Yes, you can put pickup covers on uncovered pickups, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, you need to make sure that the pickup covers you buy are the right size and shape for your pickups. Humbucker covers, for example, are larger than single-coil covers.
Second, you need to decide how you want to attach the pickup covers. There are two main ways to do this: soldering and double-sided tape.
Soldering is the more permanent and secure method, but it requires some basic soldering skills. To solder pickup covers on, you will need a soldering iron, solder, and electrical tape.
First, heat up the soldering iron. Then, apply a small amount of solder to the inside of the pickup cover. Be careful not to apply too much solder, as this can drip down and damage the pickup.
Next, place the pickup cover over the pickup and press down firmly. Hold the pickup cover in place until the solder has cooled and solidified.
Double-sided tape is a quick and easy way to attach pickup covers, but it is not as secure as soldering. To use double-sided tape, simply apply a strip of tape to the inside of the pickup cover and then place the cover over the pickup.
Once you have attached the pickup covers, you need to decide whether or not to wax pot the pickups. Wax potting is a process that involves filling the pickup coils with hot wax. This helps to reduce feedback and improve the overall tone of the pickup.
If you decide to wax pot your pickups, you will need to remove the pickup covers first. Once the pickups have been wax potted, you can reattach the pickup covers.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when putting pickup covers on uncovered pickups:
- Make sure that the pickup covers are properly grounded. This will help to reduce noise and feedback.
- If you are soldering the pickup covers on, be careful not to overheat the pickups. Too much heat can damage the pickup coils.
- If you are using double-sided tape to attach the pickup covers, make sure that the tape is strong enough to hold the covers in place.
- If you are wax potting the pickups, be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Here are some of the potential benefits of putting pickup covers on uncovered pickups:
- Improved appearance: Pickup covers can give your guitar a more finished and professional look.
- Reduced feedback: Pickup covers can help to reduce feedback, especially at high volumes.
- Improved tone: Some people believe that pickup covers can improve the overall tone of the pickup.
Here are some of the potential drawbacks of putting pickup covers on uncovered pickups:
- Increased microphonics: Pickup covers can make the pickups more susceptible to microphonics, which is a type of feedback that is caused by vibrations from the guitar body.
- Reduced brightness: Pickup covers can slightly reduce the brightness of the pickup’s tone.
- Increased difficulty of maintenance: Pickup covers can make it more difficult to service or repair the pickups.
Overall, whether or not to put pickup covers on uncovered pickups is a matter of personal preference. There are both benefits and drawbacks to consider.
If you are unsure whether or not to put pickup covers on your guitar, it is a good idea to consult with a qualified guitar technician.
