishfan67 Hi, No it shouldn't change anything. Thanks!

[SasaYamaoka]

Hi,

the prewious cover u removed had screw hole but these one doesnt ... so does that effect in any wat the sound quality ?

Thank you !

[greasygroove]

@SasaYamaoka Hi! No, it doesn't have any effect on the sound or tone whatsoever. Thanks!

[SasaYamaoka]

@greasygroove Thank oyu for your quick reply !

Are these nickle covers?

Is it important for them to be nickle?

Are brass covers bad sounding?

Thank you !!!

Awesome covers !

[greasygroove]

@SasaYamaoka Hi, These are chrome plated copper, which is a non inductive, non magnetic metal (which is why is doesn't interfere with the sound). Brass is the same, so brass would work as well. Thanks!

[sav7152]

Thanks for the quick response. I definitely want to do this but I want to do it right. Are waxing the pickups difficult? What type of wax is used? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[greasygroove]

@sav7152 @sav7152 Hi, There is a good video on how to wax pickups on YouTube, the video id is CWfVg3ZX9y4

Thanks!

[sav7152]

Hi! I am interested in ordering covers for my guitar from greasygroove. My humbuckers have no wax on them. They are completely exposed. How should I go about installing the covers on a nonwaxed humbucker. Also, will there be any difference in tone? Thanks!

[greasygroove]

@sav7152 Hi, You should be okay with them unwaxed, providing the cover fits snug. Sometimes, however the pickups may become a little microphonic, waxing would remove that. The cover won't affect the tone at all. Thanks!

[Gaza880]

Hey Greasy Groove!!! Love The Video! i have a question! when you take off the pickupcover u see there is wax on it, any tips on how to remove it as i want to keep the humbuckers uncovered? also im going to buy one of your neckplates!! could you do custom engravements, names etc..

[greasygroove]

@Gaza880 Hi, the wax should come off with your fingers - just be gentle. It will also melt if you warm it (ie - with a hairdryer) but be sure not to apply too much heat. We can custom engrave neck plates - please email us from our website for more info.  Thanks!

[Dagamerguy]

what pickups are those that you just put in?

[greasygroove]

@Dagamerguy Hi, Just standard generic humbuckers. Thanks!

[Jiminibobster]

I probably sound like an idiot but does taking the cover off make any difference to the sound?

[greasygroove]

@Jiminibobster Hi - No, it will make no difference. Thanks!

[ConstantineGuitar]

hoombuckah

[malakispanien]

@ConstantineGuitar hahah, he's a blooming english from the north. They sound embarrassing like that:)

[Erikih]

@ConstantineGuitar Hoombuckah, clam covah. Made me laugh :D.

[greasygroove]

@TheGuitaristDante Hi - Yes that will be fine, just let it warm up fully before using it. Thanks!

[JapaneseModernist]

nice hair and necklace! Thanks for the video!

[theKaarvaag1]

If I remove the covers completly (as I will do when i get home,I think) if I regret doing it and put the cover back on,will feedback be a problem if I have removed the wax?

[greasygroove]

The wax is there to support the coil assembly and fill the space so that everything is nice and snug. If your pickup is loose in the cover - you could do a quick fix by wrapping the coils in plumming tape or even electrical tape. The Wax does not stop feedback - its just there to provide a none conductive support for the coil assembly.

Hope this helps

[SE2302]

Quick question. I want to remove the pickup cover completely because I don't like the look of them. How would I go about removing the wax from the top of the pickup after removing the cover.?

Thanks.

[greasygroove]

The wax should come away very easily with your fingers - take your time and be carefull not to damage the coil wiring - the wire is very fine.

[Acronso]

do you realy have to solder the covers?

[greasygroove]

@Acronso No, you can try them unsoldered and they may be fine but I have seen cases where they can become a little bit microphonic.

Thanks!

[Acronso]

@greasygroove tnks ;D

if I am putting a cover on a pickup that doesn't originaly has one do I have to use wax?

[greasygroove]

@Acronso Hi - It doesn't have to be wax but it will need to packed into the cover somehow, you could try instead binding the pickup with electrical tape to pad it out.

Thanks

[legumes12]

Those look sweet, I should get one!

[ozdobby]

they look rad

[danukenator123]

I just got a new humbucker!!! Way to deliver GG!