pickup covers

[nogin007]

I want to put a nickel cover on some modern pickups(490's) that doesn't have them. Do I need to put some tape over the non-adjustable polepieces so they don't make contact with the cover? I don't know if it will interfere with the sound, if the polepieces make contact with the cover. Thanks in advance.

[ricochet]

but I put a tape like You described. Just for sure. It could be so that mild cover - polepiece contact could produce some feedback squeal. I think the cover has stronger effect on tone (not big anyway) than the tape under.

[has-sound]

Yes, put a piece of masking tape over the slugs before slipping the cover on. This keeps the cover from vibrating against them causing microphonic feedback (the bad kind of feedback). I would also have them wax potted after the covers are installed. Stan

[roger eberlin]

I did not put tape on mine and have not noticed any issues. Should I try an ddo this now. I did this almost two years ago. As far as wax potting. What kind of wax should I use?

[Gibson-Talk]

I melted some clear wax from a candle into my covers and made a real thin coat on the part that would come in contact with my pole pieces.

One word of caution about Wax Potting the whole pickup though... it can make changes in the sound of a vintage pickup. I wouldn't worry on new p'ups like the 490r, but just so you know. (It might help tame a 490r actually)

[roger eberlin]

Good to hear, THank you for all the advise.